Manchester Airport Drop-Off Charges Explained for PCO Drivers
Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the UK. It reached the record 30 million passengers for the first time in its history between September 2023 and September 2024.
A large number of these passengers use ride-hailing services when travelling to or from Manchester Airport. This makes the airport a lucrative place to operate for PCO drivers. However, the airport has a drop-off charge as well. It’s the fee you have to pay for dropping off passengers at the express drop-off zones near terminals.
For drivers on a PCO car hire plan, knowing how the Manchester Airport’s drop-off charge works is important to keep their finances in order. So, let’s discover the details below.
Article Highlights
This article covers:
- Manchester Airport drop-off charge
- Rules for picking up passengers from the airport
- How to pay the Manchester Airport drop-off charge
- Fine for not paying the charge, and more.
Kia eNiro
£200/week
Kia Niro 2
£255/week
Mercedes Benz EQE
£400/week
Mercedes E300 2025
£425/week
Mercedes-Benz E300e
£320/week
Toyota Prius
£200/week
How Much is the Manchester Airport Drop-Off Charge?
Manchester Airport has a strict, time-based structure for drop-off fees. The current charges stand at £5.00 for up to 5 minutes, £6.40 for up to 10 minutes, and £25.00 for stays up to the 30-minute maximum. The system uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to capture vehicles entering or exiting drop-off zones. There are no physical barriers to prevent you from entering the wrong zone.
Also Read: Heathrow Drop Off Charges: A Practical Guide For PCO Drivers
Can You Pick Up Passengers From the Drop-Off Zone?
No. Collecting passengers from the drop-off zones triggers a £100 penalty. The airport has dedicated pick-up zones in Short Stay Car Parks with a separate charging structure.
As of October 2025, the fees for using Short Stay Car Parks are as follows:
- Up to 30 minutes: £6.00
- Up to 1 hour: £12.00
- Up to 2 hours: £20.00
- Up to 4 hours: £30.00
Can I Drop Off for Free at Manchester Airport?
A free alternative exists at the JetParks 1 car park, which provides complimentary drop-offs with a 24/7 shuttle service to all terminals. The shuttle typically requires 6 minutes to reach the terminals. However, passengers should have a margin of 10-15 minutes when accounting for waiting and walking time.
How to Pay the Manchester Airport Drop-Off Fee?
The airport uses ANPR cameras that capture vehicle registration numbers upon entry. Drivers must pay their charges by midnight the following day through the Manchester Airport payment portal or by phone at 0345 901 3318. The system accepts no cash payments.
Frequent airport users benefit enormously from setting up an AutoPay account. This automatic payment system charges registered vehicles without requiring manual effort for each visit. It eliminates the risk of forgotten payments that lead to Penalty Charge Notices. For drivers making multiple airport trips daily or weekly, this automation proves invaluable.
Also Read: Importance of an AutoPay Account for Private Hire Drivers in London
Need a reliable car for airport runs? Hire a 7-seater or 9-seater from Fleeto to accommodate more luggage and passengers. Our all-inclusive plans allow you to focus on driving as we handle the details.
How to Get Free Parking at Manchester Airport?
The JetParks 1 free drop-off allows 60 minutes maximum, which sometimes serves for brief waits around flight arrivals. For longer waits between jobs, many drivers pre-book time in the JetParks long-stay car parks, which offer more reasonable rates than other options.
However, this area is officially designated for drop-offs. Picking up passengers here could result in a £100 penalty. Once the passengers have arrived, you must collect them in the official pick-up zones to avoid fines.
Also Read: Affordable Parking Options You Should Know Around Heathrow
What Happens if You Don't Pay the Manchester Airport Drop-Off Charge in Time?
Missing the payment deadline automatically leads to a £100 Parking Charge Notice. It is reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. The ANPR system efficiently tracks vehicles entering and exiting the drop-off zones.
The airport also has a proper system to manage these penalties. Claims of forgetting to pay or not seeing the signage rarely succeed in overturning the fine.
Are There Different Drop-Off Zones at Manchester Airport?
Each terminal has its own drop-off zone with identical pricing and time allowances. The Train, Bus, and Tram Stations in Manchester also have designated drop-off areas with a fee. Drivers transferring passengers between airport terminals and these stations must pay multiple charges if both drop-off zones are used during a single journey.
Start Earning Today.
Conclusion
Manchester Airport’s drop-off system demands thorough knowledge and timely payments. The basic rules are to use the correct zone for drop-offs & pick-ups, pay charges promptly through automated systems, and develop smart waiting strategies that protect your earnings. Adopting these habits will transform your airport runs from a complex operation into a predictable part of your job. Stay aware. Avoid costly fines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to pay the drop-off charge?
You will receive a £100 fine. However, paying within 14 days reduces the fine to £60. The ANPR cameras track every vehicle, so appeals to overturn the charge rarely work.
Is there a free drop-off option at Manchester Airport?
Yes. The JetParks 1 car park offers free drop-offs with a shuttle to the terminals. This is a good option for pre-planned trips, but it is often too slow for tight schedules.
Can I pick up passengers from the express drop-off zone?
No. This triggers a £100 penalty. You must collect all passengers from the official Short Stay car parks to avoid fines.
How does the timing work in the paid drop-off zone?
The clock starts immediately after you enter the zone. You pay £5 for up to 5 minutes, £6.40 for 10 minutes, and £25 for up to 30 minutes. Tell your passengers to be ready to unload their luggage quickly to avoid the higher charge.
What's the best way to handle multiple airport trips?
Set up an AutoPay account. It automatically pays your charges for each visit. This is invaluable for drivers making several trips daily, as it eliminates the risk of forgotten payments.
Suggested Blogs
To get more information like this
Subscribe to our newsletter
Maximise Your Airport Earnings With the Right PCO Car!
At Fleeto, we have a wide range of PCO cars suitable for airport runs. Whether you want a 7-seater, 9-seater, or a standard vehicle with a large boot, we have the perfect car for you. Explore our fleet and pick your preferred car today on a flexible PCO car hire or rent-to-buy plan.
