Getting to Manchester
By Air — Manchester Airport (MAN)
Manchester Airport is the UK's largest airport outside London, with direct transatlantic and European connections. It is the closest international airport to the workshop venue.
From the airport
The Manchester Metrolink tram (Airport line) connects the airport to Manchester city centre in approximately 45–60 min with a frequency of approximately 15 minutes.Alternative airports
- Liverpool John Lennon (LPL), ~1 h by road or coach. Merseyrail + Northern trains connect Liverpool to Manchester Piccadilly (~1 h).
- Leeds Bradford (LBA). ~1.5 h by road. Train via Leeds to Manchester Victoria (~1 h 15 min).
- London Heathrow (LHR). Intercontinental hub. Direct trains from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly run by Avanti West Coast (~2 h 10 min), although they can be expensive
By Train
Manchester is one of the UK's best-connected rail hubs. The main stations are Manchester Piccadilly (long-distance and airport trains) and Manchester Victoria (Northern services).
- From London. Avanti West Coast from London Euston: ~2 h 10 min. Trains run multiple times per hour.
- From Edinburgh. Avanti / TransPennine: ~3 h 30 min.
- From Birmingham. Avanti: ~1 h 25 min.
- From Leeds. TransPennine: ~55 min.
Tickets can be booked at nationalrail.co.uk or using the Trainline app.
Getting around Manchester
Manchester has an extensive tram (Metrolink) and bus network. The city centre is very walkable.
- Metrolink tram.
Covers the city centre, the airport, and surrounding towns. Buy tickets at platform machines or via the TfGM app. Or simply tap-in and tap-out with your credit card!
- Bus.
Extensive network run by multiple operators. The Bee Network app integrates bus, tram and cycling across Greater Manchester. Tap-in and tap-out with credit card payment available.
The venue
The workshop will be hosted in Old Trafford, The Theatre of Dreams, Manchester United's stadium. More details available soon.
The easiest way to reach the venue from the city centre is by tram (approximately 12 minutes). Take any service on the East Didsbury, Altrincham, or Manchester Airport lines and get off at Trafford Bar tram stop.
Accommodation
A wide range of hotels is available in Manchester city centre, all conveniently located within easy tram access of the workshop venue. Some options include:
- Ibis Manchester Centre Princess Street
- Holiday Inn Express Manchester City Centre
- Manchester Marriott Hotel Piccadilly
- Motel One Manchester St Peter’s Square
- Hotel Gotham
- King Street Townhouse
- The Edwardian Manchester
Please note that the organisers are not arranging a group booking, so availability will depend on standard hotel capacity. While there are also several accommodation options near the stadium, participants are encouraged to stay in the city centre for convenience.
Visa information
Citizens of many countries require a UK Standard Visitor Visa to attend the workshop. Please check your visa requirements well in advance at gov.uk/check-uk-visa.
Since April 1st, European travellers need to have a valid ETA application linked to its passport. Please, make sure to get yours on time. Using the dedicated UK ETA app it takes less than a day to be approved. For more information, please check https://www.gov.uk/eta.
If you require an invitation letter for your visa application, please contact the local organising committee as early as possible, providing your full name, institution, and passport details.