Advice navigating Manchester city centre - Taxi?

[Dynamo101]

We (my mother and I) are going to the theatre and travelling there by train. Train arrives into Piccadilly but it’s a 20 minute walk to the opera house. Mum uses a stick so it’s not ideal. What’s the best way to get there? I’m assuming taxi?

I am particularly concerned about getting back to the station after the show. It will be after 10pm and I don’t want to miss the last train. Is there space outside the theatre for taxi pick-up? Is the traffic busy? Any recommendations for reliable taxi companies gratefully received!

Thanks

Is that today?

Yes, I’d say a black cab would be best, if only because there’s no danger of it being cancelled, or your mother having to stand. There’s a lift (or escalators) from concourse level to street level and the taxi rank is right by the door. But Manchester has longwinded driving routes and horrible amounts of traffic in the city centre so be prepared for even the shortest journey to take a bit of time.

You do need to leave adequate time to catch your return train. I don’t know how it works but if you could pre-book wheelchair / concourse pickup to get your mother onto the train there’s less chance of your missing it. I only know this because I’ve been on trains that were delayed while staff waited to get a passenger who needed assistance on. (Doesn’t matter if your mother is perfectly capable of walking generally, it’s a useful service.)

There are two free buses from outside Piccadilly that do a circuit. Have a look to see if any of them go close by

Even if they do, the crucial bus could easily be delayed or cancelled and time will be of the essence on both trips. Also pretty grim to have to wait in the cold and wet and dark (particularly for OP’s mother) if it can be avoided.

I wouldn’t be waiting for the free buses that might never come or get stuck in traffic etc. Then you have to follow the route of the bus.

Plenty taxis at the lower concourse at Piccadilly. Can also orderan uber too.

Getting a taxi back may be trickier trying to hail a black cab when everyone’s leaving the theatre too. i’d be trying to get an uber and be picked up at Opera house. There could be time consuming stop starting in many traffic lights across the city to the station.

Thanks every one.