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East Midlands Airport has many pick up and drop off options. There are also parking options at EMA if you want to stay longer.
The Rapid Drop-Off area is great for quick goodbyes. Prices start at £5.00 for up to 15 minutes. Each extra minute costs £1.00.
For more time, the Short Stay car parks are a good choice. Prices range from £6.00 for 30 minutes to £12.00 for up to 2 hours. Blue Badge holders get free parking for up to 30 minutes in disabled bays at short stay 1.
For longer stays, Long Stay car parks are ideal. Long Stay 2 offers free parking for up to 1 hour. 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 right next to the Short Stay Car Park, conveniently located in front of the terminal building.
Important — Barrierless system (in effect since 1 May 2025): The Rapid Drop Off zone has no payment barriers. 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.
If you need to stay longer, we have other parking options. East midlands airport pick up and drop off services meet all needs. Always check the signs and follow directions to use the right service for you.
2- Short Stay 1: Ideal for Quick Arrivals and Departures
At East Midlands Airport, Short Stay 1 is perfect for fast airport transfers. It's right next to the terminal, making it great for quick east midlands airport pick up and drop off. This car park is a top choice for those who value convenience.
Proximity to Terminal
Short Stay 1 is in an unbeatable spot. It's just a 2-4 minute walk from the terminal. This means no need for shuttle buses, which is a big plus for those with luggage or in a rush.
Pricing Structure
While specific on-day rates are listed below, booking in advance can get you the best prices. The car park uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition, making entry and exit quick.
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 30 minutes | £6.00 |
| Up to 30 minutes for Blue Badge holders (Short Stay 1 only) | Free |
| Up to 1 hour | £8.00 |
| Up to 2 hours | £12.00 |
| Up to 3 hours | £16.00 |
Booking Options
You can book through SaveOnPark. Remember, bookings need at least 1 hours’ notice before arrival. For cancellations, you need 72 hours' notice for a full refund.
| 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 offers convenience and security for your airport transfers. East Midlands Airport ensures a well-lit, monitored environment. This gives you peace of mind during your journey.
3- Long Stay Car Park: Free 60-Minute Parking
East Midlands Airport offers a budget-friendly way to get to and from the airport. The Free Long Stay Car Park is perfect for those wanting to save 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. It is not accessible on foot from the terminal. A free shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes and takes approximately 5–7 minutes to reach the terminal.
Shuttle Bus Service Details
The shuttle bus runs throughout the day, every 15 minutes (not 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 not just a timetable change — the car park itself is closed for overnight or multi-day stays during this period. For winter travel, book Mid Stay parking instead.
The first hour of parking is free. After that, it's £1 per minute. You can buy tokens at the entrance. This makes picking up and dropping off at East Midlands Airport easy and convenient for everyone.
