Getting to Manchester Airport is costing some northern holidaymakers almost £64 on average before they have even reached the terminal, according to new research published by TransPennine Express.
The rail operator released the findings on Monday, 31 August as part of research examining how passengers travel to Manchester Airport.
TransPennine Express said 48% of northern holidaymakers surveyed described getting to the airport as the most stressful part of their trip.
A further 58% said travelling to the airport felt like a chore, while 37% said the cost involved had caused their holiday to get off to a bad start.
According to the research, respondents who travelled by taxi or drove and paid for parking spent an average of £63.90 before reaching the terminal.
One in five respondents was reported to have spent more than £100 on their journey to the airport.
The figures should be viewed in context because the research has been published by TransPennine Express, which operates direct rail services to Manchester Airport and is currently promoting train travel as an alternative to travelling by road.
The company said half of the northern holidaymakers surveyed indicated they were now more likely to consider taking the train to the airport for a future trip.
TransPennine Express currently advertises selected Advance Purchase fares to Manchester Airport from £4.20, subject to availability.
It has also introduced overnight trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport, with services running approximately hourly through the night seven days a week.
For passengers who prefer a pre-booked door-to-door option between Liverpool, Manchester and the region’s airports, Manpool Transfers provides private airport and long-distance transfers across the North West.
The rail operator is also offering a 20% discount on selected Advance Purchase tickets to and from Manchester Airport for customers who have booked holidays through On the Beach.
The promotion is intended to encourage more passengers to use public transport for the journey between home and the airport.
Airport access costs have become an increasingly important consideration for passengers when budgeting for holidays.
Travellers driving to major UK airports can face a combination of fuel, terminal drop-off charges and longer-term parking costs, while taxi and private hire prices vary considerably depending on distance, time of travel and vehicle type.
Rail travel can offer a cheaper option for some passengers, although the overall cost and convenience will depend on the starting location, number of travellers, luggage requirements and whether additional transport is needed to reach the railway station.
For families and larger groups, comparing the full door-to-door cost rather than an individual ticket or single parking charge can give a more realistic picture of which option offers the best value.
Passengers travelling to Manchester Airport should also factor in flight departure times, particularly for early morning services when public transport options may be more limited from some areas despite the introduction of additional overnight trains.
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Sources
TransPennine Express – Manchester Airport Train Fares and On the Beach Discount
Manchester Evening News – Manchester Airport Train Tickets Discounted for Certain Holidaymakers
