Manchester Airport Terminal 3

Manchester Airport Terminal 3 is the smaller of the airport's two active passenger terminals, primarily serving low-cost, domestic, and short-haul European flights. Originally opened in 1989 by Diana, Princess of Wales, as Terminal A, it was redesignated as Terminal 3 in 1998 following the opening of a new British Airways facility. Today, Terminal 3 is best known as the Manchester base for Ryanair, Europe's largest low-cost airline, which operates dozens of routes to city break and holiday destinations across the continent.

Following the closure of Terminal 1 in November 2025, Manchester Airport is investing millions of pounds to expand and modernise Terminal 3. The project uses freed-up space from the adjacent former Terminal 1 building to create a larger entrance area, an expanded departure lounge with 40% more seating, new restaurants and bars, and an upgraded security hall. Terminal 3 now covers approximately 44,400 square metres and handles around 25% of the airport's passenger traffic.

Airlines Operating from Terminal 3

Terminal 3 is home to a focused group of airlines, with Ryanair accounting for the majority of departures. While considerably smaller than Terminal 2 — which handles around 75% of passengers — Terminal 3 serves an important role as the hub for budget carriers and domestic services at Manchester Airport.

Check-In and Security

Terminal 3 check-in desks are located on the ground floor of the terminal. As of 5 March 2026, passengers enter through the newly rebranded Terminal 3 Departures entrance — this is the former Terminal 1 entrance, which has been fully incorporated into Terminal 3. After checking in and dropping off any hold luggage, passengers proceed through the security screening area and into the departure lounge.

Ryanair strongly encourages online check-in before arriving at the airport. If you have checked in online and only have cabin luggage, you can go directly to security. For passengers needing to check in bags, Ryanair's check-in desks and bag drop counters are clearly signposted inside the terminal. Ryanair also offers a twilight bag drop service for flights departing before 8am the following morning — the desks are open from 19:00 to 22:00, and free parking is available at the Mid Stay P15 car park during this period.

Shops, Food & Drink

While Terminal 3 is more compact than Terminal 2, it offers a solid selection of shops, restaurants, and bars to keep passengers comfortable before their flight. The ongoing expansion is adding significant new food and drink options throughout 2026.

You can also take advantage of World Duty Free's Click & Collect service — order online before your trip, collect your purchases after security, and save 10% on your shopping.

Escape Lounge

Terminal 3 is home to the Escape Lounge, an independently operated airport lounge open to all passengers regardless of airline, ticket class, or frequent flyer status. The lounge offers a calm retreat from the busy departure lounge, with complimentary food, drinks (including alcoholic beverages), high-speed WiFi, charging points, and comfortable seating.

Getting to Terminal 3

All ground transport — trains, trams, buses, and coaches — arrives at The Station, Manchester Airport's integrated transport interchange. From The Station, the Skylink elevated walkway connects to Terminal 2. To reach Terminal 3, follow the signposted internal walkways from The Station or Terminal 2. The walk takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

• By train: Services from Manchester Piccadilly take around 20 minutes. Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales all serve The Station. See our train guide for timetables.
• By Metrolink tram: Trams from Manchester Victoria run every 12 minutes and take approximately 50–55 minutes. The tram stop is inside The Station.
• By bus: The 43 bus connects Manchester city centre to the airport. National Express coaches also serve the airport from across the UK. See our bus guide.
• By car: Follow brown airport signs from the M56 motorway. Terminal 3 car parks include Short Stay (T3), Multi-Storey (T3), and JetParks options. See our parking guide.
• By taxi: The taxi rank for Terminal 3 is outside the arrivals area. Pre-booked private hire vehicles have designated pick-up zones. See our taxi guide.
• Drop-off: Terminal 3 has both an Upper Forecourt and Lower Forecourt for passenger drop-off. There is also a free drop-off zone with up to 60 minutes of free parking and a 24/7 shuttle bus to the terminal.

Walking Between Terminals

Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 are connected via internal walkways within the airport complex. The walk between the two terminals takes approximately 10–15 minutes. If you have a connecting flight that requires a terminal change, allow at least 20–25 minutes to transfer between terminals. The route is fully covered, level, and signposted, with some sections featuring moving travelators.

Terminal 3 Expansion & Refurbishment

In May 2025, Manchester Airport announced a multi-million pound investment to expand and refurbish Terminal 3 as the final phase of the airport's £1.3 billion transformation programme. The project takes advantage of the space freed up by the closure of Terminal 1 on 19 November 2025, absorbing parts of the former T1 building into an enlarged Terminal 3.

Arrivals at Terminal 3

All arriving passengers at Manchester Airport — regardless of airline — land and disembark at their respective terminal. Terminal 3 arrivals has a dedicated baggage reclaim hall, and the arrivals area (landside) includes WHSmith, Pret a Manger, a coffee shop, and a convenience store. The taxi rank is directly outside the arrivals exit. For meeting and greeting arriving passengers, a free waiting area is available in the Terminal 3 arrivals hall.

If you are collecting someone from the airport, the Terminal 3 pick-up area is clearly signposted. Alternatively, the free drop-off zone offers up to 60 minutes of free parking with a 24/7 shuttle bus to the terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which airlines fly from Manchester Airport Terminal 3?

Terminal 3 is primarily home to Ryanair, which operates the largest number of flights from the terminal. Other airlines include British Airways (domestic services to London Heathrow), Loganair (Scottish routes), Aurigny (Channel Islands), Eastern Airways, Iberia Express, and Vueling. Always confirm your departure terminal with your airline before travelling.

How do I get to Terminal 3 from The Station?

From The Station — the airport's central transport interchange for trains, trams, and buses — follow signs for Terminal 3. The walk takes approximately 10–15 minutes via internal covered walkways. The Skylink moving walkway connects The Station to Terminal 2, and signposted routes from Terminal 2 lead to Terminal 3.

What shops and restaurants are in Terminal 3?

Terminal 3 offers World Duty Free, WHSmith, Boots, Costa Coffee, Trattoria Milano, KFC, Pork & Pickle, and Lion & Antelope. New additions in 2026 include Sporting Chance, a 469-seat sports bar, and Terracotta, an Italian restaurant. The arrivals area has WHSmith and Pret a Manger.

Is there a lounge in Terminal 3?

Yes, the Escape Lounge is located in Terminal 3's departure area. It is open to all passengers regardless of airline or ticket class. You can pre-book online or access it using a Priority Pass or lounge membership card. The lounge offers complimentary food, drinks, WiFi, and a comfortable environment before your flight.

What is happening with the Terminal 3 expansion?

Manchester Airport is investing millions to expand Terminal 3 using space from the former Terminal 1. The expansion includes a new entrance (rebranded on 5 March 2026), an expanded departure lounge with 40% more seating capacity, new food and drink outlets, and upgraded security facilities. Work is ongoing throughout 2026.

How early should I arrive at Terminal 3?

Manchester Airport recommends arriving at least 2–3 hours before departure. Terminal 3 can be especially busy during the early morning peak when Ryanair has a high volume of flights. If you need to drop off luggage or haven't checked in online, allow extra time. Consider booking Fast Track security to save time in the queue.