Manchester Airport (MAN) serves as a crucial international and domestic hub for the North of England, connecting millions of passengers annually to destinations across Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Manchester Airport has three passenger terminals and a dedicated cargo terminal. The airport caters to a diverse range of travellers, ranging from families embarking on holidays with airlines like Jet2.com, TUI, and Ryanair, to business professionals flying with carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways.
We have collected and tried to verify information on the various on-site parking options, their costs, and the booking process for a smooth start to any journey from MAN.
Manchester Airport (MAN) Information
- Full Name: Manchester Airport
- IATA Code: MAN
- ICAO Code: EGCC
- Operator: Manchester Airports Group (MAG) – which also operates London Stansted and East Midlands.
- Location: Ringway, Manchester, approximately 9 miles (14 km) southwest of Manchester city centre.
- Terminals: Manchester Airport has three main passenger terminals (Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3), each with its own dedicated parking facilities or shared access to larger car parks.
Steps to Make Reservations and Book Parking at Manchester Airport
Pre-booking parking at Manchester Airport is highly recommended and often essential to secure the best prices and guarantee a space, particularly during peak travel seasons (school holidays, summer, Christmas).
Drive-up rates are significantly more expensive.
Steps to Pre-Book MAN Parking Online via the Official Website
- Access Official Portal: Go directly to the official Manchester Airport parking booking page: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/parking/.
- Enter Travel Details: Input your departure terminal (T1, T2, or T3), your flight departure date and time, and your return flight arrival date and time.
- Get a Quote & Compare: Click "Get a quote." The system will display available official parking products for your selected terminal and dates, along with their current prices. Options may include Multi-Storey, Mid Stay, JetParks, Meet & Greet, or Drop & Go.
- Review Options: Carefully compare the features of each product, such as proximity to the terminal, transfer times (if any), security features (e.g., Park Mark award), and whether it's a flexible or non-flexible booking.
- Select Your Parking: Choose the parking option that best meets your requirements and budget.
- Add Passenger & Vehicle Details: Enter passenger details and your vehicle registration number. Manchester Airport uses an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system for seamless entry and exit.
- Complete Payment: Proceed to the secure payment page and pay using an accepted credit/debit card or other available online payment methods.
- Receive Confirmation: You will receive an email booking confirmation containing your unique booking reference number, arrival instructions (including directions to your specific car park), and often a QR code as a backup for entry/exit. Keep this email safe and accessible.
Parking Fees and Rates at Manchester Airport (MAN)
Parking prices at Manchester Airport are dynamic and vary considerably based on several factors: the specific car park product, the terminal, the length of stay, how far in advance you book, and the time of year.
The rates provided below are for illustrative guidance only. Always obtain a real-time quote from the official Manchester Airport parking website for your exact travel dates.
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Parking Product
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Serves Terminal(s)
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Transfer Time to Terminal
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Best For
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Illustrative Price Guide (Pre-booked, per week)
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T1/T3 Mid Stay
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T1, T3
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5-10 min walk (T3); 10-12 min walk (T1)
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Stays of a few days, good balance of cost/convenience
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From ~£60-£90+
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T2 Mid Stay (formerly T2 West Multi-Storey)
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T2
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1-5 min walk
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Short to medium stays, close to T2
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From ~£70-£100+
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Multi-Storey T1, T2, T3
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T1, T2, T3
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1-5 min walk (covered walkway for T1, T2)
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Short stays, pick-ups, drop-offs, maximum convenience
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From ~£80-£120+ (drive-up rates much higher)
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JetParks (1, 2, 3, Ringway)
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All Terminals
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5-12 min free shuttle bus (JetParks 1&2); 10-15 min (JetParks 3 & Ringway)
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Budget-conscious, longer stays (1 week+)
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Often the cheapest, from ~£50-£80+
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Drop & Go
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All Terminals
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Staff park your car; 2-5 min bus transfer to terminal
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Convenience, time-saving, car parked for you
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From ~£70-£110+
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Meet & Greet (T1, T2, T3)
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T1, T2, T3
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Drop off at terminal forecourt/dedicated M&G area
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Ultimate convenience, families, business travellers
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Premium, from ~£90-£150+
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Short Stay / Pick Up (at Multi-Storey)
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T1, T2, T3
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1-5 min walk
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Passenger pick-up
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£6 for 30 mins; £12 for 1 hour (turn-up)
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Terminal Drop Off Zones
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T1, T2, T3
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Directly outside terminals
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Quick passenger drop-off ONLY
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£5 for 5 mins; £6 for 10 mins; £25 over 10 mins
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Key Considerations for Parking Fees at MAN
- Pre-booking Savings: Booking in advance through the official website is almost always cheaper than paying the drive-up (turn-up) rate.
- Flexibility: Non-flexible bookings are usually cheaper but cannot be amended or cancelled. Flexible bookings offer this option for a higher price.
- Overstay Charges: If you stay longer than your pre-booked period, you will be charged for the extra time at the car park's standard daily rate displayed at the entrance.
Step-by-Step of How to Pay for Manchester Airport Parking
For Pre-Booked Parking:
- Payment is made online at the time of booking via the official Manchester Airport website.
- Upon arrival at your pre-booked car park, the ANPR system should recognize your vehicle's number plate, and the barrier will lift automatically.
- If the barrier does not lift, DO NOT take a ticket. Scan the QR code on your booking confirmation email at the entry barrier scanner. If you still have issues, press the intercom button for assistance and quote your booking reference number.
- The same ANPR/QR code process applies for exiting the car park.
For Drive-Up/Turn-Up Parking (e.g., Short Stay / Pick Up at Multi-Storey Car Parks):
- Entry: Drive to the entry barrier of the chosen Multi-Storey car park. The ANPR system will record your entry, or you may need to take a ticket from the machine if prompted (though ANPR is standard).
- Park Vehicle: Find an available parking bay.
- Payment (Before Returning to Car): Before going back to your vehicle, locate a Pay-on-Foot station. These are typically found within the Multi-Storey car parks or near the terminal access points from the car parks.
- Enter Details: Enter your vehicle registration number at the pay station, or insert your entry ticket if you took one.
- Pay Amount: The machine will display the calculated parking fee. Pay using a credit card or debit card. Some machines may also accept cash (GBP).
- Exit: Once payment is confirmed, the system registers your vehicle as paid. Drive to the exit barrier, which should lift automatically via ANPR. If you used a ticket, you might need to insert the validated ticket. You usually have a short grace period (e.g., 10-15 minutes) to exit after payment.
Accepted Payment Methods for Manchester Airport Parking
Online Pre-Booking (Official Website):
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
- Debit Cards: Most major UK debit cards (Visa Debit, Maestro, etc.).
- PayPal: May be offered as a payment option.
On-Site Pay-on-Foot Stations:
- Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
- Debit Cards: Most major UK debit cards.
- Cash: Pound Sterling (GBP) is accepted at many pay stations.
- Contactless Payments: Widely available.
Official Manchester Airport Parking Website and Booking Portals
For guaranteed official parking, the most up-to-date information, and generally the best pre-booking rates, always use the official Manchester Airport channels:
- Main Airport Website: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/
- Official Parking Booking Page: https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/parking/
Booking directly ensures you are dealing with the airport itself and can benefit from official promotions or guarantees.
Arrivals and Pick-Up Parking at Manchester Airport (MAN)
When collecting passengers arriving at Terminals 1, 2, or 3:
- Designated Pick-Up Zones (Short Stay / Multi-Storey): The most convenient way to pick up passengers is by using the Multi-Storey car parks designated for each terminal (T1, T2, T3). These are signposted as "Short Stay & Pick Up."
- Cost: A specific pick-up tariff applies. For example:
- £6.00 for up to 30 minutes
- £12.00 for up to 1 hour
- £17.00 for up to 2 hours
- £22.00 for up to 4 hours
- £50.00 for up to 24 hours
(These are drive-up rates and subject to change; verify on-site or on the official website.)
- Free Pick-Up Option (Limited): Manchester Airport sometimes offers a free drop-off zone located away from the terminals that can potentially be used for very quick pick-ups if the passenger is ready and waiting, but this is primarily for drop-offs.
For pick-ups where waiting is required, the Multi-Storey car parks are the official and recommended solution. Check the MAN website for current "free drop-off" area rules and location, as it can change and may involve a bus transfer for the passenger.
- Terminal Forecourts are NOT for Pick-Up: The areas directly outside the terminal arrivals doors are strictly controlled and are not for waiting or general pick-ups. Unattended vehicles or those waiting will be moved on and may incur fines.
Departures and Drop-Off Parking at Manchester Airport (MAN)
For dropping off passengers flying from Terminals 1, 2, or 3:
- Terminal Drop-Off Zones (Forecourts): Each terminal has a designated drop-off zone directly on the terminal forecourt for quick passenger drop-offs.
- Cost: Charges apply for using these zones:
- £5.00 for 5 minutes
- £6.00 for 10 minutes
- £25.00 for stays over 10 minutes
- Payment is made at the exit barrier of the drop-off zone using a card. These zones are for active unloading only; drivers must remain with their vehicles.
- Free Drop-Off Option: Manchester Airport provides a free drop-off area located in the JetParks 1 car park. Passengers can be dropped off here, and then they can take a free shuttle bus to their respective terminal. The bus journey takes approximately 5-12 minutes. This is the most economical option if you have a little extra time.
- Short Stay / Multi-Storey Car Parks: If you wish to accompany passengers into the terminal building or need more than a few minutes, it is advisable to park in one of the terminal Multi-Storey car parks. Standard Short Stay rates will apply.
Manchester Airport (MAN) Parking Map and Car Park Locations
Manchester Airport is a large site with car parks spread out to serve its three terminals. All official car parks are well signposted from major approach roads (M56 motorway).
- Terminal 1 Parking:
- T1 Multi-Storey: Directly opposite Terminal 1, connected by a covered walkway. For Short Stay, Pick-Up, and pre-booked stays.
- T1/T3 Mid Stay: A short walk to Terminal 3 (5-10 mins) and slightly longer to Terminal 1 (10-12 mins).
- Meet & Greet T1: Dedicated drop-off/collection points, follow signs.
- Terminal 2 Parking:
- T2 Multi-Storey West: Directly opposite Terminal 2, connected by a covered walkway. For Short Stay, Pick-Up, and pre-booked stays. (Previously T2 West, now often just T2 Multi-Storey).
- T2 Multi-Storey East: Also close to T2, often used for pre-booked stays.
- Meet & Greet T2: Dedicated drop-off/collection points, follow signs.
- Terminal 3 Parking:
- T3 Multi-Storey: Directly opposite Terminal 3. For Short Stay, Pick-Up, and pre-booked stays.
- T1/T3 Mid Stay: Short walk to Terminal 3 (5-10 mins).
- Meet & Greet T3: Dedicated drop-off/collection points, follow signs.
- JetParks (JetParks 1, 2, 3, JetParks Ringway): These are off-site budget car parks located further from the terminals. All are served by free, regular shuttle buses to all three terminals. Follow specific signage for the JetParks car park you have booked.
- Drop & Go: Located near the JetParks areas, with a dedicated shuttle bus service after you've dropped your car and keys.
The Manchester Airport website provides maps within its parking section, and your booking confirmation will include specific directions to your allocated car park.
The ANPR system and clear road signage make navigation to your chosen car park straightforward.