The Metrolink tram from Manchester Airport to Piccadilly Gardens runs approximately every 12 minutes and takes about 25 minutes — inexpensive and reliable.
Things to do at Manchester Airport (MAN)
Manchester AirportMAN

At the airport
Things to do in Manchester Airport
Manchester Airport is a major UK hub with three terminals connected by a free shuttle. Terminal 2 is the newest and best equipped. The Metrolink tram connects from the airport to Manchester Piccadilly in about 25 minutes, making the city's cultural quarter, Spinningfields, and Northern Quarter all accessible. Multiple airline lounges, shops, and restaurants serve all terminals.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Manchester Airport
- Terminal 2's new infrastructure is considerably more comfortable than T1 or T3. If you have a long layover, check if there's a way to access T2's dining and retail.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at MAN
4 Sanctifly partner lounges at Manchester Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestAspire Lounge
At Manchester Airport (MAN) in Manchester, United Kingdom, the Aspire Lounge is located in Terminal 1 on the airside, making it an ideal airport lounge stop once you’ve cleared the main formalities. After you pass through passport control and complete the security check, continue forward into the Duty Free area. Walk through Duty Free and keep an eye out for the airport signage directing you toward the “Executive Lounge” area. Following these signs will lead you to the Aspire Lounge, so you can settle in and relax before your flight. For smoother travel through Manchester Airport, plan to head to the lounge only after you’re fully airside, as it’s not accessible prior to security and passport control.Book Now
100 points per guestEscape Lounge
At Manchester Airport (MAN) in Manchester, United Kingdom, the Escape Lounge is located in Terminal 1 on the airside, making it an ideal airport lounge stop once you’ve cleared all formalities. After you pass through passport control and complete the security check, continue straight ahead through the Duty Free area as you make your way toward the Premium lounges. From there, take either the stairs or the elevator up to the Premium lounges level. The Escape Lounge is the first lounge on the left, so it’s easy to spot and convenient to reach before your onward travel from Manchester Airport.Book Now
100 points per guestAspire Lounge
At Manchester Airport (MAN) in Manchester, United Kingdom, the Aspire Lounge is located in Terminal 2 on the airside, making it an easy stop once you’ve cleared the formalities before your flight. After you pass through passport control and the security check, follow the airport wayfinding signs for “Premium Lounge.” Continue along this route and take either the escalator or the elevator up one level. From there, proceed through the Duty Free area, staying on the main passenger flow toward departures. Once you enter the main departures lounge, look for the directional signs for “Aspire Lounge” and follow them to the entrance. This clear, step-by-step route helps travelers quickly find the airport lounge and settle in comfortably before continuing their travel from Manchester Airport.Book Now
100 points per guestEscape Lounge
At Manchester Airport (MAN) in Manchester, United Kingdom, the Escape Lounge is located airside in Terminal 2, making it an ideal airport lounge stop once you’ve cleared the formalities and are ready to relax before your travel. After passing through the security checks, continue straight through the Duty Free area as you follow the main passenger flow. From there, take either the escalator or the lift up to the Mezzanine level (Level 3). Once on Level 3, simply follow the clearly marked signs for the Escape/1903 lounges to reach the Escape Lounge in Terminal 2’s airside departures area. This convenient location means you won’t need to leave the secure zone again, helping you make the most of your time at Manchester Airport before boarding.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.