How much does East Midlands Airport parking cost?

Airport parking at East Midlands (EMA) varies by type and how far in advance you book. Park & Ride options typically cost £3–8 per day when booked in advance. Meet & Greet and on-airport parking cost more. Use Departo to compare current prices across all providers.

What types of parking are available at East Midlands Airport?

Parking at East Midlands Airport includes Park & Ride (you park off-site and take a shuttle to the terminal), Meet & Greet (a driver takes your car when you arrive at the terminal), and on-airport multi-storey or surface car parks. Departo compares all types in one search.

How do I get from Derby to East Midlands Airport?

Public transport, taxi and pre-booked transfers are all available from Derby to East Midlands Airport. Check the Getting There section on the East Midlands Airport page on Departo for specific transport options, journey times and costs.

Is there an airport lounge at East Midlands?

East Midlands Airport has limited lounge access. Check the East Midlands Airport page on Departo for the latest information.

Can I book a hotel near East Midlands Airport?

Yes — several hotels are available near East Midlands Airport, including options with parking included (Park & Stay packages). Departo compares all available hotels so you can find the best deal.

Should I book East Midlands Airport parking in advance?

Yes — always book in advance. Airport parking prices at East Midlands are dynamic and rise as your travel date approaches. Booking 3–4 weeks ahead can save 40–60% compared to booking on the day.

East Midlands Airport Parking, Hotels & Lounges — Compare & Save

East Midlands Airport Parking

Compare Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and on-airport car parks side by side. One search — all the major providers. Find your price, then book direct with them.

💡 Parking tip: East Midlands has on-airport parking at several price points. The Long Stay car parks offer good value. Off-airport alternatives through APH and Holiday Extras are competitive. The airport's central location means it draws cars from across a wide area.

East Midlands Airport Hotels

Stay the night before and wake up five minutes from the terminal. Compare hotels with parking, breakfast and shuttle options. Find the best deal, then book direct.

💡 Hotel tip: Radisson Blu East Midlands Airport is on-site. Several budget options nearby. Park & Stay packages are popular.

About East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport is the main airport for the East Midlands region, serving Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and beyond. Located near Castle Donington, it is equally accessible from Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield. As well as passenger flights, it is one of the UK's most important air freight hubs, with DHL and UPS operating major bases.

Terminals

▶Single terminal (all airlines)

⚠️ One compact terminal. East Midlands is also one of the UK's busiest cargo airports, particularly for overnight freight.

History

East Midlands Airport was built on the site of RAF Castle Donington and opened in 1965, replacing Derby's Burnaston aerodrome. It was owned by a consortium of local authorities before being sold to MAG in 1993. Passenger numbers grew steadily with the rise of budget airlines. The airport is also a major overnight freight hub — it is the UK's second largest air cargo airport handling over 300,000 tonnes per year.

Fast facts

Cargo hub

UK's second largest air cargo airport

Check-in advice

2 hours before departure

Glastonbury nearby

Airport near Donington Park — easy for Download festival

Wi-Fi

Free throughout

📍 Nearby: Castle Donington is 1 mile away. Loughborough is 7 miles south. Nottingham 14 miles north-east. Derby 14 miles north-west.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travelling with children: East Midlands Airport has baby changing and feeding facilities. Compact layout — easy to navigate with a buggy. Good central UK location for families across the Midlands.

Getting to East Midlands Airport

Skylink bus

Services to Nottingham, Derby, Leicester and Loughborough.

Taxi

Nottingham approx £30. Leicester approx £30. Derby approx £25.

M1 motorway

Junction 23A — excellent road links to the whole Midlands.

Airport info

IATA code EMA

City Castle Donington

Passengers 4.7 million (2023)

Runways 1 runway

Terminals 1

Founded 1965

Official website →

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Parking, hotels and lounges at East Midlands — all compared together.

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