I fly from Manchester Airport at least twice a month so today I want to chat about one of the less glamorous and often forgotten sides of travel – getting to the airport!
Unlike some people, I never take a taxi to the airport because I find them to be expensive and unreliable. I once booked a 3am taxi for my 6am flight and it didn’t show up! That was probably the most stressful morning of my life! I vowed to never do it again, and honestly, I’ve been much happier driving myself to the airport ever since.
But driving yourself to Manchester Airport comes with one big question: where do you park your car safely and affordably while you’re away? Packing your bags and getting to the airport is stressful enough, you don’t want the added stress of airport parking!
After years of flying from Manchester I’ve tested nearly every parking option there is. Today I’m going to share my tips for Manchester Airport parking to make sure you start your holiday in the easiest, most cost-effective and stress-free way!
Why I Always Drive to the Airport
It’s usually much cheaper to park at the airport rather than take a taxi. That’s my primary reason for driving and using airport parking as I’m always looking for ways to save money on my travels!
I also hate the stress of waiting for a taxi and never being sure if they’ll turn up. I live in a rural village so it’s not like I can go out and flag one down! I also hate having to make small talk with a taxi driver at 4am when I’m half asleep and feeling anxious about my flight.
I also like having the flexibility to leave at different times when I drive myself. I check Google Maps to keep an eye on the traffic situation and I know I can leave at the very last minute if it’s an early morning flight or I’ll leave earlier if there’s been a crash that day.
And finally, driving to and from the airport stops me from having a drink! I know this shouldn’t be a reason but we all know the UK culture around drinks at the airport! It always feels like a good idea but it’s the last thing you need when you add a long flight, tiredness and dehydration into the mix.
Book your airport parking in advance
My first and main tip is to book your airport parking as soon as you’ve booked your flights! Even if your flights are 12 months away, just book your parking now and it’s done.
If you’re flying from Manchester Airport, especially during busy travel seasons, parking can get hectic. Some car parks do get full and the price goes up nearer to the time of travel.
Airport Parking Comparison Websites
You use comparison sites for everything from your travel insurance to your hotels so it’s a good idea to use SkyParkSecure to compare your parking options. There are so many options on here to suit your needs and budget and there are probably services you didn’t even know existed.
It’s like a hotel comparison site, but for parking. It’s simple, fast and usually up to 60% cheaper than paying on the day.
Plus, I can choose a car park that suits my travel style: whether that’s Meet & Greet parking, the multistory, Park & Ride or parking close by with a shuttle transfer.
The Different Types of Manchester Airport Parking
There’s a range of parking options available at Manchester Airport. I tend to use all of these depending on who I’m travelling with, the time of my flight and how long I’m away for.
1. Meet & Greet Parking
If convenience is top of your list, Meet & Greet is unbeatable. I always used Meet & Greet when my kids were babies because we had so much stuff and everything felt like hard work! You drive right up to your terminal, hand your keys to a professional driver and walk straight into departures. When you return, your car is waiting for you near arrivals.
This is also a great option for early or late flights, especially in the winter when you know it’ll be cold and dark. There are no shuttle buses and no waiting around and it’s the simplest option.
Through SkyParkSecure, I’ve found Meet & Greet deals that are surprisingly affordable, especially when booked in advance! It’s often only £20 more than using a cheaper shuttle transfer and after a long, late flight I’d happily pay that extra £20 to have my car waiting for me at the terminal!
Some people may feel uncomfortable with having someone else drive their car to park it offsite but I’ve personally never had any problems.
2. Park & Ride
For those who want to save money but still have a smooth experience, Park & Ride car parks are a great middle ground. You park your car in a secure off-site lot, hop on a free shuttle bus and you’re at your terminal in around 10 minutes.
The car parks are all secure, have 24-hour security, CCTV, fencing and barrier controls. I’ve used JetParks and APH multiple times, and it’s always been a breeze.
You do need to give yourself extra time in case you have to wait 10-15 minutes for the shuttle transfer and then it’s usually a 10 minute drive to the airport.
3. On-Airport Parking
If you prefer to keep things simple, Manchester Airport’s on-site car parks (like Multi-Storey or Short Stay) are a good option. These car parks are a little more expensive but they’re just a short walk from check-in. It’s ideal for quick business trips or weekend getaways where time matters more than price.
Stress-Free Family Travel Starts with Easy Parking
If you’ve ever tried dragging suitcases, hand luggage and excited kids through an airport at 5am, you know that the journey to the terminal can make or break your travel day.
That’s why I think good parking is essential for stress-free travel. When you park close to the airport or use a quick shuttle, you’re in control of your time. You don’t have to rely on taxis, public transport delays or last-minute price surges.
A Few Insider Tips for Parking at Manchester Airport
After years of flying from Manchester, here are a few parking hacks I’ve picked up:
- Book early! Prices can increase the closer you get to your travel date so I always book my parking as soon as I’ve booked my flights. You’ll have to input your car registration number when booking but don’t worry if you end up travelling in a different car as it is easy to change it.
- Check your terminal. Manchester has three terminals, so make sure you pick parking that’s convenient for the right one. Terminals 1 and 3 are close together but Terminal 2 is a walk away!
- Allow extra time. If you’re using Park & Ride, factor in an extra 30 minutes to allow for drop-off and shuttle transfer.
- Keep your booking confirmation handy. Most car parks use QR codes or number plate recognition to speed up entry and exit so you won’t need to show anything. But it’s always a good idea to have your booking confirmation handy in case it doesn’t open!
- Park near the bus stop. When using Park & Ride, try and park close to the bus stop.
- Make a note of where you’ve parked. In the excitement of going on holiday it’s so easy to forget where you’ve parked, especially when you go away for a week or two. Either write it down or take a photo of your parking spot or you’ll be searching for your car when you return!
- Leave snacks and blankets in the car. When I’m travelling with my kids and I know it’ll be a late flight home, I leave snacks and cosy blankets in the back of the car. It makes the journey home a little easier if everyone is tired.
- Turn your lights off. And finally, make sure you’ve turned off your interior and exterior lights. You don’t want to come back to a flat battery!
Final Thoughts: Start Your Trip the Right Way
Travel days can be stressful, but getting to the airport doesn’t have to be. Since I started driving myself and using airport parking, I’ve saved money, time, and a lot of headaches.
Whether you want the convenience of Meet & Greet, the value of Park & Ride or the simplicity of on-airport parking, you’ll find the right option – just remember to book it in advance!