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East Midlands Airport Parking Everything You Need To Know

By Daniel Battaglia — Founder & CEO of Parksy, author of Parking Made Easy

Published 4 Apr 2023 · Updated 3 Aug 2026 · 16 min read
Quick answer: Discover all you need to know about East Midlands Airport, and parking options offered by it. Plan your trip hassle-free with our comprehensive guide.
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An Introduction To East Midlands Airport Parking

Looking for the best prices at East Midlands Airport? Check out our range of great deals - perfect for a week's stay in a month's time. To find the most accurate price for you, just use the search box above and enter your parking dates! You won't be disappointed.

East Midlands Airport Meet And Greet

Are you a business traveler who values convenience over cost? If so, Express Park or Meet and Greet might be the perfect fit for you! This service is only two minutes away from the terminal, making it perfect for those of us short on time. So why not give it a try? You won't regret it!

A parking lot lined with trees, featuring several parked cars in a residential area.East Midlands Airport's meet and greet service allows you to drop off your car right at the terminal entrance for quick access. Photo: Pexels

East Midlands Airport Short-stay Parking

If you're looking for convenience, the short-stay car park is your best choice. Located just two minutes away from the terminal by foot, you can leave your car there for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours - no minimum stay required! Perfect for when you need a quick in-and-out.

East Midlands Airport Long-stay Parking

If you're flying out of East Midlands Airport and need to leave your car there for a few days, you've got some great options. Long-Stay 1-3 are close by - just five to seven minutes' walk from the terminal - and they have a minimum stay of two days. Long Stay 4 is a bit further away but it's still just a seven-minute bus ride away. It's the best option if you're leaving your car for four days or more, and it's also very affordable. And if you need to leave your car for six days or more, JetParks is the cheapest EMA parking option - although it does take 12 to 15 minutes to get there by bus. Just remember that for JetParks and Meet and Greet, you'll need to pre-book your space in advance. That way, you can guarantee a spot when you arrive at the airport.

Guide To East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport served a whopping 4.5 million passengers in 2016, making it the 11th busiest airport in the UK! Not only that, but it also handles over 315,000 imperial tonnes of freight each year - making it the largest pure-freight hub in the country. So whether you're travelling for leisure or business, East Midlands has you covered! East Midlands Airport had a bumper 2016 when it comes to passenger numbers, with the airport welcoming 4.5 million visitors that year! It's now the 11th busiest airport in the UK and handles over 315,000 imperial tonnes of freight annually - making it Britain's largest pure-freight hub.

A parking area with various vehicles and a ticket machine under a blue sky.Pre-book your parking at East Midlands Airport to secure the best rates and avoid last-minute stress. Photo: Pexels

What Are East Midlands Airports Contact Details?

Address: Castle Donington, East Midlands Airport, Derby DE74 2SA, United Kingdom. Phone: +44 808 169 7032 Website: https://https://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/

Location Of East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport is just a stones throw away from Castle Donington; only 3.6 miles (5.8 kilometres). If you'd rather take the train, you can get to the East Midlands Parkway station in 4.9 miles (7.9 kilometres), and then grab the Railink six-seater shuttle service - which takes only 10 minutes to get you to the airport. Alternatively, the Skylink bus service offers direct links from Derby, Nottingham and Long Eaton. If you're coming from Sheffield or Leeds, National Express has got you covered with their direct coach services. And finally, if you'd rather take your car - no problem! East Midlands Airport is easy to reach via major motorways from Stoke, Nottingham, Leicester, Derby and Birmingham.

History Of East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport first opened in 1946 as RAF Castle Donington. It wasn't until 1964 that local authorities banded together to buy the grounds, and Prince Philip officially opened East Midlands Airport to the public in 1965. At first, it didn't take off commercially, but this began to change in the late 1970s when it became an important cargo hub. Extensions in the 1980s and 1990s improved its infrastructure and passenger services, including a business park with hotels and offices. Today, East Midlands Airport is known as a major freight hub, with companies like UPS, TNT, DHL, and Royal Mail all operating out of it. It's come a long way from its humble beginnings!

East Midlands Airport Facilities

Heading to East Midlands Airport? Whether you're looking for last-minute bits before your flight, or just want to pick up some great bargains in the duty free shop, this airport has it all. Plus, it's got a few hidden gems you won't find anywhere else! For example, there’s a store selling freshly ground coffee and homemade sandwiches, a bar and kitchen run by a local Nottingham brewery, and even a spa if you need to freshen up before your flight. So, grab your bags and let's go!

A white car parked in a spacious underground parking garage with blue lines.East Midlands Airport offers secure parking options starting from just a few pounds per day, ensuring your vehicle stays safe during travel. Photo: Pexels

  • Smoking areas

  • Prayer room

  • Postal services

  • Pet collection

  • Pharmacy

  • Free WiFi

  • Family facilities

    • Nursery

    • Toys/books

  • Currency exchange

  • ATM machines

  • Visitor information booth

  • Terminal car park

  • Long-term car park

  • Drop-off zone

  • Toilets

  • Disabled access

  • Baby-changing facilities

  • Shopping

    • Duty free

    • Convenience stores

    • Newsagents

    • Designer brands

    • Souvenirs

  • Food

    • Restaurants

    • Cafés

    • Chocolate shops

  • Drinks

    • Bars

    • Alehouses

    • Coffee shops

East Midlands Airport Hotel And Parking

If you're looking for somewhere to stay at the EMA airport, your best bet is Jurys Inn. It's right by the entrance and only a five-minute walk away from the main building. There you'll get access to room service, free WiFi, a swimming pool, gym and sauna – plus 350 parking spaces. It also has twelve large conference rooms, perfect for business meetings or functions. The Radisson Blu is only a three-minute drive away via Beverley Road and provides free WiFi, a stylish restaurant and 24-room service. There are also nine conference rooms available if you need them, plus parking options if you choose their 'Park, Dream and Fly' packages. The Premier Inn is your best bet for families or those who need disabled access – plus it has a Marco Pierre White restaurant, swimming pool and gym all available for complimentary use. Plus you can buy room and parking together with their 'Sleep and Fly package'. Finally, Holiday Inn is also on the EMA website, but it isn't on-site.

A spacious indoor parking garage with several parked cars in rows.East Midlands Airport offers a mix of on-site and off-site parking options to suit various traveler needs and budgets. Photo: Pexels

Top Things To Do In East Midlands Airport

Get Some 'you Time'

Heading to East Midlands Airport? Why not take a break and relax in the Escape Lounge! You'll get all the regular airport lounge perks, like complimentary magazines and newspapers, plus a tasty buffet of locally-sourced ingredients. Plus, if you're there early enough, you can enjoy breakfast cereals, croissants and fruit juices. And of course, there's a complimentary range of alcoholic beverages too! So get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal and into the Escape Lounge – your chance to chill out before you fly!

See Aviation History Up Close

Heading to East Midlands Airport and looking for something fun to do? Check out the EMA Aeropark! It's a great aviation museum just 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometres) away from the airport, so you can easily get there. The Aeropark offers plenty of exhibits that will teach you about the fascinating history of flight technology. Plus, during the summer, they hold two 'Open Cockpit Days', where you get exclusive access to aircraft cockpits and can enjoy activities like face-painting, a bouncy castle and even classic aircraft flying sessions! It's sure to be an incredible experience for everyone. So, come on down and explore the Aeropark - you won't be disappointed!

Get Your Nails Done

Heading to the airport and looking for a bit of pre-flight pampering? Look no further than the Cloud Spa at East Midlands! They're open between the first and last departing flight each day, so you can treat yourself with a range of nail, brow, lash and massage treatments. Plus, if you're looking for something that'll last beyond your holiday, why not try one of their gel manicures - they dry instantly and can last for weeks! Treat yourself to a bit of relaxation before you jet off - it's the perfect way to kickstart a holiday!

Cars parked along a road with a view of the sea and distant coastline.Choose from a variety of parking garages at East Midlands Airport for a stress-free start to your journey. Photo: Pexels

Get Down To Some Stress-free Shopping

Shopping at East Midlands Airport has never been easier with their 'Shop and Collect' service. Now you can buy whatever you want, leave it at the airport and pick it up when you return - so if you spot a bargain in duty free there's no need to worry about how to get it home! What's more, they even have personal shoppers to help you find the perfect gift or an outfit for your trip. It's like having all the convenience of a bigger airport, right here at East Midlands! Bonus - if you're looking for that extra special something, they also have a range of exclusive products only available at the airport. A great way to find something unique! So why not take advantage of all that East Midlands has to offer and make your shopping experience as effortless as possible? You'll be glad you did.

Charter Your Own Private Jet

Fancy a spot of luxury travel? Then why not charter your own jet from East Midlands airport! Whether you’re looking for a romantic weekend away or need to get to an important business meeting at short notice, private jet hire is the ultimate VIP treatment. Check-in time is just 15 minutes and you could be in the air within 40 minutes. So why not book now and make the most of this unique experience? East Midlands airport has experts on-site 24 hours a day to take your booking!

Top Things To Do Near East Midlands Airport

See The World’s Largest Collection Of Grand Prix Cars

Are you into motorsport or cars? If so, the Donington Collections near East Midlands Airport are a must-see. It's just two miles away and only takes two minutes by car via the A453. There, you'll find an incredible selection of classic Vanwall vehicles in the Grand Prix Collection as well as McLaren F1 cars from 1966 until the early 2000s. Plus, there are Williams F1 cars, motorbikes and a military collection too! So, don't miss out on this amazing experience. Plan a visit to the Donington Collections today.

A row of parked cars along a sidewalk with trees and buildings in the background.Choosing the right garage at East Midlands Airport can save you money and time on your parking needs. Photo: Pexels

Visit A Gothic Castle

Are you looking for a grand estate to explore? Elvaston Castle Country Park is the perfect place! It's spread across 321 acres of historical gardens, woodland, and open parkland - with the Grade II-listed Elvaston Castle at its heart. The castle was designed by James Wyatt back in the 1800s and even featured in the 1969 movie, Women in Love! It's just 9.2 miles away from East Midlands Airport, and you can get there in a 26-minute drive down the B5010. So why not come and explore this stunning estate today?

Recall The Time When Steam Ruled The Rails

The Great Central Railway is the only place in the UK where you can still watch full-size steam trains pass each other like they did back in the day. Every weekend and bank holiday, as well as some weekdays during summer, these wonderful machines take passengers from Loughborough to Leicester. Not only that but there's a first-class restaurant car offering five-course meals! Beyond that, you can even take part in a 'Drive a Locomotive Experience' and attend gala events or special wartime- and Christmas-themed ones. You can find timetables and fares on their website, plus the railway is only around 20 minutes away by car from East Midlands Airport. Pretty cool, huh?

Make Your Own Gin

Are you looking for something to do during your layover at EMA? Head over to the 45 West Distillery in Bawdon Lodge Farm and take part in their Gin School Experience! You'll get a guided tour of the distillery, and you'll even get to choose and mix botanicals to create your very own unique gin recipe. After distilling it, you'll get to bottle your masterpiece and take it home with you. The 45 Gin School Experience is just a 18-minute drive (or 9.7 miles) away from EMA via Charley Rd - the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport for a bit, and learn something new in the delightful countryside setting. So why not give it a go and find out what lavender and fennel gin tastes like? You won't be disappointed!

A black vehicle parked next to an electric charging station in a parking garage.Choose the right East Midlands Airport parking garage to save time and money before your flight. Photo: Pexels

Discover Nottingham’s Rich Industrial Past

Nottingham Industrial Museum is a gem tucked away in 17th-century stables at Wollaton Hall and Deer Park. You can explore the region's historical links with the railways, bicycles, motorcycles, tobacco, textiles and more from the industrial revolution. Plus you'll have the chance to get up close and personal with some awesome diesel trains and steam engines! The volunteers here are full of enthusiasm and excitement - it's a great place to spend a couple of hours and won't cost you too much. It's a 14.5 mile drive (that's about 44 minutes) from East Midlands Airport on the A453 if you want to make a visit. Check it out!

Feel The Wind In Your Hair

Heading to Donington Park for an exciting day out? It's the perfect destination for motorsport fans or anyone looking to catch one of the many events taking place there. Located just two miles from East Midlands Airport, it's also easy to get to - bonus! From British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) and British Superbikes (BSB) to toy and antique fairs, there's something for everyone at Donington Park. So why not plan a weekend trip and make the most of this world-famous circuit? You won't regret it!

Which Terminal?

Heading to East Midlands Airport? You can find all your flight info right here! This airport has one terminal that serves all airlines, including popular budget carriers like parkingcupid.com, BMI Baby and Ryanair. For a hassle-free journey, keep an eye on the live departures so you know what's going on before you go.

How To Get To East Midlands Airport

A silver sports car parked in an empty underground parking garage.Compare rates and services at East Midlands Airport’s official parking lots to secure the best deal for your trip. Photo: Pexels

Car

If you're looking to get to East Midlands Airport (EMA) quickly, it's easy to do so by car! From anywhere in the East Midlands, you can be at the airport in less than an hour due to its great road links. For those travelling from Birmingham city centre, the A42 (and therefore M42) make for an easy route. You can also get to EMA from Stoke in 50 minutes via the A50, or Nottingham in 24 minutes with the A453. Derby is only 22 minutes away if you take the Southern Bypass/A50! If you're travelling from Leicester and London, the M1 makes it a breeze - just leave at Junction 23a or 24 and follow the signposts. Don't forget, you can plug EMA's postcode (DE74 2SA) into your sat nav for an even easier journey!

Train

Looking for an easy way to get from East Midlands Parkway to East Midlands Airport? The Railink shuttlebus service runs once an hour and takes around 10 minutes. And if you're coming from Derby, Nottingham or Long Eaton, the Skylink shuttlebus is perfect for you! Just hop on a train at those stations and you'll be at the airport in no time. No matter where you are in the UK, you can make your way to East Midlands Airport with ease.

Bus Or Coach

Heading to East Midlands Airport? You can catch a bus or coach with Skylink and National Express. From Nottingham it takes around 55 minutes on the Skylink service, while from Derby it's only 40 minutes. National Express coaches connect EMA with Sheffield and Leeds up north, as well as Luton, Heathrow and Gatwick down south. Check out the EMA website for more details on bus and coach services. Happy travels!

Useful Tips

A row of parked cars in a parking lot during a sunny day.Compare parking options at East Midlands Airport to save time and money on your next trip. Photo: Pexels

Factor Extra Links Into Your Journey

If you plan to take the train, keep in mind that there's no direct rail connection to East Midlands Airport. You'll need to factor in an extra 10 minutes for the shuttle bus to take you from East Midlands Parkway station to the airport, plus any wait time for the bus. Plan ahead and make sure you don't miss your flight!

Don’t Park, Pick Up Or Drop Off In Unauthorised Areas

If you're planning to pick up or drop someone off at East Midlands Airport, be sure to use the designated areas. It's cheaper that way and safer too - if you park or stop in the wrong spot, you could get a hefty fine. So make sure you plan your journey before you leave - it's all on the airport website.

Avoid Long Queues And Parking Issues

If you want to beat the queues, why not book an Express Lane ticket? This will get you through security and into the Departures Lounge in no time - and even better, if you're travelling with kids they can use it for free. Alternatively, you could use the Express Car Park and drive right up to the terminal door. That way you won't have to worry about long transfers or waiting for public transport. Simple!

East Midlands Airport FAQs

A busy parking lot filled with cars and trees in autumn colors.Choose East Midlands Airport's top parking garages for the best balance of affordability and accessibility to your flight. Photo: Pexels

Can I Charge My Laptop At EMA?

Are there charging points at the Escape Lounge? Absolutely! You can find them here along with free, fast internet access and plenty of quiet places to get some work done. Enjoy!

What Are The Disabled Parking Options?

Hey, did you know that Blue Badge holders can drop off and pick up friends or loved ones in Manchester Airport's short-stay car park for free? Yeah, it's totally free for up to 30 minutes! But if your stay is going to be longer than that, pre-booking a space in the short-stay, JetParks, or long-stay 1 and 4 car parks is your best option. Amazing, right?

Is There Anywhere I Can Smoke?

East Midlands Airport doesn't allow smoking or vaping in any of its indoor spaces, but they do have designated outdoor smoking areas before security and in the departures zone. So if you need to smoke or vape, that's where you should go!

Is There Anywhere To Sleep For Three Hours Or More?

No, there aren't any designated sleeping areas in the main terminal or the Escape Lounge. However, a lot of people who have stayed overnight said that the seating was rather comfortable for snoozing! If you would like some more creature comforts, Jurys Inn is a great hotel just a few minutes away from the airport building.

What Destinations Can I Fly To And From East Midlands Airport?

Flights from East Midlands Airport can take you to all sorts of exciting destinations, either directly or with connecting flights! Planning your next getaway has never been easier. Where will you go?

A parking lot scene featuring various cars parked in designated spaces.Compare East Midlands Airport's parking options to choose the best fit for your travel needs and budget. Photo: Pexels

  • Sydney

  • Melbourne

  • Brisbane

  • Canberra

  • Newcastle

  • Perth

  • Gold Coast

  • Cairns

  • Hobart

  • Sunshine Coast

  • Launceston

  • Ballina-Byron

  • Auckland

  • Wellington

  • Christchurch

  • Nelson

  • Los Angeles

  • LaGuardia

  • Gatwick

  • London City

  • Fiumicino

  • Venezia

  • Barcelona El Prat

  • Madrid

  • Buenos Aires

  • Zurich

  • Frankfurt

  • Hamburg

  • Cape Town

  • Dublin

  • Calgary

  • Toronto

Daniel Battaglia, Founder and CEO of Parksy About the author: Daniel Battaglia is the founder and CEO of Parksy and author of Parking Made Easy - Making Life Easier. A former Associate member of CPA Australia with a background at Lehman Brothers, RBC and Macquarie Bank, he has worked in parking and urban mobility since 2011. Read Daniel’s full bio →

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