Europe > United Kingdom > East Midlands (EMA)
The Car or no Car advice for East Midlands can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in East Midlands ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in East Midlands ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in East Midlands?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
If you are asking should you rent a car in the East Midlands, the answer is very often yes, and more so than in many other parts of England. The East Midlands is not centred on a single dominant city. Instead, it is a dispersed region made up of Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, and extensive rural areas in between. That geography heavily influences transport choices.
East Midlands without a car 🚆🚌
Public transport in the region is functional but fragmented. Nottingham has the strongest local network, with an extensive tram system and good bus coverage. Leicester and Derby are also well served by buses and mainline rail connections, especially along the Midland Main Line to London.
However, East Midlands Airport itself does not have a direct rail station. Passengers must use buses to connect with nearby stations such as East Midlands Parkway, Derby, or Nottingham. While these connections work, they add time and complexity, especially if you are travelling with luggage.
Once you leave the main cities, public transport becomes less frequent. Rural buses are slow, and many attractive destinations require careful planning or multiple changes.
When renting a car makes sense 🚗
This is where a rental car becomes extremely useful. The East Midlands Airport area is surrounded by major road links, including the M1, A42, and A50. Car hire at the airport is straightforward, with a wide choice of providers and generally competitive pricing.
A car allows easy access to the Peak District National Park, including areas not well served by rail. It also makes it far simpler to explore market towns, stately homes, and countryside attractions spread across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, and Nottinghamshire.
Driving between Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester is also much faster by road than by public transport, especially if you are visiting more than one city.
Rail strengths still matter 🚄
That said, the East Midlands is well placed for longer-distance rail travel. Trains from Nottingham, Derby, and Leicester provide fast links to London, Sheffield, and beyond. Many visitors combine rail travel for city-to-city movement with short-term car hire for countryside exploration.
Conclusion: should you rent a car in the East Midlands?
For city-only travel, trains and buses can work. However, for flexibility, countryside access, and efficient regional travel, renting a car is often the most practical choice 🚙🌄.