By plane
Manchester International Airport is only a few miles away. Buses are available to Altrincham, as are taxis.
By Rail
Altrincham is served by the Metrolink tram system from Manchester's major stations and other destinations in Greater Manchester. If coming from Manchester Piccadilly it is slightly quicker and cheaper and often far, far quieter to take the train, though it will only leave every hour as opposed to every six minutes. Metrolink tickets are purchased from machines on the platform, train tickets either on the train or at the station. Buses from Manchester are also available, though invariably take longer.
There is also a commuter rail line from Chester which passes through the countryside and various Cheshire towns and villages. It is good value for money, though not particularly luxurious.
By road
The nearest motorway is the M56, which passes within a few miles of the town. One can either get off at Junction 8 or Junction 7 and use the historic A56 which was once the Roman road from Chester to Manchester or get off at Junction 6 and use Hale Road. Both these will take you right up to Altrincham town centre.