Manchester AO Arena: Where is nearest parking, how much is it, which train station is best, public transport links

The AO Arena is Manchester’s premium indoor venue, welcoming all kinds of events over the course of the year. Hundreds and thousands of people flock to the arena to enjoy what it has to offer.

This means that each time there is a major event on, the arena and  surrounding area becomes a hive of activity. Being prepared is the best way to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable visit.

If you’re heading to an event in the area by car, then you’ll want a piece of mind. Getting a parking space in the city can be tough, especially on event days, but luckily you’ll have plenty of choice.

If you don’t feel like braving the city traffic and want to take the stress out of your trip, you can take advantage of Manchester’s public transport network. With plenty of stops and stations, you shouldn’t have any difficulty getting to and from the arena in good time.

We’ve collected together all the information you need to make your journey to the AO Arena a smooth one. From driving to public transport, here’s your guide to getting along to the AO Arena.

By car

The arena is located at the heart of Manchester city centre. As a result of its central location, the roads surrounding the venue can be busy for a period of time both before and after a big event.

In terms of getting parked up, the closest spot is the on-site car park which has 958 spaces. This includes accessible bays which can be pre booked by visiting the Citipark website.

The price of parking at this car park is also available through the official website. There is a flat rate of £10 which covers you from 5pm until midnight on event day.

By train/ tram

The arena is handily located within the Manchester Victoria complex, meaning that it is connected to both the Metrolink Tram network and local and national rail services. Trams run directly to Victoria Station from Rochdale, Bury, Altrincham, East Didsbury and the Airport and for other destinations, you can change at St Peter’s Square.

Local and national train services arrive and depart from Manchester Victoria. Manchester Piccadilly is also just a short tram ride or walk from the venue- meaning both stations can be used on event days.

By bus

Shudehill bus station is just a five minute walk from the arena and Piccadilly bus station just 10 minutes away- giving both good and easy access to the venue. Manchester’s free city centre FreeBus service also links Victoria station with other areas of the centre, including Piccadilly station.