If you are flying out of Manchester Airport soon, there is a very good chance you will be heading to Terminal 2. Once considered the “extra” terminal, Terminal 2 has recently undergone a massive billion-pound transformation. It is now the “Super Terminal” of the north, acting as the main hub for the airport’s biggest airlines and long-haul flights.
Because the terminal has expanded so much, the old guides you might find online are often wrong. This guide will walk you through everything from the new parking layouts and the best lounges to where you can find a good meal before you fly.
Manchester Airport Terminal 2: Departures and Arrivals
Departures at Manchester Airport Terminal 2
Once you arrive at Terminal 2, you’ll first head to the check-in area. This terminal serves several major airlines, including Lufthansa, Emirates, and British Airways. After checking in, proceed through security, where you’ll find modern facilities designed to make the process as smooth as possible. Depending on your flight, you may need to head to the gates in the upper level or lower level.
If you’re looking to check the flight status for departures, keep an eye on the flight information displays located throughout the terminal, as well as the airline’s website or app for real-time updates.
Arrivals at Manchester Airport Terminal 2
For those arriving at Terminal 2, you’ll exit into the baggage claim area, where you’ll retrieve your luggage. For international travelers, customs clearance is required before you can proceed to the arrivals hall.
Parking Options at Manchester Airport Terminal 2
If you are leaving your car while you go on holiday, Terminal 2 has the newest and most spacious parking options at the airport.
Terminal 2 West Multi-Storey
This is the flagship car park. It is a massive, modern multi-story building located directly opposite the new check-in hall. You can walk from your car to the check-in desk in about 3 to 5 minutes without getting wet. It is perfect for families who want convenience, but it is more expensive than the distant lots.
Meet and Greet Manchester Airport Terminal 2
This is the most popular option for stress-free travel. With Meet and Greet, you drive into a dedicated inspection bay inside the multi-storey car park. You hand your keys to a receptionist, walk into the terminal, and they park your car for you. When you return, your car is waiting for you so you can drive straight home. It eliminates the hassle of hunting for a space.
JetParks (Long Stay)
For the best price, look at the JetParks options. these are open-air car parks located a short bus ride away from the terminal. They are much cheaper than the multi-storey options and are great for longer trips of two weeks or more.
Lounge Options at Manchester Airport Terminal 2
If you’re looking for a more comfortable experience while waiting for your flight, Manchester Airport Terminal 2 offers several lounges for passengers to unwind and relax.
Escape Lounge Manchester Airport Terminal 2:
One of the best-known lounges, the Escape Lounge, offers a peaceful environment with comfortable seating, complimentary food, drinks, and free Wi-Fi. It’s a great option if you need to recharge before your flight.
Aspire Lounge Manchester Airport Terminal 2:
Another popular option is the Aspire Lounge, which features a wide range of amenities, including a variety of hot and cold food, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere. If you’re wondering about promotions, you may also find an Aspire Lounge promo code for discounts on bookings.
2. 1903 Lounge
If you are asking which is the best lounge at Manchester Airport Terminal 2, the answer is usually the 1903 Lounge. It is more premium than the Escape Lounge. It is exclusively for adults (no kids allowed), offers superior food (often cooked to order), and includes premium drinks like champagne and craft gin. It is quieter and more luxurious.
Restaurants and Bars in Manchester Airport Terminal 2
The “High Street” in the new Terminal 2 is impressive. It feels more like a modern shopping mall than an airport.
- San Carlo: This is a famous Italian restaurant brand in Manchester. Their airport location serves proper pasta, pizza, and wine in a sit-down setting. It is perfect for a nice pre-flight dinner.
- Wagamama: A favorite for many travelers, serving Japanese-inspired noodles and curries. It is fast, fresh, and consistent.
- Archie’s: If you want something fun, Archie’s is a local Manchester legend known for bright pink branding, smashed burgers, and massive milkshakes.
- Amber Alehouse: This is a modern pub/bar celebrating local Manchester beers and ales. It’s a great spot for a final pint and traditional pub food.
Hotels Close to Manchester Airport Terminal 2
In the past, staying at an airport hotel meant waiting for a shuttle bus in the rain. That has changed.
Holiday Inn Manchester Airport
This is the newest and most convenient hotel. It is located directly opposite the Terminal 2 building. You can literally walk out of the hotel lobby and be at the check-in desk in roughly 2 minutes. It is modern, clean, and has a nice open lobby.
Ibis Budget Manchester Airport
Located right next to the Holiday Inn, this is the best option if you just need a cheap, clean place to sleep before an early flight. It is basic, but it is brand new and shares the same super-convenient location as the Holiday Inn.
Radisson Blu
While the Radisson Blu is technically attached to Manchester Airport Terminal 1, it connects to Terminal 2 via the “Skylink” walkway. It is a bit of a longer walk (about 10-15 minutes), but it is a 4-star hotel with a swimming pool.
Pick-up and Drop-off Points at Manchester Airport Terminal 2
When you’re arriving or departing from Terminal 2, knowing the pick-up and drop-off points is important for a smooth experience.
Picking Up Passengers: Terminal 2 Arrivals
This is where many people make mistakes. You cannot pick up passengers at the Drop Off zone. If you try to pick someone up at the departure doors, you can be fined.To pick someone up, you must park in the Terminal 2 West Multi-Storey car park. There are dedicated levels for pick-ups. You park your car, walk to the Arrivals hall (located on the ground floor), meet your friends or family, and then walk back to the car together. You will pay the standard short-stay parking rate for the time you are there.
Drop Off at Manchester Airport Terminal 2
Dropping someone off can be tricky if you don’t know the rules, and making a mistake here can be expensive. You have two main options depending on your budget and how much time you have.
If you want to drop passengers right outside the main doors, you must use the official “Drop Off & Go” bays. This is located on the upper level of the departure forecourt.
- The Cost: It costs £5.00 for five minutes. If you stay ten minutes, it jumps to £6.20.
- The Warning: This area is strictly for quick goodbyes. If you stay longer than 10 minutes, you face a £25.00 fine. It is barrier-controlled, so have your card ready to pay as you exit.
If you refuse to pay just to stop your car, you can use the Free Drop Off area located at JetParks 1. It is completely free, but it is not right next to the terminal. You park there, and your passengers hop on a free shuttle bus that takes them to the terminal door. It adds about 15 minutes to the journey, but it saves you money.
Smoking Area Manchester Airport Terminal 2
For smokers, Terminal 2 is the best terminal to fly from. Unlike many UK airport terminals that are strictly non-smoking once you pass security, Terminal 2 has a designated airside smoking area.
It is an outdoor cage/terrace located near the main departure gates (specifically near Gate A1). You can access this area after you have gone through security and duty-free. However, be aware that it is a bit of a walk from the main shops, so don’t leave it until the last minute before your flight boards.
Train to Manchester Airport Terminal 2
Traveling to the airport by train is a great option, especially if you’re coming from Manchester city center. There’s a direct train service to Manchester Airport, with regular trains running throughout the day. The train station is located close to Terminal 2, so it’s easy to make your way to the terminal once you arrive.
Conclusion
Manchester Airport Terminal 2 is designed to provide a smooth and convenient experience for travelers. From a wide range of parking options and comfortable lounges to dining facilities and nearby hotels, everything is in place to ensure your journey is as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re flying out or arriving, knowing the ins and outs of Terminal 2 will help make your experience much more enjoyable. For a seamless transfer, consider using a reliable service like First Choice Taxi.
By following this complete guide, you’ll be prepared for every aspect of your journey through Manchester Airport Terminal 2, ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish.
