East Midlands Airport went barrierless at the Rapid Drop-Off zone in May 2025. The system catches your number plate on entry and exit, you pay online by midnight the next day, and a £100 fine arrives if you forget. Here is exactly what each option costs in 2026 and how to avoid the charge entirely if you have an extra five minutes to spare.
The Rapid Drop-Off charge
East Midlands Rapid Drop-Off costs £5 for the first 15 minutes. After 15 minutes the rate jumps to £1 per minute on exit, up to a maximum stay of 30 minutes. So a 16-minute stay costs £6, a 20-minute stay £10, and a 30-minute stay £20. The clock starts the moment your number plate is captured at entry and stops at exit. There are no payment machines on site – everything happens online. You have until midnight the day after your visit to pay at pay.eastmidlandsairport.com. APCOA manages the payment system on behalf of the airport.
Free for one hour at Long Stay 2
Long Stay 2 car park is completely free for the first hour. There is a free shuttle bus to the terminal every 10-15 minutes (less frequent November to March). The shuttle takes 3-5 minutes. Or you can walk in 10-15 minutes if you prefer. From the car park to the terminal door, allow 15-20 minutes total via shuttle. If you are dropping off without time pressure, this is your zero-cost option.
Stay over 30 minutes? You may get a fine
The Rapid Drop-Off has a maximum 30-minute stay. The official terms state that staying beyond 30 minutes can result in a £100 Parking Charge with an additional debt recovery fee of up to £70. If your inbound passenger is delayed and you wait at Rapid Drop-Off, the meter ticks at £1 per minute and you risk the fine on top. For pickups or any wait, always use Short Stay 1 or Long Stay 2 instead.
How to avoid the £100 fine
The fine arrives by post 14-21 days after your visit if you have not paid. Reduced to £60 if you pay within 14 days of receiving the PCN. The simplest way to never get one is to set up an AutoPay account online before your visit. AutoPay automatically charges your card for any visits to EMA Rapid Drop-Off. Free to set up, no monthly fee. If you forget to set up AutoPay, set a phone reminder for the day after your visit to pay manually.
Blue Badge holders
Blue Badge holders get 30 minutes free in Short Stay 1 car park. Beyond 30 minutes the standard tariff applies. Note this concession is at Short Stay 1, not at the Rapid Drop-Off zone. To use it, simply park in any space and the Blue Badge is verified at exit. There are clearly identifiable Blue Badge bays at Short Stay 1.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the drop-off charge at East Midlands Airport?
East Midlands charges £5 for the first 15 minutes at Rapid Drop-Off, then £1 per minute after that. So 16 minutes costs £6, 20 minutes £10, 30 minutes £20. The maximum stay is 30 minutes.
How do I pay the East Midlands drop-off charge?
Pay online at pay.eastmidlandsairport.com by midnight the day after your visit. There are no machines on site. APCOA manages payments on behalf of the airport. Set up AutoPay to avoid forgetting.
What happens if I do not pay the East Midlands drop-off charge?
A £100 Parking Charge Notice arrives by post within 14-21 days. Reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days of receiving the PCN. Unpaid PCNs may be passed to debt recovery with an additional fee of up to £70.
Is there free parking at East Midlands Airport for drop-offs?
Yes. Long Stay 2 is free for the first hour with a free shuttle bus to the terminal every 10-15 minutes. Allow 15-20 minutes total via shuttle, or walk in 10-15 minutes.
Can I pick someone up at the East Midlands Rapid Drop-Off zone?
No, Rapid Drop-Off is for setdowns only with a 30-minute maximum stay. Pickups should use Short Stay 1. Waiting at Rapid Drop-Off risks both the per-minute charge and a £100 PCN if you exceed 30 minutes.
See live East Midlands parking comparisons including Long Stay, JetParks and Meet & Greet at park4travels.co.uk.