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Pick Up & Drop Off
Dropping someone off
Drop-off areas are located directly outside the terminal building at departures level. So, you can pull up right outside, where you can touch down just long enough to unload luggage.
All passengers can use our free drop off area, from which a shuttle bus will transport you free of charge to your terminal. Alternatively, you can choose to be dropped off directly outside the terminals and train station. The charge for this is £3 for five minutes and £4 for 10 minutes and is payable at the exit barrier.
Please note, a “10 minutes - no return within 30 minutes” restriction is in operation. Please do not exceed 10 minutes or re-enter any of the drop-off areas for at least 30 minutes, to avoid an automatic £25 re-circulation fee. Should you need to return within the restricted period for any reason, we recommend use of the pick-up area. Tariffs and Terms and Conditions are available at entry to each drop off location.
See a map of the free drop off area
See a map of drop off areas outside the terminals
Drop off for Blue Badge holders
Passengers who hold a valid blue badge will be able to access the forecourt areas, free of charge, for drop-off only.
Roadworks affecting the road network around the free drop off area
Between 6th January 2020 and 2nd March 2020 there will be some road closures and lane reductions on the highway network surrounding Manchester Airport. We would ask all those travelling to Manchester Airport to allow an additional 20 minutes for their journey. Where relevant diversion signage will be in place to direct our guests.
Roads affected during this period of time will include:
- Ringway Road
- Thorley Lane
- M56 Junctions 4, 5 and 6
Terminal 3 drop off directions
Exit the M56 at Junction 5 and keep right, following signs for T1 and T3. As you approach the first set of traffic lights, take the left-hand lanes signposted for T3, Wilmslow, Wythenshawe and Gatley (A555). This takes you onto Ringway Road West.
At the second set of traffic lights, go straight on. You will pass a business park on your left. At the third set of traffic lights turn right onto Ringway road, signposted T3 and Car Rental Return. Proceed down Ringway Road and at the first roundabout go straight ahead. At the second roundabout go straight ahead and you will then enter the T3 forecourt where you can see your passengers off.
Picking someone up
There are different parking options available depending on which terminal you’re visiting. Multi-Storey car parks are available at Terminals 2 and 3, or you can head straight to T1 Short Stay or the T3 arrivals car park if you’re picking someone up from Terminal 1 or 3.
The changes that have been introduced only impact those dropping off. The process for picking up passengers remains the same – passengers can be picked up in the Arrivals, Short Stay and Multi-Storey car parks with a charge of £4.50 for 30 minutes. We will have staff on hand to direct those dropping-off and picking-up to the right places.
It isn't possible to pick up outside the train station; the T1 Short Stay car park is just a few minutes' walk away and should be used instead.
See prices for our Multi-Storey and Arrivals car parks
T2 Arrivals pick up change
From 1st April 2019, the location of the Terminal 2 Arrivals car park, i.e the area to pick up customers flying into Manchester, will move to a new car park called T2 Multi Storey West. Please follow signs for ‘P T2 West’ which can be found on the road network surrounding the airport. See updated directions below.
T3 arrivals pick up directions
Exit the M56 at Junction 5 and keep right, following signs for T1 and T3. As you approach the first set of traffic lights, take the left-hand lanes signposted for T3, Wilmslow, Wythenshawe and Gatley (A555). This takes you onto Ringway Road West.
At the second set of traffic lights, go straight on. You will pass a business park on your left. At the third set of traffic lights turn right onto Ringway road, signposted T3 and Car Rental Return. Proceed down Ringway Road and at the first roundabout take the second exit. Proceed past the pedestrian crossing and the entrance to T3 Multi Storey is the second turning on the left. Once you enter the Multi Storey follow signs on the ground floor for T3 Pick Up Zone
Accessibility
Passengers in need of accessibility services, while picking up and dropping off, can find everything they need to know below:
Accessibility services at Terminal 1 Check-in A drop off
Accessibility services at Terminal 1 Check-in B drop off
Accessibility services at Terminal 2 pick up and drop off
Accessibility services at Terminal 3 pick up and drop off
Dropping off
- Leave the M56 at Junction 5 and follow the signs for Terminal 1.
- You will see the Hilton Hotel, followed quickly by the Clayton Hotel, on your left-hand side.
- Take the ramp to the left and enter the car park under the 'Drop Off' sign on the left-hand side.
Arrivals - T1 Short Stay (Previously T1 Arrivals)
- Exit the M56 at junction 5 and follow the signposts for Terminal 1
- Go straight ahead at the traffic light, past the Hilton Hotel on your left
- At the roundabout turn right
- Go straight ahead, passing T1 M&G and underneath the sky link.
- At the roundabout turn left into T1 Short Stay
Dropping off
- Leave the M56 at Junction 5, stay in the left-hand lane following signs for Terminal 2
- At the roundabout take the exit signposted ‘T2’
Arrivals
If you're picking somebody up from Terminal 2, we suggest using our Multi-Storey car park, conveniently located right next to the terminal.
From 1st April 2019, the location of the Terminal 2 Arrivals car park (i.e the area to pick up customers flying into Manchester) will move to a new car park called T2 Multi Storey West. Please follow signs for 'P T2 West Pick Up Zone' which can be found on the road network surrounding the airport.
From 7th October 2019, access to the bridge across the Airport Spur via Thorley Lane will be limited by alternate direction temporary lights which may cause some congestion. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination if you are travelling through this area.
The map coordinates for this car park are:
Latitude: 53.369090
Longitude: -2.283409
Customers landing at Manchester should follow signs for ‘Pick Up Zone’ to reunite with friends, family and private hire companies collecting them.
Dropping off
- Follow the signposts for Terminals 1 and 3. You will see the Hilton Hotel, followed quickly by Clayton Hotel, on your left-hand side.
- Shortly afterwards you will reach a roundabout. Take the first exit at this roundabout.
- At the next (mini) roundabout, take the third exit. Continue until you reach a second mini roundabout.
- At the roundabout take the second exit, the 'Drop Off' area is located in front of the terminal straight ahead.
Arrivals
- Exit the M56 at Junction 5.
- Follow the signposts for Terminals 1 and 3. You will see the Hilton Hotel, followed quickly by Clayton Hotel, on your left-hand side.
- Shortly afterwards you will reach a roundabout. Take the first exit at this roundabout.
- At the next roundabout, take the third exit heading towards Terminal 3
- Continue ahead until you see the entrance to the T3 Multi Storey Car Park on your right
- Turn right and enter the T3 Multi Storey Car Park and follow signs for T3 Arrivals (Pick Up) Zone