Closed until 2025!

A statement from the Manchester Transport Museum Society.

As many of you will be aware from our posts earlier in the year, we had a component in our tramway’s substation fail that prevented us operating the tramway until June. As part of the actions following this failure, our partners at Manchester City Council, who own and maintain the substation, have been working with us at the Manchester Transport Museum Society to completely renew all the components within the substation with more modern equipment, as obtaining replacement components for repairs to our existing equipment, which dates from the 1980s, has become increasingly difficult.

These works have now been scheduled and will commence in September – meaning we are unable to operate our trams until the works are complete. 

As such, to allow all parties involved to prepare for the works, our operations have now finished for the season – meaning our running days during September, our Tramtastic gala & November are now cancelled.

Although these works curtail our season this year, it will result in us having a brand new substation ready to serve us for another forty years – and displays the commitment Manchester City Council have to the tramway and its parks.

What time do you operate?

The first tram will depart our Lakeside terminus at approximately 12:00pm.

The Final guaranteed departure from Lakeside will approximately 4:30pm.

Trams operate at either 20 or 30 minute intervals. Our museum and shop will also be open during this time period.

How much is a tram ride?

We offer two types of ticket –

A return, covering a single round trip. 

A multi-ride ticket, valid for unlimited rides on the day of purchase.

Adult Return : £2

Adult Multi-Ride: £5

Child (5-15) Return: £1

Child (5-15) Multiride: £2.50

Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) Return Trip: £5

Family (2 Adults, 2 Children) Multiride: £12

All children under the age of 5 travel for FREE!

Can I bring a dog on the trams?

Well behaved dogs are permitted on the lower deck of our tramcars at no cost.

Can I bring a buggy/pram or bike on the trams?

Buggies and prams can only be carried if folded down and at the discretion of the tram crew – space for safe storage is limited on our tramcars.

Children’s bikes and scooters can be carried at the discretion of the tram crew, full sized bikes are not permitted.

Where is best to park for the trams?

Please use the Sheepfoot Lane car park, postcode M25 2SW.

Can I drive the trams?

Yes – provided you are over 21 and have a car driving licence, please see our Tram Driving Experience page for more information!

I have limited mobility – can I get on the tramcars?

Unfortunately, our tramcars were not constructed with the carriage of wheelchairs in mind – at present, it is not possible to board in a wheelchair. Those of limited mobility may find it difficult to reach the high steps on our trams.

Our museum building is fully accessible using the ramps provided – Staff will be available to assist.