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Manchester Airport train station is a key transport hub for holiday-goers and those returning home. Located on the outskirts of Manchester, it only takes approximately 5-15 minutes to walk from Manchester Airport train station to the airport terminals, making it a very cost-effective, and environmentally friendly way to travel to the airport.

The swift and convenient access to departure eliminates the necessity for shuttle bus transfers, with an indoor Skylink walkway to get from the station to the airport. 

Manchester Airport is easily accessible by train from various cities around the North of England, with frequent direct train services to the airport from Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield. Trains from Manchester City Centre to Manchester Airport also run 7 days a week, with multiple services each hour. If you're looking for a cost-effective way to get to Manchester Airport, the train offers just that, especially if you book train tickets in advance

Read on to explore direct and connecting trains to Manchester Airport and key information for travellers.

 

Popular trains to Manchester Airport

Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport

Average time: 0h 14m
Cheapest Advanced
£2.90

Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Airport

Average time: 1h 26m
Cheapest Advanced
£8.30

Leeds to Manchester Airport

Average time: 1h 33m
Cheapest Advanced
£8.90

Lancaster to Manchester Airport

Average time: 1h 27m
Cheapest Advanced
£11.60

Blackpool North to Manchester Airport

Average time: 1h 38m
Cheapest Advanced
£10.80

Sheffield to Manchester Airport

Average time: 1h 35m
Cheapest Advanced
£8.50

                         

                             How to get from Manchester Airport to the train station

It's an easy journey from Manchester Airport to the train station. Simply follow these easy directions:

  • Follow the exit signs until you reach the escalator and lift to terminals 1, 2 and 3. These are clearly labeled.
  • Take the lift or escalator toward the terminals.
  • Have your ticket ready to scan at the gates at the top of the escalator.
  • Once past the ticket gates, the routes to terminals 1 and 3 and terminal 2 divert.
  • For terminals 1 and 3, follow the escalator to the SkyWalk where signs will guide you to each.
  • For terminal 2 follow the Terminal 2 signs and take the SkyWalk labeled with signs for Terminal 2 which will lead you almost directly to the terminal from the station.

             Walking times from Manchester Airport train station to terminals 1, 2, & 3

The Manchester Airport train station is within walking distance of all three airport terminals. The routes to each should be clearly marked by signage so you can find exactly where you need to go. 

  • Walking time from Manchester Airport train station to terminal 1: 5-10 minutes approx.
  • Walking time from Manchester Airport train station to terminal 2: 10-15 minutes approx.
  • Walking time from Manchester Airport train station to terminal 3: 12-15 minutes approx.

Useful travel tips

Northern App

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Travel off-peak

Enjoy a quieter journey for less with off-peak tickets.

Use your railcard

Use a railcard to save money when you book.

Live train times

Check your journey with live arrivals and departures.

Popular trains from Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport to Liverpool Lime Street

Average time: 1h 20m
Cheapest Advanced
£7.30

Manchester Airport to Leeds

Average time: 1h 35m
Cheapest Advanced
£8.90

Manchester Airport to Sheffield

Average time: 1h 38m
Cheapest Advanced
£8.50

Manchester Airport to Blackpool North

Average time: 1h 39m
Cheapest Advanced
£10.80

Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly

Average time: 0h 14m
Cheapest Advanced
£2.90

Manchester Airport to Preston (Lancs)

Average time: 1h 7m
Cheapest Advanced
£7.50

                                        Cheap train tickets to Manchester Airport

Save by purchasing or using a Railcard

A Railcard is an easy way to cut your travel costs by 1/3. Costing just £35 for a full year, it usually pays for itself in just a couple of trips. There are several different Railcard options to choose from.

Travel to Manchester Airport off-peak

Avoid the rush and save money by choosing Off-peak tickets and times. These tickets offer more flexibility than Advance fares and ensure a quieter, more comfortable journey into the city. 

Northern train going to Manchester AirportThings to know about Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom and a key international gateway to the North of England. Renowned for its modern facilities and efficient operations, it offers a wide range of amenities including shops, restaurants, and lounges to enhance the travel experience for passengers. 

Additionally, Manchester Airport boasts a rich history, dating back to its establishment in 1938, and continues to play a vital role in connecting millions of travellers worldwide. From Manchester Airport, you can fly to a diverse range of destinations across the globe, including:

  1. European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Rome.
  2. Mediterranean holiday destinations like Ibiza, Malaga, Palma de Mallorca, and Antalya.
  3. Major cities in North America, including New York, Orlando, Toronto, and Las Vegas.
  4. Long-haul destinations such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
  5. Sun-soaked Caribbean destinations like Bridgetown (Barbados), Montego Bay (Jamaica), and Punta Cana (Dominican Republic).

Trains to Machester Airport FAQs

Manchester Airport train station is located between Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 and is within walking distance from all terminals. 

  • It typically takes around 5 to 10 minutes to walk from Manchester Airport train station to Terminal 1
  • It takes approximately 10 minutes to walk to Terminal 2
  • Terminal 3 is approximately 7 minutes walk away.  

These walks take place indoors via the Skylink walkway, providing you with cover if it's raining. 

Yes, trains to Manchester Airport run throughout the night. However, the frequency of services may vary during late-night hours compared to peak times. It's advisable to check the specific timetable for the most accurate information on train schedules during the night.

We ask that people are mindful of how much luggage they bring on board and to use dedicated luggage spaces, overhead racks, or under seats. Do not block the trains doors, walkways or use seats for luggage.

For travelling to Manchester Airport with Northern trains, the best ticket types would typically be an Advance Train Ticket or an Off-Peak Train Ticket, depending on your travel preferences and schedule.

  1. Advance Train Tickets: Advance tickets are great value Single (one-way) tickets but have limited availability. Book ahead to take advantage of these great value fares. Save up to 60% on train tickets by booking in advance.
  2. Off-Peak Train Tickets: This train ticket is suitable for passengers who can plan their journey during quieter times of the day.

Don't forget to utilise Railcards and consider group bookings to secure additional savings. 

We operate direct trains to Manchester Airport from Liverpool Lime Street, Lancaster and Manchester. Connecting journeys are also available from Leeds, Blackpool North, Carlisle, Chester, Cumbria, Sheffield, Harrogate, Hull, Lincoln, Newcastle, Nottingham, York.

Trains to Manchester Airport go directly to the Airport train station which is connected. 

Northern App

Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.

Northern App

Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.