East Midlands Airport (EMA) serves over 4 million passengers a year and provides travellers with key routes across the globe. Boasting modern facilities and a welcoming atmosphere, East Midlands Airport ensures that your journey is not just a trip, but an experience to remember. From its efficient check-in process to its diverse range of shops and dining options, every aspect of your airport experience is designed with your comfort and convenience in mind.

Location of East Midlands Airport

East Midlands Airport is located in Castle Donington, Leicestershire, England. It lies approximately 11 miles southwest of Derby, 14 miles northwest of Leicester, and 13 miles southeast of Nottingham. Positioned close to the M1 motorway, the airport enjoys excellent road connectivity, facilitating easy access for travellers arriving by car. Its central location within the East Midlands region makes it a convenient choice for both local and international passengers.

Which terminal?

East Midlands Airport has only one terminal that services many popular airlines, including Jet2.com, Ryanair and TUI. View the full list of airlines that operate out of EMA.

Car 

For travel to EMA by car, enter the airport’s postcode - DE74 2SA - in your sat nav. The airport is well connected by road links, making it easily accessible and less than an hour’s drive away from anywhere in the East Midlands. The airport is located close to the A42/M42, A50, A453 and M1, making it an easily accessible destination from many of its surrounding areas.

Travel times: from Birmingham – 40 minutes; from Stoke – 50 minutes; from Derby – 22 minutes; from Leicester – 28 minutes.

When travelling from the M1, leave at Junction 23a or 24 and follow the road signs for the airport.

Train 

There are 4 train stations situated close to East Midlands Airport.

East Midlands Parkway train station

Located only 5 miles from the airport, the Nottsbus On Demand service runs a frequent shuttle service that takes around 10 minutes.

Derby train station

Derby train station is just 12 miles from the airport. It also connects you to other surrounding areas, including Sheffield, Birmingham and Chesterfield. Use the Skylink bus service to take you directly to EMA.

Nottingham train station

Similarly located 12 miles from the airport, the station also connects travellers to the airport via the Skylink bus service. You can travel to the eastern areas of the UK using Derby train station, including Lincoln.

Long Eaton train station

Travel from Long Eaton station using the frequent Skylink bus service, for a short 7-mile journey to the airport. Use Long Eaton station to travel to and from London, and other southern destinations in the UK.

Bus and coach 

Skylink buses provide primary routes to the airport from neighbouring Nottingham, Derby, Loughborough and Leicester. Starting from Broadmarsh Bus Station, the journey from Nottingham to EMA takes approximately 55 minutes. Similarly, routes from Derby depart from the main bus station, with a travel time of around 40 minutes. For further details on all Skylink services, click here.

National Express coaches connect East Midlands Airport with northern cities like Sheffield and Leeds. Additionally, the same operator offers services to southern destinations including Luton, Heathrow and Gatwick from EMA. The coach station is located just a few steps away from the Arrival Hall.

Factor extra links into your journey

If you’re travelling by train, you need to be aware that there’s no direct rail link to EMA, so remember to factor in the 10 minutes it takes for the shuttle bus to reach the airport, as well as the time you may need to wait for it to arrive at East Midlands Parkway station.

Don’t park, pick up or drop off in unauthorised areas

East Midlands Airport offers designated pick-up and drop-off zones available for a small fee. The airport's website explicitly emphasises the importance of using these authorised areas for safety reasons. Stopping in unauthorised areas not only jeopardises your safety and that of others on the premises but also exposes you to potential hefty fines. Remember to plan your stopping points in advance to avoid any inconvenience or penalties upon arrival. For more info on the designated pick-up and drop-off zones, click here.

Book FastTrack for easy travel through the airport

Streamline your journey at East Midlands Airport and opt for FastTrack for swift passage through security and into the Departures Lounge. Please note that you will need to purchase a FastTrack pass for all members of your travelling party, including children. For more information on FastTrack, click here.

Don't let its small size fool you – East Midlands Airport is great for shopping and refreshments. From Duty Free deals to last-minute essentials, EMA's got you covered. Whether you're hunting for bargains, stocking up on forgotten items, or simply craving some pre-flight relaxation, you'll find everything you need right here.

Facilities at East Midlands Airport include:

Short stay car parks

Long stay car parks

JetParks budget parking

Meet and Greet service

Transfers

Information desk

Shopping

High-street brands

Newsagent and bookshop

Tax-free shopping

Travel clothes outlet

Electronic travel gadget store

Health, beauty and pharmacy chains

Jewellery shop

Food

Restaurants

Traditional and healthy fast food outlets

Homemade sandwich shop

Convenience food

American-style diner

Drinks

Local brewery taproom and kitchen

Coffee shop

Toilets

Baby-changing facilities

Special assistance

Travel money

Prayer room

Escape Lounge

Hotels

Get some 'you time'

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy airport terminal? Look no further than the Escape Lounge! Offering a comfortable setting in which to enjoy complimentary buffet food and drink, and free Wi-Fi, it’s a delightful way to relax and refuel before your flight.

Whether you’ve booked an early flight, or you’re jetting off later in the day, the lounge offers a breakfast buffet, with a lunch menu change at around 12pm. Treat yourself to a complimentary range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, alongside the usual coffees and teas.

EMA Aeropark Museum

The EMA Aeropark is a museum that offers a fascinating journey through aviation history. Explore exhibits showcasing the evolution of flight technology. Visit the website for a full list of exhibitions.

Although not on EMA grounds, the Aeropark is conveniently located just 2.7 miles (4.3 kilometres) from East Midlands Airport, offering a unique viewpoint for plane enthusiasts.

During summer, don't miss the Aeropark's 'Open Cockpit Days' for a chance to explore aircraft cockpits for a small fee. Plus, enjoy family-friendly activities like face painting, bouncy castles and classic aircraft flying sessions.

Stress-free shopping at Duty Free

Fancy a bit of retail therapy before your flight? At East Midlands Airport, Duty Free is home to several big-name brands, and even bigger bargains. Don’t worry about the hassle of having to travel with your purchases - the ‘Reserve and Collect' service enables you to shop now and collect later. Simply buy what you like, leave it at the airport, and pick it up when you return. This convenient service extends to personal shopping assistance for finding the ideal gift or outfit. Click here for more info on Duty Free.

Charter your own private jet 

If you’re a fan of flying and looking for something a bit different to do at East Midlands Airport, you can charter your own jet there.

Whether you want a romantic weekend away in Vienna or need to get to a business meeting in Zurich at short notice, private jet hire gives those who can afford it the chance to bask in the full VIP treatment.

You’ll face a check-in time of just 15 minutes and flight schedules are designed to fit into your plans rather than the other way around. The airport's website states that if you book now, you could be in the air within as little as 40 minutes, so it keeps experts on-site to take bookings 24 hours a day.

Can I charge my laptop at EMA?

Charging points are one of the many perks available in the Escape Lounge. The lounge is also equipped with fast and free Wi-Fi with quiet spaces to work before your flight.

Is there anywhere I can smoke?

East Midlands Airport does not allow smoking or vaping within any of its enclosed spaces. However, there is one designated outside smoking area before security and another one in the departures zone.

What happens if I lose my luggage?

If you lose your baggage, or any other property at the airport, you can get in touch with EMA Lost Property on 0808 164 0792. For more details and for airline-specific lost property contacts, please click here.

Is there anywhere to sleep for three hours or more?

There are no purpose-built sleeping areas in either the main terminal or the Escape Lounge. If you’re looking for a restful night’s sleep, Jurys Inn is a nice hotel just a few minutes’ walk from the main building.