Manchester Airport is the main hub of northern England.
Gateway to the city's vibrant music and sports scene, as well as a base for exploring the Lake District and the Pennines.
How to get to Manchester Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to MAN
Parking near Manchester Airport
The multi-story parking garage stands right next to the terminal.
Rates are in line with standards for a major regional hub.
How to get to Manchester from MAN
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Manchester Airport
Leading car rental companies have desks at the airport.
You will need a driving license, passport and credit card; EU citizens do not require an International Driving Permit.
Hotels near Manchester Airport
Airport, linked to the terminals
The Radisson Blu is the only hotel linked to terminals 1 and 2 by the covered Skylink walkway, reachable in under 15 minutes on foot; the DoubleTree is about 5 minutes away by free shuttle.
Best for: For those with a dawn flight or a late-night return who don't want to rely on shuttles or taxis.
- You reach the terminal on foot under cover, without a bus or taxi
- Convenient for those with heavy luggage or a very early flight
- An area of just hotels and car parks, nothing to do in the evening
- Higher rates than other areas during peak periods
Recommended hotels
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Manchester Airport The only hotel linked to the terminals by the covered Skylink walkway, useful for those arriving or departing at any hour. View availability
- DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Airport Free shuttle to the terminals, with an on-site restaurant and the classic welcome cookie. View availability
A few minutes from the terminal
The Crowne Plaza is about 500 metres from the terminal with a round-the-clock shuttle; the Holiday Inn Express is about 1.5 km away, with a shuttle to the terminal and the station.
Best for: To stay close to the terminal while spending less than in the first area.
- Free shuttle to the terminal even late at night
- Lower rates than the hotel linked to the terminal
- You still need to wait for the shuttle, you can't walk there
- The same area of just hotels and offices, little else around
Recommended hotels
- Crowne Plaza Manchester Airport About 500 metres from the terminal with a round-the-clock shuttle, handy even for those arriving on overnight flights. View availability
- Holiday Inn Express Manchester Airport Quiet rooms away from the noise of the terminals, with an early breakfast for those flying out early. View availability
City centre and Cathedral Quarter
The train from the airport to Manchester Piccadilly takes about 20 minutes; for Manchester Victoria, near the Cathedral Quarter, you need a change or a short walk from the centre.
Best for: To see Manchester while staying within walking distance of Piccadilly, the Arndale and the centre's evening life.
- Walking distance from shops, museums and the centre's evening life
- More choice of restaurants and transport than the airport area
- Further from the terminal, you always need the train or a taxi
- On weekends the centre is noisier in the evening
Recommended hotels
- Maldron Hotel Manchester Cathedral Quarter Two minutes from Deansgate and five from the Arndale, recently opened with an on-site restaurant. View availability
- Leonardo Hotel Manchester Piccadilly A few minutes from Piccadilly station, handy also for those continuing by train to other cities. View availability
Wilmslow
About 10 minutes by car from the airport (5.3 km); no direct bus or train link.
Best for: For those seeking a quiet stay in the countryside the night before or after the flight, not for a dawn departure.
- Gardens and woodland around the hotel, away from the airport traffic
- A quiet alternative to the airport area for those with a car
- A car or taxi is needed, not reachable on foot from the airport
- Far from Manchester city centre, about 11 miles
Recommended hotels
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
- lounges
- 5
- with Priority Pass
- 2
- paid entry
- from £41.99
- earliest opening
- 03:00
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminals are among the busiest in the UK outside London, handling intense international traffic.
For international flights, allow 2.5-3 hours before departure.
Map of Manchester Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is there a railway station directly at Manchester Airport?
Yes, Manchester Airport station is located within the terminal itself, with trains to Piccadilly about every 10 minutes, a 13-20 minute journey.
Q. How much does a taxi from Manchester Airport to the city center cost?
A metered black cab costs roughly 25-40 GBP (about 27 GBP during the day, 36 GBP at night 22:00-6:00); a pre-booked private service is generally a fixed rate of around 35 GBP.
Q. Is Manchester Airport the main hub in the north of England?
Yes, with numerous connections to Europe, North America and Asia.
Q. Is Manchester a good starting point for the Lake District?
Yes, the famous English lake region can be reached in about 1.5-2 hours by car from the airport.
Q. Which lounges accept Priority Pass?
Aspire Lounge (T2) and Escape Lounge (T2).
Q. How much does lounge access cost without a business class ticket?
The lowest entry price is £41.99, at Escape Lounge (T2).
Q. What time does the first lounge open?
At 03:00: Escape Lounge (T2) and The Executive by Escape Lounges (T2).
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
