MAN: Manchester Airport - Guide, Terminal map, lounges, bars & restaurants

Manchester Airport Terminal 3

Manchester Airport Guide

Manchester Airport is a vast airport in the UK's second city of, not surprisingly, Manchester, just 8 miles south of the city. Alas, it is also a confusing dump of old buildings, with hideously long queues at security, and famous for it's long walks down decaying corridors.

The airport comprises three passenger terminals, and is the only airport in the UK other than Heathrow with two long runways. The third busiest airport in the United Kingdom, it has 28 million passengers a year.

The three passenger terminals (Terminals 1, 2 and 3) are linked landside, by one of the most confusing footpaths at any airport. Terminals 1 and 2 are a 15 minute walk, and then you have to walk through terminal 1 to get to terminal 3 by a covered walkway and lift, to get to the airport railway station, which is simply known as "The Station". This also goes to the Radisson BLU Hotel.

Terminal 1 is basically Star Alliance and a few add ons. Terminal 3 was built mainly for British Airways, opened in 1989, and it has their main central lounge, and is used mostly by oneworld airlines. The Food Quarter food court in the departures area of Terminal 1 features a range of pop-up street-food-style eateries.

If you spend some time at the airport, don't miss the "Runway Visitor Park" where you can view aircraft taking off and landing from both runways. It is one of Greater Manchester's top 10 attractions. There is a café and a shop selling aviation related items. Aircraft on display include G-BOAC, a retired British Airways Concorde.

First & Business Class lounges at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport transportation

Travellers should know that many bus, limousine and shuttle bus services operating to and from Manchester Airport usually require pre-booking.

Manchester Airport train

There is a direct train from Manchester Airport to the city. Trains are operated by Northern or TransPennine Express connect the airport to Manchester Piccadilly station. The journey time is about 20 minutes and costs £4.50p. timetables.

The railway station is between Terminals 1 and 2, and it is linked to the terminals by a Skylink moving walkway.

Manchester Airport shuttle bus services

There is a 24-hour bus service number 43 which runs every 10 minutes (every 30 minutes at night) to Manchester city centre via Wythenshawe, Northenden, Withington, Fallowfield and Rusholme.

There is also Skyline service 199 operating every 30 minutes to Buxton via Stockport, Disley and Chapel-en-le-Frith,

Buses leave from The Station at the airport's ground transport interchange.

Manchester Airport Train

Manchester Airport taxi services

Getting a taxi to and from Manchester Airport is usually trouble free.

A taxi from Manchester Airport to Piccadilly costs around £30 for a single journey.

Car Hire at Manchester Airport

Major car hire operators are located in the Arrivals Halls. To save time and ensure you get the car you want, book your rental in advance. Rental car operators from Manchester Airport include: Europcar, Thrifty, Avis and Budget.

Manchester Airport Hotel

There is just one airport hotel at Manchester airport.

>The Radisson Blu Hotel Manchester Airport (tel: +44 161 490 5000; www.radisson.com), which is served by the airport's Skylink covered walkway, houses conference space for up to 400 delegates.

Manchester Airport Left Luggage

Left-luggage facilities and lost property offices are operated by Excess Baggage Limited (tel: +44 8712 710 711) in the Terminal 1 and 2 arrivals areas. Luggage trolleys can be hired for a £1 or ?2 deposit.

Car parking

Manchester airport car parking is quite good.

There are over 20,000 car parking spaces at Manchester Airport. Short-stay multistorey car parks are located close to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 - discounted rates are on offer when pre-booking online. A regular courtesy shuttle bus operates from the nearby long-term and economy Jet Parks areas to all terminals.

Manchester Airport Bars and Restaurants

When you are at Manchester airport, don't miss the unique KFC, which is actually a tourist attraction. It was the first airport KFC, and the only KFC with a breakfast menu featuring not less than a "Chicken AM" - a fillet of chicken with cheese, bacon in a bun with a hash brown.

Trattoria Milano

Trattoria Milano

Open: 1100-2300 Terminal 3 - airside Styling itself as modern Italian full table service dining, it looks the part, and even offers a "pronto" menu with hot food to your table in just 15 mins.

Mean meals and a drink are just £16, including lasagne or risotto.

The Grain Loft

Open: 0700-2300 Terminal 1 - airside The busiest, and the most popular bar at Manchester Airport, the Grain Loft is like an upmarket wine bar with dark wood floors (except for tripping over everyone's luggage on the floor in the dim lighting).

Burgers are good, but expensive, at no less than £15, and a full breakfast for £12.

Don't miss the tiny Hive Bar at the back. Beer is expensive, at a fiver a pint, but there is an extensive wine list.

Cabin Bar

Open: 1100-2300 Terminal 2 - airside The Cabin Bar is the only bar in T2 with a view over the apron. And good it is too. Alas, your wallet may not be in such good condition after drinking here, as the bar has a nice line in pricey wine and bubbles.

It does a nice line in nibbles to go along with the Champers, with yakitori chicken skewers at seven quid a go. Cocktails start at 15 quid.

Lion and Antelope

Lion and Antelope

Open: 1100-2300 Terminal 3 - airside You really can't miss the bar here. The main bar and eatery is right underneath the giant British Airways lounge, with a central circular hub of beer barrels. There are seats around the edges, but it can get chaotically busy.

There is a bar on one side, which also takes food orders. There's breakfast until midday, and then burgers (£13 and up) and bar food.

Food service is always remarkably quick.

Nook Bar

Open: 1100-2300 Terminal 3, Airside A great cocktail and champagne bar, with an amazing view of the runway and aircraft.

There are some excellent cakes, and a deli board with cheese and cold cuts.

Kiosco

Open: 0600-2300 Airside There is a small yellow and black kiosk by the gates at Terminal 3, run by the same people as Flat White.

It makes decent coffee and has impressive sandwiches.