East Midlands Airport drop off charges went up on 29 September 2026. It now costs £8 for up to 10 minutes at the Rapid Drop Off zone outside the terminal, and the way you pay catches a lot of people out. Here’s what you’ll pay, how to avoid a fine, and when it’s simply easier to book a driver.
Quick answer
- Rapid Drop Off: £8 for up to 10 minutes (it used to be £5 for 15)
- No barrier. Cameras read your number plate and you pay afterwards
- Pay by midnight the day after your visit, or it becomes a £100 charge (£60 if paid within 14 days)
- Cash isn’t accepted
What does it cost to drop off at East Midlands Airport now?
Since 29 September 2026, the Rapid Drop Off area outside the terminal costs £8 for up to 10 minutes. For the last five years it was £5 for 15 minutes, so you’re now paying more for less time.
Ten minutes sounds like plenty until you’re actually in it. There’s often a queue to reach the front, cases to get out of the boot, a goodbye that runs on, and then you still have to drive out. It’s easy to go over without noticing.
The bit that catches people out
There’s no barrier and no ticket machine at the exit. Cameras pick up your number plate on the way in and out, and the charge is worked out afterwards.
You have until midnight the day after your visit to pay. Miss it and you get a £100 parking charge, which drops to £60 if you pay within 14 days. A quick look at reviews of the airport shows how many people forgot, simply because nothing reminds you as you leave.
You can pay online, by phone on 03452 221517, or set up AutoPay. The airport doesn’t take cash or cheques.
Our tip: pay it while you’re still sat in the car, or set a reminder on your phone before you pull away.
Can you drop off at East Midlands Airport for free?
Yes, but there’s a catch. Here’s how the options compare:
| Option | Cost | The catch |
|---|---|---|
| Rapid Drop Off | £8 for up to 10 minutes | Closest to the terminal, but the clock is short |
| Short Stay 1 | Charged, check the airport site for the current price | You can park and walk in, but you pay for the time |
| Long Stay 2 | Free for up to 60 minutes | A 15 to 20 minute walk. The shuttle bus doesn’t run 1 November to 31 March |
| Blue Badge holders | Free time in both car parks | 30 minutes in Short Stay 1, 60 minutes in Long Stay 2 |
Free is fine in July with one small bag. At 4am in January with a family and four suitcases, a 20-minute walk isn’t much of a saving.
These prices have changed more than once, so check the airport’s official pick-up and drop-off page the day before you travel.
When a pre-booked taxi is the easier option
If it’s a quick lift on a quiet Sunday afternoon, driving yourself is fine. But some trips are just less hassle with a driver:
- Early flights. Plenty of flights leave East Midlands in the early hours, when buses are limited and nobody wants to be the one driving.
- Groups and families. Six people and six cases won’t fit in one car. Two cars means two drop-off charges and two lots of stress.
- Longer trips. Leaving your car for a week or two can cost more than the journey itself.
- Late arrivals. After a long flight, a driver who is already waiting beats working out how to get home.
At Intel Cars, the airport drop-off fee is always included in the price we quote. There’s no charge to remember afterwards, and nobody circling the terminal looking for a space. We’re based in Nottingham, we’re available 24 hours a day, and we have saloons and minibuses for larger groups.
You can see how it works on our East Midlands Airport transfers page, or look at our wider airport transfer service if you’re heading to Heathrow, Gatwick, Manchester or another airport.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the drop-off charge at East Midlands Airport?
£8 for up to 10 minutes in the Rapid Drop Off zone, from 29 September 2026.
What happens if I forget to pay?
You’ll get a £100 parking charge, reduced to £60 if you pay within 14 days. To avoid it, pay by midnight the day after your visit.
Can I pay the East Midlands Airport drop-off charge in cash?
No. You can pay online, by phone, or through an AutoPay account.
Is there a free place to drop off at East Midlands Airport?
Long Stay 2 is free for up to 60 minutes, but it’s a 15 to 20 minute walk from the terminal, and the shuttle doesn’t run between 1 November and 31 March.
Does your price include the airport drop-off charge?
Yes. The drop-off fee is always included in the price we quote for East Midlands Airport journeys.
Need a lift to or from East Midlands Airport?
Send us your flight time and pick-up address and we’ll come back with a quote. We’re open 24/7.
Last updated 26 October 2026. Charges and car park rules are set by East Midlands Airport and can change at short notice, so always check their website before you travel.
