Station transfers in Manchester: Piccadilly, Stockport and more

A lot of our work starts or ends at a railway station. Business travellers arrive from London, students come back at the end of term, and families take the train to Manchester before we take them on to the airport or home. This guide covers the stations we visit most and how to plan a pickup.

Manchester Piccadilly

Piccadilly is the city's main station, with trains from London, Birmingham, the South West, Scotland and across the North. It is also linked to the airport by frequent trains. It is busy at almost every hour of the day.

Like most big stations, Piccadilly has rules on where cars can stop. Private hire cars usually pick up in a set area rather than right outside the main doors. Our driver will tell you where to meet, or you can choose meet & greet and the driver will wait for you on the concourse with a name board.

The roads around Piccadilly are often busy, especially on weekday evenings. Allow time if you are being dropped off for a train.

Manchester Victoria

Victoria is on the north side of the centre, under the AO Arena. It serves trains to Leeds, Liverpool, Lancashire and the towns north of Manchester, and has a tram stop. On concert nights the area around it is very busy, so if you are catching a train when there is a show, give yourself extra time.

Manchester Oxford Road and Deansgate

Oxford Road station is close to the universities and the theatres. Deansgate station is next to the Castlefield area and Manchester Central. Both are smaller, with less space for cars to stop. We will agree the best pickup point with you.

Stockport

Stockport is on the main line to London, and many London trains stop there. For people living in south Manchester and Cheshire, it can be easier than going into Piccadilly. It is also close to Manchester Airport, so a train to Stockport and a short car journey to the airport works well for some travellers.

Wilmslow and Macclesfield

Both are on the West Coast line, with trains to London. Wilmslow is right next to the airport, and Macclesfield serves east Cheshire. We often collect from these stations for business travellers going to offices in Cheshire, such as the business parks around Alderley Park, Handforth and Tytherington.

Crewe

Crewe is one of the biggest railway junctions in the country, with trains to London, Scotland, Wales, Manchester and Liverpool. We take people from Crewe to Manchester Airport and across south Cheshire, and the other way round.

Warrington, Wigan and Preston

These are also on the West Coast line. If you live in the west of Greater Manchester or in Lancashire, they may be closer than Piccadilly. We collect from all three.

Planning a station pickup

• Give us the train time and where it is coming from. If your train is late, let us know. We keep an eye out, but a message helps.
• Tell us how much luggage you have. Station pickups often involve big cases.
• Agree where to meet. Each station has different rules. Our driver will tell you the meeting point, or choose meet & greet.
• Keep your phone on. The driver may message when they arrive.

Planning a drop-off for a train

Big stations are busy, and you may need to walk from the drop-off point to the platform. Give yourself at least 15 minutes from drop-off to your train, more if you need to collect tickets or have a lot of luggage. If you have booked rail assistance, tell us so we can drop you as close as possible to the meeting point.

Train and car together

Sometimes the best journey is a mix of the two. A few examples we do often:

• a train from London to Stockport or Wilmslow, then a short car journey to a meeting or the airport
• a car from home to Piccadilly for an early train south, avoiding the cost of station parking
• a train to Crewe from Wales or Scotland, then a car to a wedding or event in Cheshire

Disruption

When trains are cancelled or disrupted, some people decide to do the whole journey by road instead. We can help with that if we have a car free. Call us on 0161 660 4006. For the latest rail information, check National Rail Enquiries or your train company.

Business travel

For businesses that regularly book station transfers for staff or guests, a corporate account makes it simpler. Every trip is linked to your company and has a clear record. Our executive cars are popular for client pickups at Piccadilly and Wilmslow.

Common questions

What if my train is late?

Let us know if you can. Trains are often a few minutes late, and the driver will usually wait. If you are going to be very late, or you miss a connection, call us and we will adjust the pickup.

Can you meet me on the platform?

Our drivers can't go onto platforms. With meet & greet, they wait on the main concourse or at the exit you agree, with a name board.

Can I book a car to the station and back?

Yes. Book a return and give the time of the train you are coming back on. If you are not sure which train you will catch, call us when you know.

Do you cover stations outside Greater Manchester?

Yes. We collect from any UK station, including Liverpool Lime Street, Leeds and Birmingham New Street, and we can drive you the whole way if that suits you better.

Students and term time

At the start and end of term, the big stations are busy with students and their bags. If you are collecting a student from Piccadilly or Oxford Road with a lot of luggage, choose an estate or a people carrier and tell us how many boxes and cases there are.

Paying and booking

The price is fixed when you book. Payment is by card, either online or to the driver. Online bookings need at least eight hours' notice. Enter the station as your pickup or destination and you will see the price straight away. Book your station transfer online.