Quick Answer
The best overall way to get from East Midlands Airport (EMA) to East Midlands Parkway Station (EMD) is by the direct Skylink Nottingham bus (Service 60). The journey takes 30-40 minutes and costs approximately £4-5 for a single ticket. This bus provides the most straightforward and cost-effective direct link between the two locations. For ultimate convenience regardless of cost, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer takes about 15-20 minutes and costs £18-25.
By Bus: The Direct & Budget-Friendly Champion
The Skylink Nottingham (Service 60), operated by Kinchbus, is the flagship and most recommended public transport link. It connects the airport terminal directly with East Midlands Parkway Station's dedicated bus stop, located a short walk from the station entrance.
Why Choose the Bus?
- Direct Service: No changes required. Board at the airport, alight at the station.
- Low Cost: The most affordable direct transfer method.
- High Frequency: Buses run up to every 30 minutes, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Convenience: The bus stop is directly outside the airport arrivals hall.
Detailed Guide & Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator & Service | Kinchbus - Skylink Nottingham (Service 60) |
| Journey Time | 30 - 40 minutes (subject to traffic, especially peak times on A453) |
| Single Fare (Cash/Contactless) | Approximately £4 - £5 (Always check the operator's website for latest fares) |
| Cheaper Fares | Consider a Mango smartcard or a day ticket if making multiple bus journeys. Purchase via the Kinchbus website. |
| First/Last Bus from EMA | Runs 24/7. Frequency drops at night (check timetable for 'N90' night service). |
| Luggage | Ample luggage space available on board. Drivers are generally helpful. |
| Where to Board | Directly outside the main terminal building at the clearly marked bus stops. |
| Real-time Tracking | Use apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or the operator's own app. |
Pro Tip: For the most accurate, live timetable and fare information, always consult the official Kinchbus Skylink 60 timetable page before you travel.
By Train: The Indirect National Rail Option
Important Note: There is no train station at East Midlands Airport. To use trains, you must first take a bus or taxi to a nearby station. East Midlands Parkway is the closest, but you can also travel to Derby or Nottingham stations for connections to wider UK destinations.
Your Rail Journey Options
This section details the multi-modal journey if your end goal is to reach a train service other than just getting to East Midlands Parkway Station itself.
Option A: Bus to East Midlands Parkway, Then Train Onwards
- Take the Skylink bus (60) from EMA to East Midlands Parkway Station (30-40 mins, £4-5).
- Walk from the bus stop to the station entrance (2-3 mins).
- Board an East Midlands Railway service to destinations like:
- London St Pancras (~1 hour 40 mins)
- Derby (~15 mins)
- Nottingham (~20 mins)
- Sheffield (~50 mins)
Best For: Travellers heading to London or major East Midlands cities who are comfortable with a bus+train combination.
Option B: Bus to Derby or Nottingham, Then Train Onwards
Sometimes, a direct bus to a major city station, followed by a train, can be more efficient than going to Parkway first, especially for regional connections.
| Route | Bus Service | Bus Journey Time | Then Train From... | Best For... |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EMA â Derby Station | Skylink Derby (Service 1) | ~40-50 mins | Derby's extensive CrossCountry and EMR network. | Connections to the North West (Manchester), West Midlands (Birmingham), and South West. |
| EMA â Nottingham Station | Skylink Nottingham (Service 60) | ~45-60 mins | Nottingham's EMR and Northern network. | Connections to the North (Sheffield, Leeds), Lincoln, and Norwich. |
Planning Tool: Always use the National Rail Enquiries website or app. It integrates bus+train legs for seamless multi-modal journey planning and ticket purchasing.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
For direct, hassle-free travel, especially with heavy luggage, children, or outside bus operating hours, a taxi or pre-booked private hire vehicle is the optimal choiceâthough also the most expensive.
Key Details & Comparison
| Service Type | Estimated Cost | Journey Time | How to Book/Find | Pros & Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official Airport Taxis (Rank) | £20 - £25+ | 15 - 20 mins | Simply join the queue at the taxi rank directly outside the terminal. Meet & greet. |
Pros: Immediate, licensed, fixed airport tariffs. Cons: Most expensive taxi option; potential queue in peak times. |
| Pre-Booked Private Hire | £18 - £22 | 15 - 20 mins | Book in advance online or via apps like Uber, Bolt, or local firms like Andy's Cars. |
Pros: Usually cheaper than rank taxis; driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign. Cons: Requires booking; must specify flight details for wait time if delayed. |
| Executive/Private Transfer | £35 - £60+ | 15 - 20 mins | Book via specialist companies (e.g., HolidayTaxis) for saloon cars, estates, or people carriers. |
Pros: Premium service, guaranteed vehicle size, professional driver. Cons: Significant cost premium; overkill for a simple 6-mile transfer. |
When is a Taxi the Right Choice?
- Late-Night/Early-Morning Arrivals/Departures: When bus frequency is low.
- Large Groups (4+): Splitting the fare can make it competitive with multiple bus tickets.
- Excessive or Heavy Luggage: Ski equipment, large instrument cases, etc.
- Passengers with Reduced Mobility: Direct kerb-to-kerb service.
- Tight Connection Times: If you must catch a specific train from East Midlands Parkway.
Warning: Only use licensed taxis or reputable pre-booked services. Avoid unsolicited offers inside the terminal.
By Rental Car or Ride-Share
Rental Car
East Midlands Airport has a dedicated Car Rental Village adjacent to the terminal, housing all major companies (Avis, Hertz, Enterprise, etc.).
- Journey: Follow signs for the A453, then the A6. The station is well-signposted. Journey time: 15-20 minutes.
- Costs: Rental fees + fuel (minimal for 6 miles) + parking at East Midlands Parkway. Check station parking costs on the station website. This often makes it an expensive and logistically complex choice for a simple transfer.
- Best For: Travellers who need a car for their entire stay, not just for this transfer leg.
Ride-Share (e.g., Liftshare, BlaBlaCar)
While not a guaranteed or scheduled option, peer-to-peer ride-sharing can be a very low-cost alternative.
- How it works: Use an app or website to find a driver travelling from near the airport to near the station (or beyond) on your date.
- Reliability: Low. Requires matching with a driver. Not suitable for time-critical journeys like flight connections.
- Safety: Only use reputable platforms with user reviews and verified profiles.
Cost & Time Comparison Table: At a Glance
This table summarises all options to help you decide based on your priority: speed, cost, or convenience.
| Mode of Transport | Estimated Cost (One Way) | Estimated Total Journey Time | Number of Changes | Best For | Our Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylink Bus (60) | £4 - £5 | 30 - 40 mins | 0 (Direct) | Solo travellers, couples, budget-conscious, standard luggage. | ðï¸ BEST OVERALL & CHEAPEST |
| Pre-booked Taxi / Private Hire | £18 - £22 | 15 - 20 mins | 0 (Direct) | Groups of 3+, late nights, heavy luggage, maximum convenience. | ð MOST CONVENIENT |
| Airport Taxi (Rank) | £20 - £25+ | 15 - 20 mins | 0 (Direct) | Immediate travel, expense account travellers. | Fast but Premium Price |
| Bus + Train (e.g., to London) | £5 (Bus) + £30+ (Train) | ~2h 15m+ total | 1 (Bus to Train) | Travellers continuing a long-distance rail journey. | Necessary for Rail Connections |
| Rental Car | £30+ (rental) + Parking | 15 - 20 mins (drive) | 0 (Direct) | Those needing a car at their destination. | â Poor choice for transfer-only. |
Traveler Tips & Practical Advice
Before You Travel
- Check Timetables in Advance: While the Skylink is frequent, always check the latest schedule on the operator's website, especially for night services or Sunday schedules.
- Download Helpful Apps: The 'Kinchbus' app for tickets and tracking, 'National Rail Enquiries' for train times, and Google Maps for integrated planning.
- Have Payment Ready: Contactless card/phone payment is accepted on Skylink buses. Having the exact change is less critical but can speed things up.
At the Airport & During Your Journey
- Finding the Bus Stop: On arrival, follow signs for "Buses & Coaches" or simply exit the main arrivals doors. The Skylink stops are prominently marked with electronic displays.
- At East Midlands Parkway: The bus stops in the station's dedicated bus interchange. Follow signs for the main station entrance and ticket office/hall. The walk is under 5 minutes and is step-free.
- If Your Flight is Delayed: For pre-booked taxis, ensure your booking includes your flight number. Reputable companies track flights and adjust pickup times automatically.
Money-Saving Strategies
- Mango Smartcard: If you'll use buses in the Nottingham/Derby area, a Mango card offers significant savings on fares compared to cash.
- Group Taxi: For 3 or more people, a taxi split 3+ ways can be cheaper and far more convenient than multiple bus fares.
- Advance Train Tickets: If travelling onwards by rail from East Midlands Parkway, book Advance tickets online for the cheapest fares. Use National Rail to compare.
FAQs: East Midlands Airport to Parkway Station
What is the best way to get from East Midlands Airport to East Midlands Parkway Station?
The direct Skylink Nottingham bus (service 60) is generally considered the best way. It's the most cost-effective direct link, taking approximately 30-40 minutes and costing around £4-5. It's ideal for solo travellers and small groups with manageable luggage.
Is there a direct train from East Midlands Airport to the Parkway station?
No, there is no direct train. East Midlands Airport does not have its own train station. You must first take a bus (like the Skylink) to either East Midlands Parkway Station, Derby, or Nottingham, and then connect to national rail services from there.
How long does the bus journey take from EMA to East Midlands Parkway?
The direct Skylink Nottingham bus (route 60) takes between 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus stop is directly outside the main terminal arrivals hall, making it a very convenient option.
How much is a taxi from East Midlands Airport to East Midlands Parkway Station?
A pre-booked private hire or black cab for the 6-mile journey typically costs between £18 and £25. This is the most expensive option but offers door-to-door convenience, useful for large groups, lots of luggage, or late-night arrivals.
What is the cheapest way to travel between EMA and the Parkway station?
The Skylink Nottingham bus (service 60) is the cheapest direct option at around £4-5 for a single fare. For even greater savings, a 'Mango' smartcard or day ticket can reduce the cost per journey further.
Can I walk from East Midlands Airport to East Midlands Parkway Station?
It is not recommended or practical to walk. The distance is approximately 6 miles (9.6 km) along roads not designed for pedestrians, including sections of the A453. There are no safe, continuous footpaths for the entire route.
Where do I catch the Skylink bus at the airport?
The Skylink Nottingham bus stop is located directly outside the main terminal building at East Midlands Airport. Look for clearly marked bus stands and electronic displays. Tickets can be purchased from the driver or via the operator's app.
Is East Midlands Parkway Station the closest station to the airport?
Yes, East Midlands Parkway is the closest mainline railway station to the airport, located just over 6 miles away. It serves as a key interchange for East Midlands Railway services to London St Pancras, Derby, Nottingham, and Sheffield.