East Midlands Airport – What to Expect
East Midlands Airport is one of the UK’s main regional airports and serves a large area of the Midlands including Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Loughborough and parts of Lincolnshire and Staffordshire. Unlike some major UK airports that sit next to large cities, East Midlands Airport is located in a more rural area near Castle Donington, which means planning your East Midlands Airport transfers in advance is very important.
The airport itself is relatively small compared to airports like Heathrow, Gatwick or Manchester, which actually makes it quite easy to use. Walking distances are short, security is usually faster, and the terminal is straightforward to navigate. Many travellers prefer flying from East Midlands Airport because it is quicker, less stressful and easier to park at than larger airports.
East Midlands Airport mainly handles low-cost airlines, European routes and holiday flights, rather than long-haul intercontinental routes. This means the airport tends to be busiest early in the morning and late in the evening when many low-cost flights depart and arrive.
One important thing to know is that East Midlands Airport does not have its own train station, so most travellers reach the airport by bus, taxi, car, airport parking or train connections via East Midlands Parkway. Understanding the different transfer options is the most important part of planning a journey to or from the airport.
Airlines & Destinations from East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport mainly serves low-cost airlines and holiday airlines, and most routes are to European cities, beach destinations and holiday resorts rather than long-haul destinations. The airport is particularly popular with travellers from the Midlands looking for cheap flights and package holidays.
The main airlines operating from East Midlands Airport typically include Ryanair, Jet2 and TUI Airways, which operate routes across Europe, the Mediterranean and popular holiday destinations. Many flights operate to Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Poland, Ireland and the Canary Islands, as well as a small number of city break destinations.
Because the airport focuses heavily on low-cost and leisure travel, it is often busiest during summer holidays, school holidays and weekends, when many people are travelling for short breaks or package holidays. Early morning departures are very common, which is why many travellers choose airport hotels or overnight parking before early flights.
East Midlands Airport is also one of the UK’s largest cargo airports, particularly for companies like DHL, UPS and Royal Mail. Many freight flights operate overnight, which is why the airport is active 24 hours a day even when there are fewer passenger flights.
Understanding which airlines and routes operate from East Midlands Airport helps when planning East Midlands Airport transfers and connections, because many flights depart very early in the morning when public transport options are more limited.
Where East Midlands Airport Is Located
East Midlands Airport is located near the village of Castle Donington, just off the M1 motorway at Junction 23A, making it very accessible by car from across the Midlands and parts of northern England.
The airport is located roughly between several major cities rather than directly next to one city. It sits approximately 14 miles from Nottingham, 12 miles from Derby and around 20 miles from Leicester, which is why the airport serves the wider East Midlands region rather than a single city.
Because the airport is located close to the M1 motorway, A42 and A50, driving to the airport is often the easiest option for many travellers. This is also why airport parking is very popular at East Midlands Airport, and many people choose park and ride or long-stay parking options when travelling.
One important thing to understand is that there is no train station directly at East Midlands Airport, which surprises some travellers. The nearest railway station is East Midlands Parkway, which is located a few miles away and connected to the airport by bus and taxi. This means most rail journeys to the airport involve a train plus a bus connection, rather than a direct train to the terminal.
Because of its location between several cities and major roads, the most common ways to reach the airport are bus services, taxis, driving and airport parking, rather than rail.
East Midlands Airport Transfers Overview
There are several ways to travel to and from East Midlands Airport, and the best option usually depends on where you are travelling from, the time of your flight and whether you are travelling with luggage.
The main East Midlands Airport transfer options include Skylink bus services to Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, train connections via East Midlands Parkway, taxis and ride apps, driving to the airport, airport parking and airport hotels with parking packages. Because the airport does not have a train station, bus services play a very important role in connecting the airport to nearby cities.
For many travellers, the most common transfer options are Skylink buses or driving and parking at the airport, especially for early morning flights when train services may not be running. Skylink buses run frequently between the airport and major cities and are one of the most important transport links for the airport.
Train travellers usually travel to East Midlands Parkway station and then transfer to a bus or taxi for the final part of the journey to the airport. This is often the best option for travellers coming from London, Sheffield, Birmingham or other cities on the Midland Main Line.
Understanding the different East Midlands Airport connections is important when planning your journey, because travel times can vary significantly depending on whether you are travelling by bus, train, taxi or car.
Buses from Nottingham to East Midlands Airport
The main bus from Nottingham to East Midlands Airport is the Skylink Nottingham service, which runs 24 hours a day and is the most popular public transport option for airport staff and travellers.
If you are travelling from Nottingham city centre, the Skylink bus stops at several central locations including Nottingham Station, Broadmarsh Bus Station area, Friar Lane, and along Derby Road before heading towards the airport. This makes it very easy to catch from most central hotels or the train station.
The journey time from Nottingham city centre to East Midlands Airport is usually around 45–50 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. Late at night or early morning the journey can be faster.
Tickets are relatively affordable compared with taxis. A typical adult single fare is usually around £7–£9, and a return ticket is normally £10–£12. Contactless payment is accepted on board, and you can also use the Trent Barton app to buy tickets in advance.
The Skylink Nottingham bus runs frequently during the day, usually every 20 minutes, and every 30 minutes overnight, which makes it one of the easiest airport buses in the UK to use.
Buses from Derby to East Midlands Airport
Derby is actually the closest major city to East Midlands Airport, and the Skylink Derby bus provides a direct connection between Derby city centre, Derby Railway Station and the airport.
If you are starting your journey in Derby, the easiest place to catch the airport bus is usually Derby Bus Station or Derby Railway Station, where the Skylink buses stop directly outside. This is very convenient if you are arriving by train and transferring to the airport.
The journey time from Derby to East Midlands Airport is usually around 25–30 minutes, making this the fastest public transport route to the airport.
Ticket prices are similar to the Nottingham service. Expect to pay around £6–£8 for a single and roughly £9–£11 for a return. Contactless payment is accepted, and buses run frequently throughout the day and night.
During daytime hours, buses typically run every 20 minutes, and every 30 minutes overnight, so you normally do not need to plan too carefully — you can usually just turn up and wait for the next bus.
Because Derby is so close to the airport, this is often the cheapest and easiest route for travellers using East Midlands Airport.
Buses from Leicester to East Midlands Airport
Leicester also has a direct airport bus called Skylink Leicester, which connects Leicester city centre, Leicester Railway Station, Loughborough and East Midlands Airport.
In Leicester, you can catch the Skylink bus from Leicester St Margaret’s Bus Station, Leicester Railway Station, and several stops in the city centre. This makes it convenient whether you are staying in the city centre or arriving by train.
The journey from Leicester to East Midlands Airport usually takes around 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of stops along the route.
Ticket prices are slightly higher because the journey is longer. Expect to pay roughly £8–£10 for a single and around £12–£14 for a return ticket. As with the other Skylink services, you can pay contactless on the bus or buy tickets in advance through the bus operator app.
Buses run regularly throughout the day, typically every 20–30 minutes, and continue running overnight, which is very useful for early morning flights or late arrivals.
Train Connections from East Midlands Airport
One of the most important things to understand when planning East Midlands Airport transfers is that the airport does not have a train station directly at the terminal. Instead, the nearest railway station is East Midlands Parkway, which is located a few miles from the airport and connected by bus and taxi.
East Midlands Parkway station sits on the Midland Main Line, which means it has train services to major cities including London St Pancras, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby, Sheffield and beyond. This makes rail travel a useful option for travellers coming from further away, particularly from London or South Yorkshire.
To reach East Midlands Airport from the train station, travellers usually take a Skylink bus or taxi from East Midlands Parkway to the airport terminal. The bus journey usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes, while a taxi is slightly faster.
For travellers coming from London, the typical route is to take a train from London St Pancras to East Midlands Parkway, which takes around 1 hour 15 minutes, then transfer to a bus or taxi to the airport. This is often faster than travelling to larger London airports if you are flying from East Midlands Airport.
Travellers from Sheffield, Derby or Leicester can also use East Midlands Parkway as a rail connection point and then transfer to the airport by bus.
Because the airport requires a train plus bus connection rather than a direct train to the terminal, rail travel to East Midlands Airport requires a bit more planning than airports like Manchester or Birmingham that have train stations at the airport itself.
However, for travellers coming from further away, train plus bus via East Midlands Parkway is often the best public transport route to East Midlands Airport.
Taxi & Ride Apps from East Midlands Airport
Taxis are a very common option for East Midlands Airport transfers, especially for early morning departures, late night arrivals, or travellers with heavy luggage. Because the airport is located between several cities rather than inside a major city, taxi journeys are often relatively straightforward using major roads and motorways.
Taxi journeys from East Midlands Airport to nearby cities typically take around 20 to 30 minutes to Derby, 30 to 40 minutes to Nottingham, and around 40 to 50 minutes to Leicester, depending on traffic conditions. Prices vary depending on time of day and traffic, but airport taxi fares are usually higher than standard city taxi fares, so it is often worth booking in advance.
Ride apps such as Uber operate in the East Midlands area, although availability can vary depending on time of day and demand. Ride apps are often slightly cheaper than traditional taxis and can be a convenient option because you can book and pay through the app rather than waiting in a taxi queue.
Many travellers choose taxis or ride apps when travelling in groups because the cost per person can sometimes be similar to bus or train tickets, especially when split between several passengers.
Taxis are also the most direct option for travellers staying in airport hotels, nearby villages, or locations that are not directly connected by Skylink buses, making them an important part of the overall East Midlands Airport connections network.
Driving to East Midlands Airport
Driving is one of the most popular ways to reach East Midlands Airport, mainly because the airport is located very close to major roads including the M1 motorway, A42 and A50, making it easy to reach from across the Midlands and parts of northern England.
The airport is located just off M1 Junction 23A, which means it is very easy to reach from cities such as Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Sheffield and Birmingham by motorway. Because of this location, many travellers choose to drive and use airport parking rather than public transport.
When arriving at the airport by car, there are designated drop-off and pick-up areas near the terminal. Like most UK airports, the drop-off area usually charges a fee for short stays, so many travellers use the short stay car park instead if they need more time.
Driving to East Midlands Airport is often the easiest option for travellers with early morning flights, heavy luggage, or travellers coming from rural areas where public transport connections are limited.
Because of the airport’s location near major motorways, airport parking and park and ride services are very popular, and many travellers book parking in advance to reduce costs and guarantee a space.
Driving, Parking & Drop-Off at East Midlands Airport
Driving to East Midlands Airport is one of the most convenient ways to reach the airport, especially if you are travelling from smaller towns where public transport connections are limited or if you have an early morning flight. The airport sits close to the M1 motorway, A50, and A453, making it relatively easy to reach from Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Sheffield and even Birmingham.
From the M1, most drivers leave at Junction 23A, which connects directly to the airport via the A453. The airport is well signposted from the motorway, and once you leave the main road, the terminal and car parks are clearly marked. Because the airport is smaller than major airports like Heathrow or Manchester, it is generally much easier to navigate, and you can usually drive from the motorway to the terminal area in around 10 minutes.
Airport Drop-Off Charges
Like most UK airports, East Midlands Airport now charges for using the drop-off zone directly outside the terminal. This area is designed for quick drop-offs only, not waiting.
The drop-off charges typically work roughly as follows (always check before travelling as prices change):
- Around £5 for up to 15 minutes
- Around £1 per additional minute
- Maximum stay usually around 30 minutes
Cameras record your entry and exit, and you normally pay online after leaving the drop-off area rather than at a machine. If you do not pay by midnight the next day, a penalty charge can be issued, so this is something travellers need to be aware of.
If you want to avoid drop-off charges, there is usually a free short-stay or long-stay car park where you can park for a short period and walk or take a shuttle bus to the terminal. This is a useful option if you want to go into the terminal to say goodbye or help someone with luggage.
Short Stay Parking
The Short Stay car park is the closest parking area to the terminal building and is ideal for trips lasting a few hours up to a couple of days. From the Short Stay car park, it is usually only a 2–5 minute walk to the terminal entrance.
Short Stay parking is the most expensive parking option at the airport, but it is very convenient. Prices vary depending on how long you stay, but for a typical day you might expect to pay somewhere in the region of £25–£35 per day if booked on the day. Booking in advance online is usually cheaper.
This car park is ideal for:
- Picking someone up from the airport
- Short business trips
- Weekend breaks
- Dropping off passengers and staying for a short time
Long Stay Parking
The Long Stay car park is the most popular option for holiday travellers who are leaving their car at the airport for several days or weeks. The Long Stay car parks are located slightly further from the terminal, but they are connected by free shuttle buses that run regularly throughout the day and night.
The shuttle bus journey usually takes around 5–10 minutes, and buses run frequently, so you normally do not have to wait long.
Prices vary depending on season and demand, but if booked in advance, long stay parking can often cost roughly:
- £40–£60 for a long weekend
- £70–£120 for a week
- More during school holidays and summer
Booking online in advance is almost always significantly cheaper than turning up and paying on the day.
Meet & Greet Parking
East Midlands Airport also offers Meet & Greet parking, where you drive directly to the terminal, hand your keys to a staff member, and your car is parked for you while you travel. When you return, your car is brought back to the terminal so you can leave immediately.
This is the most convenient parking option and is popular with:
- Families with lots of luggage
- Business travellers
- Elderly travellers
- Short trips where convenience matters more than price
Meet & Greet parking is more expensive than Long Stay parking, but for short trips it can be worth it because of the time saved.
Picking Someone Up from the Airport
If you are collecting someone from East Midlands Airport, the best option is usually to use the Short Stay car park rather than the drop-off zone. This allows you to park, go into the terminal if needed, and avoid the expensive per-minute drop-off charges.
Flights can sometimes arrive early or late, so parking in Short Stay for an hour is often less stressful than trying to time the drop-off lane perfectly.
Car Hire at East Midlands Airport
If you are arriving at East Midlands Airport and need a car, the airport has several major car hire companies operating directly from the terminal. The car rental desks are located inside the arrivals area, and the car pick-up area is usually a short walk from the terminal building.
Car hire is particularly useful if you are travelling to areas that are not well connected by public transport, such as the Peak District, rural Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire villages, or business parks around Derby and Loughborough.
Major car hire companies at East Midlands Airport typically include:
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
- Europcar
Prices vary depending on demand, but small cars can sometimes be found from around £25–£40 per day if booked in advance. During peak holiday periods, prices can increase significantly, so booking early is recommended.
When hiring a car in the UK, remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road, and most cars are manual unless you specifically book an automatic vehicle.
Hotels Near East Midlands Airport
here are several hotels close to East Midlands Airport, and staying overnight near the airport is often much easier than travelling very early in the morning. This is especially useful if you have a flight before 8am, a late arrival, or you are using one of the airport parking packages offered by nearby hotels.
Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport
The Radisson Blu Hotel East Midlands Airport is the closest full-service hotel to the airport and is one of the most comfortable options if you want a more premium stay before your flight.
The hotel has around 200+ rooms, a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, and an indoor swimming pool, which makes it more like a business hotel than a basic airport hotel. This is a good option if you want a proper meal, a gym session, or a comfortable evening before travelling.
The hotel also offers Park & Fly packages, where you can stay overnight and leave your car at the hotel or in airport parking for the duration of your trip. This is often popular with families or travellers going away for a week or two.
Taxi transfers between the hotel and the terminal are very short, usually around 5 minutes, and the hotel can arrange taxis if needed.
Holiday Inn Express East Midlands Airport
The Holiday Inn Express East Midlands Airport is one of the most popular airport hotels because it is usually cheaper and includes breakfast in the room price.
The hotel has around 90–100 rooms and includes a bar, restaurant, and breakfast area. Breakfast is usually served very early in the morning to suit airport travellers, which is one of the reasons this hotel is so popular for early flights.
This hotel also offers airport parking packages, and some rooms overlook the runway, which can be interesting if you like watching aircraft movements.
The hotel is located very close to the airport, and taxi transfers usually take around 5 minutes.
Premier Inn East Midlands Airport
The Premier Inn East Midlands Airport is a reliable budget option and is often the cheapest of the airport hotels while still being comfortable and modern.
Premier Inn hotels are known for good beds and quiet rooms, and this hotel is popular with families and travellers who just want a simple overnight stay before flying. The hotel has an on-site restaurant serving evening meals and breakfast, although breakfast is not always included in the cheapest room rates.
Like the other airport hotels, Premier Inn also offers Park & Stay packages, where you can leave your car while travelling.
Park & Fly Hotel Packages
Many people travelling from East Midlands Airport choose Park & Fly or Park & Stay packages instead of standard airport parking. These packages usually include:
- One night at the hotel
- Parking for the duration of your trip
- Sometimes a taxi or shuttle to the terminal
In many cases, this can actually be cheaper than booking airport parking alone, especially for trips lasting a week or more. It also makes early morning flights much less stressful because you are already near the airport.
For example, instead of waking up at 3am and driving to the airport, you can drive to the hotel the evening before, have dinner, sleep, and travel to the terminal in the morning in just a few minutes.
For many travellers, this is the most relaxed way to start a holiday from East Midlands Airport.
Rupert’s Handy Travel Tips
Flying from East Midlands Airport? Here are a few tips to make your journey smoother:
- Arrive early in the morning if possible — security queues are usually shortest before 7am.
- The Skylink buses run all night, which is useful for very early flights.
- Bring snacks and water if travelling late — some airport shops close overnight.
- Book airport parking in advance — it is usually much cheaper than paying on arrival.
- If someone is dropping you off, consider using short stay parking instead of the drop-off zone to avoid high charges.
Want to meet the reindeer behind our travel tips? Find out more in our page Who is Rupert?.
Frequently Asked Questions – East Midlands Airport Transfers
How far is East Midlands Airport from Nottingham?
East Midlands Airport is about 13 miles from Nottingham, and the journey usually takes around 30–45 minutes by car or around 45–50 minutes by Skylink bus.
Is there a train station at East Midlands Airport?
There is no train station directly at the airport. The nearest station is East Midlands Parkway, which is connected to the airport by the Skylink bus.
Are buses to East Midlands Airport 24 hours?
Yes, the Skylink Nottingham, Derby and Leicester buses all run 24 hours a day, which makes them very useful for early flights and late arrivals.
How much is a taxi to East Midlands Airport?
Taxi prices vary, but typical prices are roughly £30–£40 from Derby, £40–£50 from Nottingham, and £50–£60 from Leicester depending on time of day and traffic.
Is East Midlands Airport busy?
East Midlands Airport is smaller than major UK airports like Manchester or Heathrow, so it is usually easier to navigate and quicker to get through security.
Further Reading & Related Guides
If you are travelling via East Midlands Airport, these guides will help you prepare for your journey, understand travel rules, and plan onward travel across the UK and Europe.
If you are travelling by train to or from the airport, read our Midland Main Line Guide, which explains routes between London, Leicester, Derby, Nottingham and Sheffield, including ticket tips and journey planning.
Before you fly, our Airport Security Guide explains security rules, liquids, electronics, and how to get through airport security faster without delays.
If you are travelling internationally, our eSIM Apps Guide explains how to get mobile data abroad without buying a physical SIM card at the airport.
If you are travelling to Europe, our ETIAS Europe Visa Waiver Guide explains the new travel authorisation system and who needs to apply before travelling to the Schengen Area.
If something goes wrong at the airport, our Missed Flight & Check-In Guide explains what happens if you miss check-in or arrive late at the airport and what your options are.
If you need a visa for Europe, our Schengen Visa Guide explains how to apply, how long it takes, and the documents you need before travelling.
Last Updated
April 2026
We regularly review and update our transport and airport guides to ensure information remains accurate, including bus routes, parking charges and transfer options.
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