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Arnold Clark is one of the most popular car hire options at Manchester Airport, offering competitive rates, a wide fleet of vehicles, and a dedicated shuttle bus service from every terminal. Unlike most rental companies at MAN, Arnold Clark is not based in the airport's main Car Rental Village — the branch is located at Ringway Trading Estate, just a five-minute shuttle ride away. This guide covers everything you need to know about hiring from Arnold Clark at Manchester Airport, including the exact branch location, how to get the shuttle bus, what vehicles are available, opening hours, required documents, and practical tips to make your collection and return as smooth as possible.
Arnold Clark Manchester Airport Branch Location
The Arnold Clark Car & Van Rental branch serving Manchester Airport is located at Unit 14, Ringway Trading Estate, Mollington Road, Manchester M22 5LH. The branch is approximately 2.1 miles from the airport terminals and sits just under half a mile from the main Car Rental Village. It is important to understand that Arnold Clark is not located inside the Car Rental Village itself — the company operates its own separate premises and provides a dedicated shuttle service to transport passengers directly to the branch.
If you are driving to the branch rather than arriving by flight, the Ringway Trading Estate is easily accessible from the M56 motorway. The postcode M22 5LH will take you directly to the estate. The branch is clearly signposted once you enter the trading estate.
Important: Arnold Clark Is NOT in the Car Rental Village
One of the most common mistakes passengers make is boarding the free Car Rental Village shuttle bus at the terminal, expecting it to take them to Arnold Clark. It will not. Arnold Clark operates a completely separate shuttle service. After collecting your bags, you must phone the branch directly to arrange your pick-up. See the shuttle bus section below for full step-by-step instructions.
How to Get the Arnold Clark Shuttle Bus
Arnold Clark provides a dedicated shuttle bus that collects passengers from Manchester Airport and drives them to the Ringway Trading Estate branch. The journey from the terminal to the branch takes approximately five minutes. Here is exactly what to do after your flight lands.
First, collect your baggage from the arrivals hall. Once you have all your luggage, phone the Arnold Clark Manchester Airport branch on +44 (0)161 886 8610 or the shuttle mobile number +44 (0)7808 590003. The rental agent will ask for your name, confirm which terminal you have arrived at, and tell you exactly where to wait for the shuttle bus.
Shuttle Bus Pick-Up Points by Terminal
The Arnold Clark shuttle bus collects passengers from designated bus stops outside each terminal. Since Terminal 1 closed in November 2025, passengers now arrive at either Terminal 2 or Terminal 3.
- Terminal 2: Exit the main arrivals door, turn right, and walk to Bus Stop H. Wait here for the Arnold Clark shuttle.
- Terminal 3: Exit the main arrivals door, turn right, and walk to Bus Stop C. Wait here for the Arnold Clark shuttle.
It is strongly recommended that you provide your flight details to Arnold Clark when making your booking. This helps the branch anticipate your arrival time and reduces waiting at the terminal. Passengers who do not share their flight information in advance sometimes experience longer wait times, as the shuttle is dispatched on demand rather than running on a fixed schedule.
Arnold Clark Manchester Airport Opening Hours
The Arnold Clark Manchester Airport branch operates the following hours throughout the year. Opening times may change during bank holidays and festive periods, so check with the branch if you are travelling over a public holiday.
- Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:30
- Saturday: 08:00 – 17:00
- Sunday: 08:00 – 17:00
If your flight lands before 08:00 or after 17:30 (17:00 on weekends), you will not be able to collect or return your vehicle. Plan your booking around these hours to avoid complications. There is no out-of-hours key drop or self-service option at this branch.
Vehicle Types & Prices at Arnold Clark Manchester Airport
Arnold Clark offers a wide fleet of vehicles at the Manchester Airport branch, covering everything from budget-friendly economy cars to executive saloons and commercial vans. The company stocks over 19 different vehicle models from manufacturers including Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, Audi, Toyota, Hyundai, and Citroen. Here is a breakdown of the main vehicle categories available.
Car Hire Categories
- Economy (from ~£27/day): Ideal for solo travellers or couples. Models include the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Nissan Micra. These are fuel-efficient and easy to park in the city centre.
- Compact (from ~£35/day): Suitable for two passengers with luggage. Typical models include the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. A good balance of boot space and running costs.
- Family & MPV (from ~£50/day): Best for families or groups needing extra space. Options include the Volkswagen Touran and Ford Galaxy, with room for up to seven passengers depending on the model.
- SUV & 4x4 (from ~£55/day): Great for road trips to the Lake District or Peak District. Popular choices include the Toyota RAV4 and Hyundai Tucson.
- Executive (from ~£70/day): Premium vehicles for business travellers or special occasions. Models include the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6 Estate.
Van Hire at Manchester Airport
Arnold Clark also offers van hire from the Manchester Airport branch, starting from approximately £45 per day. Available models include the Citroen Berlingo Cargo Van for smaller loads and the Ford Transit range for larger moves. Van hire is particularly useful if you are relocating to the Manchester area or need to transport equipment. Arnold Clark even offers 9-seater minibus hire for larger groups travelling together.
What Is Included in the Price?
All Arnold Clark hire prices include insurance, VAT, and roadside assistance as standard. There are no hidden costs or booking fees. Hires of four days or more include unlimited mileage, making Arnold Clark particularly competitive for week-long or fortnight-long holiday rentals. Shorter hires may have a daily mileage cap — check the terms at the time of booking.
How to Book Arnold Clark Car Hire at Manchester Airport
The easiest and cheapest way to book is through the Arnold Clark website at arnoldclarkrental.com. Online bookings typically offer lower prices than phone or walk-up rentals, and Arnold Clark guarantees a vehicle will be assigned to every confirmed booking. You can also book through third-party comparison sites such as Rentalcars.com, Discover Cars, or Kayak, although availability and extras may vary.
To book, enter Manchester Airport as your pick-up location, select your dates and times, choose your vehicle, and complete the payment. If you are planning a one-way hire (collecting at Manchester and returning to a different branch), select your preferred return location during the booking process. Arnold Clark operates over 35 branches across England and Scotland, so one-way hire to destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow, Aberdeen, and Inverness is available.
Refund Guarantee
For an additional £10 at the time of booking, Arnold Clark offers a refund guarantee. This allows you to cancel your hire at any point — even up to the start of your rental period — and receive a full refund minus the £10 fee. This is worth considering if your travel plans are uncertain.
What Documents Do You Need?
Arnold Clark requires specific documentation depending on where your driving licence was issued. Have everything ready before you arrive at the branch to avoid delays during collection.
UK Drivers
- Original photocard driving licence (not a photocopy or digital image)
- One proof of address dated within the last three months (utility bill, bank statement, or credit card statement)
- DVLA check code — obtained free from the DVLA Share Driving Licence service
- If you hold a paper-only licence, you will also need photographic ID (passport or national ID card)
EU Drivers (Not Residing in the UK)
- Valid domestic driving licence
- Passport or national ID card
Non-EU & International Drivers
- Valid domestic driving licence with an English translation (or an International Driving Permit)
- Passport
Insurance, Excess & Additional Drivers
Every Arnold Clark hire includes standard insurance cover with a £1,500 excess. This means that in the event of damage to the vehicle, you would be liable for up to £1,500. To reduce or eliminate this excess, Arnold Clark offers a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) that can be added during the booking process or at the branch.
You can add up to three additional drivers to your booking at a cost of £15 per driver per day. Each additional driver must present their own valid driving licence and will be covered under the same insurance policy as the main hirer.
Tip: Check Your Credit Card Cover
Some premium credit cards include rental car insurance as a cardholder benefit. If your card offers this, you may not need to purchase the CDW from Arnold Clark, potentially saving you a significant amount. Check with your card issuer before your trip to confirm whether Manchester Airport rentals are covered.
How to Return Your Hire Car
When your hire period ends, you must return the vehicle directly to the Arnold Clark branch at Ringway Trading Estate, M22 5LH. Do not leave the car in any Manchester Airport car park — this is strictly prohibited and will result in a £100 fine charged to your account.
Upon arrival at the branch, a member of staff will inspect the vehicle and check for any damage. Once the return has been processed, the Arnold Clark shuttle bus will drive you to the departures terminal of your choice. Allow at least 30 minutes before your check-in time for the return, inspection, and shuttle transfer to the terminal.
Arnold Clark vs Car Rental Village — What Is the Difference?
Manchester Airport operates a centralised Car Rental Village where most major hire companies — including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, and Sixt — are based. A free shuttle bus runs continuously between the terminals and the Car Rental Village. Arnold Clark is not part of this village. The Arnold Clark branch is located separately at Ringway Trading Estate and provides its own shuttle service.
The main practical difference is the collection process. At the Car Rental Village, you simply board the free shuttle from the terminal and it takes you to a shared facility. With Arnold Clark, you need to phone the branch after landing and wait for the dedicated Arnold Clark shuttle at the designated bus stop. The branch is only five minutes away, so the total collection time is comparable — but you need to follow a slightly different process than with Car Rental Village companies.
For a full overview of all car hire companies at MAN, including those based in the Car Rental Village, see our Manchester Airport car rental guide.
Tips for a Smooth Arnold Clark Hire at Manchester Airport
- Book online in advance for the best prices. Drive-up rates are significantly higher, and vehicle availability is not guaranteed without a booking.
- Share your flight details with Arnold Clark when booking. This helps them prepare for your arrival and minimises shuttle wait times.
- Generate your DVLA check code the day before travel. The code expires after 21 days, so do not create it too far in advance.
- Save the branch phone number (+44 161 886 8610) in your mobile before you fly. You will need it as soon as you land to request the shuttle.
- Allow extra time for football match days. Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium are close to the airport. Traffic on match days can add 15–20 minutes to journey times in the area.
- Check opening hours for early or late flights. Arnold Clark does not operate outside its 08:00–17:30 window (17:00 weekends). If your flight lands outside these hours, consider an alternative provider or adjust your booking dates.
- Inspect the car before leaving the branch. Note any existing scratches or damage on the rental agreement to avoid being charged for pre-existing issues when you return the vehicle.
Getting Around Manchester from the Airport
Once you have collected your Arnold Clark hire car, the airport is well positioned for exploring Manchester and the wider North of England. The city centre is approximately 20 minutes by car via the M56 and A5103. The Peak District National Park is about 40 minutes to the south-east, and the Lake District is roughly 90 minutes to the north via the M6. For those heading to Liverpool, the journey takes around 50 minutes along the M62.
For passengers who need other forms of transport to and from the airport, our guides cover trains and trams, buses and coaches, taxis, and driving directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Arnold Clark branch at Manchester Airport?
Arnold Clark is located at Unit 14, Ringway Trading Estate, Mollington Road, Manchester M22 5LH. The branch is approximately 2.1 miles from the airport terminals and is not in the main Car Rental Village. Arnold Clark provides a dedicated shuttle bus from each terminal that takes around five minutes.
How do I get the Arnold Clark shuttle bus at Manchester Airport?
After collecting your baggage, phone +44 (0)161 886 8610 or +44 (0)7808 590003. The agent will direct you to the correct bus stop: Bus Stop H for Terminal 2 (exit, turn right) or Bus Stop C for Terminal 3 (exit, turn right). Do not use the Car Rental Village shuttle — Arnold Clark operates its own separate service.
What are the opening hours of Arnold Clark at Manchester Airport?
Monday to Friday 08:00–17:30, Saturday and Sunday 08:00–17:00. Hours may change during bank holidays and festive periods. There is no out-of-hours collection or return option.
What documents do I need to hire from Arnold Clark at Manchester Airport?
UK drivers need their original driving licence, one proof of address from the last three months, and a DVLA check code. EU drivers need their licence plus a passport or ID card. International drivers need their licence with an English translation (or an International Driving Permit) and a passport.
Is Arnold Clark in the Manchester Airport Car Rental Village?
No. Arnold Clark is not located in the Car Rental Village. The branch is at Ringway Trading Estate, roughly half a mile from the village. Arnold Clark provides its own shuttle bus service. Do not board the Car Rental Village shuttle, as it will not take you to Arnold Clark.
How much does Arnold Clark car hire cost at Manchester Airport?
Prices start from around £27 per day for an economy car. Compact cars start from approximately £35/day, family vehicles from £50/day, SUVs from £55/day, and executive cars from £70/day. All prices include insurance, VAT, and roadside assistance. Online pre-booking offers the best rates.
Can I do a one-way hire with Arnold Clark from Manchester Airport?
Yes. Arnold Clark offers one-way hire to over 35 branches across England and Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Heathrow, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Southampton. Select your return location during the online booking process to check availability.
Where do I return my Arnold Clark hire car at Manchester Airport?
Return the vehicle directly to the Arnold Clark branch at Ringway Trading Estate, M22 5LH. After the inspection, the shuttle bus will take you to your departures terminal. Never leave a hire car in an airport car park — this results in a £100 fine.