Compare cheap car hire at Manchester Airport with practical advice on rental desk locations, vehicles, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Manchester Airport (MAN) is one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom and serves as the main gateway to northern England. Located about 14km south of Manchester city centre, it provides easy access to destinations across the North West, including the Lake District, Yorkshire and North Wales.
Many visitors choose to hire a car at the airport to explore beyond the city. From Manchester it is easy to reach national parks, historic towns and coastal regions within a few hours’ drive.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Manchester Airport has frequent direct connections with several Irish airports.
- Dublin → Manchester (Aer Lingus, Ryanair)
- Cork → Manchester (Ryanair)
- Knock → Manchester (Ryanair)
- Belfast → Manchester (easyJet, Aer Lingus)
The flight from Dublin to Manchester typically takes about 1 hour.
Location of the Car Hire Desks
Car hire desks at Manchester Airport are located in the dedicated Car Rental Village, which is separate from the passenger terminals.
After arriving, travellers take the free airport shuttle bus from Terminals 1, 2 or 3 to the Car Rental Village. The shuttle journey usually takes around 5 minutes.
Inside the Car Rental Village building, rental company desks are located on the ground floor. Vehicles are collected from the adjacent parking areas outside the building.
Airport facilities and transport details are available on the official Manchester Airport website.
Rental Companies at Manchester Airport
The Car Rental Village hosts several major international car hire providers.
- Hertz
- Avis / Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
Vehicles are normally parked in the designated car rental parking area next to the rental centre.
Typical Rental Prices at Manchester Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £25 – £45 per day | £45 – £75 per day | £75 – £130 per day |
| April – June | £30 – £60 per day | £60 – £95 per day | £95 – £160 per day |
| July – August | £40 – £85 per day | £85 – £140 per day | £140 – £220 per day |
| September – October | £30 – £65 per day | £65 – £110 per day | £110 – £180 per day |
| November – December | £25 – £50 per day | £50 – £85 per day | £85 – £150 per day |
Choosing the Right Vehicle
Compact Cars
Small hatchbacks are popular for city visits and short trips between towns in northern England.
Family Cars
Larger compact vehicles are comfortable for travellers exploring multiple destinations across the region.
SUVs
SUVs provide extra space and comfort for longer journeys to national parks such as the Lake District.
Driving from Manchester Airport
The airport connects directly to the UK motorway network via the M56 motorway.
- Manchester city centre – about 25 minutes
- Liverpool – around 50 minutes
- Lake District – roughly 1 hour 45 minutes
- Leeds – about 1 hour 15 minutes
These routes make Manchester Airport a convenient starting point for exploring northern England.
Travellers arriving in the UK sometimes compare other nearby airports for road trips, including Birmingham Airport, Heathrow Airport and Bristol Airport.
Driving in Northern England
In the UK, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Motorways are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
Most motorways do not charge tolls, although a few bridges and tunnels have fees.
Further travel information is available from the official VisitBritain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Manchester
Hiring a car makes it easy to explore destinations outside the city.
- Lake District National Park – famous for lakes and mountain scenery
- York – historic cathedral city
- Peak District – national park with walking trails and villages
- Liverpool – port city known for music and culture
Many visitors combine several of these destinations into a road trip through northern England.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Manchester Airport?
The rental desks are located in the airport’s Car Rental Village, reached by a free shuttle bus from the terminals.
Which companies operate car hire at Manchester Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Manchester Airport from the city centre?
The airport is about 14km south of Manchester city centre.
Is driving in the UK easy for visitors?
Yes, although drivers should remember that vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Do UK motorways have tolls?
Most motorways are toll-free, although some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Manchester Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are still common in the UK.
Should I book Manchester Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Manchester Airport to Liverpool?
The journey typically takes around 45–50 minutes depending on traffic.
What motorway connects Manchester Airport to the region?
The M56 motorway connects the airport with Manchester and the wider motorway network.
