Getting to the AO Arena by tram, train and bus (Manchester)

The AO Arena, still often called the Manchester Arena, sits inside the Manchester Victoria station complex, on the corner of Trinity Way, Hunts Bank and Great Ducie Street. Few arenas in Europe are this easy to reach by public transport: trains and trams stop directly beneath the building, and the city centre is a short walk away. On a show night, leaving the car at home is almost always the better choice.

By Metrolink tram: Victoria stop

The Victoria Metrolink stop is part of the station complex the arena is built over. According to the arena, trams run directly to Victoria from Rochdale, Bury, Altrincham, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport; for other destinations, change at St Peter's Square.

The arena also says that many tram services keep running after events have finished. Trams can be very busy straight after a show, so if you are not in a hurry, letting the first wave go is often more comfortable. Check line names and live times on the Bee Network (Transport for Greater Manchester) website or app before you travel.

By train: Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly

• Manchester Victoria is the arena's own station, served by many national and local trains. From the concourse, signs lead up to the City Rooms entrance.
• Manchester Piccadilly, the city's main station, is described by the arena as a short walk, bus or tram ride away. A tram from Piccadilly to Victoria is the simplest option if you have luggage or limited time.
• Manchester Airport is about ten miles away and, according to the arena, can be reached by train and tram in under an hour.

Plan rail journeys on the National Rail website, and check the last trains home with your operator on the day.

By bus

According to the arena, Shudehill bus station is about five minutes' walk away and Piccadilly bus station about ten minutes. The arena also mentions the free city-centre bus linking Victoria with other parts of the centre, including Piccadilly station. Routes change regularly: plan your journey on the Bee Network website.

By bike and taxi

Manchester's Starling Bank Bikes, managed by Transport for Greater Manchester, have docking stations across the city centre. There is a taxi rank at the bottom of the Hunts Bank entrance.

Which entrance to use

The arena has three main entrances. Your ticket indicates the best one for your seat, and the arena's FAQ gives this guide:

• City Rooms (off Victoria station): blocks 104 to 109 and 204 to 209, floor blocks D to J and unreserved standing on the floor;
• Trinity Way (near the car park entrance): blocks 110 to 115 and 210 to 215;
• Hunts Bank (opposite Chetham's School of Music): blocks 101 to 103 and 116 to 122, 201 to 203 and 216 to 222, and floor blocks A to C.

You can reach every area from any entrance, but using the right one saves time.

Leaving after the show

The arena's evening curfew is 11pm, unless stated otherwise. After concerts, Trinity Way is closed southbound between Great Ducie Street and Cheetham Hill Road for up to an hour so that the crowd can leave safely. Trams and trains leave from directly below the arena, but check the time of your last tram or train on the day, especially if you live outside the city.

Step-free access

The arena lists two fully accessible entrance points. From Victoria station, take the lift to the right of the stairs up to bridge level, which leads to the City Rooms entrance (Entrance C): a signposted route of about 180 metres, and the closest entrance to the accessible platforms. If you are on the event floor or mezzanine, the Trinity Tunnel (Entrance T) on Trinity Way has a lift down to the floor. The Hunts Bank entrance is also reached by lift, while the Trinity Way main entrance involves stairs. For questions before your visit, the arena's accessibility team can be reached at accessibility@ao-arena.com.

To prepare the rest of your evening, read our guides to parking at the AO Arena, where to eat nearby and the best seats. After the show, you can write a review.

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest station to the AO Arena?

Manchester Victoria. The arena is built within the Victoria station complex, so both trains and Metrolink trams stop directly beneath it.

Which tram goes to the AO Arena?

Get off at the Victoria Metrolink stop. According to the arena, trams run there directly from Rochdale, Bury, Altrincham, East Didsbury and Manchester Airport; from elsewhere, change at St Peter's Square.

How far is the AO Arena from Manchester Piccadilly?

The arena describes Piccadilly as a short walk, bus or tram ride away. The tram to Victoria is the easiest option with luggage.

Is there a step-free route from Victoria station to the AO Arena?

Yes. Take the lift to the right of the stairs in the station up to bridge level, then follow the signs to the City Rooms entrance, about 180 metres away.