Arriving at Manchester Airport Terminal 3
Manchester Airport's Terminal 3 is a busy hub that primarily serves domestic UK flights and short-haul routes across Europe. If you are arriving here and need to arrange a vehicle for your onward journey, the process is simple and straightforward, though it is useful to know the layout before you land.
No Car Hire Desks Inside the Terminal
Just like the other passenger terminals at the airport, you will not find the rental companies stationed inside Terminal 3. Instead, all providers operate from the central Car Rental Village.
Walking from Baggage Reclaim
Once you have picked up your luggage and walked through the arrivals doors, you will find yourself in the main public area. From here, you need to follow the yellow signs pointing toward "Car Rental" or the buses. Terminal 3 is relatively compact, so finding the main exit doors is quick and easy.
Taking the Shuttle Bus
Because the rental cars are kept at a separate facility on Ringway Road, you need to use the free shuttle bus. The roads around the airport perimeter are busy, so walking to the rental centre is not an option.
- Where to wait: The bus stop is located just outside the main Terminal 3 exit doors, clearly marked on the front pavement.
- Timings: Buses arrive frequently, roughly every 10 minutes throughout the day.
- The journey: The short drive to the Car Rental Village takes about 5 to 10 minutes depending on local traffic. The buses are designed with low floors and luggage racks to make boarding with bags easy.
Which Rental Companies Are Available?
Taking the shuttle bus means you have access to the exact same companies as every other passenger arriving at the airport. You can choose from familiar brands like Enterprise, Europcar, and Hertz, or opt for premium providers like Sixt and Avis. If you are looking for good value, Alamo and Budget also have desks in the same building.
Choosing Your Vehicle
The Car Rental Village holds a large variety of cars to suit different trips. If you just need a runaround for Manchester city centre, a cheap economy car makes perfect sense. For family groups, you can look at a 7-seater people carrier, or if you are heading out to explore the countryside, an SUV might be more suitable. There are also plenty of automatic vehicles available if you prefer not to drive a manual transmission.
Returning Your Car
When your trip is finished, drive back to the Car Rental Village on Ringway Road, rather than the Terminal 3 drop-off zone. Hand the keys back to the staff, and then catch the shuttle bus back to the terminal. We suggest leaving about 45 to 60 minutes for this part of your journey to make sure you have enough time to clear security before your flight.