EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great rental car deals at Manchester Airport (MAN). Compare rates and book in one place. Pick up Manchester Airport car hire at terminal desks or the Car Rental Village via the free shuttle that runs every 10 minutes, with many providers operating 24/7. You’ll be on the M56 in minutes for quick drives to Manchester city centre, Liverpool, the Peak District and beyond.
All major car rental companies operate at Manchester Airport and have rental desks in each terminal.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 Rental Desks | • Convenient for T1 arrivals • Multiple providers • 24/7 availability for major companies |
• Airport surcharges • Potential queues during peak hours • Some staff work across multiple terminals |
| Terminal 2 Rental Desks | • Convenient for T2 arrivals • Multiple providers • Recently renovated facilities |
• Airport surcharges • Some rental cars may be in off-site lots • Shuttle buses to some rental lots |
| Terminal 3 Rental Desks | • Convenient for T3 arrivals • Multiple providers • Less busy than T1/T2 counters |
• Airport surcharges • Smaller range of vehicles • Staff may work across multiple terminals |
| Car Rental Village | • Consolidated facilities • Larger vehicle selection • Shuttle bus connections from all terminals |
• Not walking distance from terminals • Shuttle bus wait times • Return process can take longer |
Available Providers:
On average, car rentals at Manchester Airport cost around €42 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €15 per day.
Compare airport vs city pick-up. MAN adds a premium location fee of about 15-20%. If you’re staying in Manchester first, consider a city depot. The Metrolink tram runs from the airport to the city.
Be flexible with timing. Weekend Fri–Mon deals can be cheaper, while weekdays often cost more. Avoid out-of-hours pick-ups to skip £30–50 fees.
Use the right booking strategy. For summer, school holidays or big events in Manchester, book 3–4+ weeks ahead. Off-peak, keep checking and rebook if prices drop.
Pick a cheaper car. Smaller cars cost less and fit UK roads better. Manual transmission can save about £5–10 per day over automatic.
Trim the extras. Use your phone for GPS. Pre-book child seats to get capped rates. Limit additional drivers, as they’re usually £10–15 per day; some suppliers include a partner for free.
Fuel smart near MAN. Full-to-full is standard. Refill just before return at the petrol station on Styal Road or the M56 services to avoid refuelling charges.
| Type | What You Need to Know | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Short Stay Car Parks | Right next to each terminal | Rates vary; check official airport site for current charges |
| Long Stay Car Parks | Shuttle service to terminals | Rates vary; pre-book for best rates |
| Meet & Greet | Valet service at terminal entrance | Premium rates; convenient for families carrying luggage |
| JetParks | Budget option further from terminals | Requires shuttle bus; best rates when pre-booked |
| Drop-off/Pick-up zones | Dedicated areas at each terminal | Time-limited plus a fee; see official airport site for current charges |
Car Rental Return:
Shuttle buses connect the return area to all terminals
Standard UK speed limits apply: 30 mph in built-up areas, 60 mph on single carriageways, 70 mph on dual carriageways and motorways
Get a rental car to easily:
Manchester city centre – M56 > A5103, 20–35 min
Liverpool – M56/M62, 45–60 min
Peak District – A6/A623, 45–60 min
Lake District – M6, Windermere, 1 h 45 min
Chester – M56, 45–55 min
North Wales – A55, Llandudno and Conwy, 1 h 30 min
What documents do I need to rent a car at Manchester Airport? You'll need a valid driving licence, a credit card in your name and proof of identity like a passport. We may ask UK licence holders for a DVLA check code to check their driving record. If your licence isn't in English or doesn't use the Latin alphabet, you should bring an International Driving Permit. We usually accept EU/EEA licences without an IDP.
How long does the rental pick-up process take at Manchester Airport? When it's quiet, the whole process takes about 15-30 minutes. At busy times, like on summer weekends or during morning arrivals, you should allow 45-60 minutes for queuing, paperwork and getting to your car.
Can I rent a car with a debit card at Manchester Airport? Most rental companies ask for a credit card for the security deposit. A few major providers at the airport might accept a debit card if you also provide extra identification and proof of address, but each company has different rules. We strongly recommend using a credit card.
What is the minimum age to rent a car at Manchester Airport? Rental companies usually set the minimum age between 23 and 25. If you're aged 21-24, you can often still rent a car but you will have to pay a young driver fee and you'll have fewer types of cars to choose from.
Are automatic transmission cars available at Manchester Airport? Yes, you can find plenty of automatic cars in most sizes at Manchester Airport. If you need an automatic, make sure to book ahead. You can expect to pay about £5-10 more per day than for a manual car.
What happens if my flight is delayed? Most rental companies at Manchester Airport keep an eye on flight arrival times. If your flight is delayed, they will usually hold your car for you. It's a good idea to call them if your delay is more than 2 hours.
Can I drop off the car at a different UK location? Yes, most companies let you book one-way rentals in the UK. The fee changes based on how far apart the two locations are. For example, dropping the car at another major airport or city usually costs between £30 and £150.
What fuel policy applies to rentals from Manchester Airport? Most rental companies use a full-to-full fuel policy. This means you get the car with a full tank and you must return it full. If you don't refill the tank, the company will charge you for the fuel at a higher rate and add a service fee.
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