East Midlands Airport is small and easy to navigate with children — the terminal is compact, distances are short, and it never feels overwhelming. The challenge for families is the onward journey, which is longer than at most UK airports.
The bus with children
The Skylink bus to Nottingham takes 50–60 minutes, and to Leicester, 75–90 minutes. That is a long ride with tired, restless children after a flight. The buses have luggage space and are comfortable enough, but managing suitcases, a pushchair, and children on a moving bus for nearly an hour is tiring.
Reduced fares for children are normally available, and very young children usually travel free — check the operator's current rules before you travel. If your children are old enough to sit independently and you are traveling light, the bus is a reasonable option. With younger children or heavy luggage, it is not.
Car seats and taxis
EMA taxis do not carry child car seats. UK law exempts licensed taxis and private hire vehicles from child restraint requirements, but that does not make it safe — especially for a 30–60 minute journey on motorways.
Your options:
- Bring your own travel car seat — practical for short trips, less so with heavy luggage
- Book a private transfer with a car seat requested at booking — the driver installs it before arrival
Family transport comparison
| Option | Cost (family of 4, to Nottingham) | Journey time | Car seat | Luggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skylink bus | Per-person fares — check the operator | 50–60 min | N/A | Limited |
| Taxi | Agree the fare before you set off | 30–45 min | Not available | Moderate |
| Private sedan | see the current price in our search | 30–45 min | On request | Good |
| Private minivan | GBP 60–80 | 30–45 min | On request | Excellent |
Fixed-price private transfer
EMA Nottingham City Center
From€67for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €107 per vehicle, about €27 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Airport facilities for families
- Baby changing facilities in arrivals restrooms
- Free luggage trolleys at baggage reclaim
- The terminal is single-level after arrivals — no stairs or escalators to manage
- A small cafe and shop in arrivals for snacks and drinks
- The walk from arrivals to the bus stop or taxi rank is under 3 minutes
The recommendation
Given the longer distances from EMA, families with young children should seriously consider a private transfer — especially to Nottingham or Leicester. Spending an hour on a bus with a toddler and suitcases after a flight is avoidable for a modest cost. A minivan see the current price in our search to Nottingham, with car seats installed and luggage handled, is a much more comfortable start to your trip.
When a private transfer from EMA is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Nottingham City Center is from €107, about €27 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
EMA → Nottingham City Center from €67Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
EMA Nottingham City Center
From€67for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €107 per vehicle, about €27 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup