h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

How many airports are there in Manchester? On my booking it just says Manchester Airport, and Witty said she'll arrive at Manchester International.

And is there a direct line to the Premier Inn Manchester City Centre (Deansgate Locks)
Gaythorne
River Street ?

Same airport Bel, there's only the one. There will be very occasional trains (once an hour or less) direct to Deansgate locks, but you could get the train to Manchester Piccadilly (very regular) and then the tram to Deansgate.

There is only major airport for Manchester, Manchester International Airport is the full title - MAN if you want the 3 letter code.
The best way for public transport to the city centre is the rail link from the airport station to Manchester Piccadilly which is the main rail terminus, which is close to the friday pre meet place.

*Takes notes.*

Ah, thanks all. I'll take the first train I can get, I guess. I looked for connections but only found one going somewhere else first and taking more than an hour.

That may have been a bus, though. I don't remember.

For that amount of time, it's probably a bus.

More than one rail line passes through both Manchester Airport and Manchester Picadilly. Does it matter much which line I choose?

No. But there is a terminus that's part of the airport. Trains very frequently to Piccadilly Station.

Probably not. The only difference will be the platforms, I imagine.

I found a website with time tables. Trains are going to Oxford Street every few minutes, and from there it's only half a mile to Premier Inn.

There you go

Seriously, £9.00 for a 15-20 minute train ride?

Hmmm, when I look I get £4.50 for a peak (anytime) single and £3.80 for the off peak single (after 9:30) for train prices to the city centre.

I was looking here:

http://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/timesandfares/MIA/MAN/170212/0900/dep/210212/0600/dep

Were you looking at the return price (2 x single price)? That is the only way I could get that fare.

Ahh, that may be the case. I did input both out and back dates.

That'll be return then

I looked at this website:

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb.nsf/Content/Train and it's £3.80 for a single ticket (off peak). Do I have to book in advance, though?

No, you can buy at the station or on the train.