Are automatic cars guaranteed at East Midlands Airport?

Yes. When you specifically filter and book an 'Automatic' vehicle through our system, you are guaranteed to receive a car with an automatic transmission upon arrival at EMA.

Is it more expensive to hire an automatic car at EMA?

Historically yes, but the price gap has shrunk significantly. Due to the high influx of modern hybrid and electric fleets, automatic cars are very competitively priced.

Do I need a special driving licence to hire an automatic in the UK?

No. If you hold a standard, valid driving licence from your home country (whether it is for manual or automatic), you are legally permitted to hire and drive an automatic vehicle in the UK.

If my licence is strictly for automatic cars, can I hire a manual?

No. If your driving licence explicitly states it is valid for 'Automatic Vehicles Only', it is illegal for you to drive a manual transmission car in the UK. You must book an automatic.

Are electric rental cars at EMA always automatic?

Yes. Due to how electric motors function, all Full EV and the vast majority of Plug-in Hybrid rental cars operate on an automatic (or single-speed) transmission.

What sizes of automatic vehicles are available at East Midlands?

EMA offers a full spectrum of automatics, ranging from compact economy hatchbacks, all the way up to large SUVs, luxury executive saloons, and 9-seater passenger vans.

If I hold a manual licence, can I choose to drive an automatic rental?

Yes, absolutely. A full manual driving licence legally covers you to drive both manual and automatic vehicles in the United Kingdom.

Where do I pick up my automatic car at East Midlands Airport?

All rental cars at EMA, including automatics, are kept at the Car Rental Village, which is a short, direct walk from the main arrivals hall.

Why should I choose an automatic for driving near EMA?

The M1 motorway is prone to heavy, stop-start congestion during rush hours. An automatic removes the physical fatigue of constantly depressing a heavy clutch pedal in crawling traffic.

Do automatic cars consume more fuel?

Modern automatic gearboxes (especially dual-clutch and CVT systems in hybrids) are incredibly efficient and often return equal, if not better, fuel economy than human-operated manual cars.

Can I get a 7-seater automatic at East Midlands Airport?

Yes, automatic people carriers (like the VW Sharan) are available. However, these are highly specialized vehicles and should be booked several months in advance before school holidays.

Are automatic rental cars CAZ (Clean Air Zone) compliant?

The vast majority of the automatic fleet at EMA consists of modern petrol, hybrid, or electric engines which fully comply with Clean Air Zone standards in nearby cities like Birmingham.

How far in advance should I book an automatic car at EMA?

Because automatics are heavily requested by international tourists, we advise booking at least 4 to 6 weeks in advance, especially for summer travel.

Will I get a hybrid if I book an automatic?

There is a very high probability. Many rental companies at EMA use mild-hybrid vehicles (like the Toyota Yaris) to fulfil their standard automatic category bookings.

Does the EMA car rental village have automatic luxury cars?

Yes. Premium brands such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi are heavily featured, and these executive categories are almost exclusively automatic transmission.

Automatic Car Hire East Midlands Airport (EMA)

By Sarah Jenkins
Verified by the Airport Customer Engagement Editor | June 5, 2026 2026 Automatic Fleet Pricing Verified

Why Hiring an Automatic Car at East Midlands Airport is the Smart Choice

Welcome to East Midlands Airport! If you are flying into the UK's heartland, picking up an airport car rental is usually the first major logistical step of your journey. While manual transmission (stick shift) cars remain heavily prevalent across the UK, there is a rapidly growing demand for automatic car hire at EMA. In fact, for many of our international and corporate clients, securing a self-drive automatic car isn't just a luxury—it's an absolute necessity.

At 1st UK Car Rentals, we know that EMA's unique geographic position means you will likely encounter both fast-moving motorways and winding, rural B-roads. Let's explore exactly why choosing an automatic transmission rental for your East Midlands departure will transform your driving experience from stressful to seamless.

Crucial Booking Advice: Automatic vehicles are highly sought after at EMA, particularly during the summer months and school holidays when families head to Alton Towers or the Peak District. Because fleets still contain a high percentage of manual cars, automatics sell out fast. We strongly advise booking your automatic vehicle at least 4-6 weeks in advance.

Automatic Car Rental Fleet Comparison at East Midlands

To help you select the most appropriate vehicle category for your upcoming journey, we've outlined our most popular automatic options below. Whether you require a nimble hatchback for narrow city lanes in Nottingham, a high-riding SUV for the Peak District, or a spacious wagon, our inventory covers all transport needs.

Category Class	Example Model	Capacity	Luggage Fit	CAZ Status	Ideal For
Compact Automatic Cars	Toyota Yaris Hybrid	4 Passengers	2 Cases	Exempt	Budget-friendly cruising, couples, & easy urban parking in Derby.
SUV Rentals	Nissan Qashqai Automatic	5 Passengers	3 Cases	Exempt	Elevated driving position, M1 stability, & rural Derbyshire roads.
Estate Automatic Cars	Skoda Octavia DSG Auto	5 Passengers	4 Cases	Exempt	Massive boot spaces, long cross-country tours with children.
Premium Automatic Vehicles	BMW 5 Series Auto	5 Passengers	3 Cases	Exempt	Corporate clients, business trips to Leicester, & ultimate refinement.
Family Automatic Cars	VW Sharan 7-Seater	7 Passengers	4 Cases	Exempt	Larger families heading to Alton Towers with plenty of baggage.

1. Navigating the M1 and Peak District

When you hire a car from East Midlands Airport, the exit lanes from the rental village funnel you almost immediately onto the main airport approach road, connecting directly to the fast-flowing M1 motorway or the A42.

The M1 is the backbone of the UK road network and is heavily congested during rush hours. In a manual car, this means thousands of clutch depressions. An automatic vehicle completely neutralizes this stress. Furthermore, if you turn north into the Peak District, you will encounter steep hills and very sharp bends. An automatic gearbox allows you to keep both hands on the steering wheel during these challenging ascents.

2. Adapting to Driving on the Left

For visitors arriving from North America, mainland Europe, or anywhere else that drives on the right-hand side of the road, the UK presents an immediate cognitive challenge. Not only are you sitting on the right side of the car, but you must negotiate roundabouts clockwise and yield to traffic coming from your right.

If you add a manual gear stick into this mix, you are forcing yourself to change gears with your left hand while steering with your right. Securing an automatic transmission rental at EMA instantly removes this massive variable. By eliminating the need to worry about the clutch, 100% of your concentration can be dedicated to spatial awareness and reading UK road signs.

3. Hybrids, EVs, and Clean Air Zones (CAZ)

Environmental regulations are tightening across the UK. Several cities, including Birmingham (just down the A42 from EMA), operate strict Clean Air Zones (CAZ) that charge heavily polluting vehicles a daily fee to enter the city centre.

To combat emissions, rental suppliers have heavily invested in modern Hybrid and Full Electric Vehicles (EVs). Because electric motors do not use traditional multi-gear transmissions, virtually all Hybrids and EVs on the fleet are automatic vehicles by default. By booking an automatic car, you dramatically increase your chances of receiving a modern, eco-friendly, and fully CAZ-compliant vehicle.

Available Automatic Vehicle Categories at EMA

Our East Midlands partners offer automatic options across almost every vehicle class:

Compact Automatic Cars & Hatchbacks: Perfect for solo travellers or couples heading into city centres. Think Toyota Yaris Hybrid, Vauxhall Corsa Auto, and other easy-to-park automatic hatchbacks.
Family Automatic Cars & SUV Rentals: Excellent for elevated visibility on the M1 and packing in luggage for a Peak District holiday. Typical models include the Nissan Qashqai or Kia Sportage Auto. If you prefer a lower driving position but still need massive boot capacity, estate automatic cars are also readily available.
Premium Automatic Vehicles: Essential for corporate clients. Expect absolute comfort from premium automatic vehicles like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class Auto.
People Carriers (7 & 9 Seaters): Moving a large group safely is demanding enough. An automatic transmission in a VW Sharan or Ford Transit Custom makes chauffeuring your group to Alton Towers much easier.

About East Midlands Airport & Local Attractions

East Midlands Airport (IATA code: EMA) occupies a uniquely strategic location in Castle Donington, sitting precisely where three major counties meet: Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Leicestershire. Operating efficiently from a single massive runway, the airport welcomes over four million annual passengers. Beyond passenger travel, EMA is internationally renowned as the UK's most important pure freight and cargo hub.

This central positioning makes an automatic rental car the ultimate tool for exploring. You can effortlessly drive north to hike the dramatic peaks of the Peak District National Park, head east to discover the legend of Robin Hood in Sherwood Forest, or take the family west to experience the thrilling rollercoasters of Alton Towers Resort.

Picking up your Automatic Car at EMA

East Midlands Airport has brilliantly centralized its car hire operations. Whether you have booked an automatic compact or a luxury SUV, the collection point is highly convenient.

The main Car Rental Village is located within walking distance of the arrivals hall. Simply collect your luggage, exit the main terminal building, and follow the prominent "Car Rental" signs. There are no shuttle buses or monorails required at EMA, meaning you can push your luggage trolley straight to the rental desks to collect your keys.

Sarah Jenkins

Airport Customer Engagement Editor

Sarah spends her time travelling around all of the UK's major airports, meticulous fact-checking logistical routes and terminal layouts on-site. She heavily advocates for automatic vehicle hire to ensure the safest, most relaxing start to our customers' UK journeys, particularly when navigating busy Midlands motorways.

Automatic Car Hire East Midlands Airport