Manchester Airport terminals: drop-off and pick-up explained

We drive to Manchester Airport more than anywhere else, and the question we get asked most is still "which terminal?" The airport has changed a lot over the last few years, so here is how it works now from the point of view of someone being dropped off or collected by car.

Things at the airport do change, sometimes at short notice. Use this as a general guide and always check your airline's latest information and the Manchester Airport website before you travel.

Which terminals are in use?

For a long time Manchester had three terminals. That has now changed. After years of building work, the much bigger Terminal 2 has taken over most of the airport's flights, and Terminal 1 has closed. Terminal 3 is still open and is mainly used by Ryanair, with work going on to expand it into some of the space Terminal 1 used to take up.

In practice that means most of our drop-offs are at Terminal 2 and a smaller number at Terminal 3. The two are close together, but they are not the same building and the road layout sends you to different places, so it matters which one you tell us.

How to find your terminal

• Look at your booking confirmation or your airline's app. Most airlines show the terminal next to the flight.
• If you booked through a tour operator, it is usually on your travel documents or e-tickets.
• Put your flight number in your FindCab booking. We check it before the day and the driver will go to the right terminal.

Airlines do occasionally move terminals, especially while building work is going on. If you booked months ago, it is worth checking again the week before you fly.

Being dropped off for a flight

When you travel with us, the driver takes you to the drop-off area for your terminal. These are short-stay zones close to the entrance. You get out, the driver helps unload your bags and you walk into the terminal. It normally takes a couple of minutes.

Manchester, like most UK airports, charges cars for using the drop-off zones next to the terminals. The price and the rules have changed several times, so we won't quote a figure here. The airport also runs a free drop-off option further away with a shuttle bus to the terminals. That is designed for friends and family dropping someone off in their own car.

With FindCab, we'll tell you before you book if any parking, drop-off or toll charges apply, so you know the full cost up front.

Tips for a smooth drop-off

• Have your passport and boarding pass in a bag you can reach, not packed in a suitcase in the boot.
• If you have a lot of luggage, tell us when you book so we send a car with enough room.
• If someone in your group needs assistance in the terminal, book it with your airline in advance. The driver can drop you as close as the rules allow, but they cannot take you through the building.

Being collected after a flight

Collections are where most of the confusion happens. You can't just wait at the kerb outside arrivals for a car, because cars are not allowed to wait there. Pre-booked drivers usually wait in a terminal car park or a set area for private hire, and then either meet you inside or tell you where to walk to.

With FindCab you have two options:

• Standard pick-up. When you land and have your bags, you call or message the driver. They tell you where they are parked and you walk to the car. This is the cheaper option and works well if you know the airport.
• Meet & greet. For £5, the driver comes into the arrivals hall and waits with a name board. They help you with your bags and walk you to the car. This is the one we suggest for first-time visitors, families with young children, older passengers and anyone landing late at night.

What happens if your flight is late?

Put your flight number in the booking. We follow the flight, so if it lands early or late we adjust. You don't need to ring us from the plane.

Remember that landing is not the same as being ready. Getting off the aircraft, passport control and baggage reclaim can take anything from 15 minutes to well over an hour on a busy day. We plan for that, but if you are stuck in a long queue, a quick message to the driver helps.

Getting around between terminals

Terminals 2 and 3 are connected on foot, and there is a covered walkway system linking them with the railway and tram station. If you need to change terminals, give yourself plenty of time and follow the signs. If you are connecting between flights on separate tickets, check with your airline what you need to do with your bags.

The railway and tram station

Manchester Airport has its own railway station and a Metrolink tram stop, both next to the terminals. Trains run to Manchester Piccadilly and on to other towns, and the tram goes through Wythenshawe into south Manchester. For some trips these are a good option. For early flights, heavy luggage, children or anywhere not on a direct line, a car door to door is usually easier.

Parking versus a transfer

People often compare the cost of a return transfer with parking at the airport. That depends on how long you are away and which car park you pick, so we can't give you a rule. What we can say is that with a transfer you are not driving home tired after a long flight, and nobody in the family has to do the driving.

A quick checklist

1. Check your terminal on your airline's app or your booking.
2. Add your flight number when you book with us.
3. Decide whether you want meet & greet on the way back.
4. Check the airport website for any changes to roads or drop-off arrangements.
5. Keep your phone charged and switched on when you land.

Book your transfer

Whichever terminal you are using, we will get you there and bring you home at a fixed price. Enter your address and flight details and you will see the price before you pay. You can book online here, or call us on 0161 660 4006 if you would rather talk it through.