Manchester Airport
Also known as: Manchester International Airport, Manchester Ringway Airport. Formerly Ringway Airport.
Private transfer from MANSee pricesSee pricesAbout Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport (MAN) is the main airport for Manchester and the north of England, and the busiest UK airport outside London. It sits at Ringway, about 7 miles south-west of Manchester city center, beside the M56 motorway.
easyJet, Jet2, TUI and Virgin Atlantic are based in Terminal 2, and Ryanair in Terminal 3. Together with Emirates and many other airlines, they fly across Europe and to the Middle East, North America and Asia, with many holiday flights in summer.
The terminals are changing. Terminal 2 is now the main terminal and has been expanded with a new security hall and pier. Most of Terminal 1 closed in November 2025, and its entrance and security area became part of Terminal 3 in March 2026. Terminals 2 and 3 are linked by the Skylink walkway, which also leads to the airport's railway station.
From the airport, most travelers head into Manchester city center and Salford, south into Cheshire, or further afield to Liverpool, the Peak District and the Lake District. Trains, Metrolink trams and buses all run into the city.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
- Runways
Two parallel runways (05L/23R and 05R/23L)
- Passengers per year
About 32.1 million in 2025
- Terminals
Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 (most of Terminal 1 closed in 2025)
Arrival tips for Manchester Airport
Check whether your flight arrives at Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 before anyone comes to meet you.
You clear UK passport control first. Many visitors can use the automatic eGates, while others queue at the staffed desks, and queues can be long when several holiday flights land together. Most visitors who do not need a visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. After baggage claim, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if you do.
In the arrivals hall, follow the signs for trains, trams, buses or taxis. The railway station and Metrolink tram stop are reached on foot along the Skylink from either terminal. Trains run to Manchester Piccadilly and on to cities across the north of England and Scotland, and the tram runs to Manchester Victoria through the city center. Taxi ranks are outside each terminal, and pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.
The UK is on GMT in winter and BST (GMT+1) in summer, and uses pounds sterling.
Ground transportation
Trains are the quickest way into the city center; a taxi or pre-booked car is easier with luggage or for Cheshire and the countryside.
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Book a transfer from MANTrain to Manchester Piccadilly
Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales trains run from the airport station to Manchester Piccadilly, and on to Crewe, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and North Wales.
Metrolink tram
Trams run about every 12 minutes from the airport to Manchester Victoria via Market Street. Cheaper than the train but slower.
Bus 43 to the city center
Runs 24 hours, every 10 minutes by day and every 30 minutes at night. The cheapest option.
Taxi from Manchester Airport
Taxi ranks are at all terminals. Door to door, though traffic on the M56 and into the city can be heavy at rush hour.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups and trips to Liverpool, the Peak District or the Lake District.
Coaches
National Express and FlixBus coaches serve cities across the UK from the airport.
Moving between terminals
- 1
Skylink walkway
Covered walkways with travelators link Terminals 2 and 3, about a 10–15 minute walk. The Skylink also leads to the railway station and an airport hotel.
Terminals
Terminal 2
The main terminal, expanded with a new security hall and Pier 2. Base for easyJet, Jet2, TUI and Virgin Atlantic.
Airlines commonly assigned here: easyJet, Jet2, TUI Airways, Virgin Atlantic
Terminal 3
Ryanair's base, focused on low-cost short-haul flights. Since March 2026 it includes the former Terminal 1 entrance and security area.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Ryanair
Airlines and destinations
Parking
Short-stay car parks
Multi-storey car parks next to the terminals, for pickups and short stays.
Long-stay and valet parking
Long-stay car parks with buses to the terminals, plus valet parking.
Drop-off
Dropping off at the terminal forecourt costs a fee, and breaking the drop-off rules can lead to a fine. A drop-off car park away from the terminals, with a shuttle bus, is the alternative.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Manchester Airport from the city center?
Manchester Airport is about 7 miles south-west of Manchester city center, at Ringway beside the M56. Trains to Manchester Piccadilly, Metrolink trams to Manchester Victoria and the 24-hour bus 43 all run into the city from the airport.
How many terminals does Manchester Airport have?
Manchester now runs two passenger terminals, Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. Most of Terminal 1 closed in November 2025, and its entrance and security area became part of Terminal 3 in March 2026. Terminal 2 is the main terminal, and the Skylink walkway links the two.
Which terminal does Ryanair use at Manchester?
Ryanair flies from Terminal 3. easyJet, Jet2, TUI and Virgin Atlantic are based in Terminal 2. Check your booking for the terminal, as Manchester's terminals have changed since Terminal 1 closed in 2025.
Is there a train from Manchester Airport?
Yes. Manchester Airport station, reached along the Skylink, has trains to Manchester Piccadilly and direct services to Crewe, Blackpool, Edinburgh, Glasgow and North Wales. The Metrolink tram also runs from the airport to Manchester Victoria.
Is there a drop-off charge at Manchester Airport?
Yes. Drivers pay a fee to drop off at the terminal forecourts, and breaking the drop-off rules can lead to a fine. A drop-off car park away from the terminals, linked by shuttle bus, is the alternative.
How do I get from Manchester Airport to Liverpool?
Liverpool lies west of Manchester Airport. Trains run from the airport with a change, usually in Manchester, and a taxi or pre-booked car goes direct by motorway, which is easier with luggage.