Getting Around: Public Transport in Salford & Greater Manchester

How to travel easily — to work, the shops, or into Manchester city centre

The Manchester area has a simple and affordable public transport system that connects Salford, Manchester, and nearby towns. Even if you don’t drive, you’ll be able to get around by bus, tram, or train — once you know the basics.

🚌 Buses

🟢 Most useful for: everyday travel, getting to work, local shopping

• Frequent and affordable — many routes run every 10–15 minutes
  
• You can pay with a contactless bank card (just tap when you get on)
  
• Day cap: You’ll never be charged more than £5 (approx.) per day when using contactless
  

💡 Download the “TfGM Bee Network” app to:

• Plan your route
  
• See live bus times
  
• Buy mobile tickets if you prefer
  

Local buses from Oaklands Hospital:

• 🚌 Number 50: goes to MediaCity, Manchester city centre, and East Didsbury
  
• 🚌 Number 36/37: connect Salford to Bolton and Piccadilly
  
• 🚌 Number 8/100: run to intu Trafford Centre and Eccles
  

🚊 Trams (Metrolink)

🟣 Most useful for: fast trips into Manchester, going further without traffic

• Clean, safe, and usually faster than buses
  
• Trams do not accept cash — pay using:
  
  • Contactless bank card (tap in and out)
    
  • Bee Network app
    
  • Metrolink ticket machines at stops
    

💡 Closest tram stops to Oaklands:

• Langworthy
  
• Eccles
  
• MediaCityUK
  

🚆 You can use the tram to reach:

• Manchester city centre
  
• Bury, Altrincham, Oldham, Rochdale
  
• Manchester Airport (with change)
  

🚉 Trains

• Best for longer trips or visiting nearby cities (e.g. Leeds, Liverpool, Chester)
  
• Salford Crescent and Salford Central are main nearby stations
  
• Cheaper to book in advance or use a Railcard (see below)
  

🚴 Cycling & Walking

• Some routes in Salford and central Manchester now have safe bike lanes
  
• Manchester has a public bike hire scheme: Bee Bikes
  
• Use the Beryl app to rent bikes from local stands (payment per minute)
  

🟡 Salford is very walkable — you can often walk to work, especially if living nearby

💰 Travel Discounts

✅ Apply for a Get Me There Card or Our Pass (if under 30)

• Discounted bus and tram fares
  
• Free travel for some NHS staff (check with employer)
  
• getmethere.com
  

✅ Railcards (for train discounts):

• 16–25 Railcard, 26–30 Railcard, Two Together, or Network Railcard
  
• Save 1/3 on most train tickets
  
• Cost ~£30/year — worth it after 2–3 long trips
  

🧭 Getting to Manchester

• From Oaklands, it takes:
  
  • 🚍 ~30–40 minutes by bus
    
  • 🚊 ~20–25 minutes by tram
    
  • 🚉 ~10 minutes by train (from Salford Crescent)