Most airports have strict “no stopping” rules outside terminals. Stopping in the wrong spot can result in hefty fines or even towing. Therefore, one must know the pick-up point at the airport.
Today we will exclusively cover the Manchester Airport for its exact location, dropping-off point, price and many more details.
When meeting passengers at Manchester Airport, knowing the exact pick-up point is essential for a smooth and stress-free experience.
With strict no-stopping rules outside the terminals, the airport has designated pick-up zones to manage traffic and ensure safety.
Being aware of their location, charges, and rules helps you save time, avoid penalties, and make travel more convenient for both drivers and passengers. Read on to get the full insights.
Looking for the nearest pick-up and drop off point at the Manchester Airport?
Manchester Airport has exclusive and allocated areas for meeting and dropping passengers. It helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly and ensure safety. Knowing the exact location helps you save time, avoid annoying fines, and makes the travel experience more convenient than ever.
Where does Manchester Airport pick-up and drop-off?
Manchester Airport has multi-storey pick-up points. The car park points are directly opposite each of the terminals (there are three passenger terminals). Each terminal has the Turn Up and Park zone available for a short time.
On the other hand, the drop-off zone of the Manchester Airport is in the dedicated drop-off areas. It is located on each terminal forecourt. Note that, there are no free pick-up or drop-off options available there. So you need to follow the signage to get to the right areas for every terminal.
Dropping-off and Picking-up at Manchester
It’s important to know the correct locations at Manchester Airport in advance, as stopping directly outside terminals is not permitted. Planning your drop-off or pick-up ahead of time saves stress, avoids fines, and ensures a smooth airport experience.
Drop-off
The airport provides dedicated Drop-off Zones at each terminal. There are both free and paid options depending on how long you need.
Pick-up
Passengers can be collected from short-stay car parks located close to the terminals. These are clearly signposted and offer convenient access.
Where is the pick-up point at Manchester Airport?
The pick-up points at Manchester Airport vary by terminal. You need to follow the sign for “Arrival Pick-up” at Terminal 1, the T1 Short Stay car park at Terminal 2, and the T3 Arrivals Car Park for ride-hailing at Terminal 3.
Also, you can opt for the Turn Up & Park options that are available at the Terminal 2 Multi-Storey West, Terminal 1 Short Stay (Pick Up), and Terminal 3 Multi-Storey.
Keep in mind that there is no picking up allowed in the Drop-Off zone; that area is only for dropping passengers off. The pick-up zones have time limits (often 15 minutes) and charges apply. For example, at T2, pick up for up to 15 minutes costs around £6.40.
Manchester Airport uses a barrier-less / ANPR (automatic Number Plate Recognition) system in many of the Drop Off / Pick Up forecourts. After using the Pick Up zone, you will need to pay online (sometimes by midnight the following day) or through the payment portal.
What are Manchester Airport pick-up prices?
| Terminals | Maximum Stay Allowed | Cost |
| Terminal 1 | Up to 30 minutes | £6.40 |
| Terminal 2 | Up to 15 minutes | £6.40 |
| Terminal 3 | Up to 15 minutesUp to 20 minutes | £6.40£8.30 |
Where can I find more details about Manchester Airport prices and pick up zones?
Check out the official website of the Manchester Airport for updated, authentic and accurate details about prices, and pick-up zones. Here you can also find the information about Turn Up and Park, short-stay, and pre-booked multi-storey options for Terminals 1, 2, and 3.
What are the types of paid pick-up options near Manchester Airport?
Express Pick-Up Zones
These are the designated areas close to each terminal for picking up arriving passengers. They have time-limits (e.g. up to 15 or 30 minutes depending on terminal).
Short-Stay Car Parks / Short-Stay “Pick-Up” Floors
These are car parks adjacent to terminals. You drive in, park, walk to arrivals. Useful if the person you’re collecting is delayed or you need a slightly longer wait. They are more expensive per minute/hour than just using the Express Pick-Up, because you’re parking rather than just using a forecourt.
Drop-Off Zones
If you want to collect someone, you must use one of the paid Pick-Up areas instead (Express Pick-Up Zone or Short-Stay Car Parks). If you use the drop-off zone to pick up, you can face a fine.
Private Hire / Taxi Holding Areas
These are for private hire vehicles / taxis that wait in designated holding areas or “pick-up” type zones. For example, private hire drivers can get a “concession card” to reduce the forecourt car park charges.
Barrier-less Forecourts / ANPR Zones
Manchester Airport has introduced a barrier-less system at most (all) of the Pick-Up and Drop-Off forecourts. The new barrier-less system works differently. Instead of exiting through a barrier, your license plate is recorded automatically by ANPR cameras, and payment should be made online or by phone by midnight the following day.
Manchester Airport – Pick-up Information, Prices, Details
Manchester Airport now uses a barrier-less system in many Pick-Up and Drop-Off forecourts. Cars are recorded by and through barriers.
Drivers can pay online or by phone, and must do so by midnight the following day. If you don’t, a Parking Charge Notice (£100) will be issued, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. You need to use the designated pick-up zones for each terminal at the Manchester Airport.
Terminal 1 has a dedicated zone inside its Short Stay Car Park, Terminal 2 has an Express Pick-Up Zone, and Terminal 3’s pick-up is in the Multi-Storey Car Park. Charges will apply with £6.20 for up to 30 minutes in Terminal 1 and £6.20 for up to 15 minutes in Terminal 2/3, payable by card or exact change at the exit barrier.
Manchester Airport – Drop-off Information, Prices, Details
Manchester Airport Drop off Zone
Drop-off zones are the areas directly in front of Terminals 1, 2, and 3 where you can stop briefly to let passengers out.
Manchester Airport Long-Stay Parking
Manchester Airport offers several long-stay car parks, including JetParks, Meet & Greet, Drop & Go, which differ by distance to terminal and whether a shuttle or walk is involved.
Taxi to Manchester Airport
Taking a taxi to Manchester Airport is a common and convenient option for passengers. You can choose private hire or black cabs. Also, you can choose ride-share apps if you want budget-friendly travel experience.
