Getting to Co-op Live by tram, train, bus or on foot (Manchester)

Co-op Live, the UK's largest indoor arena, opened in 2024 on the Etihad Campus in east Manchester, next to Manchester City's stadium. It is about 25 minutes' walk from the city centre, with its own tram stop right beside the venue. The arena actively encourages fans to come by public transport or on foot: parking on the campus is limited and must be booked in advance.

By Metrolink tram: Etihad Campus stop

The Etihad Campus Metrolink stop is directly next to the venue. According to Co-op Live, trams run frequently from the city centre on the line to Ashton-under-Lyne, via Piccadilly. The arena reminds fans that a valid Metrolink ticket is required: your concert ticket does not include travel.

Two points to know:

• To manage crowds, the Velopark and Holt Town stops are closed after events. Head back to Etihad Campus, or walk.
• Improvement works are planned across the tram network in 2026. Check the Bee Network (Transport for Greater Manchester) website or app before travelling, as well as the time of your last tram home.

On foot: the CityLink walking route

Co-op Live has worked with Manchester City Council to create the CityLink walking route, a step-free path of about 25 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly station through Ancoats, New Islington and Holt Town. Follow the blue lampposts. The route is well lit, covered by CCTV, with art installations along the way, and stewards on hand on event days. According to the arena, it remains staffed until midnight after all main performances.

By train

The arena gives these journey times from the main stations:

• Manchester Piccadilly: 25 minutes on foot, or about 10 minutes by direct tram;
• Manchester Victoria: 45 minutes on foot, or about 30 minutes by tram with a change at Piccadilly;
• Manchester Oxford Road: 45 minutes on foot, or 12 minutes by tram from nearby St Peter's Square;
• Deansgate: 60 minutes on foot, or about 15 minutes by direct tram;
• Ashburys: the closest station, about 10 minutes' walk from the Etihad Campus.

Check your train times, and the last train home, with your rail operator.

Shuttle buses

For higher-capacity events, Transport for Greater Manchester operates a post-event shuttle bus back to the city centre, from Sports City Way on the campus. It runs on a load-and-go basis and is not provided for every show: check the event information and the Bee Network website before relying on it.

By bus

Several regular bus routes serve the area, including routes along Alan Turing Way, a couple of minutes from the venue, and along Ashton New Road. Routes and numbers change: plan your journey on the Bee Network website or with the arena's online journey planner.

By taxi or private hire

Drop-off and pick-up points are on Edwin Road (postcode M11 3ER), shown on the arena's map. A free pick-up point, trialled by the arena on the Blue or Orange car park depending on the event, opens from 10pm for anyone collecting fans. A residents' parking scheme is in place: you cannot drop off or pick up outside the designated areas.

By bike

There are more than 500 cycle parking spaces on the Etihad Campus, and bike hire docks near the south-west corner of the stadium, on Ashton New Road.

Getting home

Unless stated otherwise, main performances at Co-op Live are expected to finish by 11pm. The arena strongly advises planning your return journey before you arrive. If the tram queue is long, the CityLink walk back to Piccadilly is a good alternative.

Step-free access

All entrances to the arena are step-free except Entrance C. Entrance B is the dedicated accessible entrance, leading directly onto the step-free accessible platform on Level 0. Inside, four public lifts serve every level. Note that the arena has recently reported that the lift at the Etihad Campus tram stop was out of service: if you need step-free access, check its status and ask Bee Network staff on arrival about an alternative route.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the nearest tram stop to Co-op Live?

Etihad Campus, directly next to the venue, on the Metrolink line between Piccadilly and Ashton-under-Lyne. Velopark and Holt Town stops are closed after events.

Can you walk to Co-op Live from Manchester Piccadilly?

Yes. The CityLink walking route, marked by blue lampposts, takes about 25 minutes from Piccadilly station through Ancoats, New Islington and Holt Town. It is step-free and staffed on event days.

Is there a shuttle bus after shows at Co-op Live?

For higher-capacity events, Transport for Greater Manchester runs a post-event shuttle to the city centre from Sports City Way. It does not run for every show, so check before you go.

Where can I be picked up after a show at Co-op Live?

At the designated points on Edwin Road (M11 3ER), or at the arena's free pick-up point on the campus, which opens from 10pm. Stopping outside the designated areas is not allowed.