Manchester Airport Main Postcode
M90 1QX
Manchester Airport, Ringway, Manchester M90 1QX, United Kingdom
The main postcode for Manchester Airport is M90 1QX. This is the general postcode for the airport complex and will take you to the correct area if you enter it into a sat nav or GPS device. However, Manchester Airport is a large site with multiple terminals, car parks, and access roads, so using a more specific postcode can save you time and prevent you from ending up at the wrong entrance.
Manchester Airport (IATA: MAN, ICAO: EGCC) is located approximately 7 miles south-west of Manchester city centre, in the Ringway area. It is the UK's third busiest airport, handling around 32 million passengers a year across two active terminals — Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. The airport's road network connects directly to the M56 motorway at junction 5, and having the right postcode in your sat nav makes a significant difference when navigating the various approach roads.
Postcodes for Each Terminal
Manchester Airport currently operates two terminals. Terminal 2 was extensively redeveloped as part of a £1.3 billion transformation programme and is now the airport's main terminal for most airlines. Terminal 3 serves a number of carriers including Ryanair and Jet2. Terminal 1 was closed to passengers in November 2025 as part of the wider redevelopment, and its operations were absorbed into the expanded Terminal 2.
| Location | Postcode | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 2 | M90 1QX | Main terminal — most airlines. Follow signs for T2 after entering the airport road network. |
| Terminal 3 | M90 3NS | Used by Ryanair, Jet2, and selected other carriers. Separate approach road from T2. |
| Terminal 1 (closed) | M90 1QX | Closed to passengers since November 2025. Operations merged into Terminal 2. |
| The Station (train & tram) | M90 1QX | Rail station and Metrolink tram stop, linked to all terminals via Skylink walkways. |
💡 Which Terminal Am I Flying From?
If you are unsure which terminal your airline uses, check your booking confirmation or the airlines page on this site. Using the wrong terminal postcode could take you to the opposite side of the airport — and while the terminals are connected by Skylink walkways, transferring between them on foot takes 10–20 minutes.
Car Park Postcodes for Sat Nav
Manchester Airport has a variety of official car parks, from short-stay multi-storeys adjacent to the terminals to long-stay and JetParks sites further away with shuttle bus connections. Each car park has its own entrance, so using the specific postcode is important to ensure your sat nav takes you to the right barrier.
| Car Park | Postcode | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-Storey T2 | M90 1QX | Short stay, directly connected to Terminal 2. Walking distance to check-in. |
| Multi-Storey T3 | M90 3NS | Short stay, adjacent to Terminal 3. Ideal for short trips. |
| Long Stay T2 | M90 5QA | Budget option for Terminal 2. Free transfer bus to the terminal. |
| Long Stay T3 | M90 5QH | Budget option for Terminal 3. Free transfer bus to the terminal. |
| JetParks 1 | M90 5PZ | Off-site value parking with 24/7 shuttle bus. 5–10 min transfer. |
| JetParks 2 | M90 5AD | Off-site value parking with frequent shuttle bus service. |
| JetParks 3 | M90 5AU | Off-site value parking with shuttle bus to all terminals. |
| JetParks Ringway | M90 5DL | Also serves as the free drop-off point. Shuttle bus to terminals. |
Pre-booking your parking online is almost always cheaper than paying on the day. Prices for long-stay parking can be up to 60% cheaper when booked in advance. Visit our Manchester Airport parking guide for a full comparison of options, prices, and booking advice.
Drop-Off and Pick-Up Postcodes
Manchester Airport charges a fee for using the forecourt drop-off zones directly outside the terminals. If you are dropping off or picking up passengers and want to avoid charges, the airport provides a free alternative at JetParks Ringway.
Terminal 2 Drop-Off
The forecourt drop-off is directly outside the terminal entrance. Drive to the upper level of the terminal approach road.
Postcode: M90 1QX • Chargeable • Time-limited stay
Terminal 3 Drop-Off
Located on the terminal approach road outside the T3 departures entrance. Separate road from Terminal 2.
Postcode: M90 3NS • Chargeable • Time-limited stay
🆓 Free Drop-Off
The free drop-off point is at JetParks Ringway. Park for free, then your passenger takes a complimentary shuttle bus to the terminals. Journey time is around 5–10 minutes.
Postcode: M90 5DL • Free • Parking guide
Pick-Up & Waiting
A short-stay car park is the most practical option for picking up arrivals. Alternatively, use the free pick-up at JetParks Ringway — your passenger catches the shuttle from the terminal.
Short Stay: M90 1QX (T2) / M90 3NS (T3) • Free pick-up: M90 5DL
💰 Avoid Forecourt Charges
The terminal forecourt drop-off zones are monitored by ANPR cameras and charges apply from the moment your vehicle enters. For a free alternative, head to JetParks Ringway (M90 5DL) where you can drop off at no cost. Allow an extra 10–15 minutes for the shuttle bus journey to the terminal.
Other Useful Postcodes Near Manchester Airport
Beyond the terminals and car parks, there are several other locations around the airport complex that drivers frequently search for. The table below covers the most common ones.
| Location | Postcode | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car Rental Village | M90 5FL | All major hire companies. Connected by free shuttle bus. Car rental guide |
| Airport Hotels (on-site) | M90 3WR | Hilton Garden Inn, Clayton Hotel, and others in the hotel district. |
| Radisson Blu Hotel | M90 3RA | Connected directly to Terminal 2 via a skybridge. |
| Manchester Airport Visitor Park | M90 1QX | Aviation viewing area with runway views and exhibits. |
| Cargo Centre | M90 5PP | World Freight Terminal and cargo operations area. |
How to Get to Manchester Airport by Car
Manchester Airport is well connected to the national motorway network. The primary access is via the M56 motorway, junction 5, which feeds directly onto the airport spur road. From here, signage directs you to Terminal 2, Terminal 3, or the various car parks. Coming from the north, the airport can also be reached via the A538 through Wilmslow or the A5103 Princess Parkway from central Manchester.
Driving Directions by Route
- From the south (M6/M56): Take the M56 westbound, exit at junction 5, and follow signs for your terminal or car park.
- From Manchester city centre: Take the A5103 (Princess Parkway) south, then follow signs for the airport from the Wythenshawe area.
- From the east (M62/M60): Take the M60 south to junction 4 (Cheadle), join the A555 airport relief road, and follow signs to the airport.
- From the north (M61/M62): Join the M60 clockwise, exit at junction 4, and follow the A555 to the airport.
Journey times vary depending on traffic. From Manchester Piccadilly, the drive takes around 25–35 minutes in normal conditions. During rush hour (7:00–9:30 AM and 4:30–7:00 PM), allow significantly more time as the M56 corridor and airport approach roads can experience heavy congestion.
Sat Nav Tips for Manchester Airport
The airport road network can be confusing, especially for first-time visitors. Several approach roads split at roundabouts, and taking the wrong lane can send you on a long loop around the perimeter. Here are some practical tips to avoid common mistakes.
- Always use the terminal-specific postcode rather than the generic M90 1QX, especially if you are heading to Terminal 3 or a specific car park.
- Follow the airport road signs as well as your sat nav. The airport signage is clear and colour-coded — blue for T2, green for T3 — and is more reliable than sat nav for last-mile routing.
- Do not follow sat nav into restricted areas. Some routes used by service vehicles are not open to the public. Stick to the main approach roads signposted from the M56.
- Update your sat nav maps if you have not done so recently. The airport road layout changed significantly during the Terminal 2 expansion, and older map data may route you incorrectly.
- Plan for the car park barrier. If you have pre-booked parking, have your booking confirmation ready before you reach the barrier. Most car parks use ANPR to read your number plate, but a booking reference is useful as a backup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the postcode for Manchester Airport?
The main postcode for Manchester Airport is M90 1QX. This is the general postcode for the airport complex and covers Terminal 2, The Station (train and tram), and the main multi-storey car park. For Terminal 3, use M90 3NS for more accurate sat nav directions.
What postcode should I use in my sat nav for Manchester Airport?
Use M90 1QX for Terminal 2 or M90 3NS for Terminal 3. If you are heading to a specific car park, use the car park's own postcode — this ensures your sat nav takes you to the correct entrance rather than the general airport area. Check the tables above for a full list of postcodes.
What is the postcode for Manchester Airport drop-off?
The Terminal 2 forecourt drop-off postcode is M90 1QX, and the Terminal 3 drop-off is M90 3NS. Both are chargeable. For a free drop-off, use M90 5DL (JetParks Ringway), where a complimentary shuttle bus connects to all terminals in around 5–10 minutes.
What is the full address of Manchester Airport?
The full address is Manchester Airport, Ringway, Manchester M90 1QX, United Kingdom. The airport is located 7 miles south-west of Manchester city centre, adjacent to junction 5 of the M56 motorway.
What is the postcode for Manchester Airport car rental?
The Car Rental Village postcode is M90 5FL. This is where most major hire companies are based, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar. A free shuttle bus connects the Car Rental Village to all terminals. See our car rental guide for full details.
Is there a free drop-off point at Manchester Airport?
Yes. The free drop-off and pick-up point is at JetParks Ringway, postcode M90 5DL. You can drop off passengers here at no charge, and they can take a free shuttle bus to the terminals. This avoids the forecourt charges that apply at the terminal drop-off zones directly outside T2 and T3.