Manchester Airport to Windermere Transfer: Fixed Fares and How the Pickup Works
Everything for your Manchester Airport to Windermere transfer in one place: distance and journey time, fixed fares per vehicle, the meeting point in arrivals and the return trip.
Distance and journey time
The distance is about 89 miles (143 km). In normal traffic the drive takes about 1 hour 50 minutes; leave extra time in the morning and evening peaks, on Fridays and before bank holidays. From the airport the car takes the M56 and the M6 north to junction 36, then the A590 and A591 to Windermere and Bowness, in about 1 hour 50 minutes.
About Windermere
Windermere is the gateway to the Lake District, and Manchester is its nearest international airport. Drop-offs are often lakeside hotels in Bowness and Ambleside, holiday cottages up narrow lanes, and the steamer piers. Give the cottage address and any access notes in the booking.
Fares by vehicle
- Economy Sedan (up to 4 passengers, 3 suitcases): from about £163
- First Class Sedan (4 passengers, 3 suitcases): about £228
- Standard Van (6 passengers, 4 suitcases): about £277
- First Class Van (6 passengers, 5 suitcases): about £440
- Minibus (up to 16 passengers, 10 suitcases): from about £489
Prices are per vehicle, not per person. The exact fixed price for your date and address is shown on the booking form before you pay, and does not change with traffic.
Meeting your driver at Manchester Airport
Your driver tracks the flight and waits in the arrivals hall of your terminal with your name on a sign. The first 60 minutes after landing are free and airport parking is already in the price, so a long passport or baggage queue costs you nothing. 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
For the journey from Windermere to Manchester Airport, most travellers book a pickup about 3.5 hours before a short-haul flight and an hour earlier for long-haul. After the drive of about 1 hour 50 minutes, that leaves around 1 hour 45 minutes at the airport for check-in, bag drop and security. Choose "Return" on the booking form to reserve both journeys at once, with a discount on the second.
More information
See our Manchester Airport transfers guide. Related routes: Manchester Airport to Manchester city centre and Manchester Airport to Liverpool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is it from Manchester Airport to Windermere?
About 89 miles (143 km).
How long does the journey take?
About 1 hour 50 minutes in normal traffic; longer at peak times.
How much is a taxi from Manchester Airport to Windermere?
From about £163 in an Economy Sedan for up to 4 passengers, or about £277 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.
