How to get from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester Piccadilly Train Station is the main train station in Manchester. Built in 1842, Piccadilly Station offers long-distance, intercity and cross-country services to famous destinations such as London, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. To get from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly train station, you have three different transfer options; taxi, train or bus. The quickest transfer option is the train, it takes just 15 minutes to reach Piccadilly and costs £3.20 (€4) one-way. The most comfortable transfer option is taking a Manchester Airport taxi or private car as it takes only 18 minutes direct. Your final option is to take one of the two buses from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly. These cost just £3.50 (€4) one-way but take around 45 minutes.
Comparison of the options
| OPTION | PRICE | DURATION | AVAILABILITY | |
|---|
| Taxi | €50 | 18min | 24/7 | |
| Train | €8 | 15min | 02:51–01:53 | |
| Bus | €8 | 45min | 24/7 | |
How to get from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly by taxi
The most comfortable way to travel from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly is by taking a Manchester airport taxi or private transfer. They are available 24/7 and will take you on a private ride to Piccadilly station in just 18 minutes in light traffic.
Taxi fare from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly
Taxis at Manchester airport don't offer a set-rate fee for the journey to Piccadilly station. Instead, they will calculate your fare based on a number of factors, such as the time of day, vehicle size and number of passengers. Having said this, the average fare for a taxi from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly is £42 (€50).
Convenience
Nothing beats a private and relaxing transfer, especially after a long flight. That's why taking a taxi from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly is so convenient. No matter what time you land, a taxi will be waiting to take you directly to the front door of Piccadilly station so you can begin your journey in style.
Editor’s Note
Taking a taxi is extremely comfortable and a great option if you're travelling in a group or with lots of luggage. However, if you're on a budget, the train will get you there in the same amount of time but for a much lower price.
Useful Tips
Some taxi drivers accept card payments, but be sure to check with your driver before entering the cab.
Tips are not expected by taxi drivers in England, but you can round up your fare if you had great service.
If you're travelling at night, expect your fare to be a little higher. How to get from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly by train
Taking the train from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly station is the quickest transfer option. You will reach the train station in 15 minutes and can make your transfer to anywhere else in England from there.
How much is the train from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly?
A one-way ticket for the train from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly costs just £3.20 (€4). You can purchase your tickets online in advance to save money or from the automatic ticket machines in the station.
Cost
£3.20 (€4)
Trip Duration
15 Min.
There's a waiting time of up to 15 minutes for the train.
The train is available from 02:51 to 01:53.
Where do I get it from?
The train to Manchester Piccadilly is located in the train station at Manchester airport. You can get there from all terminals by walking around 10 minutes on the Sky Link bridge.
Convenience
Taking the train from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly isn't just the cheapest option, it's also one of the most convenient. The trains practically run 24/7 from Manchester airport and run directly to Picaddily station in just 15 minutes. Unless you are travelling with a lot of luggage, this is a great transfer option for all budgets.
Editor’s Note
To make your train journey even more comfortable, you can book a first-class ticket online in advance for slightly more than a standard ticket. This way you get more space, more luggage storage and a better WiFi connection.
Useful Tips
You can save up to 61% if you book your train ticket online in advance.
There's WiFi available on board the train.
Be sure to arrive 5 minutes before to train is due to leave to ensure you can get a seat. How to get from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly by bus
There are two different Stagecoach buses that run from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly train station 24/7, they are the 43 and 103 buses. Although this transfer option is cheap, it's the slowest as it takes 45 minutes to reach Picaddily station.
How much are the buses from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly?
A one-way ticket for the 43 and 103 buses costs £3.50 (€4). You can purchase your tickets from the driver.
Cost
£3.50 (€4)
Trip Duration
45 Min.
There's a waiting time of up to 15 minutes for the 43 and 103 buses.
The 43 and 103 buses are available 24/7 from Manchester airport.
Where do I get it from?
The 43 and 103 Stagecoach buses depart from the train station at Manchester airport. To get there from all three terminals, you can use the Sky Link bridge. It takes just 10 minutes to walk from the terminal buildings to the train station.
Convenience
Taking the bus from Manchester airport to Manchester Piccadilly is the least convenient transfer option. It takes over double the time of the other transfer options and once you arrive to Piccadilly Gardens, you will need to walk to Piccadilly station.
Editor’s Note
Although taking the public 43 or 103 bus is a cheap transfer option, taking the train is a much more convenient and much faster option. I recommend choosing the train if it's available when you land.
Useful Tips
The bus drivers accept payments in both cash and by card.
If you're paying with cash, be sure to have change in the local currency with you.
There's limited luggage storage at the front of the buses. 
