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Directions to East Midlands Airport Parking from Nottingham, Derby & Leicester
Planning your journey to East Midlands Airport (EMA) is easier when you know which roads to take and where your car park is. Whether you are driving from Nottingham, Derby or Leicester, this guide gives you directions to East Midlands Airport parking, estimated drive times, car park postcodes and traffic tips for a smooth start to your trip.
The airport sits close to the M1, A42 and A453, so it is easy to reach from across the East Midlands. Your total journey time depends on your starting point, traffic and the parking service you choose, so book your EMA parking in advance and you will know exactly where to go when you arrive.
Where are the East Midlands Airport car parks located?
East Midlands Airport has several parking options, including Short Stay, Mid Stay, Long Stay, JetParks and Meet & Greet. Each has its own location and transfer arrangement, so check your booking before setting off. These postcodes are listed in the airport's published parking directions:
| Car park | Postcode | Transfer to terminal |
|---|---|---|
| Short Stay 1, 2 and 3 | DE74 2SA | Approximately 1–5 minutes on foot |
| Mid Stay 1, 2 and 3 | DE74 2SA | Approximately 5–7 minutes on foot |
| Long Stay 1 | DE74 2TL | Free shuttle, approximately 3–5 minutes |
| Long Stay 2 | DE74 2TL | Free shuttle, approximately 3–5 minutes |
Always follow the directions in your booking confirmation, as one postcode can cover several entrances.
How to get to East Midlands Airport parking from Nottingham
From Nottingham, the A453 is the main route to East Midlands Airport.
- Leave Nottingham on the A453 towards Clifton and the airport.
- Continue following signs for East Midlands Airport.
- Follow the airport approach signs to the terminal and parking areas.
- At the airport road junctions, follow signs for your pre-booked car park.
- Check the entrance details in your booking before entering the car park.
Estimated drive time: allow approximately 25–40 minutes from central Nottingham in normal traffic, and more during busy periods or roadworks. Drivers starting further north or east may need a different approach.
How to get to East Midlands Airport parking from Derby
From Derby, approach the airport using connecting roads towards the A50, A6 and the airport road network. The best route depends on where you start and live traffic.
- Leave Derby on the road that suits your starting point, following signs towards the airport.
- Join a connecting route towards the A50 or the M1/A453 corridor.
- Follow signs for East Midlands Airport as you approach Castle Donington.
- Inside the airport road network, follow signs for your booked parking.
- Check your car park's entrance and postcode before leaving the main approach road.
Estimated drive time: allow approximately 20–35 minutes from central Derby in normal traffic. Allow extra time if you need to refuel, collect passengers or stop on the way.
How to get to East Midlands Airport parking from Leicester
From Leicester, the M1 is the most direct route, with access to the airport via the A453.
- Join the M1 heading north from Leicester.
- Follow the signs for the airport approach and the relevant junction.
- Join the A453 towards East Midlands Airport.
- Follow airport signs to your parking area.
- Use your booking confirmation to find the correct entrance.
Estimated drive time: allow approximately 25–40 minutes from central Leicester in normal traffic. Build in extra time during the morning and evening rush hour, when a short motorway delay can affect your arrival.
Which roads should you use from the M1 and A453?
The M1 and A453 are the main roads into East Midlands Airport, and the A42 is a useful connection for some journeys.
- From Nottingham: the A453 is the key approach.
- From Derby: use the connecting roads that suit your starting point (A50, A6 or M1/A453) and follow the airport signs.
- From Leicester: take the M1 north, then the airport approach and the A453.
- From the A42: follow signs towards the A453 and East Midlands Airport.
Once you reach the airport, remember that Short Stay, Mid Stay and Long Stay have separate entrances. If you booked through EMA Parking, follow the instructions for your specific product.
Which East Midlands Airport car park should you choose?
The right car park depends on your budget, trip length and how quickly you want to reach the terminal.
Long Stay parking
Long Stay suits trips of a week or more. You park your car and take the free shuttle bus, which the airport describes as a 3–5 minute transfer with buses around every 20 minutes. See our Long Stay vs Meet & Greet price comparison.
Mid Stay parking
Mid Stay is a 5–7 minute walk from the terminal and is worth comparing on price for stays of several days.
Short Stay parking
Short Stay is closest to check-in, with walks of around 1–5 minutes depending on the car park. Read our Short Stay parking guide for prices.
Meet & Greet parking
With Meet & Greet you skip finding a space altogether: you hand your keys to our parking team near the terminal and walk to departures. Choose flexible Meet & Greet if your plans might change.
Before choosing, compare the total price, transfer, cancellation terms and any extra charges on the EMA Parking booking page.
Traffic tips for a smoother airport journey
- Check traffic before you leave. Use a live navigation app to spot congestion, roadworks and diversions.
- Allow extra time. The drive times in this guide are estimates, not guarantees.
- Check your airline's recommended arrival time. Include time for parking, walking or the shuttle, check-in and security.
- Save your parking confirmation. Keep the car park name, postcode and entry instructions on your phone.
- Follow the correct airport signs. Do not enter a different car park just because it looks closer.
- Book in advance. Pre-booking secures the option you want and lets you read the terms before travelling.
- Plan your return. If your parking includes a shuttle, allow time to find the right stop when you land.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to drive to East Midlands Airport from Nottingham?
Allow approximately 25–40 minutes from central Nottingham in normal traffic. It may take longer during congestion or roadworks.
How long does it take to drive from Derby to East Midlands Airport?
Allow approximately 20–35 minutes from central Derby in normal traffic. Check live directions before leaving, as the route depends on your starting point.
How long does it take to drive from Leicester to East Midlands Airport?
Allow approximately 25–40 minutes from central Leicester in normal traffic, with extra time at busy periods.
What postcode should I use for East Midlands Airport parking?
The general airport postcode is DE74 2SA. The airport's published directions list DE74 2TL for Long Stay 1 and Long Stay 2. Always use the postcode and entrance instructions in your parking booking.
Which road is best for East Midlands Airport from Nottingham?
The A453 is the key route from Nottingham. Check your navigation app for the best route from your exact starting point.
Is it better to book airport parking in advance?
Yes. Booking ahead lets you compare products, check the terms and secure a space, and you will know exactly where to go when you arrive. Our parking FAQs answer more booking questions.
How much extra time should I allow for parking?
Allow time to enter the car park, find a space, unload luggage and reach the terminal. For Long Stay, include time for the shuttle and any wait.
Plan your journey and book your parking
Whether you are driving from Nottingham, Derby or Leicester, planning your route makes the airport journey easier. Check traffic, confirm your car park entrance and leave enough time to reach the terminal. Book your East Midlands Airport parking with EMA Parking and focus on your trip, not last-minute parking.
