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.
Public and private transfers from the airport to the city
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.
Transfer comparison from MAN airport to downtown
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 |
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.
Timetable and tickets here ↗
Travel time:
20-25 minutesCost:
£ 3.20-6.20 ppDescription:
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)
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
45-70 minutesCost:
£ 4.60 ppDescription:
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)
Timetable here, tickets on-site ↗
Travel time:
70-90 minutesCost:
£ 2.00 ppDescription:
Stagecoach ‘Line 43’ from “Manchester Airport” (Stop between Terminal 1 & 3) to “Piccadilly Gardens” in the center Manchester
Official local taxis
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
£ 20-30Description:
Taxi from Manchester Airport (all terminals) to central Manchester, Piccadilly Station or directly to your accommodation in the city center
Book a Private Transfer ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
£ 50Description:
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
Order an Uber ride ↗
Travel time:
30 minutesCost:
£ 20-30Description:
Uber from Manchester Airport (pick-up location according to Uber App) to central Manchester, Piccadilly Station or directly to your accommodationRoute from Manchester Airport (MAN) to central Manchester (Piccadilly Station)
Manchester Travel Tips (AD)
Travel tips and recommendations for a great stay in Manchester:
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