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Hotel in Manchester vs Manchester Airport

Posted by (Spokane, WA, USA) on

Sitch: early flight out of Manchester; staying with friends in Newcastle; need hotel for the night before.

I'm wondering about the train in from Manchester to the airport. It reads like it should be simple enough. But I don't want to get stuck during rush hour traffic. My flight out is at 10:40a on a Friday. So I'm assuming, int'l flight, I should be there by 8:30a.

Three things stopping me from just booking an airport room
1) they all seem to be more expensive than those in town; I'd like to stay under $100/night if possible (under $75 would be ideal).
2) I was hoping to come over early on Thursday, drop my stuff, and head to Liverpool for the day. I don't know if I'd be giving myself more of a headache travel-wise to get there.
3) Am I going to be stuck with nothing to do Thursday night because I'm staying at the airport? It's almost certain that one of my friends will accompany me over and take the train back once I leave Friday (no cars anywhere in this scenario).

Any help/advice would be appreciated.

Posted by
264 posts

Here's what I can tell you

There is a train that runs from Manchester Picadilly to the Airport. Just looking at nationalrail it goes about every 15 minutes and takes about 20 minutess The station at the airport is convienient and easy to use.

About 6 months ago I took a morning train from York to the airport through Manchester Picadilly. I left york about 630 am and the train was packed. Everyone got to Manchester Picadilly and got off. There were only like 5 people left on the train continuing to the airport about 8 am.

I can also confirm that there is not much happening in the area of Manchester Airport.

So if everything is true you really should have no problem staying in Manchester.

Posted by
14 posts

Thanks for the reply. So, is this train like a plane in that it can only hold people in seats, or is it like a subway where they cram as many people on as possible? Can I reasonably assume I'll be able to get on the first train that arrives at the station in Manchester, or do I need to ticket myself for a particular one?

I've been told the trains in general are really forgiving and easy, in that you can buy your ticket once aboard. I just don't want any surprises while hauling (most likely) two suitcases.

...you know, I should consider packing less...

Oh, and this is all for the first week after New Year's, if that colors anyone's thoughts.

Posted by
264 posts

The trains from Manchester Picadilly to the Airport are regular overground trains. That type of train would be unrestricted seating. First come first serve. Unlike say a ticket from Edinburgh to London. People do stand in circumstances where no seats are available.

I think if you get to the station a little early you should have no problem getting on the first train out. As Manchester Picadilly is the main stop you will either have a lot of people getting off the train or it will be the starting point meaning you can be one of the 1st people on.

Onboard you can purchase tickets although you are encouraged to to buy ahead of time. I take a train every day to work and plenty of people buy on board. If you get a grumpy conductor they may give you a little grief but they will issue you a ticket. The self serve machines are very easy to use though.

Hope that helps.

Posted by
14 posts

It does help. Thanks for taking the time to reply. :)

Posted by
19 posts

Just a warning, at manchester now they tend to have guards at the end of the platform so that you can't board the train without a ticket, so I would leave enough time to get your ticket before you board.

Posted by
14 posts

Oh, a lot of people trying their luck with hop on hop off? Good to know, thanks.

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