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Original poster

Manchester travel

16 replies

Coruisk · 06/10/2023 06:44

I get in to Piccadilly on sat morning and have about 14 mins to get to the uni. I can just about walk it in that time, but can't risk being late. I know there's a bus in the week, but not sure at the weekend - thinking it's the normal Oxford road buses and I would have to walk down to catch one from the gardens? That may be cutting it a bit fine too.

Would an Uber be my best bet to be on time?

OP posts:
GroomedForSerfdom · 06/10/2023 06:55

I'd Uber/taxi, traffic shouldn't be too bad (on a Saturday depends if United/city are at home though).
Tight though.

Bus you'd have to get up to Piccadilly gardens but even if you got the tram straight away you've no chance of getting to Oxford road in 15 mins.

MiddleParking · 06/10/2023 07:00

If you can’t risk being late I think very very fast walking is probably your best bet. I wouldn’t get an Uber, you’ll lose half that time just finding them. Is there no way to get an earlier train though? It sounds unfeasibly tight to me.

smilesup · 06/10/2023 07:10

There is a taxi rank on one side of the station. Usually black cabs there. It is a bit more expensive than an Uber but if important worth it.
I get the train a lot and it's very very often late.

Original poster
Coruisk · 06/10/2023 07:21

That's a good point about the train being a bit late, it often is a few mins late for no real reason! I know the walk well and I don't think I can definitely do it in the time, especially if the train is a little late. It's early though, so a cab will probably be very quick.

Could change the train but maybe I should just get a cab. Any idea roughly how much for a black cab down Oxford road?

OP posts:
Thisisnotmyname2022 · 06/10/2023 07:25

Is this for the uni open day?

amidsummernightsdream · 06/10/2023 07:27

I 100% think walking would be your best bet. Driving in the city centre is awful and even on a sat you risk delays even if you jump in one of the black cabs at the station.

I would get an earlier train if you can.

Original poster
Coruisk · 06/10/2023 07:32

I do know what you're saying, I gave similar advice about driving to someone last week. Presumably the taxi would be fine though going from the cab rank towards the aquatics centre? Roads are normally quiet first thing?

I can change the train but would rather not because (massive drip feed) makes it a really long day for my DD who is shattered currently. It'll add another hour on the journey which is fine for me, but it's a super long day for her and then another busy day the day after.

I'm now contemplating driving! (I know where to park if we do, won't be getting a ticket on Oxford road!)

OP posts:
StowOnTheWold · 06/10/2023 07:52

14 minutes to spare and the train is normally a bit late.

I would get an earlier train if you can. Especially if you are travelling from another city and not outer Manchester.

determinedtomakethiswork · 06/10/2023 07:54

I would just get an earlier train. Anything else is too stressful.

amidsummernightsdream · 06/10/2023 07:55

You should be fine but it really depends how vital it is you arrive on time.

If you absolutely have to be there dead on time and there are consequences if you don’t, there are just too many variables- train being late, queue for the cab, roadworks etc that would make for a very stressful morning finding out if that 14 mins is going to be enough.

However, if it doesnt matter if you are late or not, then chances are you might be fine, so risk it.

How important is it if you’re on time or not?

StowOnTheWold · 06/10/2023 07:58

but can't risk being late

Vital I would say.

InMySpareTime · 06/10/2023 07:59

Just go out the Fairfield Street side entrance by the taxi rank and walk past the Bull's Head, through Vimto Gardens under the viaduct. Past Retro bar and Charles Street Car Park then straight through to Oxford Road. Once on Oxford road there are buses aplenty, but it's still probably about 20 minutes all told.
If you're getting into platforms 13/14 you might get lucky with a connection to Oxford Road station which would cut 10 minutes off the walk, but if not you'll waste that getting to the platform.

InMySpareTime · 06/10/2023 08:00

This walking route but fast walking:

Manchester travel
StowOnTheWold · 06/10/2023 08:00

InMySpareTime · 06/10/2023 07:59

Just go out the Fairfield Street side entrance by the taxi rank and walk past the Bull's Head, through Vimto Gardens under the viaduct. Past Retro bar and Charles Street Car Park then straight through to Oxford Road. Once on Oxford road there are buses aplenty, but it's still probably about 20 minutes all told.
If you're getting into platforms 13/14 you might get lucky with a connection to Oxford Road station which would cut 10 minutes off the walk, but if not you'll waste that getting to the platform.

Can we have a diagram please.

StowOnTheWold · 06/10/2023 08:01

Oh, thank you. Our posts crossed.

Original poster
Coruisk · 06/10/2023 08:09

Ha I'm being that kind of OP aren't I!
It's for a study day (sort of) and it's starting earlier than normal. If it was an unavoidable delay they would understand, but we should aim for on time. We're not coming from very far away (just outside of GM) but the trains are one an hour etc. We normally walk from the station, so know the route and hence why not so sure we'll make it walking!

I think I'll either move the train or drive. Thanks all.

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