Park & Ride is the most popular parking option at East Midlands Airport for stays over 24 hours. You drive to a Long Stay or JetParks car park, leave your car, and take a free shuttle bus to the terminal. On return, the shuttle picks you up at the terminal and drops you back at your car. It is significantly cheaper than Meet & Greet, but adds 15-25 minutes at both ends of your trip. Here is what to expect in 2026.
What happens when you arrive
You drive to your booked car park (Long Stay 1, Long Stay 2, or JetParks – all on airport land, just a few minutes' drive from the terminal). ANPR cameras at the barrier read your number plate, the barrier opens automatically, you park in any available space, and head to the shuttle stop. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes, taking 3-5 minutes to reach the terminal depending on traffic. From entering the car park to walking into departures: usually 15-25 minutes total.
What happens when you return
When you land and collect your luggage, you make your way to the shuttle pick-up zone at the terminal. Buses run on the same 10-15 minute schedule, so the wait is usually 5-15 minutes. The shuttle takes you back to your car park. The system uses ANPR again to recognise you on exit. You drive home.
Long Stay vs JetParks vs Mid Stay
Long Stay 1 and Long Stay 2 are the standard Park & Ride options at around £45-£50 for an 8-day stay. Both are 5-minute shuttle from terminal. JetParks is the budget version at £42 for 8 days but with a slightly longer transfer. Mid Stay is closer to the terminal (5-7 min walk, no shuttle needed) at around £77 for 8 days – good if you do not want to bother with the shuttle bus.
How much you actually save
For an 8-day stay in 2026: JetParks Park & Ride £42, Meet & Greet £48-£75. So Park & Ride saves you anywhere from £6 (cheapest M&G) to £33 (top-tier M&G) per trip. The trade-off is roughly 30-40 extra minutes total (15-20 each way) and handling your own luggage onto the shuttle. For a couple this is real money for what amounts to a 30-minute time cost.
When Park & Ride is the wrong choice
For very early flights (5-7am), check the shuttle frequency before booking – in winter (1 November to 31 March) shuttles run less often. For families with three or more young children, the shuttle handling of luggage is harder than letting a Meet & Greet driver handle it. For business trips with valuable equipment in the car, Meet & Greet at Short Stay 1 can give peace of mind. For everyone else doing a leisure trip, Park & Ride wins on price.
Frequently asked questions
How does Park & Ride work at East Midlands Airport?
You drive to a Long Stay or JetParks car park (all on airport land), leave your car, and take a free shuttle bus to the terminal. On return the shuttle picks you up at the terminal and drops you back at your car. The shuttle is included in the price.
How long does the East Midlands Park & Ride shuttle take?
Typically 3-5 minutes from car park to terminal. Buses run every 10-15 minutes (less often November to March). Add 5-15 minutes wait time on top.
Is Park & Ride at East Midlands cheaper than Meet & Greet?
Yes. For an 8-day stay in 2026, JetParks Park & Ride is around £42, Meet & Greet £48-£75 – typically £6-£33 cheaper. The trade-off is around 30-40 minutes extra travel time total.
Do I need to book East Midlands Park & Ride in advance?
Yes, almost always. Booking online ahead of time saves up to 70% versus turning up. Most operators have a 6-24 hour minimum notice period.
Compare live East Midlands Park & Ride prices including Long Stay 1, Long Stay 2 and JetParks at park4travels.co.uk.