How to get from Manchester Airport (MAN) ✈️ to the City Center

Manchester Airport (MAN) is the largest international airport of Manchester and is located about 14 km southwest of the main city center. Upon arrival, you can reach downtown Manchester by Public train, Metro, Public bus, Taxi, Welcome Pickups (Private Transfer) or Uber.

This guide compares all available airport transfers at Manchester Airport (MAN) according to classic travel factors. This includes travel time, cost per person (pp), a short route description and links to book or buy tickets.

Transfer comparison

Overview of all transfer options from Manchester Airport to the City Center

	Transport	Travel time	Cost
	Public train	20‑25 Min.	£ 3.20‑6.20	Details
	Metro	45-70 Min.	£ 4.60	Details
	Public bus	70‑90 Min.	£ 3.50	Details
	Taxi	30 Min.	£ 20‑30	Details
	Welcome Pickups	45 Min.	£ 50	Details
	Uber	30 Min.	£ 20‑30	Details

ⓘ Status 2023

Notices:
• There may be waiting times at the taxi rank if there are high volume of passengers. In this case, a pre-booked transfer (e.g. via Welcome Pickups) is the more faster and comfortable option.
• The optimal transfer depends on the number of travelers, budget and available time.

Manchester Travel Tips (AD)

Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Manchester:

    Cheap flights to Manchester

   Best hotels in Manchester

   Tours and attractions in Manchester

   High-quality suitcases and trolleys

Public train

Timetable and tickets here ↗

Travel time:

20-25 minutes

Cost:

£ 3.20-6.20 pp

Description:

Public trains from “Manchester Airport” (Station between Terminal 1 & 3) to “Manchester Piccadilly” (City Center), “Manchester Oxford Road” (City South) or “Manchester Victoria” (City North)

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Metro

Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗

Travel time:

45-70 minutes

Cost:

£ 4.60 pp

Description:

Metrolink ‘Navy Line’ from “Manchester Airport” (Station between Terminal 1 & 3) to “Cornbrook”, “Manchester Piccadilly” (City Center), “Manchester Oxford Road” (City South) or “Manchester Victoria” (City North)

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Public bus

Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗

Travel time:

70-90 minutes

Cost:

£ 2.00 pp

Description:

Stagecoach ‘Line 43’ from “Manchester Airport” (Stop between Terminal 1 & 3) to “Piccadilly Gardens” in the center Manchester

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Taxi

Official local taxis

Travel time:

30 minutes

Cost:

£ 20-30

Description:

Taxi from Manchester Airport (all terminals) to central Manchester, Piccadilly Station or directly to your accommodation in the city center

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Welcome Pickups (AD)

Book a Private Transfer ↗

Travel time:

30 minutes

Cost:

£ 50

Description:

Comfortable private transfer (via Welcome Pickups) from Manchester Airport (Nameplate in the in Arrival Hall) to central Manchester, Piccadilly Station or directly to your accommodation

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Uber (AD)

Order an Uber ride ↗

Travel time:

30 minutes

Cost:

£ 20-30

Description:

Uber from Manchester Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to central Manchester, Piccadilly Station or directly to your accommodation

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Route from Manchester Airport (MAN) to central Manchester (Piccadilly Station)

Things to know about Manchester:

1. The world’s first modern computer was built in Manchester and ran for the first time on 21st June 1948
2. In 1888 the world’s first professional football league was set up at the Royal Hotel in Manchester
3. The Curry Mile in Manchester is the largest concentration of south-asian restaurants outside of Asia