Dropping someone off

Drop-off areas are located directly outside the terminal building at departures level. So, you can pull up right outside, where you can touch down just long enough to unload luggage.

All passengers can use our free drop off area, from which a shuttle bus will transport you free of charge to your terminal. Alternatively, you can choose to be dropped off directly outside the terminals and train station. The charge for this is £3 for five minutes and £4 for 10 minutes and is payable at the exit barrier.

Please note, a “10 minutes - no return within 30 minutes” restriction is in operation. Please do not exceed 10 minutes or re-enter any of the drop-off areas for at least 30 minutes, to avoid an automatic £25 re-circulation fee. Should you need to return within the restricted period for any reason, we recommend use of the pick-up area. Tariffs and Terms and Conditions are available at entry to each drop off location.

See a map of the free drop off area

See a map of drop off areas outside the terminals

Drop off for Blue Badge holders

Passengers who hold a valid blue badge will be able to access the forecourt areas, free of charge, for drop-off only.

Find out more here.

Terminal 2 drop off changes

From 15th July 2020, the Terminal 2 upper forecourt will re-open. This is conveniently located next to the main check-in hall.

To access the upper forecourt, exit the M56 at Junction 5 and keep left up the slip road, following the signs for Terminal 2. At the first roundabout, at the top of the slip road, take the 2nd exit, signposted for Terminal 2. At the second roundabout (Flag Island) take the third exit, signposted for T2 ‘Drop Off’. Take the ramp up to the forecourt, which is conveniently located next to the main check-in hall.

Terminal 2 pick-up will continue to be located on L0 of the Terminal 2 West Multi-Storey Car Park.

Roadworks affecting the road network around the free drop off area

Between 6th January 2020 and 2nd March 2020 there will be some road closures and lane reductions on the highway network surrounding Manchester Airport. We would ask all those travelling to Manchester Airport to allow an additional 20 minutes for their journey. Where relevant diversion signage will be in place to direct our guests.

Roads affected during this period of time will include:

- Ringway Road

- Thorley Lane

- M56 Junctions 4, 5 and 6

Terminal 3 drop off directions

Exit the M56 at Junction 5 and keep right, following signs for T1 and T3. As you approach the first set of traffic lights, take the left-hand lanes signposted for T3, Wilmslow, Wythenshawe and Gatley (A555). This takes you onto Ringway Road West.

At the second set of traffic lights, go straight on. You will pass a business park on your left. At the third set of traffic lights turn right onto Ringway road, signposted T3 and Car Rental Return. Proceed down Ringway Road and at the first roundabout go straight ahead. At the second roundabout go straight ahead and you will then enter the T3 forecourt where you can see your passengers off.

Picking someone up

There are different parking options available depending on which terminal you’re visiting. Multi-Storey car parks are available at Terminals 2 and 3, or you can head straight to T1 Short Stay or the T3 arrivals car park if you’re picking someone up from Terminal 1 or 3.

The changes that have been introduced only impact those dropping off. The process for picking up passengers remains the same – passengers can be picked up in the Arrivals, Short Stay and Multi-Storey car parks with a charge of £4.50 for 30 minutes. We will have staff on hand to direct those dropping-off and picking-up to the right places.

It isn't possible to pick up outside the train station; the T1 Short Stay car park is just a few minutes' walk away and should be used instead.

See prices for our Multi-Storey and Arrivals car parks

See here for other Manchester Airport parking prices

T2 Arrivals pick up change

From 1st April 2019, the location of the Terminal 2 Arrivals car park, i.e the area to pick up customers flying into Manchester, will move to a new car park called T2 Multi Storey West. Please follow signs for ‘P T2 West’ which can be found on the road network surrounding the airport. See updated directions below.

T3 arrivals pick up directions

Exit the M56 at Junction 5 and keep right, following signs for T1 and T3. As you approach the first set of traffic lights, take the left-hand lanes signposted for T3, Wilmslow, Wythenshawe and Gatley (A555). This takes you onto Ringway Road West.

At the second set of traffic lights, go straight on. You will pass a business park on your left. At the third set of traffic lights turn right onto Ringway road, signposted T3 and Car Rental Return. Proceed down Ringway Road and at the first roundabout take the second exit. Proceed past the pedestrian crossing and the entrance to T3 Multi Storey is the second turning on the left. Once you enter the Multi Storey follow signs on the ground floor for T3 Pick Up Zone

Accessibility

Passengers in need of accessibility services, while picking up and dropping off, can find everything they need to know below:

Accessibility services at Terminal 1 Check-in A drop off

Accessibility services at Terminal 1 Check-in B drop off

Accessibility services at Terminal 2 pick up and drop off

Accessibility services at Terminal 3 pick up and drop off