My travel companion will leave a few days before I do, so I need to drop her off at MAN airport. I'd rather not have to drive right into the airport. Is there a nearby town where she could catch a direct train or bus to the airport? I get very stressed driving in UK traffic so am looking for the easiest way to do this. Thanks for any suggestions. Julia
Posted by
Surrey, UK
162 posts
Where are you starting from?
Posted by
Lake District, England
9017 posts
From some directions catching the tram could be the best option- trams run from Central Manchester to the airport.
Stockport (Mersey Square) would be quite a good option- for the fast 199 bus into the airport from the adjacent bus station.
But the M56 goes straight into the airport, so in many cases that is your best option. From MAN airport website-
If you’re dropping someone off at the airport, you can do so for free at our free drop off point. The free drop off point is on Thorley Lane, next to the JetParks 1 car park and clearly signposted from the M56. From here, passengers will be able to take a free and frequent shuttle bus to their terminal. If you want to drop passengers off directly outside their terminal or at the Station, a charge will apply. The fee for this is £5 for five minutes and £6.20 for 10 minutes and is payable at the exit barrier. An overstay charge of £25.00 will apply after 10 minutes.
Posted by
OP
46 posts
Drop off at MAN airport question - more information. I will be driving from the north (Yorkshire) but heading west once I drop my friend off. Hope that helps. Thanks to the 2 who have responded. Julia
Posted by
Lake District, England
9017 posts
Then you're likely coming straight past Stockport on the M60, then taking the same motorway journey to the airport as the bus from Stockport would.
It's less than five minutes into Mersey Square from the Stockport exit of the motorway.
But at the airport the free drop off point is literally two minutes off the M56, spin round then straight back onto the motorway. You aren't going into the airport proper.
It's your choice but I would feel a bit miffed as a friend if you dropped me off in Stockport.
Posted by
Warrington, England
101 posts
I also recommend the free drop off. It's actually on Thorley lane which is a continuation of runger lane, which is a quiet country lane that skirts the perimeter of the airport. No need to drive in the mayhem of the airport. You will pull into a quiet surface car park with plenty of time to get the cases out. Your passenger will wait in the bus stop for the regular free shuttle bus that visits each terminal.
There are places that you could drop off for them to continue by public transport, heald green or Wythenshawe for example, but the free drop off is by far the best option.
Just a pity they don't allow pick ups.
If you are coming from Yorkshire, it's best to drive past the airport exit of the motorway to junction 6 for wilmslow. Turn left at the hotel onto runger lane which becomes Thorley lane.