The Museum of Transportation is a fascinating transportation museum that houses a massive collection of buses, trolleys, streetcars and memorabilia related to the history of transportation. The museum also has a photographic archive collection and timetables, maps and plans for research purposes.
Each year, nearly 150,000 people visit the Museum of Transportation to see the heritage vehicles and memorabilia. Visitors typically spend 1 to 2 hours touring the museum. The museum is particularly interesting to families with children, but anyone with enthusiasm for history or transportation is sure to enjoy the collection.
Museum of Transportation in Manchester - one of the highlights of 11 Best Museums and Galleries in Manchester (Read all about Manchester here)
photo by David Dixon (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified
Highlights of the Museum of Transportation
The jewel of the Museum of Transportation is the vast collection of buses, which is one of the largest collections of its type in the UK. Some vehicles are in the restoration process, which can be seen by visitors. The museum also has vintage Manchester Corporation Tramways streetcars, prototype Manchester Metrolink streetcars and 2 trolleybuses.
Along with the vehicles, the museum has historic uniforms, vehicle parts, ticketing equipment and transportation signs to illuminate the history of transportation in the city. You’ll also find artifacts that were used during the filming of ‘Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban’.
photo by Ed Webster (CC BY 2.0) modified
Good to know when visiting the Museum of Transportation
The Museum of Transportation is close to the city centre and easily reached with public transportation via the Metrolink, streetcars or walking paths. You can follow the signposts from the Manchester Fort shopping mall. The museum also has a traditional cafeteria for refreshments and snacks, as well as a shop for souvenirs like models, books and toys.
The museum hosts events throughout the year that feature the historic vehicles, such as the Trans-Lancs Transportation Show, the Spring Transportation Festival and the Christmas Cracker. During some of these events, you’ll find specialist retailers offering books and other goods.
Museum of Transportation in Manchester
Location: Boyle St, Cheetham Hill, Manchester M8 8UW, UK
Phone: +44 (0)1612 052122
Start planning your trip
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