East Midlands Airport might not have the glitz of Heathrow or the chaos of Manchester, but it’s got one big thing going for it: convenience. Whether you’re off on holiday, heading to a business trip, or landing late at night, a good taxi can make or break your journey.
I’ve used all sorts of taxis to and from EMA — some brilliant, some baffling — so here’s the no-nonsense breakdown of your best options for getting to (and from) East Midlands Airport without stress.
🚖 Top East Midlands Airport Taxi Options
| Company / Option | Booking Options | Price Range | My Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrow Cars | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | £££ | ✅ Convenient and right outside Arrivals |
| DG Cars | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | 👍 Great for Nottingham pickups/drop-offs |
| ADT Taxis | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | ⚖️ Reliable, clean, and always on time |
| Uber | 📱 App Only | £–££ | ⚠️ Handy, but hit or miss in rural areas |
| Arrow Cars | 📞 Call / 🌐 Web | ££ | ✔️ Local firm, often cheaper than the rest |
1. Arrow Cars – The On-Site Champs
Arrow Cars are the official airport taxi service, and they’re hard to miss — parked right outside the terminal. You’ll pay a bit more than with local firms, but the cars are clean, the drivers know the drill, and you’re in and out fast.
Best for:
- Walk-up bookings after landing
- Hassle-free airport pickups
- First-time visitors
2. DG Cars – Nottingham’s Finest
If you’re based in or around Nottingham, DG Cars are a solid bet. Good app, polite drivers, and they know the East Midlands Airport route like the back of their hand. Plus, they’re usually cheaper than Arrow.
Best for:
- Nottingham pickups and drop-offs
- Pre-booked airport runs
- App lovers
3. ADT Taxis – East Midlands Regulars
ADT covers a huge area around Leicester, Derby, and Loughborough. They’re known for being reliable, especially during awkward flight times. Their app works well, and their cars are usually spot-on.
Best for:
- Late-night or early-morning flights
- Local transfers
- Business travellers
4. Uber – Decent, If You Catch One
Uber can work around East Midlands Airport, but coverage is spotty — especially outside of peak hours. Sometimes it’s cheaper than local taxis, sometimes not. Definitely worth checking for a quote, but don’t bank on it as your only option.
Best for:
- App-first travellers
- Short trips to/from nearby towns
- Plan B
5. Arrow Cars – Local, Simple, Cheap
There are a few independent local firms that aren’t as well-known but often offer the best rates — especially if you’re staying nearby (think Castle Donington, Kegworth, Long Eaton). They might not have flashy apps, but they turn up on time.
Best for:
- Budget travellers
- Hotel to terminal runs
- Returning from the airport late at night
So, What’s the Best Taxi for East Midlands Airport?
- No-fuss option at the terminal: Arrow Cars
- Best for Nottingham: DG Cars
- Reliable across the region: ADT Taxis
- Quick app quote: Uber (just in case)
- Budget local trips: Arrow Cars
Pro tip: Always pre-book if your flight’s early, late, or during busy weekends. EMA might be small, but you don’t want to be left waiting with luggage and no ride in sight.