Mid Stay T1/T3 — now signposted as P15 at the airport — is one of the most popular parking options at Manchester Airport for trips of up to one week. It is an official, on-airport car park located just a short walk from Terminal 3, with no shuttle bus required. You park your car, keep your keys, and walk straight to check-in. Entry and exit are handled automatically by number plate recognition cameras, making the whole process fast and hassle-free.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Mid Stay T1/T3, including how to get there, what to expect on the day, walking times to the terminal, vehicle restrictions, Blue Badge access, and tips for getting the best price when you book in advance.
How Mid Stay T1/T3 Works
Mid Stay T1/T3 is designed to be as simple as possible. There is no check-in desk, no key handover, and no shuttle bus to wait for. The entire process is automated and self-service.
- Drive to the car park. Follow signs for P15 from the M56 Junction 5. At the airport, signage may still reference "T1/T3 Mid Stay" or "T1 Multi Storey" while boards are being updated. The sat nav postcode is M90 1QX.
- Enter via the barrier. The ANPR cameras will read your number plate and the barrier will lift automatically. If the barrier does not raise, press the help button on the intercom to speak to the car park team.
- Park in any available space. Find a bay, park up, and make a note of where you have left your car. You keep your keys — nobody else moves your vehicle.
- Walk to the terminal. It is approximately an 8 to 12-minute walk to Terminal 3 check-in. Follow the pedestrian signs from the car park.
- Return and drive out. When you land, walk back to the car park, find your car exactly where you left it, and drive to the exit. The ANPR system will recognise your plate and raise the barrier automatically.
💡 No Need to Print Your Confirmation
You do not need a paper copy of your booking confirmation. If a member of staff needs to see it, you can show it on your phone. The ANPR system handles entry and exit using your number plate, so as long as the registration on your booking is correct, you are all set.
Directions to Mid Stay T1/T3 (P15)
The car park is accessed from the M56 motorway via Junction 5. Here are the step-by-step directions.
🚗 From the M56 Motorway
- Exit the M56 at Junction 5 and get in lane for Cheadle.
- At the traffic lights, select the lane signposted for Terminal 3, Cheadle, Quarry Bank Mill, Gatley and Wythenshawe.
- Follow Ringway Road West for approximately 0.7 miles.
- Turn right at the traffic lights signposted for Terminal 3 and Car Rental Return.
- Continue for approximately 0.5 miles. At the mini-roundabout, turn right into Parade Road, signposted for T1 and T2.
- Follow this road for 0.1 miles. The car park entrance is on the right-hand side.
The car park is signposted as P15 and also as T1/3 Mid Stay around the airport. Be aware that roadworks around Manchester Airport are ongoing, and some road layouts may have changed since older signage was installed. Always follow the most recent on-site signs.
Walking Times to Terminals
Mid Stay T1/T3 is a walk-to-terminal car park, which means there is no shuttle bus. You walk directly from the car park to the terminal building. The walk is flat, straightforward, and well-signposted.
Estimated Walk Times
- To Terminal 3: Approximately 3–5 minutes. The terminal is the closest to the car park and the walk is short and direct.
- To Terminal 1 (via T3): Approximately 8–10 minutes. Terminal 1 is largely closed as of late 2025, with most flights now operating from Terminal 3. Check your airline's terminal before travelling.
- To Terminal 2: Mid Stay T1/T3 is not recommended for Terminal 2. If you are flying from T2, consider the T2 Multi Storey (P3) or Mid Stay (formerly T1 Multi Storey / P12) instead.
Prices and How to Save
Mid Stay T1/T3 is positioned between the more expensive Multi Storey car parks (which are the closest to the terminal) and the cheaper off-site JetParks options. It offers a good balance of convenience and value, particularly for stays of three to seven days.
Exact prices change daily based on demand and how far in advance you book. However, the general pricing pattern is as follows:
- Pre-booking online is significantly cheaper than turning up on the day — the airport advertises savings of up to 77% when you book in advance.
- A typical 4-day stay costs from around £90 when booked in advance (March 2026 pricing), though this varies by season and availability.
- Turn-up rates are much higher and are charged at the car park's standard daily rate, which can exceed £60 per 24-hour period.
- Comparison sites such as Holiday Extras, APH, SkyParkSecure, and Looking4Parking often offer discounted rates on the same official car park.
💰 Tips to Get the Best Price
- Book as early as possible — prices rise as the travel date approaches.
- Compare prices on the Manchester Airport official site and third-party comparison sites.
- Check for discount codes and cashback offers before completing your booking.
- If your dates are flexible, shifting by a day or two can sometimes reduce the price significantly.
- Sign up for the airport's mailing list — they occasionally send exclusive parking deals.
How Mid Stay T1/T3 Compares
Manchester Airport has a range of official parking products. Here is how Mid Stay T1/T3 stacks up against the main alternatives for Terminal 3 passengers.
| Car Park | Walk / Transfer | Keep Keys? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| T3 Multi Storey (P14) | 2–5 min walk | Yes | Shortest walk, undercover, short trips |
| Mid Stay T1/T3 (P15) | 8–12 min walk | Yes | Best value walk-to-terminal, up to 7 days |
| Meet & Greet T3 (P13) | Drop at terminal | No — valet | Maximum convenience, families, heavy luggage |
| JetParks 3 | Shuttle bus (~10 min) | Yes | Budget option for longer stays (7+ days) |
| JetParks Ringway | Shuttle bus (~10 min) | Yes | Budget option, often cheapest for long stays |
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Walk to terminal — no shuttle bus wait
- Keep your own keys
- ANPR entry and exit — fast and contactless
- Official airport car park — on-site security
- Cheaper than Multi Storey or Meet & Greet
- Blue Badge spaces available
- Open 24/7, 365 days a year
❌ Cons
- Not undercover — open-air parking
- 8–12 minute walk with luggage
- 2-metre height barrier excludes larger vehicles
- Not suitable for Terminal 2 passengers
- Turn-up prices are very expensive
- No refund if you collect early
Vehicle Restrictions
Mid Stay T1/T3 accepts most standard cars, but there are some restrictions to be aware of before you travel.
Vehicle Requirements
- Height limit: 2 metres. Your vehicle must fit under the entry barrier.
- Bay size: 2.4 metres wide × 4.8 metres long. Your vehicle must fit within a standard parking bay.
- No trailers: Vehicles towing trailers are not accepted.
- No commercial vehicles: Vans and commercial vehicles may be refused.
- Reduced capacity: Planned works on part of the Mid Stay P12 car park have reduced overall capacity, and larger vehicles may face further restrictions. Check the airport parking page for the latest vehicle size guidance.
Blue Badge Parking
Mid Stay T1/T3 has designated Blue Badge parking spaces located within the car park. These bays are clearly signposted and available on a first-come, first-served basis — they cannot be pre-booked. You must display your Blue Badge in your vehicle for the entire duration of your stay.
The car park's flat layout and relatively short walk to Terminal 3 make it a reasonable option for passengers with reduced mobility who want to avoid the shuttle bus transfers required at JetParks. For passengers who need an even shorter walk or drop-off at the terminal door, Meet & Greet parking is worth considering.
Security
Mid Stay T1/T3 is an official Manchester Airport car park and benefits from the airport's comprehensive security infrastructure. The car park features CCTV surveillance, secure perimeter fencing, entry and exit barriers controlled by ANPR, 24-hour patrols, and good lighting throughout. Your vehicle remains on-site in a monitored, access-controlled environment for the entire duration of your trip.
Cancellation and Overstay Policy
The cancellation terms depend on where you book. If you book directly with Manchester Airport, you can typically cancel free of charge up to 72 hours before your arrival time. Third-party providers such as APH and Holiday Extras generally require at least 4 days' notice for free cancellation. Bookings made within the cancellation window are usually non-refundable.
The car park operates a discretionary 6-hour grace period on your booked return time. This is designed to cover flight delays. Beyond 6 hours, you will be charged the standard overstay rate — typically around £25 to £61 per additional 24-hour period, depending on the booking provider. If you collect your car earlier than your booked return time, no refund is given.
Book Mid Stay T1/T3 Parking
Pre-booking online is the cheapest way to park. Enter your travel dates on the Manchester Airport website to see live prices and availability.
Check Prices on Official Site →Practical Tips
- Make a note of your parking space. There is no ticket or valet — you need to remember where you parked. Take a photo of the bay number or nearest sign on your phone.
- Check your number plate on the booking. ANPR relies on your registration. A single wrong character will cause the barrier to fail. Double-check it when you book.
- Remove hand sanitiser from your car. The airport recommends removing alcohol-based hand sanitiser during hot weather, as it can become flammable if left in a hot vehicle.
- Arrive with time to spare. Although the walk is only 8–12 minutes, factor in time to find a space, unload luggage, and navigate to check-in. Allow at least 20–30 minutes from arriving at the car park to reaching the terminal.
- Your parking period starts at 12:01 AM. Regardless of your pre-booked arrival time, the parking day begins at midnight. Plan accordingly to get the most out of your booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Mid Stay T1/T3 (P15) from the terminal?
The walk to Terminal 3 takes approximately 3 to 5 minutes, while the walk to Terminal 1 (now largely part of T3) takes around 8 to 10 minutes. There is no shuttle bus — you walk directly from the car park to the terminal building.
What is the postcode for Mid Stay T1/T3?
The sat nav postcode is M90 1QX. At the airport, follow signs for P15. Some older signs may still reference "T1/T3 Mid Stay" or "T1 Multi Storey".
Do I keep my keys at Mid Stay T1/T3?
Yes. Mid Stay T1/T3 is a self-park car park. You drive in, park in any available space, keep your keys, and walk to the terminal. Your car stays exactly where you left it until you return.
Is there a height restriction?
Yes. The car park has a 2-metre height barrier at the entrance. Vehicles must also fit within a standard parking bay measuring 2.4 metres wide by 4.8 metres long. Commercial vehicles and vehicles with trailers are not accepted.
Can I use Mid Stay T1/T3 with a Blue Badge?
Yes. The car park has designated Blue Badge spaces available on a first-come, first-served basis. Display your Blue Badge in your vehicle for the duration of your stay.
What happens if my flight is delayed and I overstay?
The car park offers a discretionary 6-hour grace period. Beyond that, you will be charged the standard daily rate — typically around £25 to £61 per 24 hours depending on the provider. If you collect your car early, no refund is issued.