How to make the most out of your layover in Manchester

Manchester is one of the UK's biggest cities, and it has an airport to match. Manchester Airport is the third busiest airport in the country, and the busiest anywhere outside of London, with close to 30 million passengers traveling through the airport every year.

Manchester Airport serves the north of England, Scotland, Wales, and beyond. And because it is located only seven miles/11 km outside the city itself, it provides an extremely convenient gateway to see what Manchester is all about.

If you find yourself with a layover in Manchester, it's definitely worth considering heading into Manchester city centre. The airport has its own train station that you can easily reach no matter what terminal you are in, thanks to the free shuttle buses that connect the terminals. With a layover at Manchester Airport, you can head to the National Football Museum in the city that is home to some of the biggest soccer teams in the world, or explore the history of the Industrial Revolution at the Science and Industry Museum. Or treat yourself to a traditional English breakfast in a local pub. Even a few hours may be enough to explore this lively city, especially if you find a place to store your bags.

That's where Bounce comes in. By partnering with local businesses both near the airport and in Manchester city center, we make sure you always have a place to leave your things. We can store any size of item for as long as you need, and our handy app makes it simple to find your nearest location and book the Manchester luggage storage you need so you can enjoy your time, no matter how short it may be.

Things to know before leaving Manchester Airport

Navigating Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport has efficient security and customs processes, but international travelers should allow extra time to clear passport control. There are plenty of shops, lounges, and dining options for short layovers.

If you're just passing through the UK, you may not have considered leaving the airport and actually entering the country. If you do decide to spend your layover outside the airport, it's important to understand your immigration status.

You can visit the UK without a visa as a tourist if you are a citizen of the EU, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and several countries in South America, Africa, and beyond. Other countries do require a visa. It's important to note that there are some countries where you will require a visa even to land at Manchester Airport, while citizens of other countries are free to transit through the UK airport, but not to leave the airport facility itself. These issues can be quite complicated, but fortunately, the UK government operates a very user-friendly website that lets you check your status so you can make sure you don't break the rules.

Transportation to the City Center

Manchester Airport is well-connected to the city center:

• Train: The airport’s train station connects directly to Manchester Piccadilly Station in 15–20 minutes, making it the fastest option.
• Tram: The Metrolink tram service also connects the airport to the city, taking about 35 minutes.
• Taxis and rideshares: Taxis and rideshares are available for a more direct journey, typically taking around 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Minimum layover times in Manchester

With efficient transport links, you can explore Manchester even on a tight schedule:

• 2-3 hour layover: Stay at the airport to enjoy its shops, restaurants, or lounges.
• 4-6 hour layover: Head into the city center to visit key landmarks or enjoy a quick meal.
• 8+ hour layover: Dive deeper into Manchester’s history, culture, and food scene.

What to do during a layover in Manchester

Manchester offers a mix of historic landmarks, cultural attractions, and unique neighborhoods. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying a delicious meal, or spend even more time getting to grips with the history and culture of the world's first industrialized city. If you have an overnight layover, you can spend even more time enjoying the city's incredible nightlife.

The truth is, whatever you like to do, you can probably do it in Manchester. Here’s how to make the most of your time.

Short layover (2-3 hours): Don't leave the airport

If you have a short layover, enjoy Manchester Airport’s amenities.

• Activities: Relax in one of the airport lounges, such as the Escape Lounge or 1903 Lounge. Browse for the perfect souvenir or gift. Shop options are plentiful full of local treasures, books, fashion, and snacks.
• In-airport dining options: Try The Grain Loft for local dishes or grab a quick bite at Giraffe Stop.

Half-day layover (4-6 hours): Explore the City Center

With a few hours, you can visit Manchester’s central landmarks and enjoy a quick taste of the city.

• Activities: Start at Manchester Town Hall, an impressive Victorian Gothic building in Albert Square. This is a great photo opportunity, and because it is located in the middle of the city, it's the perfect place to begin your exploration. It's easy to reach from the train station and is surrounded by both major chains and independent shops if you want to pick up some souvenirs. Next, walk to John Rylands Library, a stunning neo-Gothic library housing rare manuscripts and exhibits.
• With enough time, you can also explore Manchester Cathedral, a beautiful historic site with intricate stained glass. This is a great place to get some peace and quiet right in the heart of what can be a very busy city. Opt for a stroll through Spinningfields for a modern take on the city, with its trendy shops and eateries. It's also worth exploring the shops on King Street, but don't forget to leave your bags behind in a convenient Bounce luggage storage so that you can get around the city more easily.
• Dining: Enjoy lunch at Albert’s Schloss, a lively restaurant offering hearty Bavarian-inspired dishes. For a casual bite, try Bundobust, which serves delicious Indian street food.

Full-day layover (8+ hours): Dive deeper into Manchester

A longer layover allows you to explore Manchester’s rich cultural and historical attractions.

• Activities: Visit the Science and Industry Museum, showcasing Manchester’s role in the Industrial Revolution with interactive exhibits and historic machinery. Large bags are not allowed inside the museum, so make sure you leave yours behind before you go so that you don't break the rules.
• Football fans can tour Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, or the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City. If you're a true football fan, it's also worth visiting the National Football Museum to explore the history of the sport, and if you have a really long layover, you could even see if you can get tickets for a game - although these can be very hard to come by for either of the big Manchester teams.
• Explore the Northern Quarter, a creative hub filled with street art, vintage shops, and indie cafes. Then, head to The Whitworth, an award-winning art gallery set in a beautiful park, to enjoy modern and contemporary art.
• Dining choices: For a true Manchester experience, try The Refuge, offering locally sourced dishes in a stunning venue. If you’re near the Northern Quarter, check out Evelyn’s Cafe Bar for fresh, globally inspired dishes.

Evening layover in Manchester

If your layover includes the evening, enjoy Manchester’s vibrant nightlife. There are plenty of airport-adjacent hotels, like the Premier Inn and the Crowne Plaza to make your return to the airport a cinch.

• Activities: Visit Canal Street, the heart of Manchester’s LGBTQ+ scene, for lively bars and clubs. Enjoy live music at Band on the Wall, a historic venue showcasing local and international acts. For something low-key, walk through Castlefield, an atmospheric area featuring canals, bridges, and Roman ruins.
• Dining: Try Hawksmoor, known for its steaks and classic British dishes. For casual dining, head to Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, one of Manchester’s most popular pizza spots.

Tips for making the most of your Manchester layover

• Check your time: Allow at least an hour to return to the airport and clear security, especially for international flights. You can speed things up by leaving your bags behind at a Bounce luggage storage near the airport, making it easy to simply pick them up on your way to take your next flight.
• Weather: Manchester is known for its rainy weather, so bring an umbrella or waterproof jacket. Even in the summer, rain showers can happen, so it's a good idea to be prepared.
• Currency: The UK uses the British pound (GBP), and most places accept credit cards. You can usually save some money on exchange rates by not changing money at the airport and instead getting money right out of the ATMs (known as cash machines in the UK) with your own bank card. But make sure you check with your bank so that you know if there will be any additional fees for this service.
• Transport tickets: Buy a return ticket for trains or trams to save time and hassle.
• Luggage storage: If you have checked luggage, use Bounce near the airport or Manchester Piccadilly Station. We have multiple locations throughout the city so you can always find a place to leave your things.

Manchester is a big and bustling city that can keep you busy for a lifetime. But even if you only have a few hours to spend in the city, you can get a glimpse of what makes it so special. Leave the heavy bags behind with Bounce and enjoy your time in this fascinating place.