Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport general information

Flying from Manchester Airport? Our guide covers essential passenger information for Terminals 2 and 3, including check-in, security procedures, shops, restaurants, WiFi, accessibility, family facilities and transport connections.

Find useful information to help you plan your journey and enjoy a smoother start to your trip.

Manchester Airport parking

If you're driving to Manchester Airport, APH offers a choice of parking options for Terminals 2 and 3.

Compare Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and other available parking services based on location, transfer arrangements, security features and price.

Family-owned since 1980, APH helps travellers find convenient airport parking options.

Visit our dedicated Manchester Airport parking page to compare availability and book online.

View airport parking

Manchester Airport hotel and parking packages

Staying near Manchester Airport before an early flight can make your departure day more convenient.

APH offers hotel and parking packages that combine an overnight stay with parking for the duration of your trip.

Accommodation options include hotels close to the terminals and properties offering airport transport connections.

Visit our dedicated Manchester Airport hotel and parking page to compare available packages, parking arrangements and transfer options.

View airport hotels & parking

All about Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport (MAN), originally known as Ringway Airport, opened in 1938 and is located approximately nine miles south of Manchester city centre.

It is one of the UK's busiest airports and a major international gateway for passengers travelling from the North of England.

The airport operates two runways and two passenger terminals: Terminal 2 and Terminal 3.

Terminal 2 has undergone a major transformation, with expanded check-in facilities, upgraded security screening, new departure areas and a wider selection of shops and restaurants.

Terminal 3 is dedicated to Ryanair and is also undergoing improvements to its passenger facilities.

Manchester Airport offers flights to destinations across the UK, Europe and further afield, including long-haul international routes.

Passengers can reach the airport by train, Metrolink tram, bus, coach, car and taxi.

Our guide brings together useful information about the airport's terminals, facilities and transport connections to help you prepare for your journey.

Getting There

Manchester Airport is located approximately nine miles south of Manchester city centre and can be reached by train, tram, bus, coach, car and taxi.

By train: Manchester Airport railway station provides direct services to Manchester Piccadilly and other destinations across the North of England.

By tram: The Metrolink network connects Manchester Airport with the wider Greater Manchester area.

By car: The airport is accessible from the M56 motorway via Junction 5, with connections to the M6, M60 and M62.

By bus and coach: Local buses and long-distance coaches connect Manchester Airport with surrounding towns and cities.

By taxi: Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles provide transport to and from the airport terminals.

Between terminals: Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are connected by pedestrian routes through the airport complex. Allow additional time when travelling between terminals.

Check current transport timetables, traffic conditions and your departure terminal before travelling.

Check-in information

Check-in times at Manchester Airport vary depending on your airline, destination and whether you're travelling with checked luggage.

As a general guide, allow around two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul departures, unless your airline advises otherwise.

Most airlines operate from Terminal 2, while Ryanair passengers use the former Terminal 1 check-in hall before proceeding to Terminal 3 departures.

Many airlines offer online check-in, self-service kiosks or automated baggage drop-off facilities, although availability varies by airline.

Check your airline's recommended arrival time, baggage drop-off deadlines and terminal arrangements before travelling.

Mobile check-in information

Many airlines operating from Manchester Airport offer online or mobile check-in, allowing passengers to complete the process before arriving at the terminal.

Depending on your airline, you may be able to select seats, download a digital boarding pass and manage your booking through a mobile app.

If you're travelling with checked luggage, you'll still need to follow your airline's baggage drop-off instructions.

Online check-in opening times and deadlines vary by airline, so check your carrier's latest requirements before travelling.

Destinations

Manchester Airport offers flights to a wide range of destinations across the UK, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Asia and other international markets.

The airport serves both short-haul and long-haul routes, with airlines offering scheduled, charter and seasonal services.

Flight destinations and schedules vary throughout the year.

Visit Manchester Airport's official destination directory for the latest routes, airlines and flight information.

Disabled Passenger Details

Manchester Airport provides Assisted Travel services for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and additional accessibility requirements.

Passengers requiring assistance should contact their airline or travel provider at least 48 hours before departure, where possible.

Assistance may include help with check-in, security screening, moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft.

Both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 provide accessible passenger facilities, with additional support available for passengers with hidden disabilities.

Passengers can also find information about Changing Places facilities and assistance dog relief areas on the airport's official website.

Visit Manchester Airport's Assisted Travel pages for the latest information before travelling.

Click here for details of how Manchester Airport helps passengers with hidden disabilities such as autism.

Fast-Track security lane

Manchester Airport offers Security FastTrack and TimeSlot services at Terminals 2 and 3.

FastTrack allows passengers with a valid booking to use a dedicated security route.

TimeSlot allows passengers to reserve a preferred time to enter security, subject to availability.

All passengers must still complete standard security screening procedures.

Prices, booking arrangements and availability may change, so check Manchester Airport's official website before travelling.

Shopping

Manchester Airport offers a wide selection of shops across Terminals 2 and 3, including duty-free, fashion, beauty, electronics, gifts and travel essentials.

Retailers include World Duty Free, WHSmith, Boots, InMotion, JD Sports and a range of fashion and accessories brands.

Terminal 2 also offers an expanded shopping area following its redevelopment.

Shop locations and opening hours vary by terminal.

Check Manchester Airport's official shopping directory for the latest retailer information before travelling.  here’s a full list of shops. 

Where to Eat

Manchester Airport offers a wide selection of cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaway outlets across Terminals 2 and 3.

The redeveloped Terminal 2 includes the Great Northern Market food hall, alongside cafés, restaurants and bars offering a range of meals and refreshments.

Terminal 3 also provides food and drink facilities, including the Sporting Chance bar, with further improvements taking place as part of the terminal redevelopment.

Restaurant locations, menus and opening hours vary by terminal.

Check Manchester Airport's official food and drink directory for the latest information before travelling. We’ve compiled a guide to the best places to eat at Manchester Airport here.

Area for Kids

Manchester Airport provides family facilities to help passengers travelling with babies and young children.

Baby changing facilities and family-friendly dining options are available within the passenger terminals.

Families travelling through Terminal 2 should check the airport's latest terminal map for information about children's play facilities and their current locations.

Facilities may change as the airport continues its terminal improvements.

Wi-Fi access

Manchester Airport provides up to two hours of free WiFi within a 24-hour period across its passenger terminals.

Passengers can connect using a WiFi-enabled phone, tablet or laptop and follow the on-screen registration instructions.

The service allows travellers to check flight information, access digital boarding passes and stay connected before departure.

Check Manchester Airport's official WiFi information for the latest connection details. You can find out how to connect here.

Luggage Trolleys

Luggage trolleys are available at Manchester Airport to help passengers transport their bags.

Trolleys require a £1 coin or €2 coin.

Passengers should follow airport signage to locate the nearest available trolley collection point.

Check the airport's official facilities information for any changes to trolley arrangements. Luggage trolleys are available at the airport and you can find the essential information here.

Luggage Lockers

Manchester Airport offers left luggage and baggage storage services through Excess Baggage Company.

The service is located in the Terminal 2 check-in hall and provides short-term and longer-term luggage storage.

Passengers can arrange storage on arrival or book online in advance.

Storage prices, opening hours and booking arrangements may change.

Check Manchester Airport's official Excess Baggage information before travelling.

Pharmacies

Manchester Airport offers Boots stores and other retailers selling health, beauty and travel essentials.

Boots is included in the airport's current shopping directory, although store locations and available services vary by terminal.

Passengers requiring prescription medication should arrange this before travelling rather than relying on airport pharmacy stock.

Keep essential medicines in your hand luggage and check airport security guidance when travelling with liquid medication or medical equipment.

Visit Manchester Airport's official shopping directory for current Boots locations, services and opening hours.

Viewing Areas

Manchester Airport's Runway Visitor Park offers opportunities to watch aircraft arriving and departing.

Visitors can enjoy runway viewing areas, displays of retired aircraft and attractions including the Concorde hangar.

The park also provides family attractions, refreshments and activities for aviation enthusiasts.

Opening hours, attraction availability and admission arrangements vary.

Visit the official Runway Visitor Park website for the latest information before travelling.