Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport Trains From £1.60*

Take the train to your next getaway and go from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport in as little as 13 minutes with Northern. Five trains per hour means plenty of flexibility to get you to the airport in good time. On your journey, you'll pass through the North West's biggest built-up area, with the sights of the city eventually giving way to the exciting prospect of Manchester Airport, and your forthcoming flight!

Northern is a train operator running a range of regional services across the north. They connect the hundreds of stations serving small communities across the North of England with major population centres like Leeds, Sheffield, Manchester, Liverpool and Newcastle.

Departing from Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester Piccadilly is the biggest train station in the city of Manchester. As you would expect, it's well connected, as it can be reached by many city-centre buses, as well as the region's extensive Metrolink tram network.

Most major towns and cities can be reached from Manchester Piccadilly, either directly or with a change at another major hub. London trains are provided by Avanti West Coast, while Glasgow and Edinburgh are reachable via TransPennine Express services. CrossCountry travels to places like Birmingham, Bournemouth and Bristol. Services to Sheffield, Nottingham and Norwich are covered by East Midlands Railway, who also travel to Liverpool. Northern trains run to most destinations across the north of England, while Transport for Wales connect Manchester with Cardiff and Llandudno.

Main stops

Most Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport trains provided by TransPennine Express are non-stop services. Transport for Wales services generally stop at East Didsbury.

Faster Northern services call at either Gatley or Heald Green, while Northern stopping services call at Mauldeth Road, Burnage, East Didsbury, Gatley and Heald Green.

Arriving at Manchester Airport

The train from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport is cheap and easy - the perfect start to your overseas getaway! Manchester Airport station is right next to the airport itself, so it's an ideal transport option. If you need to travel to a different destination on your return, you'll be pleased to discover that there are plenty of travel options from Manchester Airport.

Trains from this station head to Liverpool, Lancaster, Chester, Crewe, Blackpool, Carlisle and Middlesbrough, along with many other destinations. If you want to transfer to places in Greater Manchester, the Metrolink station is right next to the rail station.

If you have alternative plans, such as staying the night, check out our Manchester Airport hotel search tool. And why not hunt down the perfect flight while you're at it? There are plenty of destinations to choose from, since Manchester Airport is one of the busiest in the country.

Northern train classes

• Standard Class: All passengers travelling in Standard Class on Northern trains can access their free Wi-Fi. Seats can also be booked in advance.
• First Class: You can't travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport First Class with Northern, as they do not have First Class seats on any of their services.

Northern train travel advice

Once you've decided to buy cheap train tickets to Manchester Airport, you'll benefit from reading this guide on how to travel on Northern trains.

• Luggage: While heading to the airport, you can stow heavy suitcases in the specific luggage racks. Small items can go under the seat in front of you, and there is plenty of room in the overhead shelves.
• Bicycles: There are limited bike spaces on board.
• Children: There are changing facilities in at least one of the toilets on board. If you're bringing a buggy, simply fold it down and put it in one of the luggage spaces.
• Pets: Dogs must be kept on their lead or in a carrier. Other pets can be transported in carriers, too. Make sure they don't disturb anyone, and keep them off seats and tables. You can bring a maximum of two pets.
• Passenger Assist: If you need assistance to help you make your journey, Northern staff will be happy to help. The best way to ensure everything is ready for you is to book it in advance by phone or online, where you will be able to explain what assistance you require.

Northern isn't the only operator running Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport trains. TransPennine Express also offer one train per hour covering this route. They tend to travel non-stop or have limited calling points. These services usually take 19 minutes to reach the airport, but they can be a little quicker at certain times.

TransPennine Express run a wide range of intercity train services across the North East, North West and into Scotland. As their name suggests, their express timetable includes stops at slightly bigger stations.

TransPennine Express train classes

• Standard Class: TransPennine Express offers free Wi-Fi and reserved seating to its customers.
• First Class: The First Class experience on TransPennine Express includes USB and power sockets at every seat, along with roomier seating and plenty of legroom.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

• Luggage: Overhead shelves provide plenty of storage space, with dedicated luggage racks available for bigger items.
• Bicycles: If you would like to bring a bike, make sure you book a space for it. Staff are on hand to help you find the bike storage area if you need.
• Children: If you're travelling with kids, check out our page on the Friends and Family Railcard. It could save you a lot of money. Once on board, buggies can be stored folded in luggage areas. You can also keep them in cycle spaces, but they'll have to be moved if someone needs to use one for a cycle.
• Pets: Up to two dogs or pets can be carried on board. They need to be on a lead or in a carrier.
• Passenger Assist: Assistance is available to book 24 hours a day online, or it can be booked via phone or WhatsApp. Booking in advance ensures that your assistance will be ready in time for your arrival at the station.

Transport for Wales offers one train per hour heading from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport.

Transport for Wales operates all passenger train services in Wales, but it also provides services that run between Wales and adjacent areas of England. The train that goes from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport starts in Llandudno.

Transport for Wales train classes

• Standard Class: Take the Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport train with Transport for Wales (TfW), and you can reserve specific seats for you and your travel companions. Most trains will have Wi-Fi, too.
• First Class: Transport for Wales does not have an option to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport in First Class.

Transport for Wales train travel advice

• Luggage: You can bring up to three items of luggage. If you have more than that, or bulky items over a metre in length, there may be an additional charge.
• Bicycles: If you want to take a bicycle, it's best to book a cycle space as soon as possible, as there are only limited spaces on each service.
• Children: Buggies should ideally be folded and stored as luggage while on board. Changing facilities are available on all trains.
• Pets: TfW allows pets on board. Dogs need to be on a lead, while other pets need to be in a carrier that gives them room to stand up and lie down in comfort. They're not allowed to endanger or inconvenience other passengers or staff.
• Passenger Assist: If you'll require assistance to enable you to use TfW trains, you're best off booking it in advance, though staff should still help if you don't. To book it, call the 24-hour helpline or book online.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.,