East Midlands Airport Car Hire - Compare Local Deals

East Midlands Airport Car Hire with 1st UK Car Rentals

Compare East Midlands Airport car hire with 1st UK Car Rentals and choose a vehicle for your plans in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and beyond. The airport is near the M1 and connects to the A42, A50 and A453. A car can make it easier to travel between towns or explore destinations outside the main public transport routes. If your plans are centred on one city, compare local transport and parking before deciding how many days to rent.

1st UK Car Rentals has more than 30 years of experience in the car rental industry. Compare live supplier offers with no hidden fees, free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup on eligible bookings, and CDW included as stated in the selected offer. Our Price Match Promise and supplier ratings are shown with the relevant offer. Supplier ratings are based on feedback provided by the rental suppliers; a 4.8/5 supplier rating is shown where applicable. Check the selected offer and supplier terms for the deposit, excess, fuel policy and cancellation deadline. Prices marked “from” are live rates and can change with dates, vehicle availability and rental length.

Where to collect your hire car at East Midlands Airport

Rental providers are located at the Car Rental Village. East Midlands Airport says it is about a seven-minute walk from the terminal, or passengers can take a free shuttle bus. The nearest airport car park and bus stop is Mid Stay 3. Follow the airport’s car rental signs and check your confirmation for the supplier’s exact desk, pickup point and instructions.

Opening hours vary by rental operator. Check the East Midlands Airport car rental information and your booking confirmation before travelling. If your flight is delayed or you arrive outside the desk hours, contact the supplier directly.

Before leaving the rental counter

• Bring the driving licence, identification, payment card and any other documents listed in the supplier’s terms.
• If you hold a UK driving licence, check whether the supplier asks for a DVLA check code. You can create one through the GOV.UK driving licence service.
• Confirm the deposit and ensure the main driver’s payment card has enough available funds for the supplier’s security hold.
• Check the fuel type, fuel policy, mileage allowance, roadside assistance contact and return instructions.
• Inspect the car before driving away. Photograph existing marks, wheels, glass, mileage and fuel level, and ask the supplier to record any damage that is not already listed.

Returning your car at East Midlands Airport

Follow the supplier’s directions and airport signs to the Car Rental Village return area. Do not navigate only to the terminal passenger drop-off area. Allow time to return the car, complete any vehicle inspection and walk or take the shuttle bus back to the terminal.

If your booking allows an after-hours return, confirm the procedure in advance. Check where to park and how to return the key, remove all belongings, and photograph the car and its fuel or battery level. Keep a record of the return and confirm when responsibility for the vehicle transfers back to the supplier.

Should you rent at East Midlands Airport or in a nearby city?

Airport collection can be useful if you plan to drive to several places across the Midlands or are travelling onward soon after landing. If your first days are in central Nottingham, Derby or Leicester, compare the cost of public transport with the rental price and city parking before booking.

Compare pickup and return locations, opening hours and the full cost for your dates. Some suppliers allow a one-way rental, such as collecting at East Midlands Airport and returning in another city; availability and extra fees vary. Make sure the intended return location appears on the final offer.

Choosing a car for your East Midlands trip

Choose a vehicle category based on your passengers, luggage, route and driving comfort. Suppliers usually confirm a category rather than a particular make or model, so examples are indicative.

• Economy or compact car: Often a practical option for one or two travellers and lighter luggage.
• Family car or estate: Provides more room for passengers and luggage on longer journeys.
• SUV: Offers a higher seating position and extra space. Check the offer if four-wheel drive is important.
• Automatic: Select automatic transmission in the search if you do not drive a manual. Availability and rates vary by date.
• People carrier or van: Check passenger or load capacity, luggage space, vehicle height and any age or licence requirements.
• Electric vehicle: Check the range, charging connector, route charging options and return battery requirements before booking.

Compare the total price for your dates and check what is included. Daily prices are not fixed and can change with availability, rental length, vehicle category and supplier.

Driving from East Midlands Airport

The airport is a few minutes from the M1 and also connects to the A42 towards Birmingham, the A50 towards Stoke-on-Trent and the A453 towards Nottingham. Leicester is accessible via the M1. Use live directions before setting off and allow extra time for traffic, roadworks and busy junctions. The airport postcode is DE74 2SA.

Useful UK driving guidance

• Drive on the left and take extra care at junctions, roundabouts and when exiting the airport road system.
• Follow posted speed limits and motorway signs. A variable limit displayed overhead applies to the lane.
• Read signs and lane markings early when approaching motorway junctions and roundabouts.
• Country roads can be narrow and winding. Reduce speed and watch for walkers, cyclists and animals.
• Check whether your route includes a toll and ask the rental supplier how tolls and administration charges are handled.
• Do not drink and drive. Alcohol can affect driving even below the legal limit.

For current rules, check the GOV.UK speed limit guidance and the Highway Code before travelling.

Fuel and electric charging

Follow the fuel policy in your rental agreement. If the policy requires a full tank on return, refuel before returning the car and keep the receipt if requested. Check the label on the fuel flap before filling; do not rely on nozzle colours alone. Contact the supplier if you are unsure which fuel to use.

Use a current map to find a fuel station that fits your route and return time. For an electric vehicle, plan charging stops ahead and confirm charger availability, payment options and the supplier’s battery-return requirements.

Insurance, deposits and rental documents

CDW is included in the selected offers as displayed. It may still leave an excess payable if the car is damaged or stolen, and exclusions and conditions apply. Review the supplier’s policy and rental agreement to understand the cover, excess, deposit and any optional products. The supplier sets the final terms at pickup.

Rental requirements differ by supplier and driver. Check the minimum driver age, licence-holding period, additional-driver rules, payment-card requirements and any fees in the offer before booking. A physical payment card in the main driver’s name may be required for the security deposit. International drivers should check whether their licence is accepted and whether an International Driving Permit or translation is needed for their circumstances.

If you plan to take the vehicle outside Great Britain, get the supplier’s permission before travelling. Confirm any additional cover, documents, restrictions or fees in writing.

Places to visit from East Midlands Airport

The airport is well placed for trips across several counties. Routes and journey times change with traffic, roadworks and weather, so check conditions and visitor information before setting off.

• Nottingham: Travel north towards the city and its attractions. Check city-centre parking and access before driving in.
• Derby: Head west for the city and nearby countryside. Review parking information for your destination.
• Leicester: Travel south-east via the M1 and onward roads. Allow for traffic around the city.
• Peak District: Plan a longer drive north-west and allow extra time on rural roads, especially at busy visitor times.
• Sherwood Forest: Check current visitor details and parking before travelling.

East Midlands Airport car hire FAQs

Where do I collect my rental car?

Car hire providers are at the Car Rental Village, about a seven-minute walk from the terminal or accessible by a free shuttle bus. Mid Stay 3 is the nearest airport car park and bus stop. Check the airport car rental page and your supplier’s confirmation for current directions.

How do I get to the Car Rental Village?

You can walk from the terminal or use the free shuttle bus. Follow the airport signs and allow extra time if you have luggage or need assistance.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Include your flight details when requested and contact the supplier if your arrival time changes. Desk hours and late pickup arrangements vary by operator.

Can I book an automatic car or van?

Automatic cars and vans may be available for selected dates and suppliers. Choose the required vehicle type in the search and review the final offer for transmission, capacity and conditions.

Can I return the car to a different city?

Some suppliers offer one-way rentals, subject to availability and possible fees. Select the return point when searching and confirm the final total before booking.

What should I check before booking?

Review the cancellation deadline, included cover, excess, deposit, fuel policy, mileage, vehicle capacity, driver requirements, pickup instructions and return process in the selected supplier’s terms.