Manchester Base Guide
Local services, transport, and amenities for crew based at MAN.
All Bases
Manchester Airport is the UK's third busiest airport and the largest outside London. Located in Wythenshawe, south Manchester, it serves as a major base for Jet2, Ryanair, easyJet, and TUI. The surrounding area offers excellent transport links, affordable accommodation, and plenty of amenities for crew.
Transport
Excellent rail links — Manchester Airport station is directly under Terminal 1/2 with trains to Manchester Piccadilly (20 min), Stockport (10 min), Wilmslow (5 min), and Crewe (30 min). Metrolink tram runs to the city centre and beyond. Bus routes 43 and 103 serve the airport area. M56 motorway gives fast road access.
Local Area Map
Gyms & Fitness 5
Shops 5
Transport 3
View Crew Accommodation at MAN
Local Services & Amenities
Gyms & Fitness (5)
PureGym Manchester Airport Crew Pick
Outwood Lane, Ringway, M90 4QP
Budget 24/7 gym right near the airport. No contract, day passes available. Good for crew on irregular schedules.
The Gym Group Wythenshawe
Rowlandsway, Wythenshawe, M22 5TG
Another budget 24/7 option. Modern equipment, no contract. Popular with airport workers.
David Lloyd Cheadle
Cheadle Royal, Cheadle, SK8 3GP
Premium club with pool, spa, tennis courts, and classes. Higher price but great facilities for longer stays.
JD Gyms Wythenshawe
Civic Centre, Wythenshawe, M22 5RF
Low-cost gym with pool and sauna. Good value for the price.
Bannatyne Health Club Stockport
Grand Central, Stockport, SK1 3TA
Pool, spa, gym, and classes. Day passes available. Good if living in Stockport area.
Supermarkets (5)
Tesco Extra Burnage
Kingsway, Burnage, M19 1BB
Large 24hr Tesco with everything you need. Fuel station too.
Aldi Wythenshawe Crew Pick
Altrincham Rd, Wythenshawe, M22 4BJ
Budget supermarket close to the airport. Good for quick shops.
Sainsbury's Heald Green Crew Pick
Finney Lane, Heald Green, SK8 3QH
Medium-sized Sainsbury's very close to the airport. Handy for crew accommodation in Heald Green.
Asda Wythenshawe
Hollyhedge Rd, Wythenshawe, M22 8UH
Large Asda with George clothing, pharmacy, and cafe.
Lidl Gatley
Gatley Rd, Gatley, SK8 1PY
Budget supermarket. Good bakery section.
Shopping (4)
Trafford Centre Crew Pick
Trafford Centre, Stretford, M17 8AA
One of the UK's largest shopping centres. 280+ stores including Selfridges, John Lewis, Primark, Next. Cinema, restaurants, and bowling. 20 min drive from airport.
Manchester Arndale
Market St, Manchester, M4 3AQ
City centre shopping mall with 200+ stores. Easy to reach by train from airport station to Piccadilly then short walk.
Handforth Dean Retail Park
Stanley Rd, Handforth, SK9 3PA
Large retail park with M&S, Next, TK Maxx, Boots, Currys. Easy drive from airport area.
Wythenshawe Town Centre
Rowlandsway, Wythenshawe, M22 5RQ
Local shopping centre closest to the airport. Aldi, Wilko, Boots, Post Office, cafes. Convenient for everyday essentials.
Bus Routes (2)
43 Bus — Airport to Manchester City Centre Crew Pick
Stops at all terminals
Runs every 10 min during the day. Takes about 50 min to Piccadilly Gardens via Wythenshawe, Northenden, and Didsbury. Runs until ~11:30pm.
103 Bus — Airport to Stockport
Stops at all terminals
Runs every 20 min. Takes about 35 min to Stockport bus station via Heald Green and Cheadle.
Train Stations (5)
Manchester Airport Station Crew Pick
Station Approach, M90 3NS
Directly under Terminals 1 & 2. Northern and TransPennine Express services. Trains to Piccadilly every 10-15 min (20 min journey). Also direct to Sheffield, Leeds, Liverpool, and Scotland.
Heald Green Station
Outwood Rd, Heald Green, SK8 3JT
Small local station one stop from the airport. Useful if living in Heald Green — trains to airport in 3 min, Piccadilly in 17 min.
Styal Station
Station Rd, Styal, SK9 4JN
Quiet village station near the airport. Trains to Wilmslow and Manchester.
Wilmslow Station Crew Pick
Station Rd, Wilmslow, SK9 1BZ
Larger station with more frequent services. Direct trains to London Euston (2hr), Manchester, Stockport, and Crewe. Popular crew commuter station.
Stockport Station
Station Rd, Stockport, SK1 1SN
Major station on the West Coast Main Line. Fast trains to London Euston (2hr), Birmingham (1.5hr), and Manchester Piccadilly (7 min). Good if commuting from further afield.