Manchester Airport
MANThe North of England's premier international gateway, connecting the region to over 200 destinations worldwide from three terminals.
Manchester Airport (MAN) is the UK's third-busiest airport and the largest outside London, handling around 30 million passengers a year. Located 9 miles south of Manchester city centre near Wythenshawe, it operates three passenger terminals and is the only airport outside London with direct flights to all six inhabited continents. Manchester is the main international gateway for the North of England, serving a catchment area that stretches from Yorkshire to North Wales.
Terminals at Manchester
Manchester has three terminals arranged around a central campus. Terminals 1 and 2 are connected by a covered walkway, while Terminal 3 is a short walk away. Always check your terminal before arriving — the check-in areas and security lanes are separate.
Terminal 1
The largest terminal at Manchester, handling the majority of long-haul traffic. Home to British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and a range of international carriers. T1 has the most extensive airside retail and dining offer of the three terminals.
Key airlines
Terminal 2
Primarily used by Jet2, TUI, and a range of European and leisure carriers. T2 is connected to T1 by a covered walkway and shares the Metrolink tram stop. A popular terminal for holiday departures.
Key airlines
Terminal 3
Home to easyJet and Ryanair, making it the busiest terminal for short-haul European routes. T3 has its own dedicated Metrolink stop and a solid range of airside facilities.
Key airlines
Getting to Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is exceptionally well connected by rail and tram, making it one of the easiest major UK airports to reach by public transport.
Train
Manchester Airport has its own railway station with direct services to Manchester Piccadilly (20 minutes), Liverpool Lime Street (55 minutes), Leeds (55 minutes), and Sheffield (55 minutes). Northern and TransPennine Express operate the main services. The station is connected to all three terminals by a free inter-terminal transit.
20 min to Piccadilly · Direct services across the North · Every 10–15 min
Metrolink Tram
The Manchester Metrolink tram network serves the airport with stops at T1/T2 and T3. Trams run to Manchester city centre (Piccadilly Gardens) in around 50 minutes, with connections to Salford, Eccles, and Altrincham. A good option for passengers heading to destinations on the tram network.
~50 min to city centre · Every 12 min · Contactless accepted
National Express Coach
National Express operates services from Manchester Airport to destinations across the UK. The coach station is located between T1 and T2. Good value for longer journeys to cities not well served by rail.
Nationwide routes · Advance fares from ~£5
Driving & Drop-off
Manchester Airport is accessed via the M56 (Junction 5) and M60. Drop-off charges apply at all terminals. A free set-down area is available on the approach road. The airport is well signposted from all major motorways in the region.
M56 J5 · Drop-off charges apply · Well signposted from M60/M6
Parking at Manchester Airport
Manchester offers a wide range of parking from terminal-adjacent multi-storeys to budget off-site parks. Pre-booking is essential for the best prices.
Short Stay
Multi-storey car parks directly connected to each terminal. Ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. The most expensive option per day.
Long Stay
A short shuttle bus ride from the terminals. Significantly cheaper for trips of more than a day. Pre-book well in advance for the best rates.
Meet & Greet
Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and collect your car on return. Convenient for families and those with heavy luggage.
Facilities & Lounges
Manchester Airport has a strong airside offer, particularly in T1, with a wide range of dining, retail, and lounge options.
Airport Lounges
All three terminals have independent pay-access lounges including No1 Lounge, Escape Lounge, and Aspire. Priority Pass is accepted at several lounges. The British Airways Galleries lounge is available in T1 for eligible passengers.
Dining & Bars
T1 has the strongest dining offer, including Frankie & Benny's, Wetherspoons, and a range of grab-and-go options. T2 and T3 have solid selections of cafés, bars, and fast food. All terminals have Pret, Costa, and WHSmith.
Shopping
World Duty Free operates in all three terminals. T1 has the largest retail offer, including luxury brands and a strong beauty and fragrance selection. All terminals have the standard high-street names.
Families & Accessibility
Dedicated family security lanes operate in all terminals. Children's play areas and baby changing facilities are available airside. Assisted travel services can be arranged in advance through the airport or your airline.
Tips for Travelling Through Manchester
Always confirm your terminal before leaving home — T3 is a separate building from T1 and T2 and has its own Metrolink stop. Getting between terminals takes longer than it looks on a map.
The train is the best option for most passengers from Manchester city centre and across the North. Services from Piccadilly are frequent and the journey is just 20 minutes. Buy your ticket in advance online for the best fares.
Security queues at Manchester can be very long during peak summer departures and school holidays. Allow at least two hours for short-haul flights and three hours for long-haul. The airport publishes live security wait times on its website.
Pre-book parking as far in advance as possible. Manchester's parking prices rise sharply close to travel dates — booking several weeks ahead can save 40–50%. Always book through the official Manchester Airport website.
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