Getting to Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is one of the UK’s most accessible international gateways, at the heart of the country’s transport network, connecting the entire North of England – and beyond – with over 200 destinations. Enjoy the journey.
By car
Manchester Airport is roughly 20 minutes drive from central Manchester. On the M56 motorway, Manchester Airport has a dedicated link road from the motorway at junction 5.
Directions to terminals are well signed from all approach roads with colour-coded cubes indicating the best route to each terminal and its car parks.
Drop off/pick up - The Terminal 1 dropping off point is on the Arrivals level. For Terminal 2 the Arrivals dropping off point is at street level, and the Departures dropping off point is on the upper level. It should be noted that limited waiting time is strictly enforced. If you have to park for more than a few minutes you should use the Short Stay car parks.
By taxi
A taxi transfer is a quick, convenient and cost-effective way to get to the airport, and is particularly useful for those with wheelchairs or pushchairs, as the taxis usually have more room than shuttle buses.
To book a low-cost taxi from your hotel or home to the airport, click the link to the right.
By train
Connect to Manchester Airport by direct local and regional train services.
The Station, Manchester Airport’s integrated transport hub, offers fast and frequent train services linking the airport with over 100 destinations across the North of England and beyond.
Get off to a flying start before you board the plane by catching the train direct to the heart of Manchester Airport.
Frequent direct services run to and from Sheffield, York, Newcastle, Leeds, Huddersfield, Bolton, Preston, Blackpool and the Lake District. These services, operated by TransPennine Express and Northern Rail, run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
To speed your way to cities further afield, up to 6 trains an hour link the airport to Manchester Piccadilly station in the city centre, where you can connect to fast rail services countrywide.
Once you arrive at The Station, it’s easy to reach the terminal buildings using the Skylink moving walkways. If you're flying to Manchester Airport you can book your onward rail tickets online and collect them from the self-service ticket machines in the baggage reclaim halls. Alternatively, you can buy your tickets from the booking office in The Station.
Tickets and Information
For train times and to book tickets, please visit our partner by clicking on their link to the right.
By coach
A large number of coach services operate daily from The Station, the airport’s integrated transport hub, linking Manchester Airport with our region and other major UK cities.
Coach travel is a cost-effective way of getting to and from the airport, and most coaches are equipped with reclining seats, air-conditioning and onboard toilet and washroom facilities.
National Express
National Express, the UK's largest operator of scheduled coach services, operates direct to and from The Station at Manchester Airport. With excellent value fares and services to many key destinations throughout the UK including Birmingham, Liverpool and London, its easy to relax and travel to Manchester Airport in one of their fleet of modern air conditioned coaches.
To book tickets and for more information, please visit the National Express website by clicking their link.