Dropping someone at East Midlands Airport? You can pull up right by the terminal for a fee, or use the free option a short shuttle ride away. Here is what each costs in 2026, and how to stay on the right side of the rules.
What the Rapid Drop-Off costs
The Rapid Drop-Off zone sits right in front of the terminal building. It costs £5 for up to 15 minutes, then £1 per minute after that, up to a maximum stay of 30 minutes. So 20 minutes works out at around £10, and the full half hour at around £20.
It uses number-plate cameras with no barriers, so there is nothing to pay on site. You pay online by 11:59pm the day after your visit on the official East Midlands Airport site, or by phone. At £5 for 15 minutes, East Midlands is actually one of the cheaper UK airports for dropping off.
The free drop-off option
If you would rather not pay, use the Long Stay car park as a free alternative. The first hour is free, and a free shuttle bus runs to the terminal roughly every 15 to 20 minutes, with a ride of about 3 to 5 minutes. It is designed for the shuttle rather than walking, so allow a few extra minutes for the transfer.
How to avoid a fine
Two things catch people out. First, if you use the Rapid Drop-Off and do not pay by midnight the next day, or overstay the 30-minute limit, you can be issued a charge of up to £100, reduced to £60 if paid within 14 days. Second, the approach roads and estate are no-stopping red routes: pulling over there, even for under a minute, can trigger a separate charge of around £100, and far more if it is left unpaid and escalates. The safe options are the Rapid Drop-Off paid on time, or the free Long Stay.
What changed in 2026
East Midlands did not raise its drop-off charge in 2026, the £5 fee has held since the camera system launched. The well-publicised drop-off increase this year was at Stansted, which is run by the same airport group, not at East Midlands.
The bigger saving is on parking
The drop-off fee is minor next to what parking can cost if you leave it late. Driving up on the day can run into the £180 to £200 range for a few days, against roughly £45 to £55 for a budget week booked ahead, savings of up to around three quarters. If someone is parking rather than just dropping off, booking early is the difference.
Compare East Midlands Airport parking prices for your dates and book ahead to get the cheapest rate.
Prices correct as of June 2026. East Midlands Airport sets its own drop-off and parking charges and they can change, so check the official site before you travel.
Dropping off adds up on repeat trips. If you would rather park, here is the full East Midlands Airport parking breakdown.
East Midlands Airport drop-off: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to drop off at East Midlands Airport?
The Rapid Drop-Off zone in front of the terminal costs £5 for up to 15 minutes, then £1 per minute after that, up to a 30-minute maximum. So 20 minutes is about £10 and the full half hour about £20. You can also drop off free from the Long Stay car park, which gives a free first hour.
How long do you get to pay for East Midlands Airport drop-off?
You have until 11:59pm the day after your visit to pay online on the official East Midlands Airport website, or by phone. Miss that deadline and the £5 fee becomes a Parking Charge of up to £100, reduced to £60 if you pay within 14 days.
Is there a free drop-off at East Midlands Airport?
Yes. Use the Long Stay car park, which gives a free first hour, then take the free shuttle bus to the terminal. The shuttle runs every 15 to 20 minutes and the ride is about 3 to 5 minutes, so allow a little extra time.
What is East Midlands Airport Rapid Drop-Off?
Rapid Drop-Off is the barrierless zone right outside the terminal. Number-plate cameras record how long you stay and there is nothing to pay on site. You pay online afterwards, by 11:59pm the next day.
Can you pay for East Midlands Airport drop-off online?
Yes, and you have to, because there are no payment machines in the Rapid Drop-Off zone. Pay online at the official East Midlands Airport site, or set up Autopay for future visits, by 11:59pm the day after you drop off.
Did East Midlands Airport drop-off charges go up in 2026?
No. The £5 fee has held since the camera system launched and did not rise in 2026. The widely reported 2026 drop-off increase was at Stansted, which is run by the same airport group, not at East Midlands.