Home » Airport Parking »
East Midlands Airport Parking
Compare Cheap East Midlands Airport Parking Deals
- Jetparks, Prestige, Short-stay, Mid-stay, Long-stay, Meet & Greet park
- Extra 10% off when booking online
- Secured & fully insured low-cost, multiple parking options
- Book with confidence, save up to 75%
Excellent: 4.9/ 5 ★★★★★ based on 949 reviews
Cheap East Midlands Airport Parking
Finding the right type of airport parking at a good price is simple if you are flying from East Midlands Airport. For short or long-stay parking, business or leisure travel, choose the airport parking which suits your budget.
At East Midlands Airport (EMA) there is a variety of different car parks which serve passengers from all across the Midlands. The airport is easily reached by car, so finding parking at the best possible price is vital to getting your trip off to a great start.
Types of parking at East Midlands Airport
Choosing airport parking when you fly from East Midlands Airport does not have to be difficult. Car parks are available close to the terminal, and range in price depending on a number of factors. If cost is a priority, you can search for budget airport parking. For frequent flyers, business travellers or simply those wishing to start their journey in the most convenient way, it’s possible to prioritise the distance of the car park to the airport, or even book valet parking.
The following car parking is available at East Midlands Airport:
Long stay parking at East Midlands Airport
Long-stay parking is the best choice for anyone looking for airport parking at a great price. At East Midlands Airport, there are four long-stay car parks. The long-stay car parks are a short distance from the terminal, with a free shuttle bus on hand so you don’t have to walk from your car.
The shuttle bus from the long-stay car parks takes around 5-7 minutes and runs every 15 minutes. When you arrive, simply lock your car, keep your keys and then make your way to the clearly signposted shuttle stops to transfer to the terminal.
All the Long Stay car parks at East Midlands Airport are accredited with ParkMark. This ensures your car will be safe. There is a range of security measures in place, including CCTV, ANPR cameras, secure perimeter fencing and regular patrols. For stays of over 6 days, the airport recommends choosing long-stay car park number 4. There is a minimum stay in all long-stay car parks of 4 days.
Mid-stay parking at East Midlands Airport
Unlike some airports, East Midlands has a dedicated car park for mid-length stays. The Mid Stay car parks combine the convenience of being close to the airport, with parking at the best possible price.
There are three designated car parks for stays of between 2 and four days at EMA. From the car parks, it’s a short 3-5 minute walk to the terminal. As with long and short stay, when parking in the mid-stay car park, you keep your keys with you, making it completely secure.
The car parks are well let, for any late night or early morning starts, and with all the security measures associated with ParkMark accreditation you can be confident that your vehicle is left in safe hands.
Meet and greet parking at East Midlands Airport
Meet and Greet parking is probably the most time-efficient, convenient start to any airport departure. Simply drive to the airport, and hand your keys over to the meet and greet team and chauffeurs, who will take care of parking your car. This leaves you free to make your way to the departure hall without having to think about parking at all.
Meet and greet (or valet parking as it’s often known) is a great option for business travellers or anyone on a tight schedule. The meet and greet area is directly outside the terminal. You’ll need to book in advance, although it is possible to book on the day with 6 hours’ notice.
After arriving in the sheltered meet and greet area, simply unpack your luggage in the designated lane. Drop your keys at the meet and greet reception, and when you arrive back from your flight, the car will be ready and waiting for you in the same place.
East Midlands Airport Short Stay parking
For those who wish to park close to the airport terminal, short-stay parking is a convenient option. East Midlands Airport has three short-stay car parks to choose from. All the short-stay car parks are within easy walking distance of the departure area – allow between 2-5 minutes to walk from your car to the terminal.
Short-stay parking is available to pre-book, and savings of up to 60% are available depending on the length of stay and time of travel for advance bookings. There is no minimum stay for short-stay parking, although if you are planning on staying over two days, the mid-stay parking is likely to be more cost-effective.
Jetparks at EMA
Airport parking can seem like yet another expense when you’ve already paid for your flight and accommodation. For those looking for the cheapest possible deal on airport parking, East Midlands offers competitive rates on the Jetparks car park. It’s only available to book in advance, so you will need to plan ahead. However, saving money on your parking can mean more to spend on your holiday, so it is time well spent.
The Jetparks car park is available to pre-book for stays of over 6 days. It’s the furthest away from the terminal of all the airport’s car parks. However, there is a free shuttle bus running 24 hours a day, to take passengers and their luggage to departures. The shuttle takes approximately 12-15 minutes and runs every 20 minutes. Be sure to leave enough time for the transfer when booking your parking.
Jetparks is completely secure, with ANPR vehicle recognition in place at the barrier, to ensure a smooth and efficient arrival and exit process.
At-A-Glance benefits of parking at East Midlands Airport
- All car parks are ParkMark accredited
- Choice of long, mid and short stay car parks
- Secure perimeter fencing
- Parking close to the terminal building
- Free shuttle buses where required
- Self-park and valet parking available
- Cheap rates for booking parking in advance
East Midlands Airport facilities
East Midlands Airport has all the facilities you would expect from a terminal building transporting nearly 5 million passengers per year. There is a diverse mix of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and duty-free offerings to browse while you wait for your flight to depart.
Pick up some last-minute travel essentials like plug adapters or headphones, or treat yourself to a new luxury handbag or fragrance – shopping at East Midlands Airport is an easy mix of well-known brands and new discoveries.
There’s even a small spa on-site, for anyone who wants to really relax with a pamper treatment or two before jetting off.
Services and facilities on offer at the terminal building include:
- Cafes
- Snack bars
- Shopping
- Restaurants
- Bar
- Prayer room
- Free Wifi
- Fasttrack security
- Trolleys
- Lounge
- Currency exchange
- Baby change facilities
- Special assistance
- Cash machines
- Gaming centre
- Spa
Hotel and parking at East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport is easy to reach from major motorways, however, there’s nothing like last-minute traffic hold-ups to make arriving at the airport a stressful business. Choosing to book a hotel stay along with parking at East Midlands means you can wake up close to the terminal, knowing that there will be no last-minute hiccups or delays that risk you missing your flight.
At EMA, there are a number of hotels all within a few minute’s drive of the terminal. Offering parking and hotel packages at great prices, choose from either budget or luxury options for a stress-free arrivals experience.
Holiday Inn Express at EMA
The Holiday Inn Express is less than 5 minutes’ drive from East Midlands Airport. It has a three-star rating, with reasonably priced rooms. There is a restaurant and bar on-site, with breakfast included in your room rate. While you won’t find a huge range of amenities, this budget hotel does have free wifi available and is a good choice for cheap airport accommodation within easy reach of the terminal.
Best Western Premier East Midlands Airport
For a slightly more luxurious start to your holiday, the Best Western Premier hotel near East Midlands airport is a four-star hotel, with a health club and spa on site. The hotel is a ten-minute drive from the terminal, and parking is available on-site for the duration of your trip. Rooms start from £70, with a range of standard, executive and superior rooms and suites to choose from. There’s a Marco Pierre White fine dining restaurant at the hotel too, serving quality food and drink for discerning travellers.
Days Inn Hotel
The Days Inn Hotel is extremely convenient for East Midlands Airport. Just a short drive from the terminal, the hotel offers overnight parking for guests included in the room rates, which start from around £59 per night. All rooms are simply yet comfortably furnished and are clean and quiet so you can enjoy a good night’s sleep, before making your way to the airport. The transfer takes around 15 minutes, with the hotel easily reaching from the A50 trunk road.
Transfers to and from East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport serves passengers from midlands cities like Birmingham, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Stoke, and thanks to its good road links is easily accessible by car or public transport.
Car
Travelling to East Midlands Airport by car couldn’t be easier. The airport is just off junction 23a or junction 24 of the M1 and is clearly signposted from the motorway. If you are using a satnav, the postcode for the airport is DE74 2SA.
The M1 connects the airport directly to Leicester, and Nottingham, with the journey by car from either city taking around 25 minutes. The A50 dual carriageway also connects the terminal to Stoke and Derby. The airport is also close to the M42, which links Birmingham to the M1.
If you plan on arriving at the airport by car, it is a good idea to plan your parking in advance. The cheapest rates on airport parking are usually available by pre-booking. Although it is possible to just turn up and park on the day, this will usually work out as the more expensive option.
Bus and coach
Local and regional bus services operated by Trent Barton serve East Midlands Airport, on a variety of routes including buses from Ilkeston, Derby, Stapleford, Leicester, Nottingham and Coalville. Buses run up to every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, so whatever your flight time you should be able to find public transport to the airport.
As well as the Skylink bus services, East Midlands Airport is also served by National Express coaches from cities further afield like Sheffield and Leeds.
Buses and coaches stop at the coach station next to the terminal building at East Midlands Airport.
Train
Although there is no train station at East Midlands Airport itself, there are four train stations nearby which are well served. East Midlands Parkway is 5 miles from the terminal, with regular shuttle bus services connecting train passengers to the terminal.
Derby, Nottingham and Long Eaton train stations are also close by, serving a wide range of routes across the Midlands. The Skylink shuttle bus services run frequently between these stations and East Midlands Airport.
Car Hire at East Midlands
Hiring a car is a convenient way to make your onward journey from East Midlands Airport. There are a number of car hire providers operating at the airport, with everything from small-budget cars to luxury performance vehicles available to hire.
Car rentals in East Midlands operate 7 days a week, and include the following providers:
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Europcar
- Hertz
Taxis at East Midlands Airport
To take the hassle out of airport parking, why not travel to and from the terminal by taxi? Taxis can be pre-booked, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the journey without having to worry about finding your way or getting lost on your way to the airport.
At East Midlands Airport, Arrow Cars are the approved taxi partner, although other local taxi firms in local cities like Nottingham, Derby and Leicester also offer transfers to the airport.
When booking your taxi transfer, you may choose from a range of vehicles, including estate cars, minibuses (ideal for larger groups) eco-vehicles or even luxury cars to start your trip in style.
East Midlands Airport Overview
East Midlands Airport is the 11th busiest airport in the UK. Serving passengers from all across the midlands, the airport is established as a base for low-cost operators like Jet2 and RyanAir, and offers flights to destinations around Europe and further afield.
The airport was originally built for the Royal Air Force, known as RAF Castle Donnington in 1943, but became a commercial operation in the mid-1960s. The airport was opened by Prince Philip. As well to commercial flights for passengers, the airport has become an established freight hub, thanks to its central location, and good transport links. DHL and UPS have a base in East Midlands, with approximately 300,000 tons of freight passing through the airport each year.
Booking a lounge at EMA
The Escape Lounge at East Midlands Airport offers travellers the chance to relax and unwind in a stress-free environment before their flight. The lounge, which can be booked in advance for the best rates, offers a range of complimentary hot and cold snacks.
There is a well-stocked bar, so you can choose from beers, wines and spirits or perhaps even a glass of fizz, and soft drinks, teas and coffees are also served throughout the day too.
The Escape Lounge offers free wifi, for keeping up to date with last-minute emails, and you can charge all your devices while you wait for your flight. Booking a lounge is a great option for business travellers, allowing you to keep connected and work in peace away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal areas.
Things to do near East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport is the gateway to many interesting towns and cities across the centre of England. The area is rich in history, and with cities like Nottingham, Leicester and Derby all within easy reach, there is plenty of sporting, cultural and shopping opportunities nearby for an interesting day out.
Learn to sail
While East Midlands Airport is a long way from the sea, enthusiasts can learn to sail at nearby Carsington Water. The sports and leisure complex offers lessons and packages for both beginners and advanced guests in all kinds of watersports like windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing.
The Carsington Water complex also has a cycle hire station, so you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings from dry land too if floating is not for you.
Carsington Water is 28 miles from East Midlands Airport and promises an adventurous fun day out for the whole family.
Get spooky
The city of Derby, close to East Midlands Airport has a historic gaol, which is now open to the public as a working museum. Supposedly known as an area of paranormal activity, the gaol was used in the 1700s, and visitors can take a spooky tour of the cells which have been restored to their original condition.
If you’re feeling really brave, why not attempt an overnight lock-in – tours are available on Friday and Saturday nights, along with ghost walks around historic Derby.
Shop until you drop in Nottingham
Nottingham is a short trip from East Midlands Airport by bus or car. It’s a thriving and vibrant city, known in the past for its flourishing lace-making district. Visitors to Nottingham now can enjoy great shopping opportunities, as the city hosts everything from designer boutiques to independent and artisan creators.
The Victoria Centre is a covered mall with well-known high street brands and department stores, while the Exchange Arcade is the city’s oldest arcade, in a beautiful Grade II* listed building.
Meet Robin Hood
Nottingham is the spiritual home of England’s most famous outlaw, Robin Hood. In the city, the best way to find out all about the history and legends surrounding Robin Hood is to take a guided tour, where through theatrical performances and the backdrop of historic locations all around the city, the story is brought to life. The tours depart from outside the Cross Keys pub on Fletcher Gate.
Get set for speed
Donnington Park is a world-famous racing circuit, just a few miles from East Midlands Airport. The circuit is well-known for major racing events like the British Touring Car Championships and the British Superbikes and has a packed programme of events running throughout the year.
If motorsports are a passion, you don’t have to limit the day out to just watching the racing either – Donington Park runs track days so you can race in a performance car or bike yourself around the famous track.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I park to drop off at the airport?
If you’re only dropping off or picking up passengers from East Midlands Airport, you can use the short-stay car park. This is close to the terminal for convenient pickup. A 30-minute stay will cost £5. There is up to an hour of free parking available in the long-stay car parks, which can be reached using the free shuttle transfer. This takes around ten minutes.
Is there designated parking at East Midlands Airport for Blue Badge holders?
Accessible parking spaces are available in short stay 1, mid-stay 3 and long stay 1 car parks, although these cannot be specifically reserved. Blue badge holders are also entitled to a 20% discount on the meet and greet parking.
Are there height restrictions on parking at EMA?
There is a 2metre height restriction in place for meet and greet parking, and all of the multi-storey car parks at East Midlands Airport.
How much time to I need to allow to get through the terminal?
While East Midlands Airport is not a huge terminal, you should always leave yourself plenty of time before your flight in order to check in, make your way through security and make your way to the departure gate. The airport advises arriving at least two hours before your scheduled departure time. Be aware that at busy times like school holidays you may have to queue longer than usual for security.
Is there a smoking area at East Midlands Airport?
Smoking is not permitted in the terminal building. There are designated smoking areas outside the terminal. Once you have passed through security, the only place you may smoke is in the designated area located by the Castle Rock bar.
Does East Midlands offer fasttrack security?
Yes. East Midlands offers a fast-track security pass, which allows passengers to use a dedicated lane which can reduce the time spent waiting for security checks. Fast track lanes are open from 5 am until 7 pm each day. Passes can be booked in advance, or combined with a parking package when booking airport parking.
What restrictions are there on hand luggage?
It’s always a good idea to check with your airline before you fly what the latest restrictions are for hand luggage. You should not transport liquids in your hand luggage if possible, and any liquids must be presented in a clear plastic bag at security and not exceed 100ml.
Where is lost property taken?
If you lose something at East Midlands Airport, you should contact the lost property office on 0871 919 9000 as soon as possible. If you accidentally leave something on the plane, contact your carrier directly.
I am travelling with small children. What do I need to know?
Baby change facilities are available in the restroom facilities on both land and air-side. Travelling with small children can be stressful, so it is advised to leave yourself plenty of time to get through the terminal. East Midlands Airport does have a small soft play area, so younger passengers can let off steam before boarding the flight. Most restaurants and cafes in the terminal have high chairs and offer children’s menus.
Can I take baby milk on my flight?
You can take enough baby milk with you for your journey, although this will need to be presented separately at security. If you forget any essentials, like baby milk, nappies or other baby supplies, these can be bought in the departures area.
Can I change currency at the airport?
The currency exchange in East Midlands is operated by ICE. There are cash machines which dispense Euro and Sterling in the terminal. To get the best rates on currency exchange, you can order your travel currency in advance, and pick it up at the terminal.
Is special assistance available for disabled passengers at East Midlands Airport?
Yes. It’s necessary to contact your travel agent in advance to request special assistance, and a range of support is available depending on your needs and requirement. Assistance can be pre-booked from the car park right through to boarding the plane.