Manchester Airport to Manchester City Centre Transfer: Fixed Fares and How the Pickup Works
A private car from Manchester Airport to Manchester city centre is a drive of about 25 minutes in normal traffic. This page covers the route, what each vehicle costs, where your driver meets you and how to time the journey back.
Distance and journey time
The distance is about 10 miles (16 km). In normal traffic the drive takes about 25 minutes; leave extra time in the morning and evening peaks, on Fridays and before bank holidays. The usual route is the M56 north and then Princess Parkway into the centre, arriving at Piccadilly, Deansgate or Spinningfields in about 25 minutes.
About Manchester city centre
Most pickups and drop-offs are hotels around Piccadilly, Deansgate and Spinningfields, Salford Quays and MediaCity, and the student areas along Oxford Road. Match days at the Etihad and Old Trafford slow the roads around the stadiums, so tell us if you are travelling on one.
Fares by vehicle
- Economy Sedan (up to 4 passengers, 3 suitcases): from about £36
- First Class Sedan (4 passengers, 3 suitcases): about £50
- Standard Van (6 passengers, 4 suitcases): about £61
- First Class Van (6 passengers, 5 suitcases): about £97
- Minibus (up to 16 passengers, 10 suitcases): from about £108
You pay per car, not per passenger. Your exact fixed price appears on the booking form as soon as you add your address and date, and it stays the same whatever the traffic.
Meeting your driver at Manchester Airport
We follow your flight's real landing time, so an early or late arrival is no problem. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall of your terminal, holding a sign with your name, helps with the luggage and walks you to the car. Waiting is free for 60 minutes from landing, and parking is included. Manchester has three terminals. Terminals 1 and 3 sit next to each other and Terminal 2 is a short walk away along the covered Skylink; we read your terminal from the flight number, so the driver is in the right arrivals hall.
Going back to the airport
Going back, a pickup about 2.5 hours before a short-haul departure is a safe choice from Manchester city centre (add an hour for long-haul): it leaves roughly 2 hours at Manchester Airport once you arrive. The driver collects you from your door and drops you at departures. Booking "Return" covers both legs and takes a discount off the return.
More information
See our Manchester Airport transfers guide. Related routes: Manchester Airport to Liverpool and Manchester Airport to Leeds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Manchester Airport to Manchester city centre?
About 10 miles (16 km).
How long does the journey take?
Around 25 minutes when the roads are clear. Rush hour and holiday weekends add time.
How much is a taxi from Manchester Airport to Manchester city centre?
From about £36 in an Economy Sedan for up to 4 passengers, or about £61 in a Standard Van for up to 6. The price is per vehicle.
Where will the driver meet me?
In the arrivals hall of your terminal, holding a sign with your name. Waiting is free for 60 minutes after landing.
Are child seats available?
Yes, at no extra cost. Tell us the children's ages when you book.
