What is the cost of travelling in Manchester?

Item Johannesburg Cape Town Manchester Meal (inexpensive restaurant) R 90.00 R 100.00 R 227.00 Domestic beer (0.5 litre draught) R 22.00 R 20.00 R 72.00 Cappuccino (regular) R 19.00 R 20.00 R 52.00 Taxi 1km (normal tariff) R 10.00 R 12.00 R 38.00 Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) R 35.00 R 35.00 R 188.00

Cheap Flights to Manchester, England | The Lowest Fares

Name: Cheap Flights To Manchester
SKU: Manchester
Rating: 3.8 (19 reviews)

Last minute Manchester flight offers

Prices observed in the past 7 days start from R2709 one-way and R13509 round trip. Fares and availability may change at any time, and additional terms may apply.

One-Way

Return

Qatar Airways

24 Sep

JNB

Johannesburg

One-Way

MAN

Manchester

R6139

British Airways

20 Oct

BUD

Budapest

One-Way

MAN

Manchester

R2709

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Popular airlines to Manchester

Swiss International Air Lines

British Airways

Air France

Swiss International Air Lines

British Airways

Air France

Why visit Manchester

Manchester Underwater tunnel at Manchester Sea Life Centre England with marine creatures

Sightseeing

The Manchester Sea Life Centre is home to over 500 ocean creatures, underwater tunnels, feeding shows, and Europe’s first seabed walk — an unforgettable aquatic experience for visitors of all ages in the heart of the city.

Manchester Clayton Hall Living History Museum Manchester England Victorian heritage building

English Culture

Manchester is the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Journey through its fascinating past at Clayton Hall Living History Museum, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the city’s beautifully preserved Victorian architecture.

Manchester Traditional English fish and chips served in Manchester England pub

English Delights

Manchester is a culinary hub of divine English appeal. Tuck into roast beef, Yorkshire pudding, hearty cottage pie, and the local favourite fish and chips at one of the city’s many beloved traditional pubs and restaurants.

Manchester: England’s northern powerhouse, where football royalty, iconic music heritage, and world-class culture collide

Manchester is a stunning, endlessly energetic city in England and the second most populated urban area in the United Kingdom. Home to two of the world’s most famous football clubs — Manchester United and Manchester City — the city also boasts a legendary music heritage that gave the world Oasis, The Smiths, and The Stone Roses. Manchester’s glorious mix of medieval and modern architecture, world-class museums, and a thriving food and arts scene make it one of the UK’s most compelling destinations. Popular attractions include the John Rylands Library, the Museum of Science and Industry, and Old Trafford.

Book cheap flights to Manchester and prepare to be captivated by this iconic northern city. Manchester is home to Manchester Airport (MAN), a 30-minute drive from the city centre, serving airlines including Swiss International Air Lines, British Airways, and Air France. Popular international flights to Manchester depart from both Johannesburg and Cape Town. The flight duration from Johannesburg is approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes.

General Information

Essential details you need to know before your trip

Country

Currency

United Kingdom

British Pound

LANGUAGE

Exchange Rate

English

1 ZAR = 0.046 GBP

AIRLINE

TIME ZONE

British Airways

GMT +1

HUB AIRPORT

Manchester Airport (MAN)

Destination Review

3.8

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Weather In Manchester

Low

High °C

Rain-mm

Average temperature (°C) & rainfall (mm) per month

Frequently asked questions

Overview

Manchester is the birthplace of the computer, the Industrial Revolution, and some of the greatest music ever recorded. It is a city defined by two legendary football clubs — Manchester City and Manchester United — and a cultural confidence that makes it one of England’s most exciting destinations to explore.

From the magnificent John Rylands Library and the Godlee Observatory to the immersive exhibits of the Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester rewards curious visitors at every turn. For something more offbeat, test your wits at Breakout Manchester, one of the city’s popular escape room experiences.

Manchester’s food scene has exploded in recent years — the Northern Quarter is packed with independent cafés, craft beer bars, and global restaurants, while Dishoom, Hawksmoor, and Elnecot are among the celebrated names drawing food lovers from across the UK. And no visit is complete without a pint in one of the city’s iconic music pubs, where the spirit of Madchester lives on.

Compare multiple airlines and book your cheap flights to Manchester online at Travelstart!

Most popular flight routes to Manchester:

Cheap flights from Johannesburg to Manchester

Best time to visit Manchester

The best time to visit Manchester is between June and August, when the weather is at its warmest and the city’s events calendar is in full swing. The Premier League season kicks off in August, making it a dream time for football fans. The Manchester International Festival runs biennially in July, drawing world-class performers and artists. The shoulder seasons — March to May and September to November — bring relatively mild weather, fewer crowds, and better value on flights and accommodation. Notable autumn events include the Manchester Food and Drink Festival (October) and Manchester Literature Festival (October). For the cheapest flights to Manchester, consider visiting in winter (November to February) when fares drop significantly. The Christmas markets in Albert Square are a highlight of the season and worth experiencing in their own right.

Visa & Customs

South African passport holders travelling to the United Kingdom — including Manchester — are generally required to obtain a UK Standard Visitor Visa before departure.

The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system applies mainly to travellers from visa-exempt countries and does not replace the visa requirement for South African passport holders. Travellers are advised to apply for their UK visa well in advance of their travel date.

If you are travelling for longer stays, to work, or to study, a different visa category may apply. Contact the British High Commission in South Africa (Telephone: 012 421 7500) or see this step-by-step guide on how to apply for your UK visa.

Health & Safety

No specific vaccinations are required to enter the United Kingdom. However, ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling, including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and influenza. The UK has an excellent public healthcare system (NHS), and as a tourist you are entitled to emergency treatment.

Travel insurance covering medical expenses, trip cancellation, and personal belongings is strongly recommended for all travellers to Manchester.

Manchester is a very safe city with a low rate of serious crime. As with any major city, standard precautions apply — remain aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy nightlife areas late at night, keep valuables secure, and avoid leaving drinks unattended in bars and clubs. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps such as Uber when travelling after dark.

Where to Stay?

Manchester offers accommodation to suit every style and budget, with options concentrated across several distinct neighbourhoods each with its own character.

The City Centre and Spinningfields are ideal for first-time visitors — close to major attractions, restaurants, and transport links. The Northern Quarter is the creative heart of Manchester, perfect for those who want indie cafés, vintage shops, and live music on their doorstep. Deansgate is home to some of the city’s most stylish hotels, including the Kimpton Clocktower and the Gotham Hotel, both Manchester institutions.

For football pilgrims, staying near Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium puts you close to the action on match days.

Ready to book? Search and book accommodation in Manchester at Travelstart and find the best deals across all budgets.

Getting Around

Walking through Manchester is one of the great pleasures of the city — most major attractions in the centre are within comfortable walking distance of each other, and the architecture rewards those who explore on foot.

For wider travel, Manchester’s Bee Network offers an integrated system of Metrolink trams, buses, and cycling routes that cover the city and surrounding areas efficiently and affordably. The Metrolink is particularly useful for reaching the airport, MediaCity, and the football stadiums. Uber and other ride-hailing apps operate throughout the city and are a convenient option after dark.

If you plan to explore the wider northwest of England — the Peak District, Lake District, or Yorkshire — search, compare, and book a car hire in Manchester at Travelstart for the most flexibility. Car hire desks are available at Manchester Airport, including Hertz, Enterprise, Budget, Avis, and Alamo.