Car hire Manchester airport

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Cheap Car Hire Manchester airport

Cheap Car Hire Manchester airport

Energetic, diverse and innovative, Manchester is an English city with real character. The city is full of life, rich in art and heritage and is just as proud of its music scene, as it is of its world-famous football clubs. Over the past 300 years, Manchester has grown from a quiet fishing village in England to an industrial powerhouse. Although the factories have been idle for decades, they are now used for trendy restaurants, markets and hotels. This innovative spirit has also led to new attractions such as micro-breweries, street art and food tours, making a city trip to Manchester super fun. The new parks and green spaces also make the city even more attractive than it already was.

One thing is certain: if you look for hidden gems, you will definitely come across plenty along the way! Sounds interesting? We share the most beautiful sights and best things to do during a city trip to Manchester.

Hiring a car at Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is the third largest airport in England (after London Heathrow and London Gatwick) and is located approximately 14 kilometres south-west of the centre of Manchester. Because the airport is so big, it boasts several trustworthy car rental companies, including the likes of Avis, Sixt, EuropCar, Budget, Hertz and many more. All these car rental companies have a counter in the arrivals hall, which you can walk to once you have cleared customs. But to make sure you’ll drive away from the airport with your desired car, it is wise to book online in advance.

Driving around in Manchester

Manchester is a fantastic place to explore with a car. The availability of parking spaces is abundant, and the network of roads is fantastic. The only downside of driving in Manchester is that the city can be very busy at times.

Driving tips in Manchester:

Fun things to do in Manchester

When you explore Manchester you will be surprised by the many old but beautiful buildings in the city. Some well-known are the Manchester Town Hall, Manchester Cathedral and the Chetham's Library. But the city also has a number of beautiful modern buildings that are worth seeing, for example the National Football Museum. The city has an interesting mix of old and new, which makes Manchester an attractive city.

Manchester is a city that breathes football. It's no surprise that Manchester is one of the best places in the world to experience the sport. After all, it is home to two of the country's biggest football clubs: Manchester United and Manchester City. Whether you want to watch a game live from the stands or immerse yourself in the history of the sport, at the National Football Museum, Manchester lives for football. And you can experience this for yourself during your holiday in Manchester. Go behind the scenes on a tour of the Etihad stadium or feel the tension rising in the tunnel at United's home ground Old Trafford. The city is proud of its football heritage and therefore one of the best places to be in the world for football fans.

However, Manchester is so much more than football. It’s also a beautiful city with many canals. A fun thing to do during your city trip to Manchester is to board a canal cruise. Viewing Manchester from the water gives you a completely different perspective on the city. Where the canals once allowed busy work traffic through, it is now a relaxing way to travel through the city. Take a relaxing boat from the city centre and you’ll be assured of many beautiful sights along the way, and a special experience to a completely different side of the English city.

The Science and Industry Museum is located on the edge of the Castlefield neighbourhood. Here you will find remains of a Roman fortress and city gates. It is a very special site to withhold. Because in one place, you look at remnants from the Roman era, industrialisation and ultramodern buildings. Castlefield also offers plenty of cosy cafes, restaurants and music venues.5

Once you have seen everything in Manchester, you could even take a trip to surrounding cities.  Cities such as Liverpool, Leeds and Sheffield are all within a 2 hours drive of Manchester.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Manchester airport

What is the best place to stay in Manchester?
Manchester is a huge city. This is why there are many areas that are suitable to stay for tourists. If you have a car, you can also stay a little further out of the centre of Manchester. This will save some cash, as the city centre is more expensive than the surrounding areas.
What are the cheapest months to travel to Manchester?
Usually, the absolute cheapest time to visit Manchester is in October.
What are the best months to visit Manchester?
Manchester is a city in the west of England with 'typical English weather'. The weather can change quickly in this city and you are not always guaranteed a nice sun against a blue sky. To be assured of the best weather, it is best to come in the summer months.
Is it easy to explore Manchester without a car?
Manchester is a big city with a lot of transportation options. But just like the main roads, these get congested as well. If you really want to enjoy Manchester to the fullest, it is a wise idea to hire a car.
Tips and experiences for Manchester airport

Our customers rated Manchester airport with an average of 8.6 based on 33 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

03-11-2021
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says:
We never stayed in Manchester. We hired the car to travel to the north west of England
02-11-2021
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says:
Stop often while driving in Wales to take in the scenery. My expectations were far exceeded.
24-10-2021
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says:
Research car rental before you book anything prices vary drastically.
13-09-2021
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says:
Manchester airport has slower security than most others so give yourself time. The buses now running to all car rental and parks are very helpful though.
14-06-2021
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says:
Check out competitive prices and look at conditions associated with the rental agreement. Best to book unlimited mileage.
14-02-2021
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says:
Budget usually keep you updated with what you need to do, be sure to read the email. I did need proof of address if it’s your first time hiring. The rest is simple, drive safe and when returning the vehicle, you can return it at anytime! It’s a secure car park so just leave the keys inside (this was so useful). There’s a free bus right outside that’ll take you around the airport. That’s to Terminals and the train station. Usually, heading to Piccadilly station to go anywhere around the UK.
05-02-2021
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says:
Great to visit world's largest dance festival in Blackpool - every year end of May! Good choice to combine this with a trip to the Lake District. A good starting point is Windermere with its beautiful lake, its gardens (e.g. *****Holehird Gardens really worth visiting). Flower lovers should choose late May or early June because of thousands rhododendra in all colours and sizes. Whisky, gin and vodka lovers must tour the Lakes Distillery near Keswick. Do not forget to hike one of those beautiful hills and mountains in the district. Another hotspot to go from Manchester Airport - 90 minutes by car - is to visit northern Wales. Conwy castle and Llandudno are for sure 5 star places to see.
29-01-2021
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says:
Please make sure you call the car company and make sure they have the car that you booked. Otherwise, you will suffer from having a car that you don't want, and forced to take a more expensive car. Please take insurance for free cancellation service, if they are not providing you the car that you book, then you can cancel the booking and you can rent from other company. Please choose an establish companies like Sixt and enterprise. Up to this point, these two companies provide one of the best services.
05-11-2020
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says:
I have been renting from Green Motion for about a year now and have found them to be great - all the staff are super helpful just make sure you have all the things that you should to make life easier.
05-11-2020
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says:
Manchester is a great city, but its surroundings have many places worth a visit - Altrincham market for a fab brunch or pizza; or Styal Mill for a touch of norhern heritage...
10-10-2020
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says:
Put all toiletries in a clear bag before arriving at the airport - it definitely speeds up the process.
02-10-2020
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says:
Make sure you always carry a valid credit card. Make sure you are up to date with your driving licence details especially if you have changed address or residency. If you travel frequently take out your own online private excess cover it’s much cheaper than the car hire companies and even if you are told it’s not valid, it is! You will pay on your credit card and get reimbursed by the insurance company. Don’t agree to return it with an empty tank as you may not even use all your fuel, agree to return it with a full tank but when you collect the car make a note of the nearest petrol station to the airport.
25-09-2020
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says:
At the end of your trip into Manchester, before flying home next day, our best tip is to overnight in the town of Sale. About 20 minutes drive from Manchester airport, Sale has nice restaurants, local shops, churches, and small town character. For a special treat, book a studio mini-suite at the historic and friendly Lennox Lea Hotel. Convenient walk into town, fully equipped kitchenette, we think it and the town offer the perfect wind-down on the last day of your trip. Short ride back to Manchester Airport for rental car return to Green Motion (super experience with GM and the rental) with great trip memories behind us.
24-09-2020
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says:
Manchester airport is undergoing a massive upgrade. Allow extra time to return your rental car. Make sure you know in advance where to top up your fuel tank because the service station outside Terminal 1 has gone. Remember that all the amenities in Terminal 2 close at 9pm.
21-08-2020
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says:
1)Travel light!Remeneber if there is anything extra you really need, you can always buy it in the country. 2) walk the streets and see what people are doing! Tour guides are good but soemtimes there's an impromtu food festival that is not advertised. 3)don't be afraid to go alone!There's no point having yohr holiday dictated by someone else. If there's something you really want to do, then just do it! Often somebody else will have the same idea and you'll end up making friends. 4) Make the most of all your days. Don't spend all your time in that lovely hotel room. There's no point travelling if you're not going to learn something about another's culture. Before you arrive,look up what there is to do but on arrival just get out. Book some tours but leave room for an unexpected trip. You may meet someone who invites you on their trip or realise you're close to another city and fancy a day trip. Leave room to manoeuvre! And if you've nothing to do, pitch up in cafe or bar and start a conversation to find out what you could be doing! Happy Travels
28-05-2020
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says:
Car was nice to drive and safe. Was easy to access the yard and the pick up and drop off worked well. Make sure you have plenty of credit as charge higher security deposits than a traditional rental car company. Close to the airport. Fuel policy only has it at half a tank so make sure you ask for the size of the tank so you dont over fill. Cars were all hybrids.
12-05-2020
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says:
Great airport and the upcoming redevelopment will improve it further. Most seamless arrival process we've had at any international airport, customs was well staffed and a quick process. If you're hiring a car and have a lot of luggage and kids would recommend sending one person off to collect the car and to drive back to meet others at the airport. The bus whilst not long os cumbersome and even after getting off and moving bags into the car hire reception you then have to drag them off to find your car. Easier and quicker for one person to do it alone. Only other tip is ensure your car has sat nav or that you have ot accessible by phone as it's not the easiest airport to get our of and onto the major roads to your destination.
23-09-2019
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says:
Rudest staff on the area where cases , bags etc are scanned I have ever encountered . Whole airport is a shambles .
15-09-2019
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says:
It's Manchester. Don't have very high expectations.
05-09-2019
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says:
The rental village shuttle service is so easy to use. Be aware there is ongoing roadworks at airport which makes navigating driving between terminals very tricky.
01-09-2019
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says:
Expect to queue for at least 30 mins to 45 mins.
07-11-2018
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says:
When booking accomodation make sure they offer close by parking!
23-09-2018
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says:
Manchester is Great tourists place, good road networks and great parking places. No too much prying eyes of the speed cameras but at some vital areas one could be hidden. Overall great holiday experience.
19-09-2018
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says:
We went to the Trafford centre shopping, it was a long day so much to see there, I would defiantly recommend a trip there if you are visiting Manchester, but would recommend a comfortable pair of shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.
18-09-2018
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says:
Warm clothes in winter and a map
04-09-2018
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says:
Book a hire car in the rental village, much smoother with bus transfers too & from terminals.
31-08-2018
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says:
See Manchester United play football.
02-05-2018
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says:
Visit the lake district
30-04-2018
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says:
Great base for the North West of the UK. Good night-life and very good transport links
12-04-2018
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says:
Only flew into Manchester did not stay there, visiting family in Liverpool so have no travel tips
14-03-2018
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says:
So much to see!
27-02-2018
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says:
Check which Terminal your flight departs from when catching the bus back from the car hire village as there is a considerable distance between terminal if you make a mistake and get off at the wrong one.
02-02-2018
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says:
Great city center