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East Midlands Airport has 3 pick up and drop off options. For longer stays, there are also parking options at EMA.
The Rapid Drop-Off area is great for quick goodbyes. Prices start at £8.00 for up to 10 minutes. Each extra minute costs £1.00, up to 30 minutes.
For more time, use the Short Stay car parks, from £12.00 for 30 minutes to £18.00 for up to 2 hours. Blue Badge holders get free parking for up to 30 minutes in the disabled bays at Short Stay 1.
For longer stays, use the Long Stay car parks. Long Stay 2 offers free parking for up to 1 hour, and a £1.00 per minute charge applies after that.
1- Rapid Drop Off: Convenient Terminal-Adjacent Option
East Midlands Airport offers quick pick-up and drop-off services for busy travellers. The Rapid Drop Off lane is next to the Short Stay Car Park, in front of the terminal building.
Important: Barrierless system (in effect since 1 May 2025). The Rapid Drop Off zone has no payment barriers, and you cannot pay on exit. Instead:
- Pay online at pay.eastmidlandsairport.com after your visit
- Or call 03452 221517 to pay by phone
- Payment must be made by midnight the day after your visit
- If payment is not received in time, a £100 Parking Charge Notice will be issued (reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days)
- Payments cannot be made by cash or cheque
Tip: Set up an Autopay account at pay.eastmidlandsairport.com to enable automatic payments each time you use Rapid Drop Off.
Charges: £5.00 for the first 15 minutes. £1.00 per minute thereafter.
For longer stays, we have other parking options, so East Midlands airport pick up and drop off services meet all needs. Always check the signs and follow the directions to the right service for you.
2- Short Stay 1: Ideal for Quick Arrivals and Departures
Short Stay 1 at East Midlands Airport is perfect for fast airport transfers. It is right next to the terminal, so it is great for quick east midlands airport pick up and drop off and a top choice for travellers who value convenience.
Proximity to Terminal
Short Stay 1 is just a 2-4 minute walk from the terminal, so no shuttle bus is needed. This is a big plus for travellers with luggage or in a rush.
Pricing Structure
On-day rates are listed below, but booking in advance gets you the best prices. The car park uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition for quick entry and exit.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 minutes | £12.00 |
| Up to 30 minutes for Blue Badge holders (Short Stay 1 only) | Free |
| Up to 1 hour | £14.00 |
| Up to 2 hours | £18.00 |
| Up to 3 hours | £22.00 |
Booking Options
You can book through SaveOnPark with at least 1 hour's notice before arrival. Cancellations need at least 24 hours' notice before drop-off. They are free within 24 hours of booking or with Cancellation Cover; otherwise a £10 fee applies.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Walking Distance to Terminal | 2-4 minutes |
| Maximum Stay | 9 days |
| Height Restriction | 6ft 6 (2M) |
| Security Features | CCTV, 24-hour patrols, perimeter fencing |
Short Stay 1 is convenient and secure for your airport transfers. East Midlands Airport keeps it well lit and monitored, which gives you peace of mind during your journey.
3- Long Stay Car Park: Free 60-Minute Parking
East Midlands Airport has a budget-friendly way to get to and from the airport: the Free Long Stay Car Park, perfect for saving on parking costs.
Location and Walking Distance
Long Stay is a Park & Ride car park: you park your car and take a free shuttle bus to the terminal. You cannot walk to it from the terminal. The free shuttle bus runs every 20 minutes and takes about 5–7 minutes to reach the terminal.
Shuttle Bus Service Details
The shuttle bus runs throughout the day, every 20 minutes. The trip takes approximately 5–7 minutes to the terminal.
Seasonal Service Availability
Long Stay car parks are closed from 15th November to 31st March each year, except for the free 1-hour pick-up and drop-off service. This is more than a timetable change: the car park itself is closed for overnight and multi-day stays during this period. For winter travel, book Mid Stay parking instead.
The first hour of parking is free, then it costs £1 per minute. Tokens are sold at the entrance. This makes picking up and dropping off at East Midlands Airport easy and convenient for everyone.
