East Midlands is easily accessible 24 hours a day from anywhere in the UK by public and private transport. Served by National Express coaches direct to the terminal door, trains and by a network of taxi and bus services, it couldn't be easier to reach the airport.
The National Express Airport service offers direct connections daily to and from Nottingham, Bradford, Leeds, Sheffield, Chesterfield and further afield to destinations such as Luton, Heathrow and Edinburgh.
With plenty of great rates and routes available, National Express is one of the most cost-effective ways of getting to and from East Midlands Airport.
East Midlands Airport is well-connected by the Skylink bus network, which links the airport to cities like Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and Loughborough. These buses run every 20 to 30 minutes during the day, typically from early morning until late evening, though they don’t operate 24/7.
There’s no direct Skylink service to Shepshed or Coalville, but these areas are accessible via other local bus routes. The my15 bus also runs roughly every hour, connecting the airport to Ilkeston, Castle Donington, Sandiacre, Long Eaton, and Long Eaton train station throughout the day. Keep in mind that none of these services run overnight, so it’s a good idea to check timetables before you travel.
East Midlands Parkway, Long Eaton, Nottingham, and Derby stations are all just a short taxi or bus ride away from East Midlands Airport. While there’s no direct train service to the airport terminal, you can catch the Skylink bus, which runs regularly between the airport and Long Eaton, Nottingham, and Derby, every 20 minutes during the day and hourly in the evenings. If you’re coming from East Midlands Parkway, taxis and on-demand local buses can take you to the airport, as there isn’t a shuttle service with a fixed timetable.
For train times, the best fares, and discounts on UK attractions, websites like TheTrainline.com are great resources, and booking tickets in advance can save you up to 43% compared to buying them at the station.
Taxis are an excellent, hassle-free, and convenient way to travel to East Midlands Airport. With a wide selection of taxi companies serving the airport and surrounding areas, many of them specialize in airport transfers and can offer competitive rates to make your journey more affordable. Whether you're looking for a quick ride or need a larger vehicle for extra luggage, there are options to suit every need.
To find the best taxi for your trip, be sure to check out our East Midlands Airport Taxi Listings. These listings include contact details, descriptions of each company’s services, and even customer reviews to help you choose the right taxi for your requirements. Booking in advance can often save you time and stress on the day of your flight, making it easier to start your trip on a smooth note.
Travelling to East Midlands by car is a great option for most people. If you have your own car there are plenty of cheap airport parking options to choose from.
As the airport is easily accessible by car from the M1, which is connected to the M25 motorway and other major roads, it's no wonder it's growing in popularity!
You can find out much more about directions, and view interactive transportation and terminal maps by visiting our East Midlands maps & directions page.
