Manchester Airport (MAN) Guide

Manchester Airport has its own rail station located beneath Terminal 2, with TransPennine Express and Northern services running to Manchester Piccadilly in around 15–20 minutes. Trains depart every 10–15 minutes, and connections are available to destinations across the North of England and beyond. 

National Express coaches run from the coach interchange to London, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh and other major cities. Local bus services, including the Stagecoach 101, connect the airport with Bolton, Stockport and surrounding towns. 

Taxi ranks are located outside all three terminals, and ride-share services are available from designated pick-up areas. 

Terminals 1 and 3 are adjacent and connected by a short two-minute walk. Terminal 2 is a 5–15 minute walk via Skylink walkways with moving sidewalks. A free shuttle bus also runs between Terminal 2 and Terminals 1 and 3 for transferring passengers. 

The Metrolink tram stops at the airport station, with services running approximately every 12 minutes into Manchester city centre and onward to the wider light rail network. It’s a convenient and affordable way to reach central Manchester. 

Manchester Airport offers a wide range of parking including short-stay, mid-stay, long-stay and meet-and-greet options across all three terminals. Pre-booking online is recommended for the best rates. 

Car rental companies are available at Manchester Airport. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave. 

A large number of airlines fly into and out of Manchester Airport, including British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Ryanair, TUI Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, Etihad and many more. With over 80 airlines operating from MAN, you’ll find direct flights to around 200 destinations worldwide. 

As a general rule, you should aim to arrive at Manchester Airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure time for domestic and short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul flights. This should give you plenty of time to complete check-in, drop your bags and pass through security. Check with the airport, airline or your Travel Expert directly for more information on recommended arrival times. 

There are plenty of transport options available from Manchester Airport, including trains to Manchester Piccadilly, Metrolink trams, National Express coaches, local buses, taxis, ride-share and car rental. The train is the quickest option, reaching Manchester Piccadilly in around 15–20 minutes. 

Yes, Manchester Airport has several lounges across its three terminals, including the Escape Lounge in Terminals 1, 2 and 3, and the 1903 Lounge in Terminal 2. These offer food, drinks, Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. Access is available through advance booking, lounge membership programmes such as Priority Pass and DragonPass, or by purchasing a day pass. Check with the lounge directly or talk to your Travel Expert for more information. 

There are on-site hotels at Manchester Airport, including the Hilton Garden Inn connected to Terminal 1 and the Clayton Hotel near Terminal 2. Several lounges also offer shower facilities. If you’d prefer to stay nearby, there are plenty of additional hotels close to the airport with shuttle services. 

You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible flights to or from Acapulco Airport booked with us. When booking online, you’ll see a place to add your loyalty program or frequent flyer membership details if this is available, or you can ask your Travel Expert for help when booking in-store. If the booking meets your program’s requirements, you’ll earn points! For more information, check with your specific loyalty program and see our Booking Terms and Conditions. Keen for even more travel perks? Subscribe to our email list for birthday surprises, competition entries, exclusive deals and VIP pre-sale access to the hottest holiday savings around.  

Check-in times and baggage rules for flights departing from Manchester Airport will vary depending on your ticket, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online or via your airline’s app, which can help save time at the airport. For more information or help finding your check-in times and baggage limits, talk to your Travel Expert. 

Manchester Airport has three terminals: Terminal 1, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Which terminal you use depends on your airline, so always check your booking confirmation or airline’s website before heading to the airport. Terminals 1 and 3 are adjacent and connected by a short walk, while Terminal 2 is linked via Skylink walkways or a free shuttle bus. 

Yes, Manchester Airport offers a wide range of parking options including short-stay, mid-stay, long-stay, JetParks and meet-and-greet services. Rates vary by car park and duration, and you can often save by pre-booking online through the airport’s website. 

Manchester Airport offers excellent family facilities including baby changing rooms, children’s play areas and dedicated family security lanes across the terminals. Changing Places toilets are available in Terminals 1 and 3 for passengers who need additional facilities. 

Keen to do a little retail therapy at Manchester Airport? You’ll find a wide range of shops and dining options across all three terminals, from duty-free stores and designer brands to restaurants, bars and grab-and-go spots. Check the airport’s website for an up-to-date directory of stores and restaurants. 

While last-minute sale fares to and from Manchester Airport may become available, you’ll generally find it pays to plan ahead, especially if you’re booking international flights. As a rough guide, we recommend booking domestic flights three to six months in advance and international flights six to nine months before you plan to fly. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds!