Manchester (MAN) vs. Heathrow
 

This simply seems like a non-brainer to me but more heads are better than one.

Have reservations at a hotel in Buxton and will be renting a car at the airport. That car will eventually be returned to Heathrow as we will be spending at least two nights in London.

Can fly into Manchester and rent the car there and pay the drop charge (estimated to be around $50-60) or fly into Heathrow and drive the approximately 180 miles.

"Being tired after a flight" is NOT the issue; from what I can see the hire cars at MAN are concentrated in one place vs that all over the perimeter road, etc., at Heathrow configuration. And there's the traffic getting away from the airport (I've driven it before and yes I will have a GPS with me).

What am I missing? Could always be something important I haven't thought of.

Losing as much as 3-4 hours' vacation time and dealing with traffic on the motorway to save $50-$60 wouldn't occur to me.

Thank you for that very kind response.

If you are concerned with the type of aircraft you will be flying on and seat configuration, the larger planes seem to fly into Heathrow vs Manchester. Otherwise, I'd probably rather save the 3-4 hrs driving time.

We've chosen MAN a few times, on our last trip flying into MAN and out of LHR.

I like MAN. It seems much easier to get in and out of.

We were in the Peaks for several days in May and it was lovely.

I am not concerned about flying in an A330 aircraft with a fully flat bed seat.

Thank you all for the additional comments. I think I have made the correct decision.

I used to use MAN a lot and LHR a fair bit. MAN is a good easy place to find your way around. The rail link is dead easy and runs pretty often.

The issue of car tranport.

LHR gives great access to the circular carpark that is the M25 and slightly better access onto the M3 M4. At the wrong time of day that can be a nightmare.

MAN gives great access to the Motorway systems to the south which are generally free flowing. Going north is a slightly more difficult issue. The Manchester ring road has two nasty points, the motorway junction to the west 1 after you pass over the Manchester ship canal. At rush hour that junction locks up.

Going east the motorway over to Leeds between 3:30 to 6:30 pm is frankly frightening. The traffic generally keeps moving but the density increases to the point where there is less thann 1 second between cars. If you have to do this drive to ensure you keep enough space in front of you and try not to panic about how close cars are behind you. When the traffic flow gets too bad they put on special fake-Police flow regulators which makes it a bit better, do what they tell you.

Certainly if I was going to Buxton (nice place) I'd fly into Manchester.

Thank you for the additional, and thoughtful, responses.

As you say Dukey, it's a no brainer. MAN to Buxton is 23 miles, cost of fuel maybe £5. Scenery through Peak District, rolling hills, you get the idea.

LHR to Buxton 180 miles, 6 gallons (UK size) around £33.00. Aggravation driving from LHR to Buxton, congested motorway, stop start traffic, way more than the difference.

On our trip, we stayed in Buxton the night prior to driving to Manchester to fly home. I hope you enjoy Buxton, we really did and would return in a heartbeat.

Your memories of your trip will be of a great first day in Buxton than the cost of the one way fee. Have a great trip!

Once again I am grateful for these well-wishes and the additional information. I am looking forward to this trip and starting things out in the Peak District (for a change).

I am also looking forward to having the car for transportation since we will need it for the flexibility required to see the various things and places during the week we will spend.