Manchester Airport Guide
Jump to:
Terminal layout
Manchester Airport is home to three terminals, all of which can be reached within a ten minute walk from the train station, just follow the relevant signs as you arrive. You can also take a frequent shuttle bus from outside the train station and outside the arrivals hall of Terminal 3. You can check which terminal you require at the Manchester Airport Which Terminal page.
Transferring between terminals
Manchester airport's 3 terminals are located within easy distance to one another, meaning transferring between the terminals is quick and stress-free. Visitors can use the moving walkway along the Skylink to easily travel between terminals 1 to 2 in around 15 minutes. To travel between 1 and 3 there is a walkway which takes 5 minutes. To travel from 3 to 2, simply make your way to Terminal 1 and then onwards.
Terminal 1
Terminal map
See maps of Manchester Airport Terminal 1.
Check-in
The check-in area for Jet2 passengers is located on the ground floor of the terminal. For all other airlines, check-in is on level 5 for departures.
Leisure and family facilities
The terminal offers baby changing facilities near or inside the ladies' toilets, with chairs for easier breastfeeding. The WHSmith Zoodle store, a book shop dedicated to youngsters, is located in the departures lounge. Baby milk can be heated free of charge in any of the restaurants and cafes and Starbucks in Terminal 1 will do this behind the counter. Families are permitted to push buggies all the way through to the departures gate.
Information desk
Situated in both the departures and arrivals area, the information desks are clearly signposted and can help with any questions you may have about the airport, your flight and local information.
Shopping
A variety of shops are available in the departures lounge, with options ranging from electronics (Dixons Travel) and cosmetics (Boots and Bobbi Brown) to fashion (Kurt Geiger and Accessorize) and sports items (JD Sports). Shoppers can pick up their goods on return from their trip if preferable. Visitors can enjoy tax-free shopping at the Biza Tax & Duty Free shop. Opening times vary, but most shops are open between the first and last departing flights.See the full A-Z of shopping at Manchester Airport for more information.
Food & drink
There's a range of eating spots to cater for most tastes and time frames at Terminal 1. If you're looking for fast food head to Burger King, for coffee, fruit juices or cake you could make your way to Caffe Ritazza or Starbucks and there are full bar and restaurant offerings at Bar MCR and Giraffe. Check out the A to Z Guide to Food at Manchester Airport for a full list of eating and drinking options. Opening times vary, but most cafes and restaurants are open between the first and last departing flights.
Business Facilities
Business lounge
Enjoy relaxing away from the crowds and start your trip in style by booking into the Escape Lounge in Terminal 1. The lounge offers complimentary food and drink, free WiFi and a relaxed environment for around £18.99 per person.
Terminal 2
Terminal map
See maps of Manchester Airport Terminal 2.
Check-in
You'll be able to find the Terminal 2 check-in on the ground floor. From here, head to the upper floor to go through security.
Leisure and family facilities
Baby changing facilities are located near or inside the ladies toilets throughout the terminal and also offer a seat for easier breastfeeding. There is a play area in Terminal 2 for toddlers up to the age of three and a zone for slightly older children, both of which are located in the departures lounge next to Gate 213. Baby milk can be heated free of charge in any of the restaurants and cafes, and Brodericks and Caffe Nero in Terminal 2 will do this behind the counter. Families are permitted to push buggies all the way through to the departures gate.
Information desk
Situated in both the departures and arrivals area, the information desks are clearly signposted and can help with any questions you may have about the airport, your flight and local information.
Shopping
You'll be able to pick up a selection of goods from the range of shops in Terminal 2, which include electrical stores such as Dixons Travel, fashion brands such as Fat Face, Next and Timberland and beauty such as Clarins and Cloud Nails. If you don't have space in your suitcase you can arrange to pick up your purchases when you return from your trip. Visitors can enjoy tax-free shopping at the Biza Tax & Duty Free shop. Opening times vary, but most shops are open between the first and last departing flights. See the full A-Z of shopping at Manchester Airport for more information.
Food & drink
Whether you're looking to pick up some snacks for the plane or enjoy a full sit-down meal, there are plenty of options for eating and drinking within Terminal 2. Burger King is perfect for satisfying a fast food craving, or you can pick up coffee, pastries, sandwiches and snacks at spots like Delice de France, Costa and Starbucks. For a restaurant-style meal, head to Frankie & Benny's for New York Italian food or The Real Food Company. Check out the A to Z Guide to Food at Manchester Airport for a full list of eating and drinking options. Opening times vary, but most cafes and restaurants are open between the first and last departing flights.
Business Facilities
Business lounge
For unlimited free WiFi, complimentary food and drink and a relaxed area perfect for meetings, working or simply getting some peace before your trip, you can book into the Escape Lounge in Terminal 2 for £17.49 per person.
Terminal 3
Terminal map
See maps of Manchester Airport Terminal 3.
Check-in
The Terminal 3 check-in is located on the first floor.
Leisure and Family Facilities
Baby changing facilities are located near or inside the ladies toilets throughout the terminal and also offer a seat for easier breastfeeding. Baby milk can be heated free of charge in any of the restaurants and cafes, and Costa and Caffe Nero in Terminal 3 will do this behind the counter. Families are permitted to push buggies all the way through to the departures gate.
Information desk
Situated in both the departures and arrivals area, the information desks are clearly signposted and can help with any questions you may have about the airport, your flight and local information.
Shopping
There are plenty of options for you to either pick up a few last minute necessities or simply indulge in some retail therapy within Terminal 3. Electricals can be picked up at Dixons Travel, magazines and books at WHSmith and luggage at Rolling Luggage. You'll also be able to visit fashion brands Swatch and Accessorize within the terminal and can arrange to collect your purchases when you arrive back in Manchester if you don't have room in your bags. Visitors can enjoy tax-free shopping at the Biza Tax & Duty Free shop. Opening times vary, but most shops are open between the first and last departing flights. See the full A-Z of shopping at Manchester Airport for more information.
Food & drink
The dining options are a little more limited in Terminal 3 than in the other two terminals at Manchester, but you'll still be able to pick up coffee and snacks at Delice de France and Costa, indulge in some drinks and light bites at Bar08 or eat a full restaurant meal of pizza or pasta at Trattoria Milano. Check out the A to Z Guide to Food at Manchester Airport for a full list of eating and drinking options. Opening times vary, but most cafes and restaurants are open between the first and last departing flights.
Business facilities
Business lounge
Make use of unlimited free WiFi, complimentary food and drink and a relaxed, quiet environment that's ideal for catching up on work or with colleagues by booking a spot at the Escape Lounge in Terminal 3 for £18.99 per person.
Free WiFi
Visitors can enjoy complimentary WiFi, available throughout all terminals for 60 minutes, which works with all media devices. Extra time can be bought for £5/hour, £10/day or £30/month and regular visitors have the ability to set up an account for time online.
How to connect
Turn on your wireless-enabled device. When prompted choose either the WiFi network called 'spectrum' or 'MAG Airports WIFI'
Internet kiosks and printing
With no internet kiosks or printing options to speak of, it's best not to rely on services at the airport to help with these. There is a chance, however, that the information desks may be able to help if you're in desperate need.
Special assistance
Manchester Airport requests that passengers needing special assistance discuss the necessary requirements with the travel agent, tour operator or airline at the time of booking and no later than 48 hours before date of departure. These will be passed on to One Complete Solution (OCS), the assistance service provider for the airport. Either head directly to your check-in point to request assistance or make your way to one of the designated assistance points. These blue totems are provided throughout the airport with a telephone intercom to request assistance and a drop down seat. You'll find these in areas such as entrance doors, car parks and the bus and rail station. OCS can then assist through check-in onwards. For more information, visit the Airport Accessibility page.
