East Midlands Airport parking vs a chauffeur: which is cheaper?
Last checked 14 November 2026 by Alpine Chauffeurs, Nottingham
Quick answer
A chauffeur from Nottingham to East Midlands Airport and back costs £100 for the car (£50 each way). If the parking quote for your dates is more than that, or there are two or more of you, the chauffeur usually works out cheaper and easier. Being dropped off by family isn't free either: Rapid Drop Off is £8 for 10 minutes, and collecting from Short Stay 1 starts at £12.
Comparing the options
| Option | What it costs | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine chauffeur | £100 return for the car | Door to door, with parking and charges included |
| Drive and park | Your parking quote for the dates, plus fuel | Walk or shuttle from long stay, then drive home after your flight |
| A lift from family | £8 Rapid Drop Off, then £12 to £14 in Short Stay 1 to collect, plus fuel | Two return trips for your driver, and delays cost more |
| Free drop-off at Long Stay 2 | Free for 60 minutes | A 15 to 20 minute walk, and the shuttle bus doesn't run in winter |
Airport charges checked against eastmidlandsairport.com on 14 November 2026.
What parking at East Midlands Airport costs
EMA's car park prices change with demand and how far ahead you book, so get a quote for your exact dates on the airport's website. Compare it against our return fare, then add fuel and the time spent getting from the car park to the terminal.
The drop-off and pick-up charges
Rapid Drop Off outside the terminal costs £8 for up to 10 minutes, then £1 a minute, with a 30-minute maximum, and it's for drop-offs only. Short Stay 1 costs £12 for up to 30 minutes, £14 for an hour and £18 for two hours. Unpaid charges bring a £100 Parking Charge Notice, cut to £60 if paid within 14 days.
When parking makes more sense
If you're travelling alone, for a short trip, and you've found a good pre-booked parking deal, driving yourself can be cheaper. For couples, families, longer trips and early flights, a fixed-price chauffeur usually wins.
East Midlands Airport, £50 each way
Door to terminal in about 25 minutes, with no parking to pay, no shuttle bus and someone waiting in arrivals when you land.
Sources
Common questions
How much is a chauffeur from Nottingham to East Midlands Airport?
£50 each way per car, so £100 return, with parking and airport charges included.
How much is the East Midlands Airport drop-off charge?
£8 for up to 10 minutes in Rapid Drop Off, then £1 a minute, up to 30 minutes.
Is there free parking at East Midlands Airport?
Long Stay 2 is free for up to 60 minutes for drop-off or pick-up. It's a 15 to 20 minute walk to the terminal.
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