by Manchester Airport is the third busiest Airport in the United Kingdom, after Heathrow and Gatwick. In 2023, more than 28 million passengers passed through its three terminals, and the number of passengers will only increase.
It is therefore essential to plan your route to the airport well in advance. Here, we break down the easiest ways to get there, including advice on avoiding bottlenecks and the best ways to get in by rail.
How to get to Manchester Airport by road
What are the main driving routes to the airport?
Manchester Airport is around half an hour from the city centre. Motorists should follow the M56, leaving at junction 5 for the airport, and follow the signs to the required terminal. The M60, which goes around Manchester itself, is to the north; The M6 and M62 also pass nearby.
Are there any traffic jams?
Traffic can get busy at junctions with the M56, especially around rush hour. If you need to travel on the M60, be aware that there will be commuters, as well as other airport passengers, on the road – making the journey that much easier. The Worsley interchange, where the M60 meets the M61, is particularly busy, and traffic is often slow moving during daylight hours. Junctions 18 and 26 can also be tricky. It may be worth adding extra time to the journey if you intend to arrive at the airport by these routes.
What are the parking options?
Regardless of which terminal you’re traveling from, the airport has multiple official options. At T1, T2 and T3, passengers can book long-stay parking for trips longer than a week and short-stay parking for weekend breaks. “Continue Stay” is available at terminals 1 and 3. There are also Meet & Greet options, where an airport employee will park your car while you check-in. Or there are three JetParks, located on the outer edges of the airport, from which you can take a free shuttle bus. Of course, there are also similar park and ride schemes in place, not linked to the airport itself, which may be cheaper.
Get more advice on the best airport parking in our guide.
Is there a passenger drop off fee?
As with other major UK airports, Manchester charges anyone using a private vehicle to drop off a passenger at the terminals (fees are the same for T1, T2 and T3). For release, five minutes cost £5; 10 minutes costs £6.20. After this point, the fee increases to £25. For pick-ups, there will be a flat charge of £6.20 for 30 minutes. All payments at the exit barrier are made by card or exact cash.
If you try to pick up at the drop off point, expect a £100 fine.
To avoid the fees, visitors can use the free drop-off area in JetParks 1, using the shuttle service from the car park to the airport. The journey takes around six minutes and operates 24 hours a day.
How to get to Manchester Airport by train
What are the main rail links to Manchester Airport?
Passengers can get direct trains to Manchester Airport. From Manchester Piccadilly, in the city centre, trains, operated by TransPennine Express and Northern, take around 20 minutes and run every 10 minutes. There are also trains from other cities such as York, Sheffield, Doncaster and Leeds; first stop at Manchester Piccadilly.
The train station is located at Terminal 2. Use the Skylink walkway to move between terminals – it should take between five and 15 minutes.
How early and late do the trains run?
Trains run seven days a week, from 4am to 1am. It’s worth checking the National Rail website before your journey in case you’re inconvenienced and for live event information.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online through the National Rail or operator websites, or by using automated machines at each station.
How to get to Manchester Airport by tram
Can you get the tram to Manchester Airport?
Passengers can catch a Metrolink tram from Manchester Victoria station, in the city centre, to the airport. There are also frequent links to Altrincham, Bury, Ashton-under-Lyne, East Didsbury, Eccles, Rochdale and the Trafford Centre. More details can be found on Bee Network.
How to get to Manchester Airport by bus
Are there public bus services to Manchester Airport?
Yes. A 24-hour public bus network runs to and from Manchester Airport, operated by Stagecoach. The Number 43 runs between the city center and the airport, the X5 to Warrington and the 313 to Stockport. See the timetable information here.
Can I come to Manchester Airport by coach?
Yes. Britain’s main long-distance coach operators offer regular services to Manchester.
National Express runs regular departures from cities such as London, Birmingham and Leeds (prices start from £6). Megabus runs a similar service, and more details are available on its website.
Flixbus operates routes from cities such as Edinburgh, Leicester and Bristol, as well as overseas destinations such as Antwerp.
How to get to Manchester Airport by taxi
How much is a taxi to Manchester Airport?
That is where you start your journey. But, according to the airport’s pricing guide, the average black cab journey should cost between £29.20 and £38 per 10 miles – depending on the exact distance, traffic levels and time of day. More details on tariffs can be found here.
Can I take an Uber or other ride-hailing service to Manchester Airport?
You can travel to Manchester Airport with Uber from the city centre; the company recommends an average price of £22. Manchester also has arrangements with transfer specialists StreetCars.
Any other questions?
When is the busiest time of day at Manchester Airport?
Manchester is a busy airport. On average, 226 flights depart each day, with 7am to 5pm being the busiest time. Thursday, Sunday and Monday are the busiest days.
Is it worth staying in an airport hotel?
That probably depends on the time of the flight, and whether you want to avoid a train ride or a taxi ride long before the dawn chorus breaks into song. But there are many accommodation options, including Holiday Inn, Ibis Budget Hotel, Crowne Plaza, Doubletree by Hilton and many others. More details can be found on the Manchester Airport website.
