Landed at Manchester Airport and need to get into the city? Or heading the other way for a flight? I live in Manchester and use this journey all the time, so here is everything you need to know about getting from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly by train, tram, bus and taxi, with 2026 prices and tips for the new terminal layout now that Terminal 1 has closed.
The good news is that Manchester Airport is really close to the city centre, and the quickest option gets you to Piccadilly in under 20 minutes!
Quick Tips for Getting From Manchester Airport to Piccadilly
- The train is the best option for most people. It is quick, frequent and cheap, taking 15 to 20 minutes.
- Terminal 1 has closed. Most airlines now use Terminal 2, and Ryanair uses Terminal 3.
- Allow 10 to 20 minutes to walk from arrivals to the train station, tram stop and bus station because they are a long walk, which are all at The Station transport hub.
- On a budget? The 43 bus is just £2, with fares frozen for 2026.
- Book a flexible train ticket rather than a specific train time, in case your flight is delayed.
Manchester Airport to Piccadilly at a Glance
Manchester Airport Terminals in 2026
Manchester Airport is now a two terminal airport. Terminal 1 closed for good in March 2026 after more than 60 years, following the huge transformation of Terminal 2.
- Terminal 2 is the main terminal, used by most airlines including Jet2, easyJet, TUI, British Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines ands more.
- Terminal 3 is used by Ryanair, and it is being expanded into the space left behind by Terminal 1.
The train station, tram stop and bus station are all together at a transport hub called The Station, which sits between the two terminals. Both terminals link to it via covered walkways called the Skylink, and you will see signs as soon as you come through arrivals.
TOP TIP: There are moving walkways on the Skylink, but the last time I was there they were not working, so do not rely on them. Allow a good 10 to 20 minutes to walk from arrivals to The Station because it is a surprisingly long way, especially is the moving walkways are not working.
Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes during the day, and many carry on to other places in and around Manchester, plus Northern cities like York, Leeds and Sheffield, so it is worth checking if there is a station closer to where you are staying. Sometimes Piccadilly is the final stop and sometimes the train carries on, so listen out for the announcements.
Trains run late into the night and through the early hours too, but they are much less frequent overnight, so if you land late, check the times before you set off.
When it comes to tickets, a flexible Anytime Day Single costs around £5 to £7, while an Advance Single can be as cheap as around £3. I always recommend the Anytime ticket if you book before you land, because there are so many reasons you might miss a specific train: a delayed flight, long passport queues or a slow walk to the station. It is not worth the risk for the sake of a few pounds!
I like booking my ticket in advance on The Trainline so I can jump straight on the next train without queuing at a ticket machine. Your QR code ticket in the app gets you through the barriers.
- Journey time: 15 to 20 minutes, direct
- Cost: From around £3 in advance, or about £5 to £7 for a flexible Anytime Day Single
- When it runs: Every 10 to 20 minutes during the day, less often overnight
- Where to catch it: Manchester Airport station at The Station
- Booking: In advance on The Trainline or at the ticket machines
Flight delayed? You may be able to claim up to £520 back with AirHelp flight delay compensation. And if you land in the middle of the night and just want to sleep, there are hotels at Manchester Airport so you can get the train in the morning.
2. Tram (Metrolink)
Manchester’s tram network, the Metrolink, has a stop at The Station, and you can tap in with contactless on the platform, so there is no need to buy a ticket in advance.
The fare is around the same as the train, but the journey is much slower at around 50 minutes, as it winds through Wythenshawe and South Manchester. It also does not stop right at Piccadilly train station, so you may need to change trams in the city centre.
That said, it is a brilliant backup if there is a train strike or disruption, as it is run separately from the trains which is why I wanted to include it. The airport line also has very early services from around 3am, which is handy for those cheaper dawn flights you’ve booked.
- Journey time: Around 50 minutes to the city centre
- Cost: Around £4 to £5, with Metrolink fares frozen for 2026
- When it runs: From around 3am, then regularly through the day
- Where to catch it: The Metrolink stop at The Station
- Booking: Not needed, just tap in and out with contactless. Check times on the TfGM journey planner.
3. Bus (43)
If you are on a budget, the 43 bus is the cheapest way into the city centre, running from The Station to Piccadilly Gardens, about a 10 minute walk from Piccadilly train station.
All Bee Network single fares are capped at £2 for adults and £1 for children, frozen for the whole of 2026, and every single is a “hopper”, so you can change onto as many Bee Network buses as you like within an hour for the same price.
It is the slowest option and can get busy if you have lots of luggage, but for a solo traveller or couple on a budget it is fantastic value.
- Journey time: Around 1 hour
- Cost: £2 for adults, £1 for children
- When it runs: Regularly through the day, check late night times on the TfGM journey planner
- Where to catch it: The bus station at The Station
- Booking: Not needed, pay on board with contactless
4. Taxi, Street Cars and Uber
If you land late, have little ones or lots of luggage, a taxi is the easiest option. The drive takes around 30 minutes, or as little as 20 minutes with no traffic and 40 to 50 minutes in rush hour.
- Taxi rank: Both terminals have a taxi rank outside arrivals with black cabs and minibuses. Handy if you have not booked, but sometimes there are only a few taxis at busy times.
- Street Cars: The easiest option, as Street Cars are the airport’s official pre booked taxi service and meet you right at arrivals. Pre book on the Manchester Airport website here with your flight details and you’ll get the exact cost.
- Uber and Passenger Cars: Uber and Veezu, another Manchester taxi app that I persoanally use, both pick up from a designated pickup area in the short stay car parks rather than outside the terminal. It is signposted but can be a little confusing, so allow a few extra minutes.
Journey time: 20 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic
Cost: Around £60 for a standard Street Cars car, £95 for a larger car. Uber and taxi rank prices vary with demand starting from as little as £16.00.
Booking: Pre book Street Cars on the Manchester Airport website, or use the taxi rank or app on arrival
How To Get From Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport
Heading the other way for a flight? It is just as easy.
By train: Book on The Trainline or buy a ticket at Manchester Piccadilly. Airport trains usually leave from platform 13 or 14, but always check the departure boards. At the airport, walk up the ramp or take the lift to The Station and follow the signs for Terminal 2 or Terminal 3.
By tram or bus: The Metrolink and the 43 bus both run from the city centre to The Station. They are slower, but the tram’s very early services are great for dawn flights, and the bus is just £2.
By taxi: I usually use Passenger Cars to get around Manchester, but Uber and Street Cars work well too. Taxis can drop you at the drop off zones outside each terminal, which usually have a small charge.
TOP TIP: Remember to allow 10 to 15 minutes to walk from the train station to check in, as the terminals are not right next to the platforms.
Best Hotels Near Manchester Piccadilly
- Dakota Manchester
- Whitworth Locke
- DoubleTree by Hilton Manchester Piccadilly
- Hotel Brooklyn
- Clayton Hotel Manchester City Centre
- Motel One Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly FAQs
Which terminals does Manchester Airport have now?
Since Terminal 1 closed in March 2026, Manchester Airport has two terminals. Terminal 2 is used by most airlines, and Terminal 3 is used by Ryanair.
What is the best way to get from Manchester Airport to the city centre?
The train is the quickest and best value option, taking 15 to 20 minutes and costing from around £3 in advance or about £5 to £7 for a flexible ticket. The 43 bus is the cheapest at £2, and a taxi is best if you land late or have lots of luggage.
Is there a train station at Manchester Airport?
Yes, Manchester Airport station is at The Station transport hub, linked to both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 by covered walkways. It is around a 10 to 15 minute walk from arrivals.
Do trains run from Manchester Airport at night?
Yes, trains run late into the night and through the early hours, but they are much less frequent overnight, so check the times before you travel.
Is there a bus from Manchester Airport to Manchester city centre?
Yes, the 43 bus runs from Manchester Airport to Piccadilly Gardens for £2, with fares frozen for 2026.
How much is a taxi from Manchester Airport to Piccadilly?
A pre booked Street Cars taxi costs around £60.00 for a standard car. Taxi rank and Uber prices vary with demand and time of day.
Which platform is the Manchester Airport train at Piccadilly?
Airport trains usually leave from platform 13 or 14 at Manchester Piccadilly, but always check the departure boards.
Manchester Travel Resources
- Book your accommodation in Manchester: Booking.com and Hostelworld make it easy to check availability and book ahead!
- Get your car rental from Manchester Airport in advance to make your trip easier. I always use Rentalcars!
- Book your train tickets to and from Manchester, including the airport, with The Trainline!
- Get tickets and guided tours for Manchester’s top attractions with Viator and GetYourGuide!
I hope this helps you get from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly, and back again, as easily as possible!
- For more of my Manchester guides see:
- One Day in Manchester: The Perfect Itinerary
- 20 Best Family Days Out in Manchester: Tried & Tested
- 30 Best Family Days Out Near Manchester: Tried & Tested
- 22 Best Day Trips From Manchester
- 10 Things To Do Near Manchester Airport
- 30 BEST Places to Visit in North Wales