Manchester Airport (MAN)

Flying from/to Manchester Airport

If you are planning to fly to/from Manchester Airport, check out our tips on what’s the best way to travel between the airport and the city centre. It’s always good to know, what’s the most convenient way to get to your destination. You can also find some data on the Manchester Airport facilities and some local tips on the airport itself.

Travel from Manchester city centre to Manchester Airport

Located about 9 miles (14 kilometers) south-west of the city centre of Manchester, Britain's second city, Manchester Airport is the third coachiest airport in the UK, and the coachiest outside of London. Originally a military airport in World War II, the airport serves around 28 million passengers every year. It is well served by public transport and is easily accessible from the city centre.

What's the best way to get to the airport from the city centre

The fastest way to get to Manchester Airport from the city centre by public transport is to use the train from Manchester Piccadilly, the city's central station. TransPennine Express and Northern Rail provide the service, and trains leave for the airport every 10 minutes Monday through Sunday throughout normal hours. The airport is also served by several coach routes, including the 43 and 103. Both of these coaches run through the night and are ideal for an early flight. Manchester Metrolink, the city's tram and light rail network, also runs direct to Manchester Airport. Although this does not run through the night, it does start earlier in the morning than trains. There is also a coach link between Manchester Airport and the city centre provided by National Express, which runs around once an hour.

How far is it from the city centre to the airport? 

If passengers take the train direct from Manchester Piccadilly to the airport station, the journey should take between 15 and 20 minutes, depending on if the train is a stopping service. This is consistent throughout the day and week. Travelling by coach is likely to take anywhere between an hour (especially if at night or in the early hours) and an hour and a half. The 43 coach route is quicker than the 103. The Metrolink is faster than the coach but slower than the train. If travelling from the city centre to the airport passengers should travel from the Deansgate tram station, which is very near the main station. Once on the tram, the journey to the airport takes around 45 minutes. A taxi from the city centre can be as little as 20 minutes in very light traffic. The coach service takes between 25 and 30 minutes and departs from Manchester Coach Station, on Chorlton Street and about 10 minute walk from Piccadilly train station. 

What facilities are there at the airport?

Manchester Airport has an excellent selection of restaurants and cafes for passengers to make use of while they wait for their flight. Restaurants include Trattoria Milano, Spinning Jenny, the Lion and Antelope and Giraffe, while a coffee and a sandwich can be bought easily at Pret a Manger, Greggs, Costa, Starbucks or Upper Crust. There is also a good selection of shops including outlets from designer brands like Dune, Lacoste and Jo Malone. Manchester Airport has worked with AccessAble to produce a detailed guide to the airport for those with limited mobility (which is also available through the AccessAble app), and there is a dedicated assistance service that can be booked in advance.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

Manchester Piccadilly station is fully step-free with lift access to any platforms that are not at surface level. Ramps are also available for trains that have raised entrances - passengers should just let staff know if they need one. All Metrolink trams are accessible for wheelchairs. Most coaches in Manchester are accessible, with the majority of Stagecoach routes running low-floor coaches, nearly all First coach services having dedicated wheelchair areas and all Arriva services fully accessible. National Express coaches often have wheelchair lifts. Further information about which services are accessible and weight-limits is available on the company's website. 

Local tips: how to travel to the airport like a local

The best way to get to Manchester Airport is with the train, and this is how most locals would travel. The train is very regular and reliable. It's also easy to buy tickets at the station, and there is no need to book a ticket in advance, although passengers can do this on the Manchester Airport website to save money.