Hi - We will land early morning at MAN and would like to know the easiest way to get somewhat out of the city for an early overnight. The next day we would pick up a rental car and drive to the Lake District. We are elderly so prefer not to pick up the car at the airport after an overnight flight and have to drive thru the city. Last time after flying into Heathrow we took an easy bus to Reading where we spent the first night and picked up car there next day. Any suggestions? Thanks for helping. Julia
Posted by
Chicago
1325 posts
There’s a train station right there at the airport so getting anywhere is easy, I just have no idea which nearby cities would have car hire depots.
You could stay at an airport hotel the first night and take the train into the city centre and explore Manchester for a day, then train back to the airport, sleep off the jet lag and then hire the car at the airport for your trip to the Lake District. Manchester City Centre is quite nice for a day.
Posted by
Royaume-Uni nul points, pas plus
2506 posts
I'd still think about staying in Manchester and exploring the city. You’ll also get a larger selection of cars at the airport. But if you prefer a small town then you can get a train from the airport to Lancaster and stay there.
https://www.tpexpress.co.uk/explore-the-north-and-scotland/destinations/lancaster
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
Chester
Hourly trains from Manchester Airport rail station, takes 1h21.
Lots to see for your day in Chester. Old city, walls, Roman bits etc.
I don't know, but I would imagine there are plenty of car hire places in Chester, then head north.
Posted by
Troy, Oh, USA
2775 posts
I agree with Chris, Chester would be a great place to stay. There is a Premier Inn next to the railway station.
Posted by
Ozarks of Arkansas
279 posts
In 2018 we started our U.K. adventure by flying into the Manchester and taking the train to Chester. In Chester we stayed at the Hallmark Hotel, the Queen. It was right across the street from the train station. There is a railway station in the Manchester airport, but it is a bit of a hike from baggage claim. No big deal, but a little further than I expected.
Chester is pretty much the wrong direction for the Lake District. I suspect that a little research would identify a town closer to your destination to pickup a car.
Posted by
OP
43 posts
Many thanks for your suggestions. I will follow up on the info. Cheers, Julia