According to a report more than 30 Million passangers fly out of manchester airport every year. While looking at this you can imgaine how hard is it find a parking space even when you are only picking up or dropping off. Manchester airport offers specific charges for dropping off and picking up passengers.
Understanding these fees is essential for anyone, whether you’re a traveler, meeting someone, or working as a private hire driver. In this blog, you will find all the information you need regarding Manchester Airport’s drop-off and pick-up system.
Table of Contents
Drop-Off Info
1- What area do we drop off at Manchester Airport?
2- What is the drop-off fee at Manchester Airport?
3- Where to pay while dropping off at Manchester Airport
Pick-up Info
1- What area do we pick-up at Manchester airport?
2- What is the pick-up fee at Manchester Airport?
3- Where can I pay for the pickup at Manchester Airport?
How to get Free drop-off and pick-up options at Manchester Airport?
Do you have any tips to avoid the drop-off fee?
Drop-off Information
Where is the drop off area at Manchester Airport?
Manchester Airport offers a completely free drop-off area in JetParks 1. This service runs continuously throughout the day and night. The shuttle bus transportation to terminals takes approximately 6 minutes. Staff members are always present to provide assistance to travelers. This option eliminates drop-off fees while ensuring passengers reach their terminals comfortably and efficiently.
What is the drop-off fee at Manchester Airport?
If you want to drop passengers off directly outside their terminal or at the station, a charge will apply. You’ll pay £5 for a five-minute stop and £6.20 for ten minutes, with payment required at the exit barrier. Be aware that staying longer than ten minutes results in a significant £25.00 overstay charge. These fees apply when dropping passengers directly at their terminal or at the station. Consider your timing carefully to avoid unexpected costs when using these convenient drop-off points.
| Time Limit | Fee |
| Up to 5 minutes |
£5.00 |
| Up to 10 minutes | £6.20 |
| Over 10 minutes | £25.00 (overstay charge) |
The airport uses a barrier system, and you’ll need to pay the appropriate charge before exiting the drop-off area. Some airports, including Manchester Airport, Cardiff and London City, offer free drop-off zones with strict time limits (e.g., 5 or 10 minutes).
Where to pay while dropping off at Manchester Airport
Pay at the exit barrier when leaving the drop-off area. You can use a card or exact change (coins). No cash change is given.
Payment Methods for Drop-Off
- Card payment (contactless/chip & PIN)
- Coins (exact change only)
- Mobile payment apps (Apple Pay/Google Pay)
- Pre-registered account with automatic number plate recognition
Note: No change is given for cash payments, and notes are not accepted. Payment must be made before exiting.
Pick-up Information
Where is the pick-up area at Manchester Airport?
Manchester Airport provides specific pick-up locations for each terminal:
- Terminal 1 has a direct pick-up zone located outside the terminal building, allowing convenient collection of arriving passengers.
- Terminal 2 features its own designated pick-up zone positioned outside the terminal, providing a clear meeting point for drivers and travelers.
- Terminal 3 offers a pick-up zone situated next to the terminal structure, balancing proximity with traffic flow considerations.
These designated areas help organize traffic and provide collection points for passengers. When arriving to pick someone up, look for signage directing you to these specific zones at each terminal.
What is the pick-up fee at Manchester Airport?
Pick-up charges at Manchester Airport vary by terminal. At Terminal 1, you’ll pay £6.20 for up to 30 minutes in the designated pick-up area. Terminals 2 and 3 have a different structure: £6.20 covers just 15 minutes, while a 30-minute stay costs £8.00. These fees apply specifically to the official terminal pick-up zones, which are positioned near each terminal for convenient passenger collection.
Pick-up Charges
| Terminal | Time Limit | Fee |
| Terminal 1 | Up to 30 minutes | £6.20 |
| Terminal 2 | Up to 15 minutes | £6.20 |
| Terminal 2 | Up to 30 minutes | £8.00 |
| Terminal 3 | Up to 15 minutes | £6.20 |
| Terminal 3 | Up to 30 minutes | £8.00 |
According to a study by Blacklane, as reported in their Airport Exit Index: The median time for travelers to exit the airport after domestic flights is 23 minutes across all terminals, reflecting the time needed for passengers to disembark, collect luggage and clear customs. For international flights, this time increases to 38 minutes, which is a 65% increase compared to domestic flights.
Where can I pay for the pickup at Manchester Airport?
All payments can be made at the exit barrier via card or exact change. Please note: A £100 charge will be applied to those attempting to pick up passengers in the drop-off zone. There is no pre-book parking on the ground floor, this is reserved for turn-up only.
How to get Free drop-off and pick-up options at Manchester Airport?
Use the JetParks 1 free drop-off area (postcode: M90 5AZ). A free shuttle bus runs 24/7 to all terminals. The journey takes about 6 minutes. The shuttle is free for both passengers and anyone accompanying them.
Tips to avoid drop-off fee?
Looking to avoid those pesky drop-off fees at Manchester Airport? Here’s my advice on your best options, Use JetParks 1 free option saves £11.20 on average per journey but adds approximately 15-20 minutes to your journey time. Travel efficiency Manchester Airport is transitioning to an ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) camera system for its drop-off and pick-up zones, replacing physical barriers. This change is being implemented from March 2025. When using any drop-off point, have your passengers ready to exit quickly with their luggage organized this small preparation step makes a significant difference in reducing stress. Meeting at a convenient location near the airport offers another practical alternative.
Pre-Book Longer Stays to Avoid Hefty Charges
For longer farewells, pre-booking short-stay parking often proves more economical than risking overstay charges in drop-off areas. This option gives you a more relaxed environment for seeing off your loved ones before their journey begins. Be particularly careful about pick-ups – attempting to collect passengers in designated drop-off zones carries a hefty £100 penalty. Instead, arrange pick-ups at designated areas or consider short-stay parking options.
Special Considerations
Blue Badge Holders
Get 30 minutes free parking in designated Blue Badge bays at each terminal. It is located in the multi-story car parks at manchester airport closest to terminal entrances. All the valid Blue Badge must be displayed and shown on exit.
Electric Vehicle Charging
- 28 charging points available across all terminal car parks
- Standard tariff plus £6 charging fee for up to 3 hours
- 80% of charging points are located in Terminal 2 multi-story
Peak Traffic Periods
Busiest drop-off times with potential for delays:
- Monday-Friday: 6:00-8:30 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM
- Summer weekends: 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
- School holidays: 30-40% increase in drop-off traffic
For professional drivers and those frequently using the airport, understanding these charges is particularly important for managing costs and providing accurate quotes to customers. By planning ahead and knowing the options available, you can navigate Manchester Airport’s drop-off and pick-up system efficiently and cost-effectively.
Contact Information
- Customer service: 0808 169 7030
- For latest fees and updates: www.manchesterairport.co.uk/parking
- Transport information:www.tfgm.com/manchester-airport