The Ultimate Dos & Don'ts of Airport Parking

So, you’ve booked your next trip away - hurrah! But now you need to figure out a way to get to and from the airport in a way that best suits you.

That’s why we offer a range of car parks and drop-off options available across Manchester Airport. Simply head to the airport at your own pace, in the comfort of your own vehicle, and let us do the rest.

Find out which terminal you’re departing from before you book anything

Now that you’ve got your flights booked and know who you’re flying with, check out our handy airline guide to find out which terminal you’ll be departing from. Then, head on over to our airport parking page to see what options are available to choose from. Then just pop in the details of your trip and our handy parking tool will recommend the best parking options for your trip.

Take your pick from parking right on the terminal doorstep, budget-friendly Long Stay parking or treat yourself to the VIP experience with our Meet & Greet service.

But most importantly, make sure you know where you’re departing from before you book anything as our three terminals are spread out across the airport grounds.

Make parking your Electric Vehicle quick and easy

For electric vehicle users looking to use our valet parking services like Meet & Greet or Drop & Go, don’t forget to bring your keys, even if your vehicle has keyless entry. And don’t forget to charge before you arrive, especially if you’ll be away for more than a few days, as some vehicle functions continue to use small amounts of battery, even when stationary.

For more information on EV parking at Manchester Airport, visit our parking information page.

Book your parking in advance to secure the best prices 

Everybody loves a good bargain, and we’re no different. So, to ensure we pass those savings on to you wherever possible, we recommend booking your airport parking as soon as you’re able. Not only will this help to get you the best possible price, it also guarantees your space in the car park.

Even if you’ve booked a last-minute surprise and need to head out first thing the following morning, pre-booking your space at the car park will bag you a noticeable discount compared to on-the-day pricing.

Make use of the free Drop Off area

If driving isn’t for you, why not ask a friend or family member to drop you off at the airport? For a fuss-free drop-off experience, our dedicated free Drop Off zone is a quick, easy, and budget-friendly way to make your arrival at the airport.

Located on Thorley Lane, opposite JetParks 1, this service operates 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. All you need to do to use the free Drop Off area is pull up and wait for one of our complimentary shuttle buses to arrive. Then, they’ll whisk you away to the terminal so you can get your holiday started.

Don’t overstay when dropping off at the door

If you’d prefer to be dropped at the door, each terminal at Manchester Airport features a dedicated Drop Off area located right on the terminal forecourt. With 10 minutes to hop out and go, these areas are perfect for quick and convenient access to the check-in hall.

If you think you may need extra time to unload your belongings and say your goodbyes, consider getting dropped off at one of our free Drop Off car park instead.

Don’t pick up in the Drop Off areas, use Short Stay car parks instead

Similarly, our Short Stay car parks are also ideal for picking up our loved ones after some time apart. Picking up passengers is not allowed on the forecourt, so kick back and relax in the Short Stay car park instead while you wait for your loved ones to arrive.

With more time to accommodate delays, security checks, and a final splurge at Duty Free, the Short Stay car park is much more suitable for those much-awaited reunions than the forecourt.

Choose reputable third-party providers when parking off-site

In addition to our official parking options, a number of third-party parking operators can also be found within a convenient distance of the airport.

Offering drop-and-go or park-and-ride services to the terminal doorstep, most of these providers are legitimate and trustworthy businesses. However, it’s important to always remain cautious of who you’re entrusting your vehicle’s safety to while you’re away.

If you plan to use a third-party parking provider, always do your research before leaving your vehicle in their care. Utilise government-recognised schemes like Park Mark to identify fairly trading operators and seek out unbiased reviews from previous customers on trusted platforms like Google and Trustpilot.

Book a hotel and parking deal for early flights

Few of us enjoy rising and travelling in the early hours to make a morning flight, so consider treating yourself to an overnight stay at one of the nearby airport hotels, with some just a few minutes’ walk away from the terminal.

Plus, with fantastic stay and park bundles on offer throughout the year, you can park up, rest up, and take to the skies the following morning feeling rested and rejuvenated.

Go green - travel by public transport

If possible, think about utilising public transport for your next airport trip. Serviced by Manchester’s fantastic public transportation network, you can conveniently take a tram, bus, or train directly to the heart of the airport. Or, if you’re travelling from further away, trains and coaches from across the country are also on hand to get you where you need to be.