Compare cheap car hire at East Midlands Airport with pickup details, rental locations, driving routes and practical tips.
East Midlands Airport (EMA) sits between Derby, Nottingham and Leicester, making it one of the most useful starting points for travel across central England. It’s smaller than the big London airports, but that’s part of the appeal – getting through arrivals and into your rental car is usually quick and straightforward.
If your trip involves moving between cities or exploring the countryside, having a car here gives you far more flexibility than relying on trains alone.
Where You Actually Pick Up the Car
After arriving, head into the main terminal where the car hire desks are located in the arrivals hall. Signage is clear, and everything is within a short walk.
Once paperwork is done, you’ll walk across to the dedicated car rental parking area just outside the terminal. No shuttle buses, no long transfers – it’s one of the easier UK airports for car hire.
For airport layout and updates, see the official East Midlands Airport website.
Flights from Ireland
East Midlands Airport has regular connections with Ireland.
- Dublin → East Midlands (Ryanair)
- Cork → East Midlands (seasonal)
Flight time from Dublin is just under 1 hour.
Who You’ll Be Renting From
You’ll find all the familiar names here, plus good availability most of the year.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Enterprise
- Sixt
Because the airport isn’t as busy as Heathrow or Manchester, queues are usually shorter.
Typical Prices
Car hire here is often competitively priced compared to larger UK hubs.
| Season | Small Car | Mid-size | Larger Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | £25 – £50 | £50 – £85 | £85 – £130 |
| Spring | £35 – £70 | £70 – £110 | £110 – £170 |
| Summer | £60 – £110 | £110 – £170 | £170 – £240 |
| Autumn | £40 – £80 | £80 – £130 | £130 – £200 |
What Should You Book?
It depends on your route rather than the airport itself.
- Small cars – good for short trips and city driving
- Family cars – better if you’re covering distance
- Estate cars – useful for luggage-heavy trips
- People carriers – ideal for group travel
You won’t need anything specialised – just match the car to your itinerary.
Driving Away from the Airport
East Midlands Airport sits right beside major road links, which is one of its biggest advantages.
- Nottingham – about 30 minutes
- Derby – around 25 minutes
- Leicester – roughly 35 minutes
- Birmingham – about 50 minutes
The nearby M1 motorway makes it easy to head north or south across England.
If you’re comparing arrival points, nearby options include Birmingham Airport and Manchester Airport, depending on your route.
Driving Tips for the Midlands
Driving is on the left, with speed limits in miles per hour. Roads are generally well maintained, and traffic is lighter than in London.
The M1 can get busy at peak times, but outside rush hours it’s usually straightforward.
More general travel advice is available via VisitBritain.
Where a Car Makes the Biggest Difference
This is a region where having your own car really helps.
- Peak District – national park within easy reach
- Sherwood Forest – historic woodland
- Chatsworth House – stately home in Derbyshire
- Stratford-upon-Avon – about 1 hour 15 minutes away
Public transport can reach some of these, but not all – and rarely as easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the car hire area far from arrivals?
No, it’s directly outside the terminal and easy to walk to.
Are there direct flights from Ireland?
Yes, regular flights operate from Dublin and seasonal routes from Cork.
Is East Midlands Airport easy to use?
Yes, it’s smaller and less crowded than major UK airports.
Do I need a credit card?
Yes, most rental companies require one for the deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, though manual vehicles are more common.
Is driving in the Midlands difficult?
No, roads are generally straightforward and well signposted.
Can I rent a 7 Seater at East Midlands Airport?
Yes, though availability depends on demand.
Are there toll roads nearby?
No, most roads in the region are toll-free.
Which motorway is closest to the airport?
The M1 motorway is just a short drive away.
Is parking easy in nearby cities?
It varies, but most cities have car parks and park-and-ride options.
