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Getting from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham

With a multitude of things to do and places to see, Nottingham is a very popular destination for travellers arriving at East Midlands Airport. 

There are two direct transport options to get from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham city centre. The fastest and most convenient option is to take an airport taxi or private transfer; Nottingham is located 22 km from the airport and a taxi will take approximately 25 minutes, under normal traffic conditions, to get you into the city. The only other direct travel option is the Skylink Express bus service, run by Trentbarton, which connects the airport to the city of Nottingham in more or less 60 minutes.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Nottingham at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Taxi €45 25min 24/7
Bus €14 60min 24/7

How to get from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham by taxi

A taxi or private transfer service from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham city centre is the most convenient travel method available. Taxis run 24/7 so, no matter the time your flight arrives, you will be able to find a taxi. Even though it’s not the most affordable option, nothing can beat being taken straight to your desired destination in the shortest amount of time in comfort and privacy.

East Midlands Airport to Nottingham taxi cost

The cost of an East Midlands Airport to Nottingham taxi will start from £40 (€45) depending on the cab company. Most black cabs are fitted with a taximeter, while private hire vehicles will quote a fixed rate fare for your transfer. For an all-inclusive competitive fare you can rely on, you can pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

£40 (€45)

Trip Duration

25 minutes

Taxi day rates are applicable from 6:00 to 22:00 and night rates are applicable from 22:00 to 6:00.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Taxis at East Midlands Airport are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The taxi ranks at East Midlands Airport are located outside the Arrivals terminal building. Once you enter the Arrivals hall look for the ‘Ground Transportation’ sign, which will point you in the right direction.

Convenience

With no direct rail line and a bus service that takes 45 minutes to get into Nottingham city centre, an East Midlands Airport taxi or private transfer is without a doubt the most convenient form of travel. This is especially true for individuals who may have time constraints and need to swiftly get to the city centre or when travelling with children or a lot of luggage.

Editor’s Note

Black cabs that use a taximeter are usually the most expensive taxi option, whereas pre-booking your taxi in advance will get you a fixed rate fare and usually the most affordable price.

Useful Tips

If you take a ride with a cab fitted with a taximeter make sure it is turned on at the start of the transfer and also check that the minimum fare (starting fee) is correct.
Black cabs can carry 5 passengers and have a little more luggage space compared to private hire taxis that can only carry up to 4 passengers.
Tipping (10-15%) is not obligatory, apart from holidays (Christmas day, New Years day) when it is expected.
Most taxi companies can accommodate wheelchairs. Black cabs usually have an unfolding ramp available, while private hire taxis need to be contacted with a request for a wheelchair-accessible vehicle in advance.

How to get from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham by bus

The only other direct transport option is the Skylink service, which is a bus from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham city centre, run by Trentbarton. This service runs seven days a week with frequent departures during the day, and fewer at nighttime. There are two routes that serve Nottingham. The Skylink Express runs every 30 minutes during the day, from 4:45 to 22:30, and has fewer stops – with a total travel time of about 45 minutes. Skylink Nottingham on the other hand, runs every 20 minutes during the day, is a 24/7 service, has a longer route (more stops) and an average travel time of just under an hour.

Cost of an East Midlands Airport bus to Nottingham city centre

Skylink Nottingham, the East Midlands Airport bus to Nottingham City will cost an adult £6 (€7) one way, whilst under 18s pay £4.20 (€4.90). The Skylink Express single adult ticket is £7.50 (€8.70), while under 18s pay £5.30 (€6.15).  Tickets on these routes for children aged 10 or under cost £1 (€1.15). Single tickets can be bought directly from the driver and can be paid for in either cash or by card.

Cost

£6 (€7)

Trip Duration

60 minutes

Price quoted and trip duration are for Skylink Nottingham which is the most frequent service.

Convenience
Safety
Value for money

Skylink Nottingham runs 24/7 while the first Skylink Express bus from the airport is at 4:45 and the last bus is at 22:30.

Where do I get the bus from?

The Skylink bus stop at East Midlands Airport is located at the Coach Station, which is next to the terminal building. You will find directions signposted in the terminal itself.

Convenience

The Skylink bus routes are an affordable public transport option to transport you into Nottingham city centre. As it is a bus service, there are a number of stops on the way which increases travel time, so would not be the recommended option for people who might be in a rush. The Skylink Express route is faster with fewer stops but it is also less frequent and doesn’t run 24/7. Also, keep in mind that you will still have to make your way to your hotel or exact destination of choice once you reach the bus stop in the city centre.

Editor’s Note

If you choose to take one of the Skylink buses, check the timetable info provided and see which bus route suits where you are travelling to, as they take separate routes. For example, only the Skylink Express stops at the Nottingham Railway Station.

Useful Tips

The Skylink Express route will make fewer stops and will get you into the city centre in about 45 minutes.
All Skylink buses are wheelchair friendly but can only accommodate one wheelchair at a time.
Tickets do not have to be purchased in advance and can be bought directly on the bus from the driver. Payment can be made by cash, card or phone app.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

Read More

Frequently asked questions

What’s the distance from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham? (Incl. travel time)

The distance from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham is 22 km. Nottingham is located northeast of the airport and is connected by a good road network. Depending on traffic conditions, an airport taxi or private transfer will take about 25 minutes to complete this journey.

How do I get from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham?

There are two main transport options to get from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham. The first option is an airport taxi or private transfer which is the fastest, most convenient and direct method of travel. The second option is the Skylink bus service that runs two routes (Skylink Nottingham and Skylink Express) from the airport to Nottingham.

Is there a direct bus from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham?

Yes, there is a direct bus from East Midlands Airport to Nottingham. Skylink offers two routes from the airport. Skylink Nottingham is a 24/7 bus route with multiple stops and takes about 60 minutes to make the trip to the city. Skylink Express has a less frequent service that runs from 4:45 (first bus from the airport) to 22:30 (last bus from the airport); The Express bus makes fewer stops, including a stop at Nottingham Railway Station and takes 45 minutes to get into the city.

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