Travel and Visas

Please scroll down down Visa information.

Travel Information

Travelling by air

Manchester Airport is one of the largest and busiest in the country. It is located about 10 miles (16km) south of the city centre, about 30 minutes from the University. There are direct flights from many countries, or you can fly to Heathrow and catch a connecting flight. Once at Manchester Airport, you can then travel to the University in the following ways: 

  • Train – The airport’s two terminals are linked directly to the city centre by a fast, frequent 24-hour train link to both Piccadilly and Oxford Road stations. See below information regarding rail travel.
  • Taxi – A taxi from the airport to the University will cost approximately £20.
  • Bus – Local buses also run to the Oxford Road and Sackville Street areas of the campus.
  • Tram – Metrolink services run every 12 minutes. Visit the Transport for Greater Manchester for more information.

Travelling by Rail/Bus

University Place is situated a 10-15 minute walk from Manchester Oxford Road Station, and a 20-25 minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly Station. If you are coming from Manchester Victoria Station it is a 30-35 minute walk. Alternatively, you can catch a bus/taxi from all these stations.

Further information on travelling around Manchester and surrounding areas can be found at the Transport for Greater Manchester and the University of Manchester website

For details of train timetables, tickets and other rail information, please visit National Rail Enquiries website

Information for those travelling by rail

Recently UK rail networks have been impacted by industrial action.

We are aware that the train drivers’ union has announced that September 15th will be a strike.  At present this is likely to lead to major rail disruption across the UK rail network with most trains being cancelled.  It will be possible to travel to Manchester airport by bus or taxi but those needing to travel to London Heathrow, other UK airports or the Eurostar by rail should consider travel options.

NationalExpress provide coach services from central Manchester to central London, Heathrow, Gatwick and other airports (https://www.nationalexpress.com).  We advise making the booking early as services will fill up.

For those seeking to travel to London on the afternoon of the 15th September please email us if you want to travel in a private minibus.  Costs for an 8 seater bus are around £460, so around £60 per person.  Let us know your destination and required time of arrival.  If there is sufficient interest, we can try to make a booking for you though it is likely that these services will be heavily booked now strike action has been announced.

Manchester on foot / bicycle

A pdf map of Manchester can be found via Visit Manchester.

Manchester has recently introduced an app-based bicycle hire service. Visit the Bee Active for more information.

Visa Information

Please see here for UK Visa information

Invitation Letters & Visas

Check here if you will need to apply for a UK visa.

If you need a travel visa to the United Kingdom, we will be glad to issue an invitation letter to support your visa application.
Invitation letters will be sent by e-mail.

In order to request an invitation letter, please email us at info@igacproject.org with the following data:

  • A good-quality scan of your passport (.pdf or image format)
  • Surname/family name and given names, exactly as they appear in your passport
  • Contacts: e-mail and phone number
  • Affiliation/organization: name, address, country, and the position you hold/occupy
  • A copy of your registration receipt for the in-person conference
  • Your abstract title (if relevant)
  • Any additional information you may think is relevant to your application

General Information

The United Kingdom Government website has a dedicated page with all the information you need:
https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa
You just have to click on the green button and follow the steps.

If you do need to apply for a visa:
https://www.gov.uk/apply-to-come-to-the-uk

You can find a visa application center in your country at:
https://www.gov.uk/find-a-visa-application-centre