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The Wheels That Just Keep Turning: All You Need to Know about the Bus Tour in Manchester

| Last Updated: November 2024

Are you new to Manchester, or a local just in the mood to pretend like a tourist for a day? Whatever your jive is, the tour buses in the city centre won’t judge and will gladly take you to the best attractions to visit across Manchester.

Manchester’s city centre (and nearby neighbourhoods, of course) is always a great sight to behold, thanks to the rich history and culture preserved throughout the centuries. 

Hop on and let us guide you into everything you need to know about the bus tours in Manchester.

What is a Manchester bus tour?

Media from @bus_pics_manc

A Manchester bus tour is a fun activity for tourists (and locals). It’s typically a 90-minute guided tour of Manchester centre’s best spots, all done in the comfort of the iconic UK double-decker bus.

It’s very convenient because you don’t have to worry about planning the route, renting a car, or paying for petrol, unlike if you did a personal tour. 

There are two types of tours:

  • Public Tour: Also called the “hop on, hop off” tour, this is open to everyone and has a recorded “guide” playing over the bus speakers.
  • Private Tour: Arranged for and attended by a specific group only, usually with a live guide, and has an itinerary that can be customised to preferences.

We’ll focus on the public tour, which nowadays is specifically provided by the company, Sightseeing Manchester, since it’s more affordable and accessible for most people.

Things to Know Before Going on the Bus Tour in Manchester

Bus tour tickets can be bought offline and online

Buying tickets for the Manchester bus tours is easy with flexible options.

If you like to plan ahead, you can buy tickets online in advance. Just check the schedules posted by Sightseeing Manchester and consider any upcoming holidays or special events.

If you prefer spontaneity or last-minute decisions, you can also buy tickets directly on the bus on the day of your tour.

Payments can be via cash or card.

Manchester bus tour tickets come in different prices

We appreciate the efforts of the bus tour company to reach out to the most number of people by offering different ticket types and price tiers. 

As of this writing, here’s how the ticket prices go:

  • Kids (0-13 years) – £8
  • Adults – £15
  • Families (2 Adults and 2 Kids) – £30
  • Groups (4 Adults) – £40

These fees are very reasonable and don’t break the bank at all!

There’s a “pink” and a “blue” tour bus

Sightseeing Manchester’s tour buses are known for their lime-green-and-blue colours. However, the company differentiates its tours as PINK and BLUE, depending on the day or season.

Both PINK and BLUE buses have the same stops in Manchester city centre. However, BLUE buses run more frequently, offering more tours each day. 

Both types of buses look the same and feature a pre-recorded guide playing over the speakers.

To check the availability of PINK or BLUE buses, visit the tour company’s official website or social media pages.

Hop on, hop off bus tour tickets are valid for two days

The best thing about the public Manchester bus tours is that they are “hop on, hop off.” This means you can get on and off the bus at any stop. 

You don’t have to complete the tour in one sitting. The tickets are valid for two days, so you can take your time exploring different neighbourhoods if you prefer a deeper dive into the Mancunian lore.

This flexibility is great if you want to spend more time at certain stops or need a break. You can do half the tour one day and the other half the next day, making it easier to rest and avoid overexertion.

For the best experience (and more chances to end up on seats at the open top area!), we recommend to begin at the tour’s designated first stop. The tour just takes about an hour and a half so you’ll still have lots of time left afterwards for other things in your plan.

When is the best time to ride a Manchester bus tour?

Any day is a great day to get on a Manchester bus tour! Bus tours are available to the public all year round, save for a few weeks allotted to big city events that will need the road more.

The best time to take the bus tour is midday because that’s when the tours are scheduled. Sightseeing Manchester’s PINK buses are the most common type of tour available, and have three time slots:

  • 10:30 AM to 11:50 AM
  • 12:00 PM to 1:20 PM
  • 2:00 PM to 3:20 PM

To be updated on the latest tour timetables for every season of the year, check out Sightseeing Manchester’s Facebook or official website.

What to Expect on the Manchester Bus Tour

Media from Sightseeing Manchester

The Manchester bus tour features 11 fantastic stops, each offering rich historical and cultural experiences. 

In the next section, you’ll find details about the tour’s stops and the exciting activities you can enjoy at each one (should you decide to hop off on them in the middle of the tour).

What to See and Do at Every MCH Bus Tour Stop

1. The Bridgewater Hall

Media from The Bridgewater Hall

Address: Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS 

Phone: 0161 907 9000

Pricing: varies

Operating hours (Box Office): 

  • Monday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday (concert nights only) 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, counters until 8:00 PM

Good to know: Great for music and architecture lovers

Website

The first stop on the Manchester bus tour is near the main entrance of The Bridgewater Hall. This bus stop is also close to the Hall’s café called Stalls as well as the St Peter’s Square tram stop.

The Bridgewater Hall is a top international concert music venue with stunning modern architecture. It’s home to The Hallé orchestra and one of the biggest instruments in the UK, the Marcussen pipe organ. 

Before you hop on the bus, you can take a public tour of The Bridgewater Hall for £10. These tours usually run from 11:15 AM to 12:45 PM (see days available here).

2. Piccadilly Gardens

Media from Eliza Qin

Address: Piccadilly Gardens Manchester, Greater Manchester M60 1HX

Pricing: varies

Operating hours: 24/7

Good to know: Best for walks and spending idle time

Website

The second stop on the Manchester city centre bus tour is at Stop R in Piccadilly Gardens, right beside the statue of the Duke of Wellington.

Piccadilly Gardens, located just south of the Northern Quarter, has a rich history as the former site of the Manchester Royal Infirmary during the Georgian period. Today, it stands as one of the most popular green spaces in Manchester city centre.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll, grab a quick bite from the nearby shops, or have a picnic on the grass here. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind.

3. National Football Museum

Media from Enrico Bertamino

Address: Urbis Building, Cathedral Gardens, Todd St, Manchester M4 3BG 

Phone: 0161 605 8200

Pricing: ££

Operating hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Good to know: For the footy fanatics

Website

The third stop on the Manchester tour is Bus Stop NP, located right in front of the National Football Museum.

The National Football Museum offers an immersive journey through the history of football across four galleries. It’s a must-visit for die-hard football fans and anyone interested in the sport’s rich history.

It’s best to book your tickets online in advance due to the museum’s popularity. Prices are reasonable, and there are free entry options for children under 5, Manchester City residents, and National Art Pass holders.

4. Manchester Cathedral

Media from Manchester Cathedral

Address: Victoria St, Manchester M3 1SX

Phone: 0161 833 2220

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Saturday – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Sunday – 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Good to know: Under the Church of England (Anglican)

Website

Next on the MCH bus tour is Stop NI on Salford’s Chapel Street, just a short distance from the National Football Museum. This stop is the closest drop-off point to Manchester Cathedral.

Manchester Cathedral is a cherished place of worship for Anglican Mancunians and a renowned Gothic architectural marvel. The most memorable feature of the cathedral is its antique wooden furnishings, rich with intricate details and history.

Visitors can say a prayer or attend a service. Morning prayer at the Quire starts around 9:00 AM, while evening prayer begins between 4:00 and 5:30 PM.

5. Salford Cathedral

Media from Salford Cathedral

Address: 250 Chapel St, Salford M3 5LL

Phone: 0161 817 2210

Operating hours: 

  • Saturday – 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6:30 AM
  • Monday to Friday –  08:00 AM and 12:10 PM (Holy Mass)

Good to know: Under the Catholic church

Website

If you’re not of the Anglican faith, you can visit the Catholic church in Manchester. The Sightseeing Manchester bus tour stops right in front of Salford Cathedral.

Formally known as the Cathedral Church of St. John the Evangelist, it was built during the Victorian Era in a beautiful Gothic Revival style. It serves as the mother church of the Diocese of Salford.

Please note that the cathedral is under restoration until around July 2025. However, you can still visit the temporary location of Salford Cathedral, which is also within the same complex but is along Great George Street, right around the corner from the bus stop.

6. Salford University

Media from University of Salford

Address: 43 Crescent, Salford M5 4WT

Phone: 0161 295 5000

Pricing: £££

Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Good to know: Research university; Museum and public park nearby

Website

After visiting the churches, get to explore history, architecture, and nature all from just one bus stop.

The Manchester bus tour will take you to one of the finest universities near the city, the University of Salford. 

Established in 1967, with roots dating back to the 1850s, Salford University offers a wide range of programs up to the postgraduate level.

The main campus, featuring a blend of historic and modern architecture, is located near Salford Crescent train station, while there’s also a campus extension at MediaCityUK. The main campus is also adjacent to the Salford Museum & Art Gallery and Peel Park.

7. The Quays

Address: Manchester M50 3UB

Pricing: ££

Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Good to know: Waterside complex of commercial establishments and media companies

The Salford Quays (or simply the Quays) is one of the most exciting stops on the sightseeing bus tour. Located near the end of the Manchester Ship Canal, this waterfront area offers plenty to see, eat, and do.

Most popular attractions here include The Lowry, an award-winning theatre venue and art gallery and MediaCityUK, a complex for media production that houses the studios of BBC, ITV, and other creative companies. You’ll also find numerous stores and restaurants in the area.

Don’t miss out on this cultural gem in Salford!

8. Trafford Road

Media from Ben G

After the shine and shimmer of The Quays, you’ll find the more subdued Trafford Road. While it may not be as thrilling as other stops on the bus tour, it still has its own charm, especially with places like Ordsall Park worth exploring.

Ordsall Park is one of Salford area’s oldest public spaces. It’s open 24/7 and has numerous amenities for the public, including a small trail, bowling green, astro turf, outdoor exercise equipment, and a playground.

If this area doesn’t catch your interest, don’t worry! The next stop on the tour is sure to pique your curiosity.

9. Manchester United FC

Media from stadium Old trafford

Address: Sir Matt Busby Way, Old Trafford, Stretford, Manchester M16 0RA

Phone: 0161 676 7770

Pricing: ££

Operating hours (Tour & Museum):

  • Sunday to Thursday – 09:30 AM to 4:00 PM
  • Friday and Saturday – 09:30 to 5:00 PM
  • Home match days – CLOSED

Good to know: Great for footy and Manchester United FC fans

Website

Old Trafford is the name of the stadium home to the Manchester United Football Club. It holds the record for being the second-largest stadium in the UK after Wembley with a seating capacity of around 74,000 seats, and is the ninth stop of the sightseeing bus tour in Manchester.

Take a tour of the stadium and its museum to dive into the club’s rich history and see key memorabilia. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a home match—just be sure to check online for tickets in advance, as they sell out quickly!

10. Imperial War Museum North

Media from Dan Wong

Address: Trafford Wharf Rd, Trafford Park, Stretford, Manchester M17 1TZ

Phone: 0161 836 4000

Pricing: £

Operating hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Good to know: War history buff haven

Website

We’re nearing the end of Sightseeing Manchester’s bus tour with the tenth stop, the Imperial War Museum North in Stretford. It’s one of the five Imperial War Museums in the UK.

Marvel at the uniquely designed building by architect Daniel Libeskind and take a meaningful trip back in time to see how war has affected lives. The museum’s exhibits cover conflicts involving the UK from WWI to the present.

The museum is open daily, except from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day, and admission is free. However, donations are welcome to support the museum’s educational programs and historical preservation effort.

11. Science & Industry Museum

Media from Science and Industry Museum

Address: Liverpool Rd, Manchester M3 4JP

Phone: 330 058 0058

Pricing: £

Operating hours: Daily – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Good to know: Best for people who love technology and history

Website

The last stop on the sightseeing bus tour before returning to Bridgewater Hall is the Science and Industry Museum on Liverpool Road.

This museum has been in the service of Mancunians since 1969. Like many cultural sites in the city, the museum is housed in repurposed historical buildings, including the terminus of the world’s first inter-city railway.

Its numerous exhibits focus on Manchester’s technological advancements during the Industrial Revolution, featuring exhibits on steam engines, the textile industry, sanitation, and sometimes, even on video games. 

The museum is open most days of the year (except December 24-26 and New Year’s Day). Entrance is free of charge.

Tips and Tricks for a Great Manchester Bus Tour

Plan ahead of time

Going along the words of the adventurer Amelia Earhart, preparation is “two-thirds of any venture.” Therefore, it’s crucial to plan your Manchester bus tour in advance for a successful Manchester sightseeing trip.

Book your tickets online early!

Get the earlier trips

Although there are usually three time slots for the trips each day, we highly recommend taking the first trip at 10:30 AM.

This slot ends around lunchtime, offering the perfect balance of enjoying the morning air and sunshine, and then grabbing a hearty meal in the city right after the tour. Plus, starting early gives you more time to fit other activities into your vacation plans.

Explore key stops

Since we’re on the topic of other activities aside from the bus tour, we’d be doing you a disservice if we don’t suggest you take more time in exploring key stops in the tour for longer. 

Take all the time you need for your heartfelt prayers in the cathedrals or linger for as long as you want at The Quays. The tour is “hop on, hop off” to give you all the flexibility possible over the scope of two days!

Wear comfy clothing

Sightseeing Manchester’s bus tour will definitely expose you to some of the elements, especially if you decide or end up riding it atop the open-air section of the bus.

So, check up on the weather apps and make sure you wear clothing that will help you be comfortable all throughout the trip, whether it be on a hot or cold day. 

Bring travel essentials

Speaking of the weather, it’s also imperative that you bring the needed equipment and put on other essential accessories. Bring an umbrella, keep yourself hydrated with your own water bottle, and don’t forget UV protection with some sunscreen.

Listen to the audio guide

The sightseeing bus tour has a pre-recorded audio guide for good reason: it helps tour participants to know the most important details about each and every stop of the tour. Be a dear and lend your ears to this recording while enjoying the sights for a truly educational tour.

Don’t forget to take photos

Feel free to take pictures of the landmarks throughout your trip—no one will judge! Just remember to check and remove any accidental inclusions of people’s faces before posting your photos online, because their privacy still matters.

Embrace the unexpected

While many things can go right, some things might not go as planned. 

If you don’t get your preferred bus seat or find a venue closed for the day, don’t worry! There are plenty of other things to do in Manchester, including these indoor activities on our list.

FAQs about the bus tours in Manchester

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