East Midlands Airport
EMAA key passenger and freight hub serving the East Midlands, with a wide range of European leisure routes from a single terminal.
East Midlands Airport (EMA) is located near Castle Donington in Leicestershire, roughly equidistant between Derby, Nottingham, and Leicester. It handles around 4 million passengers a year and is also one of the UK's busiest cargo airports, handling freight for major logistics operators including DHL and UPS. The passenger terminal serves a broad range of European leisure routes, with Ryanair and Jet2 as the dominant carriers.
The Terminal
East Midlands operates a single terminal that is compact and easy to navigate. Check-in, security, and departures are all clearly signposted. The airside area has a functional range of shops and restaurants.
Departures
Check-in desks and bag-drop are on the ground floor. Online check-in is available with most carriers. Security and the airside departure lounge are on the upper level.
Arrivals
Arrivals are on the ground floor. Baggage reclaim is well signposted. Bus stops, taxi rank, and car hire desks are all within a short walk of the arrivals exit.
Airlines serving this airport
Getting to East Midlands Airport
East Midlands Airport is connected to the region's cities by bus, with the Skylink services providing direct connections to Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester.
Skylink Bus Services
Skylink operates express bus services from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham (45 minutes), Derby (30 minutes), and Leicester (45 minutes). Services run frequently throughout the day. Tickets can be bought online or on the bus.
30–45 min to city centres · Frequent · From ~£5 single
National Express Coach
National Express operates services from East Midlands Airport to destinations across the UK including London Victoria. A good option for passengers travelling further afield.
Nationwide routes · Advance fares from ~£8
Driving & Drop-off
East Midlands Airport is accessed via the M1 (Junction 23A/24). Drop-off charges apply at the terminal. A free set-down area is available on the approach road.
M1 J23A/24 · Drop-off charges apply · Well signposted from M1
Parking at East Midlands Airport
East Midlands offers short stay, long stay, and meet and greet parking. Pre-booking is recommended for the best prices.
Short Stay
Car park directly connected to the terminal. Ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. The most expensive option per day.
Long Stay
A short shuttle bus ride from the terminal. Significantly cheaper for trips of more than a day. Pre-book well in advance online.
Meet & Greet
Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and collect your car on return. Convenient for families and those with heavy luggage.
Facilities & Lounges
East Midlands' terminal has a functional range of airside dining, retail, and lounge options.
Airport Lounges
The Escape Lounge is available airside and accepts Priority Pass. Access can be purchased online in advance. The lounge offers complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Dining & Bars
Airside dining includes Wetherspoons, Costa, and a range of grab-and-go options. The selection covers the essentials well for a regional airport.
Shopping
World Duty Free is the main retail anchor airside, alongside Boots and WHSmith. A functional retail offer for a regional airport.
Families & Accessibility
Family security lanes are available. Baby changing facilities are located airside. Assisted travel services can be arranged in advance through the airport or your airline.
Tips for Travelling Through East Midlands
The Skylink bus services are the most convenient public transport option from Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester. Services run directly to the terminal and are frequent enough that you rarely need to book in advance.
East Midlands is one of the UK's busiest cargo airports. You may see large freight aircraft operating alongside passenger flights — this is entirely normal and does not affect the passenger terminal.
Security queues at East Midlands can be long during peak summer departures. Allow at least two hours for short-haul flights.
Pre-book parking as far in advance as possible. East Midlands' parking prices rise steeply close to travel dates. Book through the official East Midlands Airport website for the best rates.
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