Manchester Airport: Getting there via Metrolink tram service, journey time and zone for airport

Manchester Airport is used by thousands of people everyday, with those from the local area and further afield flying to and from the transport hub. Getting to the airport is a key part of anyone’s adventures. 

Whilst many people like to drive to the airport to use on-site parking facilities, another useful option is public transport. Greater Manchester’s Metrolink tram network has good connections to the airport and a regular service makes this a decent option to get to make your way over in time for your flight. 

The airport can be accessed via a direct tram route from Manchester Victoria station. This route passes through St Peter’s Square, Deansgate and Wythenshawe before ending up at the airport. 

This direct route on the tram is on the Navy Line and takes just under one hour. The service takes you to the Metrolink stop which is located at the airport terminal. 

The near one hour journey from Manchester city centre has 24 stops. You can transfer onto the Navy Line from other tram lines at some of these stations along the way. 

Metrolink fare to Manchester Airport 

Manchester Airport is located in zone 4 of the metrolink map. This means that, if you are travelling to the airport from the city centre, you will need to pay for travel through all four zones. 

This means that a single adult ticket will cost £4.60 and a child ticket will be £2.30. 16-18 year olds can get a single ticket for £2.40- this is the price of a travelcard. 

For more information on tickets and to get booked up, visit the Transport for Greater Manchester Airport website.   

Manchester metrolink tram running times

The metrolink tram network operates from around 6am until midnight Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, this changes slightly with a running time of 7am to midnight. 

The first available tram from Victoria to the Airport on Monday’s through to Saturdays departs at 5.44am but requires a change at St Werburgh’s Road. The last route of the day on weekdays and on Saturdays leaves Victoria at 11.10pm. 

On Sundays, this first tram leaves at 6.44am and requires the same change. The last train departs for the airport at 10.46pm. 

For journeys from the Airport back into the city centre, the first train of the morning on weekdays and Saturdays leaves at 5.50am. The last train of the day leaves at 11.02pm. 

There is only a slight change to the Sunday schedule. The first train leaves at 6.50am but the final train back from the airport leaves at the same time as during the rest of the week- 11.02pm.