Back to School 2026: Getting There – Know Your Way
It may feel like it was yesterday that summer officially began. But just like that, September has arrived and we’re back into the swing of things, which means you might need to consider what the best way to travel to school is.
Living in Greater Manchester means that there are often multiple ways to travel. With a city-region as well connected as this, you’re spoilt for choice!
So, let’s have a think about all your options.
Walking or wheeling
Walking is the original method of transport! Some of you may be using wheelchairs or other mobility devices on footpaths.
Why walking or wheeling could be right for you
Walking and/or wheeling is a cost effective and environmentally considerate thing to do.
If there’s a safe and manageable route available for you to walk or wheel to school, it’s a wonderful way to get your daily movement in, and being outdoors in general helps you in all sorts of ways – physically and mentally.
It’s a win for the bank balance, the planet and your general health.
Things to bear in mind
If you’ve grown up in the UK, you don’t need to be told how unpredictable British weather can be. Walking or wheeling during the winter months can be particularly challenging when the weather conditions are quite rough.
Prepare for different circumstances to make the journey easier. That could be making sure you’re wearing appropriate shoes, carrying a raincoat or umbrella or making sure you’re wearing sunscreen.
Sometimes deciding not to walk or wheel is the safest, especially if there’s ice on the ground, or there’s a storm. Mother nature is not to be messed with!
Cycling
If you’ve got a bike, cycling is also a great option for travelling to school. Cycling makes those journeys shorter as well.
Why cycling could be right for you
Cycling is great for the environment and for your health. You could get your daily movement in by cycling to school, and it’s an environmentally kind decision.
Plus, getting more confident with cycling means you might find yourself taking your bike for other journeys, too. Or even picking up a new hobby. You could find yourself cycling miles and miles on a road bike or learning tricks on a BMX one day.
Things to bear in mind
It’s very important to be safe when you cycle. Wear a helmet and reflective clothing so you can be seen. If you’re cycling at night or when it’s dark, make sure your bike has lights on so you’re visible to other road users and pedestrians.
If you’re not as confident when you cycle, there are lots of schemes on offer in Greater Manchester that could help you gain skills and confidence. Check out Transport for Greater Manchester’s boss the school run site for more info.
If you haven’t got a bike, there are also ways to borrow one, or you could find one second-hand! TfGM also have information on their get a bike page.
Catching the bus or tram
Lots of people use public transport to get to school. This could be a public bus, a tram or a dedicated school bus.
You’ll need to check the routes to understand if public transport will work for you. Many schools are on bus routes, and you may find that the tram is close enough for you to use, too. If you’re not sure what’s in your area, check out Transport for Greater Manchester’s travelling to school page to find travel advice dedicated to your school.
Why catching the bus or tram could be right for you
There are lots of benefits to using public transport. For a start, you might be eligible for discounted or free travel! Depending on how old you are, there are a range of dedicated schemes for young people. Some of the schemes are:
- Igo card (5-16 years old). The Igo card unlocks cheaper child tickets – you’ll need one to prove you’re eligible for these discounted fares.
- Free school pass. If you’re under 16 and travel more than 3 miles to school, you could be eligible for a free school pass, giving you free travel on certain routes.
- Our Pass (16-18 years old). For those between 16 and 18, Our Pass offers free bus travel and discounted tram tickets, plus freebies, discounts and other experiences!
As well as saving money, travelling via bus or tram is much better for the environment.
Things to bear in mind
For some people public transport may not be a good option. This is particularly true if there aren’t any routes near you. Having said that – the public transport network in Greater Manchester is expanding all the time, so even if there aren’t routes now, there might be in the future.
Buses or trams can also sometimes be quite busy, and for some people this could be a bit overwhelming or worrying. If this is a problem for you, consider travelling a bit earlier or later than other people as this could mean you’re on a much quieter service.
Driving
You might be fortunate enough to have someone in your life that can give you a lift to school.
Why driving could be right for you
Travelling by car can be efficient and comfortable. You can create the environment that you enjoy. Travelling by car can give some people the peace and quiet they want in the morning. Or maybe you can have your own personal concert without disturbing anyone.
Things to bear in mind
Things to bear in mind
If you’re travelling by car during the busiest time of day, there’s a high chance you’ll get stuck in traffic. Sometimes it can be so busy that you’re being overtaken by people on foot!
Although it might not be you that’s paying, it can be a lot of money to run a car!
But there’s also an environmental factor. Having many cars on the road at once creates more pollution.
One way to combat this is by something called ‘carpooling’. You might have heard of this before. It’s when people decide to use one car to travel to a location. However, if you want to do this, it’s important to remember that this needs to be arranged by the adult in your life, so that they can ensure your safety.
Looking for more information?
For more resources and support, head over to Transport for Greater Manchester’s travelling to school resource page for all you need to know about travelling to school.
