New research has revealed that getting to Manchester Airport is putting a serious dent in the holiday mood, with nearly half (48%) of northern holidaymakers saying it’s the most stressful part of their trip.

Research conducted by TransPennine Express (TPE) found that 58% see getting to the airport as a chore, while more than a third (37%) said the cost involved had caused their holiday to get off to a bad start.

The study revealed that those travelling by taxi or driving and parking spend an average of £63.90 before even reaching the terminal.

In fact, according to TPE, one in five (20%) spends more than £100 on the journey, meaning some road transport options costing more than the price of the flight itself.

Faced with mounting parking and drop-off costs, half of northern holidaymakers (50%) said they are now more likely to take the train to the airport for their next holiday.

TPE is hoping to persuade even more travellers to make the switch, with Advance Purchase fares to Manchester Airport starting from £4.20*, £1.30 less than the airport’s controversial £5.50 charge for a drop-off lasting up to five minutes.

The rail operator commissioned the research to highlight its airport services and mark the launch of Aperol Spritz across its catered network.

TPE is the first train operator in the North West to offer the drink onboard, allowing passengers to begin their holiday celebrations before they reach the terminal.

The launch of the much-loved holiday drink follows research from TPE that shows 40% of northern residents wish they could enjoy their first holiday drink while travelling to Manchester Airport.

Adam Fairclough, Deputy Customer Experience Director & Head of CX for TPE said: “With TPE Advance Purchase fares to Manchester Airport starting at £4.20, passengers can travel for a fraction of that cost, and with Aperol Spritz now available onboard, they can settle into a comfortable seat, enjoy a drink and get into the holiday spirit before they even reach the terminal.”

The rail operator has launched 250ml Aperol Spritz To Go cocktail cans across all its catered services, including trains serving Manchester Airport.

Combined with an Advance Purchase fare from £4.20, passengers could travel to Manchester Airport and enjoy an Aperol Spritz for £10.95, significantly less than the £63.90 average cost reported by those travelling by taxi or driving and parking.

The Aperol launch is not the only boost for Manchester Airport passengers this year. TPE recently introduced new all-night services between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Airport as part of its May 2026 timetable.

Trains now run roughly every hour throughout the night, seven days a week, making it easier for passengers with early departures or late arrivals to choose cost-effective rail travel. The services also improve overnight connections for airport and hospitality workers and support Greater Manchester’s night-time economy.

To coincide with the launch, TPE is also offering 20% off tickets advance tickets to and from Manchester Airport for customers who have booked holidays with On the Beach.

*Fares are subject to availability