Manchester airport is a large international airport, located south-west of Manchester city centre. It is the third busiest airport in the UK and the busiest outside of London.

There are three terminals at Manchester airport. Terminal 1 is the largest terminal at the airport and is used as a base for EasyJet, Jet2 and Thomas Cook. Terminal 2 is used by a variety of airlines, operating flights to European and worldwide destinations. Terminal 3 is primarily used by British Airways and their partner airline, Oneworld Alliance.

Driving to Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is 9 miles south of Manchester city centre. It is located next to the M56 and has easy links to the M6, M60 and M62.

The postcode for the airport is M90 1QX. 

Please ensure you check which terminal you are flying from before you drive to the airport, so you can follow the appropriate signage once on site.

On your return, if driving to Manchester city centre you can expect it to take around 30 minutes outside of rush hour. To save yourself more time pre-book parking in Manchester to ensure you don't need to circle the streets looking for a space. 

Parking at Manchester Airport

Manchester airport offers a range of parking options, within walking distance or a 5-10 minute bus transfer from the terminal:

Meet & Greet Parking

Transfer time: 1-2 minute walk

This option is ideal if you're travelling with children or have lots of luggage and are looking to park close to the airport.

T1/T3 Mid Stay parking

Transfer time: 3-minute walk to T3, and about a 10-minute walk to T1

These parks are close to T1 and T3 and are a good option for short trips such as weekend breaks and business trips.

JetParks

Transfer time: 5-10 minute bus transfer

This option offers good value for those going away for a week or longer.

Multi-Storey parking

Transfer time: 1-8 minute walk

Convenient parking option, located next to the terminal buildings. 

Drop off and pick up

There is a free drop off point on Thorley Lane, next to the JetParks 1 car park. From here, passengers will be able to take a free shuttle bus to their terminal.

If you want to drop passengers off directly outside their terminal, there will be a charge of £3 for five minutes and £4 for 10 minutes.

If you’re picking someone up, you will need to park at the Arrivals car park (for Terminal 1 and Terminal 3) or in the Multi-Storey car park (all terminals).

Bus

Manchester airport has an excellent network of local and regional buses which run daily from early in the morning to late at night, including on weekends and bank holidays.

Manchester airport is linked to Manchester city centre by a Stagecoach bus service which runs 24 hours a day.

National Express operates direct services between Manchester airport and many destinations throughout the UK. 

Train

There are direct train services running between Manchester airport and numerous UK destinations throughout the day. Manchester airport station is just a short walk from the terminals. With moving walkways ensuring easy access, it should take only 5-15 minutes to get to and from the terminals.

Trains from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly station in the city centre take 20 minutes. They run every 10 minutes every day of the week.

Tram

The Metrolink tram service travels to and from the airport, connecting all parts of Manchester. With over 90 stops, it’s an easy and convenient way of travelling to the airport. From the station at the airport, it is between 5 to 15 minutes’ walk to the terminals, with moving walkways throughout.

There are frequent connections available to the rest of the tram network, heading towards Altrincham, Bury, Ashton-under-Lyne, and Rochdale.

There is parking available for Blue Badge holders at all the multi-storey car parks, located near the three terminals. Assistance is available if needed with the short walk to the check-in desks.

Blue Badge parking is also available in the long stay car parks and the Jetparks car parks. There is a short bus ride between these car parks and the terminal buildings. This is free of charge and fully accessible to wheelchair users.

There are two electric car charging points available at Manchester Airport Marriott Hotel. These are operated under the ZeroNet network.

A network of all electric vehicle charging points in the UK can be found on the government’s Go Ultra Low website.

How much is parking at Manchester airport?

Manchester airport parking charges in the multi-storey car park and the Terminal 1 arrivals car park start from £4 for 30 minutes, rising to £40 for 24 hours. The Terminal 3 arrivals car park has a maximum stay of 2 hours. Parking at Manchester airport prices start from £4 for 30 minutes and rise to £9.50 for 2 hours. Anyone exceeding the 2-hour maximum stay is charged £50 per day.

Is there any free parking at Manchester airport?

If you are dropping someone off at Manchester airport, you can use the free drop off area where you can park for just long enough to unload luggage. A shuttle bus will then transport you free of charge from the drop-off area to the terminal buildings.

Do you have to pre-book parking at Manchester airport?

You don’t have to pre-book parking at Manchester airport, but it is strongly recommended that you do. Spaces are limited and get extremely busy during peak periods.

Why not book in advance with YourParkingSpace to ensure that there is an affordable and convenient parking space available when you arrive?

Is there a pickup point at Manchester airport?

If you are picking someone up from Manchester airport, you can park in the arrivals car park located at Terminal 1 and 3.