Manchester Airport

[orlandothebeagle]

Nver been before, cant decide whether to take car and pay for hotel and car park or take a train from scotland, how easy/difficult is it to take train to airport?

 

[venny]

There is a station at Machester Airport itself, with regular services into Piccadilly Station (main Manchester railway staion). The airport station is connected to the main Terminals in Manchester by sky bridge. Hope this helps.

 

[orlandothebeagle]

There is a station at Machester Airport itself, with regular services into Piccadilly Station (main Manchester railway staion). The airport station is connected to the main Terminals in Manchester by sky bridge. Hope this helps.

Yes, it does, how far/long from airport to piccadiily?

Thanks

 

[2Tiggies]

Aaaah! It's the departing from Scotland challenge again! For the first time EVER I managed to fly out from Glasgow direct.

Up until now it was via Mancester. I looked into taking a train last year and can't actually confirm how easy it is as I was advised against it by family because apparently you have to change trains at Manchester to get to the airport. Whether this is true, I don't know, but I stuck with my usual strategy and flew to Manchester from Edinburgh (I don't drive). My decision was simply based on the fact that I didn't fancy trying to change trains with all our luggage (especially on the return ) on my own with a seven year old. However if this is not a consideration for you it may be worth looking into as it is a whole lot cheaper than flying down and although driving there is no probs, you would be pretty tired doing the drive after the flight home.

It is nice to spend the night at the airport before without stressing about traffic delays etc and I quite like Manchester as UK airports go.

 

[Callum]

We used Manchester a couple of years ago.

Drove down with no problems and stayed overnight at a Travelodge. Parked up on one of the long term parking areas near the airport.

The journey back to Scotland however, was a bit of a challenge. The jet lag kicked in around Gretna and we had to swap drivers. Don't think I would do this one again.

We're looking at Continental via Newark for later this year. The drive from Glasgow is only about 40 minutes!

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Trouble was this is for a transatlantic cruise, so not many options, esp when globesapn went bust along with my dosh!
Driving down as you say will be fine, its the driving back, we have no kids so luggage not all tha much a hassle.
we have a train station 5 mins from us so it all goes in roundabouts, think I might try it, sleeping on a train might be better than in a car and fighting about who has to drive!

 

[2Tiggies]

When my dd is older I may well do it. Since you aren't travelling with children I think it will be fine. Chances are you will sleep most of the way up to Scotland anyway. I quite like sleeping on a train If the choice is train or drive for you, I would personally do train.

 

[GarryK]

Where are you in Scotland ?

There are several direct trains a day from Edinburgh Waverley to Manchester Airport; we used the service in 2008 with no problems. Takes about 3 hrs 40 mins and no changes are required.

It's a Transpennine Express service. Don't know if they service other stations in Scotland but try www.thetrainline.com

Garry

 

[Trixster]

We drove from Livingston to Manchester in 2008 the day before the flight and stayed in a decent hotel. The problem was coming back as if you are anything like me then you won't sleep on the plane and the drive back was very difficult and stressful. If I was to do this journey again, I would take the train to Edinburgh or Glasgow and then get a train to Man airport. I think I would have a better chance sleeping on a train that trying to sleep when someone else is driving.

We have decided to fly from Newcastle this year as the drive is much shorter.

 

[The Fetherstons]

We got the train from Newcastle 4 adults and 1 child and stayed overnight at the travel lodge we found it great and would do it again, however we had to hire a car to come home as there was work going on on the tracks and it meant we would be on the train then get off and get a courtesy bus to another station change at york and then to newcastle, didnt want the hassle so we opted for the car

From scotland I would recommend the train and it goes straight into the airport

Good luck with your planning

 

[orlandothebeagle]

Where are you in Scotland ?

There are several direct trains a day from Edinburgh Waverley to Manchester Airport; we used the service in 2008 with no problems. Takes about 3 hrs 40 mins and no changes are required.

It's a Transpennine Express service. Don't know if they service other stations in Scotland but try www.thetrainline.com

Garry

Thats a great service Garry we can connect at edinburgh then onto fife.
Thanks for the specifics.

Also thankyou each and every one of you for advice and info
We are going to go by train I think, bit more expensive than car since there is 4 of us, but this disney cruise is bankrupting us anyway so what the heck!!

 

[2Tiggies]

Now you be sure to have a great time! Don't forget to give us a report when you get back - then it will be YOUR turn to give everyone advice based on your own personal experience.

 

[stacy87]

We are also taking the train to Manchester from Edinburgh Waverley. We're planning on staying at the Premier Inn at Manchester Airport the night before and the train is much easier for us! We're booking with Virgin hopefully! lol

 

[ChipnDaleRule]

We live about 5 minutes from Manchester Airport and have a spare room if you want to get your head down for a bit

 

[orlandothebeagle]

We live about 5 minutes from Manchester Airport and have a spare room if you want to get your head down for a bit

I couldnt find a smilie with a sticky out tongue!!