Global Suppliers at East Midlands
Authorized partnerships with global brands stationed at EMA Car Rental Village.
All-Inclusive EMA Protection
Drive out of the East Midlands with absolute confidence. Every booking automatically includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third-Party Liability, and Theft Protection.
We ensure total transparency: the rate you book covers your essential insurance needs and includes 24/7 UK-wide breakdown assistance as standard.
Car Hire Desk Access
All rental providers at East Midlands Airport are conveniently located in the dedicated Car Rental Village. After collecting your bags, it's just a short walk outside the terminal doors to find the desks and collect your keys.
For terminal maps and live flight information, we recommend checking the official East Midlands Airport website.
What Our East Midlands Customers Say
Verified reviews from travelers who rented directly from East Midlands Airport.
"Fantastic service at East Midlands Airport. The car rental desks were a short walk from arrivals, and we were on the M1 heading north in minutes."
"Very smooth pick-up process. Used the car to drive up to the Peak District for the weekend. Highly recommend an SUV for the rural roads!"
"Best prices I found for an EMA rental. The car was ready and waiting with no hard sell at the desk."
"Returning at 5 AM was a breeze with the drop box, and the early walk to the terminal took just a minute."
"Absolutely no hidden fees. The price I saw online was exactly what I paid at the East Midlands desk."
"The car broke down which was surprising as it was brand new, but I guess nothing is perfect! However, I was very happy with the support. The car change over was very quick and professional. Thank you Sarah for the great customer service."
"Very straightforward access onto the A42 straight out of the airport heading to Birmingham. The premium vehicle selection is top-notch."
"Modern fleet and efficient customer support. Got me out of the airport traffic in record time heading down to Nottingham."
Essential Driving Guide out of East Midlands
Landing at EMA? Familiarise yourself with these vital rules of the road before exiting the airport in your rental.
Navigating the M1 & A42
Leaving East Midlands Airport places you just moments from the M1 motorway (connecting north to Sheffield/Leeds and south to London). To head west towards Birmingham and the M6, you will use the A42. The A50 connects you directly to Derby and Stoke.
Manual vs. Automatic
Manual transmission (stick shift) is standard in the UK. If you are planning to navigate the famously winding rural roads of the Peak District, we strongly recommend filtering for an automatic vehicle when you book for a more relaxing drive.
Nottingham Workplace Parking Levy
If you are driving into Nottingham for business, be aware that the city operates a unique Workplace Parking Levy. While not a general Clean Air Zone charge for visitors, parking at certain business premises may incur unexpected costs. Central public parking is readily available but can be expensive.
Clean Air Zones in the Midlands
Currently, Nottingham and Derby do not charge private cars for Clean Air Zones. However, if you are driving south to Birmingham or Leicester, be sure to check their specific LEZ/CAZ requirements. Most of our EMA fleet is Euro 6 compliant and exempt.
Speed Cameras & Smart Motorways
The M1 running past the airport is a "Smart Motorway". Speed limits are variable and displayed on overhead gantries to control traffic flow. These are strictly enforced by average speed cameras. Remember, all speeds are in Miles Per Hour (mph).
Returning the Car (Fuel)
If you have a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy, there is a BP petrol station conveniently located right at the airport entrance in the Pegasus Business Park. Fill up here just before entering the rental return area to avoid refuelling penalty charges.
Rural Peak District Driving
If you are heading into the Peak District National Park, be prepared for narrow, winding lanes bounded by dry stone walls. Always pull over into passing places to let oncoming traffic by, and be highly vigilant for cyclists, walkers, and loose sheep.
Current UK Fuel Costs
UK fuel in the East Midlands is sold by the litre. Prices are currently averaging around £1.45 upto £1.60 per litre. We advise choosing a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy to control your own refuelling costs when exploring.
*As this is a volatile and ever-changing item, these prices were last updated on: .
Popular Drives from East Midlands Airport
Because EMA is centrally located between three major cities, it serves as the ultimate gateway to historic sites, theme parks, and the Peak District. Here are the top scenic drives our customers take after picking up their rental.
Nottingham City Centre
Distance: 15 miles (30 mins via A453)
Head directly northeast to explore the legendary home of Robin Hood and Nottingham Castle.
Child-Friendly? Yes! Kids will love the City of Caves tour under the Broadmarsh Centre.
Pro Tip: Park in the Victoria Centre multi-storey for central access to the shops and castle.
Derby City Centre
Distance: 15 miles (25 mins via A50)
Drive northwest into the UK's most central city, rich in industrial heritage.
Child-Friendly? Great for exploring the Museum of Making at Derby Silk Mill.
Pro Tip: Use the massive Derbion shopping centre car park for easy access to the main attractions.
Alton Towers Resort
Distance: 30 miles (45 mins via A50)
Head west into Staffordshire to the UK's biggest and most thrilling theme park.
Child-Friendly? An absolute must. Features CBeebies Land for toddlers and massive rollercoasters for teens.
Pro Tip: Pre-book Express Parking online to save a long walk or monorail ride to the park gates.
Peak District National Park
Distance: 40 miles (1 hr via A38/A6)
Drive north into the stunning limestone dales and dramatic gritstone edges of the Peaks.
Child-Friendly? Perfect for a day out at Chatsworth House or grabbing a famous Bakewell Tart.
Pro Tip: The roads around Matlock Bath get extremely busy with bikers and tourists on sunny Sundays.
Sherwood Forest
Distance: 35 miles (50 mins via M1/A614)
Drive north of Nottingham to walk among ancient oaks and discover the legend of Robin Hood.
Child-Friendly? Very! Don't miss the Major Oak and the brilliant visitor centre trails.
Pro Tip: The main car park is well signposted near Edwinstowe and uses a simple pay-and-display system.
Donington Park Circuit
Distance: 2 miles (5 mins via local roads)
One of the UK's premier motorsport circuits, literally located right next door to the airport.
Child-Friendly? Incredible for older kids who love superbike racing or touring car championships.
Pro Tip: Traffic around the airport can be severe on major race weekends or during the Download Festival.
Leicester City Centre
Distance: 20 miles (30 mins via M1)
Drive south to explore the King Richard III Visitor Centre and the diverse cultural quarters.
Child-Friendly? A trip to the National Space Centre just north of the city is out of this world.
Pro Tip: The M1 south towards Leicester is very straightforward, but watch for variable speed limits.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Distance: 50 miles (1 hr 5 mins via A42/M42)
Head south-west into Warwickshire to visit the birthplace of William Shakespeare.
Child-Friendly? Excellent for the Butterfly Farm and taking a scenic boat trip on the River Avon.
Pro Tip: Use the Park & Ride services on the outskirts, as the medieval town centre gets very congested.