Manchester Piccadilly to the Etihad by Tram: Matchday Guide
Manchester Metrolink Tickets for Etihad Matchdays
If you’re travelling to the Etihad by Metrolink for a Manchester City match, it’s worth knowing how the current ticketing system works before you arrive at the tram stop.
For supporters travelling from Manchester Piccadilly, the journey is relatively straightforward. Etihad Campus is in Zone 2, and there are several ways of paying for your tram journey, including contactless Tap and Go and traditional Metrolink tickets.
The important thing on a busy matchday is to make sure you’ve paid for the correct journey and understand what you need to do before boarding. Getting your ticket sorted before the crowds build up can make the journey considerably easier.
What Zone Is Etihad Campus In?
Etihad Campus is in Metrolink Zone 2.
Manchester Piccadilly is in the city centre, which is Zone 1, so a journey between Piccadilly and Etihad Campus travels across Zones 1 and 2.
That means you need a ticket or payment method that covers the zones you travel through. TfGM’s fare-zone information confirms that passengers must have a valid ticket for all the zones included in their journey.
If you’re travelling from somewhere further out, don’t simply assume that a Zone 1+2 ticket will be enough. Check the zones for your complete journey before travelling.
Can You Use Contactless?
Yes. Contactless Tap and Go is available on Metrolink and is one of the simplest ways to pay for your journey.
You tap your contactless bank card, phone or smartwatch on the reader at the tram stop before boarding, then tap out at the stop where you finish your tram journey. TfGM calculates the appropriate fare from your journey.
If you’re travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to the Etihad, this can be particularly convenient because you don’t have to decide which paper ticket to buy from a machine before boarding.
Just remember to use the same card or device when you tap in and tap out. If you use your phone to tap in, for example, don’t use the physical bank card linked to that phone when you leave the tram stop.
Do You Still Need to Buy a Ticket?
You still need to pay for your journey.
Contactless doesn’t mean you can simply board a tram without doing anything. If you’re using Tap and Go, the tap at the tram stop is how you pay for the journey.
You can also buy a conventional Metrolink ticket if you prefer. TfGM provides a ticket finder and current fare information for passengers who want to compare the available options.
For occasional matchday visitors, contactless is likely to be the simplest option. If you’re travelling as a group or making several journeys during the day, however, it can be worth checking the available tickets and fares before deciding how to pay.
What Does Manchester Piccadilly to Etihad Campus Cost?
Metrolink fares can change, so it’s best to check the current price before you travel rather than relying on an older fare quoted in a matchday guide.
The fare you pay depends on your journey and the ticket or payment method you use. If you’re travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Etihad Campus, make sure you choose a ticket that covers the zones you travel through.
If you’re using contactless Tap and Go, the fare is calculated from your journey. If you’re buying a ticket, check the current options and prices on the Transport for Greater Manchester website before travelling.
The important thing is to check the current fare before matchday rather than relying on a price published elsewhere.
Why Contactless Can Be Useful on Matchday
Manchester City matches attract large numbers of supporters, and the tram network can become particularly busy around kick-off and after the final whistle.
Using contactless means you don’t necessarily have to stand at a ticket machine deciding what ticket to buy when you arrive at the tram stop.
You simply tap in, board the tram and continue your journey.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be queues. The busiest part of the journey can still be getting onto the tram, particularly after the match. Contactless simply removes one part of the process.
What Happens After the Match?
The journey back towards Manchester city centre is where matchday travel can become more difficult.
Large numbers of supporters leave the Etihad at roughly the same time, so the Etihad Campus tram stop can become very busy after the final whistle.
You may have to wait for a later tram rather than getting onto the first service that arrives. Follow the instructions of TfGM staff and stewards and don’t try to force your way onto an overcrowded service.
If you’re heading back to Manchester Piccadilly, remember that you still need to complete your contactless journey correctly. With Tap and Go, you should tap out at the final tram stop where your journey ends. TfGM specifically advises passengers not to tap out at an intermediate tram stop.
What If You Don’t Want to Use Contactless?
Contactless isn’t the only option.
You can buy Metrolink tickets through the available ticketing channels, including ticket machines and the Bee Network app. TfGM’s ticket finder can also help you choose the appropriate ticket for your journey.
This may be preferable if you’re travelling with children, buying tickets for other people or simply prefer to have a conventional ticket rather than using a bank card.
If you are buying a ticket, make sure it covers all the zones you’ll travel through.
What About a Return Journey?
If you’re travelling to the Etihad from Manchester Piccadilly and then returning to the station after the match, think about the return journey when choosing your ticket.
Depending on how you’re travelling and how many journeys you are making, a single, return or day ticket may make more sense.
Contactless Tap and Go is also useful if you don’t want to make that decision in advance, as TfGM calculates the fare based on your journeys, subject to its current fare and capping arrangements.
Check TfGM Before Matchday
Even if you’ve made the journey before, it’s worth checking the latest TfGM information before travelling.
Metrolink services can be affected by engineering works, disruptions and changes to the network. TfGM has a dedicated page for planned tram improvement works and publishes current travel information.
The normal journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Etihad Campus is straightforward, but a planned closure or service change can make things very different on a particular matchday.
Check the latest information on the day rather than relying entirely on how the journey worked the last time you visited.
Manchester Piccadilly to the Etihad
If you’re arriving at Manchester Piccadilly by train, Etihad Campus is served directly by Metrolink.
TfGM’s current information for the Etihad confirms that the stadium is directly next to Etihad Campus tram stop, with services connecting the area with Manchester city centre.
For a full guide to the journey, including where to find the tram and what happens after the match, see our Manchester Piccadilly to the Etihad by Tram: Matchday Guide.
Could You Walk Instead?
Yes. If the tram queues are particularly long after the match and you don’t mind walking, Manchester Piccadilly is also within walking distance of the Etihad.
I’ve walked the route myself and found it perfectly manageable. It takes longer than the tram, but it gives you the chance to leave the crowds behind and walk back towards the city centre at your own pace.
It’s obviously not going to suit everyone, particularly if you’re carrying luggage or travelling with young children, but it’s worth remembering that the tram isn’t your only option.
Is Contactless the Best Option?
For many supporters making a straightforward journey from Manchester Piccadilly to the Etihad, it probably is.
It’s simple, you don’t need to work out the fare in advance and you can use a contactless bank card or compatible device to pay for the journey.
However, there isn’t one ticketing option that is automatically best for everyone. If you’re travelling with a group, making several journeys or travelling beyond Zones 1 and 2, check the available tickets before deciding.
Plan Your Etihad Tram Journey
The Metrolink remains one of the easiest ways to reach the Etihad if you’re arriving in Manchester by train or travelling into the city without a car.
The main things to remember are simple: Etihad Campus is in Zone 2, make sure your journey is paid for, use contactless correctly if you choose Tap and Go, and check TfGM for current travel information before setting off.
Don’t leave the ticketing side of the journey until the last minute, particularly if you’re travelling to a busy match. A little preparation before you leave can make the whole experience easier.
For more M113FF matchday guides, see our Etihad Stadium Parking & Transport Guide, Best Matchday Pubs Around the Etihad, Etihad Stadium Tour Guide, Etihad Stadium Matchday Food Guide and Independent Man City Fan Merch Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What zone is Etihad Campus in?
Etihad Campus is in Metrolink Zone 2. A journey from Manchester Piccadilly involves travelling between Zones 1 and 2.
Can I use contactless on the tram to the Etihad?
Yes. TfGM offers contactless Tap and Go on Metrolink. Tap in before boarding and tap out at your final tram stop using the same card or device.
Do I need to buy a ticket before getting on the tram?
If you’re using contactless Tap and Go, you pay by tapping in at the tram stop. If you’re using a conventional ticket, you need to have a valid ticket before boarding.
How much is the tram from Manchester Piccadilly to the Etihad?
Fares can change. TfGM currently lists an adult single for two zones, including Zones 1+2, at £2.80. Check the latest TfGM fare information before travelling.
Is the tram busy after Manchester City matches?
It can be extremely busy after the final whistle because large numbers of supporters leave the stadium at the same time. Allow extra time and be prepared to wait for a later service if necessary.
Where can I check the latest Metrolink information?
TfGM provides current ticket information, tram services, travel alerts and planned engineering works through the Bee Network website and app.