Manchester Airport Pick Up & Drop Off Charges Explained
Everything you need to know about Manchester Airport's barrierless pick-up and drop-off system, including charges, payment options, and how to avoid fines.
Manchester Airport's Barrierless System
Manchester Airport has ditched the traditional barrier system at its Drop Off and Pick Up areas. Instead of stopping to pay at a barrier, you now drive straight through and pay online later. It's similar to systems used at the Dartford Crossing or various toll roads.
Sounds simple enough - but get it wrong and you'll face a Ā£100 Parking Charge Notice. Here's how to avoid that.
How It Works
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Cameras using ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) record your vehicle entering and leaving. You then have until midnight the following day to pay online or by phone.
Which Areas Use Barrierless?
The barrierless system operates at:
- Terminal 2 Upper Forecourt Drop Off
- Terminal 2 Express Pick Up
- Terminal 3 Drop Off
- Train, Bus & Tram Station Drop Off
Drop Off Charges (Terminal 2 & Terminal 3)
Both Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 have identical pricing:
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Ā£5.00 |
| 10 minutes | Ā£6.40 |
| Up to 30 minutes | Ā£25.00 |
Maximum stay: 30 minutes. Payments must be made online by midnight the following day.
ā ļø Warning: A Ā£100 charge will be applied if you attempt to pick up passengers in the Drop Off zone. Use the Express Pick Up area instead.
Need longer than 30 minutes?
If you need more time, or want to accompany someone into the terminal, use the Turn Up and Park options instead.
Directions to Terminal 3 Drop Off
Flying early? Don't risk the traffic. Stay minutes from the terminal with park & fly packages included.
Postcode: M90 3EX
- Follow the signposts for Terminals 3
- You will see the Hilton Hotel, followed quickly by Clayton Hotel, on your left-hand side
- Shortly afterwards you will reach a roundabout - take the first exit
- At the next (mini) roundabout, take the 3rd exit
- Continue until you reach a second mini roundabout
- At this roundabout take the 2nd exit - the Drop Off area is located in front of the terminal straight ahead
Directions to Terminal 2 Drop Off
Postcode: M90 5PH
Terminal 2 upper forecourt is conveniently located next to the main check-in hall.
- Exit the M56 at Junction 5 and keep left up the slip road, following the signs for Terminal 2
- At the first roundabout (at the top of the slip road), take the 2nd exit, signposted for Terminal 2
- At the second roundabout (Flag Island) take the 3rd exit, signposted for T2 'Drop Off'
- Take the ramp up to the forecourt, which is next to the main check-in hall
- There is a dedicated drop-off point on the forecourt located in Zone 2
Free Drop Off Option
Don't want to pay? Manchester Airport offers a free drop off at JetParks 1 car park:
- Free for up to 60 minutes
- Free shuttle bus to all terminals (journey takes around 6 minutes)
- Shuttle runs 24/7 with marshals on hand to assist
- Just follow signs for JetParks 1
Postcode: M90 5AZ
Please note: the free shuttle bus is a one-way service from the car park to the terminal.
This is the only free option - all forecourt drop-offs are now charged.
How to Pay
You have two options:
Option 1: Pay As You Go (Guest Payment)
After your visit, go to pay.manchesterairport.co.uk and enter your registration number. Pay by midnight the next day to avoid a fine.
Option 2: Set Up AutoPay (Recommended)
Create an account and add a payment card. Every time you use Drop Off or Pick Up, payment is taken automatically - no need to remember to pay later.
You can also pay by phone: 0345 901 3318
Important: You cannot pay in cash or at the airport. There are no payment machines.
What If I Forget to Pay?
If you don't pay by midnight the following day:
- Ā£100 Parking Charge Notice sent to the registered keeper
- Reduced to Ā£60 if paid within 14 days
To appeal a charge, visit payments.apcoa.co.uk
Blue Badge Holders
Passengers with a valid Blue Badge can access drop-off areas free of charge. Show your badge to the traffic marshals when entering. Note: This is for drop-off only, not pick-up.
Picking Someone Up?
For Ryanair arrivals, remember they come through Terminal 3 (see our Manchester Terminal Changes guide).
The Terminal 2 Express Pick Up uses the barrierless system. If you want to wait for free, use one of the nearby car parks - many offer the first 30 minutes free.
Common Questions
Do I pay separately for each visit?
Yes. If you drop off and then pick up later the same day, that's two separate charges.
Do electric vehicles pay?
Yes, electric vehicles are not exempt from charges.
What about taxis?
The vehicle owner is responsible for payment, regardless of whether it's a private car or taxi.
Can I pay in advance?
No. Payment can only be made after your visit. Set up AutoPay if you want hassle-free automatic payments.
Why isn't my payment showing?
If you've set up AutoPay, payments can take up to 10 hours to appear on your account. Contact APCOA on 0345 901 3318 if you're concerned.
Contact for Help
If you have problems with payment:
- Live chat: pay.manchesterairport.co.uk
- Phone: 0345 901 3318
- Email: [email protected]
Official Information: For full terms and conditions, visit the Manchester Airport website.
Written by
WhichTerminal Team