Friday Night Shuttle: A Tight-Knit Loop Through Manchester’s Favorite Breweries

PLAINVILLE BREWERY FIELD GUIDE

Friday Night Shuttle: A Tight-Knit Loop Through Manchester’s Favorite Breweries

Two sessions on the 2nd Friday each month provide transport-only service connecting Urban Lodge, 2nd Bridge, East Hartford Brewing Co., and Elicit—this guide explains the schedule, booking rules, and what to expect.

Friday Night Shuttle: A Tight-Knit Loop Through Manchester’s Favorite Breweries.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Plainville
Operator
Connecticut Beer Tours
Category
Brewery
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

The Fri Night Manchester Beer Shuttle is a practical, social transport service that runs on the 2nd Friday of every month and moves passengers between a cluster of Plainville and nearby Manchester breweries over two curated sessions. For a single $25 fare (transportation only), riders hop on and off at scheduled pickups and drops as the shuttle links Urban Lodge, 2nd Bridge, East Hartford Brewing Co., and Elicit—arrive on time and have your ticket in hand.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

Four local stops on a compact Friday-night loop
THE ROUTE

Four local stops on a compact Friday-night loop

The shuttle strings together Urban Lodge, 2nd Bridge, East Hartford Brewing Co., and Elicit across two session options, offering a convenient way to move between these neighborhood taps without worrying about driving.

Two sessions, strict pickup windows
THE SCHEDULE

Two sessions, strict pickup windows

The tour runs two sessions on the second Friday of each month with tightly timed pickups and 5–10 minute waits per stop—passengers must follow the session schedule or risk losing their seat.

Pre-purchase and be ready—no chases
THE PRACTICALS

Pre-purchase and be ready—no chases

Tickets must be purchased online in advance; the operator does not come inside to find late riders and will not wait for stragglers, so be standing out front a few minutes before your listed pickup time.

What the day feels like

What the night feels like

The evening is a short, social circuit: you board at a scheduled pickup, are shuttled between breweries on a fixed timetable, and disembark at the listed drop. The setup emphasizes efficiency and camaraderie—seats are tied to session schedules, and the operator’s brief waits at each stop keep the loop moving.

Four local stops on a compact Friday-night loop

THE ROUTE

Four local stops on a compact Friday-night loop

The shuttle strings together Urban Lodge, 2nd Bridge, East Hartford Brewing Co., and Elicit across two session options, offering a convenient way to move between these neighborhood taps without worrying about driving.

Two sessions, strict pickup windows

THE SCHEDULE

Two sessions, strict pickup windows

The tour runs two sessions on the second Friday of each month with tightly timed pickups and 5–10 minute waits per stop—passengers must follow the session schedule or risk losing their seat.

Pre-purchase and be ready—no chases

THE PRACTICALS

Pre-purchase and be ready—no chases

Tickets must be purchased online in advance; the operator does not come inside to find late riders and will not wait for stragglers, so be standing out front a few minutes before your listed pickup time.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this shuttle suits—and who should reconsider.

1
Groups of friendsIdeal for small groups who want an easy, shared way to visit multiple breweries without driving; book the same session to ride together.
2
Last-minute plannersNot a good fit: tickets must be purchased online in advance and seats are tied to the session schedule.
3
Private-event organizersThe operator can accommodate private trips of up to 13 passengers on Friday nights or weekend afternoons, offering a semi-private option for celebrations.
4
Punctual ridersBest for travelers willing to arrive early and stand outside at pickup points—the shuttle will not wait for stragglers or come inside to find you.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Have your pre-purchased ticket available and be waiting outside the pickup location a few minutes before the listed time; the shuttle typically waits about 5–10 minutes per stop.

Booking & Cost

Tickets must be purchased online in advance; the listed price covers transportation only ($25 for the Friday-night shuttle).

Timing & Punctuality

Follow the published session schedule exactly—passengers who miss their scheduled pickup are not guaranteed a seat and the operator will adhere to the timetable.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

When does the Friday Night Manchester Beer Shuttle run?

The shuttle runs on the 2nd Friday of every month with two sessions to choose from.

How much does the shuttle cost?

The Friday-night shuttle is $25 and that price covers transportation only.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?

Yes—you must pre-purchase tickets online; the operator will not wait for or search for late riders who have not checked in.

What happens if I am late to a pickup?

The shuttle will wait approximately 5–10 minutes per stop but will not come inside to find you; passengers must follow the session schedule or they are not promised a seat.

Can I book a private trip instead?

Yes—the operator can accommodate a private trip of this tour format for up to 13 passengers on Friday nights or Saturday or Sunday afternoons.

Are there other public tour options?

Public tours are also available throughout the year on Saturdays and Sundays through the operator's other Silk City public tour options.