Upon landing in Manchester, there are five main transport options available from Manchester Airport to the city center: taxi, private transfer, train, tram, or bus. Taking a Manchester Airport taxi is one of the most popular choices, especially amongst business travelers and families, as the journey is quick and the service is door-to-door. For a guaranteed on-time pickup and a competitive fare, you can book a private Manchester Airport transfer in advance for an even smoother arrival.

Alternatively, those on a tight budget may prefer using public transport. Trains, trams, and buses run frequently from Manchester Airport and while the journey is often longer than a taxi, it’s a great option for solo travelers and backpackers. However, if you’re traveling with lots of luggage or in a group, a taxi is probably the better choice.

5 options to go from Manchester Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€54 15min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€32.50 20min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Train
€6.80 15min 04:07–01:30
Convenience
Read more
Bus
€8.40 40min 24/7
Convenience
Read more
Tram
€11 45min 04:00–00:00
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Manchester Airport to the city center by taxi

One of the fastest and most convenient ways to get from Manchester Airport to Manchester City Center is by taking a Manchester Airport taxi. There’s no need to book a “black taxi” at the airport so you and any traveling companions can simply turn up and go. Regular taxis can seat 5 to 6 passengers and fares are charged using a taximeter. For the journey into town, you can expect a travel time of 20 to 35 minutes, depending on traffic.

How much is a taxi from Manchester Airport to the city center?

There’s no set-rate taxi fare from Manchester Airport to the city center. Manchester taxis calculate fares based on several things including vehicle size, the time of day, the number of passengers, and your exact destination within the city center. However, the average cost is around £27 (€32.50).

If you feel more comfortable securing a set fare ahead of time and want to be sure that all your needs are taken care of, you can pre-book a Manchester Airport taxi in advance for a seamless door-to-door service.

Where can I get a taxi from?

Manchester taxis are readily available 24/7 outside the Arrivals Hall of each terminal at Manchester Airport. Simply look for the long line of cars and walk to the one at the front.

Convenience

Opting for a taxi from Manchester Airport to the city center is an extremely convenient and comfortable way to reach your destination. There’s no need to wait in a cold bus or train station and your driver will take you directly to the door of your hotel in the city center.

Useful Tips

The larger the taxi you choose, the more expensive it will be.
Taxi drivers in England don't expect tips, but you can round up your fare if you wish.
Some taxi drivers in Manchester accept credit card payments, be sure to ask your driver before getting into the taxi if you need to pay by cash.

How to get from Manchester Airport to the city center by train

Taking a train from Manchester Airport to the city center is the fastest and cheapest transfer option available. Services run non-stop to Manchester Piccadilly Station in 15 to 20 minutes, where you can connect with buses and trains to anywhere in the country.

How much is the train from Manchester Airport to the city center?

A one-way ticket for the train from Manchester Airport to Manchester starts at £2.80 (€3.40) per person when you purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets can be bought online or from the information counter and self-service ticket machines at the station.

Cost
£2.80 (€3.40)
Trip Duration
15 Min.
Wait times vary from 3 to 20 minutes, reaching up to 45 minutes in the early hours of the morning.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The train from Manchester Airport to the city center is available from 04:07 to 01:30.

Where do I get the train from?

The airport station for Manchester Airport to Manchester City trains is accessible via the Sky Link bridge from all terminals. From Terminal 1 it will take around 5 minutes to walk, 10 minutes from Terminal 2, and 7 minutes from Terminal 3. You can also take the free shuttle bus if you have lots of luggage or reduced mobility.

Convenience

As the fastest transfer option from Manchester Airport to the city center, the train is very convenient. There is also some luggage storage space on board, free WiFi, and comfortable seats, making the journey very relaxing and enjoyable. The downside is that once you reach the train station in the city center, you will still need to take another mode of transportation to get to your hotel.

Timetables

Train from Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport – Piccadilly Station

Useful Tips

Trains are operated by TransPennine Express and Northern Rail.
Save up to 64% when you buy your tickets in advance.
The train from Manchester Airport is temperature controlled year round so it is very comfortable.
There's WiFi available on the train.
Luggage rails for large items and overhead storage for smaller items are available throughout all cabins on the train.

Getting from Manchester Airport to Manchester City Center by bus

Two Stagecoach buses run from Manchester Airport to the city center of Manchester, numbers 43 and 103. Taking the bus is a good budget option, but it’s the slowest transfer as it takes 40-45 minutes to reach Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester.

How much is the bus from Manchester Airport to the city center?

A one-way ticket for the 43 or 103 bus costs £3.50 (€4.20). You can purchase this from the driver by cash or card.

Cost
£3.50 (€4.20)
Trip Duration
45 Min.
There's a wait time of up to 15 minutes for the 43 and 103 buses.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Stagecoach buses 43 and 103 are available 24/7 from Manchester Airport.

Where do I get the bus from?

The buses run from the train station at Manchester Airport. You can reach them using the Sky Link tunnel which is a 5 to 10-minute walk from all three terminals.

Convenience

Although they run 24/7, taking a Stagecoach bus from Manchester Airport to Manchester city center is the least convenient transfer option. There are multiple stops along the way, making the journey take over double that of the other transfer options. Plus, once you reach the city center, you will need to take another mode of transportation to get to your hotel.

Timetables

Bus Route Planner

Useful Tips

The Stagecoach buses run 24/7 from Manchester Airport but more frequently during the day.
You can pay the driver on the bus, but you must carry change in the local currency (British pounds) or use your card.
There's very limited luggage storage on the buses.
Through to the end of December 2024 tickets cost just £2 (€2.40)

How do I get from Manchester Airport to town by tram?

The final public transport option is the Manchester Airport to City Center tram called the Metrolink. The Navy Line towards Victoria takes 45 minutes to up to one hour to reach Shudehill Interchange, where you can transfer to another tram or bus. With plenty of stops along the way, including Deansgate-Castlefield and Market Street, the tram is ideal for those getting off elsewhere.

How much does the tram cost?

A single ticket traveling from Manchester Airport in Zone 4 to the city center in Zone 1 costs £4.60 (€5.50) per person. Tickets can be purchased online, from machines inside the airport station using a card or cash, through the Metrolink app, or by tapping a credit or debit card on the yellow smart readers when you board.

Cost
€5.50
Trip Duration
45 Min.
The tram departs approximately every 12 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The tram operates between 04:00 and midnight from Monday through Saturday, and from 06:00 on Sundays.

Where does the tram depart from?

Similar to the train and bus, the tram departs from the Manchester Airport station which is a 5 to 15-minute walk via the Sky Link tunnel, depending on which terminal you are landing at.

Convenience

The tram takes around the same time as the bus, if not less when you consider that it runs more frequently. Furthermore, it won’t be impacted by traffic. That being said, it still isn’t the most convenient option so unless there is a stop along the way near to your accommodation, the train is a faster and cheaper option. Otherwise, a private transfer can offer a direct service, allowing you to arrive stress-free and relaxed.

Timetables

Tram Timetable

Useful Tips

If you have luggage, try to board one of the carriages on the end which are typically less crowded.
Don't board the train without a valid ticket or tapping on or else you risk a hefty fine.
Children under the age of 5 travel for free.
Keep an eye on the display board so that you don't miss your stop.

Getting from Manchester Airport to the city center by private transfer

If you’re after comfort and privacy, a Manchester Airport transfer from Manchester Airport to the city is the most convenient way to travel. Rides to the center take around 20 minutes and you’ll be taken directly to the door of your hotel.

Private transfer services, like those offered by Welcome Pickups, can be tailored to suit your needs, providing a guaranteed on-time pick-up at a competitive fixed fare price with around-the-clock customer support. Their flexible approach means your transfer will run as seamlessly as possible while providing lots of additional benefits such as an airport meet-and-greet, flight monitoring, and a local English-speaking driver who knows the streets of Manchester well.

Our drivers also take a personal approach to each ride, providing a mini tour of the city on the way to your destination, and offering up some local tips and tricks to ensure your time in Manchester is nothing short of perfect.

How much will my private transfer cost?

One of the best things about a private transfer is how easy the booking process is. In less than a minute a fixed fare quote will be provided, inclusive of all charges, so you know exactly the cost of your ride upfront. 

No need to worry about the charge on the meter creeping up when you get stuck in traffic, when you book with Welcome Pickups you can have peace of mind that the price you pay at the time of booking, is the final price. 

For rides for four people in a private sedan, the cost for a transfer from Manchester Airport to your hotel will be £45 (€54). If you’re traveling in a larger group and need extra space, then one of our minivans should do the trick, with room for up to eight people. For a transfer in a minivan, the journey will cost £70 (€84), with no hidden extras.

Cost
£45 (€54)
Trip Duration
20 Min.
*A vehicle will be waiting upon arrival when booked in advance.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers can be arranged 24/7 from Manchester International Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

Whether you are arriving at Terminal 1,2 or 3 at Manchester Airport, you’ll find your friendly Welcome driver waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall when you land, just after Baggage Claim. After a warm introduction, you’ll be helped with your luggage and shown to the vehicle that you selected during the booking process, ready to start your transfer.

Convenience

If you’re considering taking a taxi from the airport, a private transfer might be a better option. While more expensive than a regular taxi, a Welcome Airport transfer offers extra benefits like upfront pricing and flight monitoring, giving you peace of mind when planning and budgeting for your trip. This can be especially helpful if you’re traveling with family or visiting for business and want the assurance that you’ll reach your destination without a hitch.

Useful Tips

We suggest a pickup time of 30 minutes or later after your flight's scheduled arrival.
Your driver will receive a notification if your flight schedule changes so they can adjust your pickup time and still be there to greet you.
Feel free to add any requests or customizations to your transfer at the time of booking, such as a wheelchair-adapted vehicle, a child booster seat, or a minivan.
Payment will be taken at the time of booking so you won't need to withdraw cash on arrival or worry about credit card fees.

Manchester Airport private transfers

Powered by Welcome Pickups. Book a trained, English-speaking driver to pick you up for a fixed price with no hidden fees.
Book Sedan
Sedan

Sedan up to 4 passengers

€53Starting from 13.3 EUR / passenger

Mercedes-Benz E-class, Volkswagen Passat, Skoda Octavia
Book Minivan
Minivan

Minivan up to 6 passengers

€89Starting from 14.8 EUR / passenger

Mercedes-Benz Vito, Mercedes-Benz E-class, Vauxhall Vivaro
Book Minibus
Minibus

Minibus up to 12 passengers

€241Starting from 20.1 EUR / passenger

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from the airport to Manchester city center?

When considering your transport from Manchester Airport to the city center you have five options to choose from: taxi, private transfer, bus, tram, or train. The train is the quickest transfer option, taking 15 minutes to reach the city center and costing just £2.80 (€3.40) per person.

Another convenient option is taking a Manchester Airport taxi or a private transfer, as these take just 20 minutes to reach the city center. Lastly, you can take the Stagecoach 43 or 103 bus or the Navy Line on the tram, both of which take about 45 minutes to reach Manchester and cost £3.50 (€4.20) and £4.60 (€5.50), respectively.

How much is a taxi from Manchester Airport to city center?

How much is the train from Manchester Airport to the city?

How far is Manchester Airport to the city?

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Transfer Options in Manchester