Arrow Cars

15–30 minutes from EMA to Nottingham, Derby or Leicester

Arrow Cars runs the official taxi rank right outside T1 arrivals at East Midlands Airport, 24/7, with on‑demand cars covering the usual 15–30 minute runs into Nottingham, Derby or Leicester depending on traffic. This is the default option after early‑morning check‑outs or post‑midnight Ryanair and Wizz flights when the Skylink buses stop.

The booking desk sits in the arrivals hall at T1, about 30 seconds’ walk from the baggage belt exits, and cars wait on the signed rank directly opposite the terminal doors. You can also pre‑book online or by phone, which several locals say comes out cheaper than walking up to the desk for a last‑minute quote, especially on busy Friday and Sunday peaks.

Pricing is the sting: Reddit threads call Arrow “airport‑priced”, and one Nottingham passenger reported a quote “way more” than their usual minicab for the same city‑centre run, which is roughly 13–15 miles by road. Another late‑night arrival on Google Maps said the ride after midnight was “easy enough” but noticeably pricier than the last Skylink bus they had used on a previous trip.

How to use Arrow Cars at East Midlands Airport

• Step 1: Land at T1 and clear arrivals; the Arrow Cars desk is directly in the public arrivals hall, a few metres past the baggage reclaim exit doors.
• Step 2: Ask the agent for a quote to your exact destination in Nottingham, Derby, Leicester or nearby villages and confirm if it is fixed fare or meter‑based for that 15–30 minute ride.
• Step 3: Pay or pre‑authorise as directed (some reports mention card being taken at the desk) and note the car details before heading outside.
• Step 4: Walk across the short covered area to the signed Arrow Cars rank opposite T1; staff will direct you to the next car in line.
• Step 5: On arrival at your address, check the meter or agreed fare against the original quote before you get out and keep the receipt for expense claims or return planning.

What regulars do and what to watch for

Locals on Nottingham and Derby Reddit threads often pre‑book a trusted city minicab on a fixed fare instead, then ask for pickup at EMA’s short‑stay car park or nearby hotels and business parks a few hundred metres from the terminal loop to dodge the official premium. They say this can shave several pounds off the same 13–20 mile routes.

When two or three late‑night flights land together, reviewers report short queues at the rank and waits of 5–15 minutes while cars cycle through, even though Arrow advertises 24/7 cover. Others complain that meter totals run higher than vague “about £X” desk quotes when the A453 or M1 clogs up, so push for a fixed price before you commit.

Practical tip: price out your trip with a local Nottingham, Derby or Leicester firm the day before, then compare it to the Arrow Cars desk quote at T1; if the difference is more than £5–£10 for the same 15–30 minute hop, use the pre‑booked option instead.