Short Stay vs Mid Stay Parking at East Midlands Airport

Choosing the right car park at East Midlands Airport can make the start of your journey much easier. Short Stay vs Mid Stay parking at East Midlands Airport comes down to one trade-off: Short Stay is closer to the terminal, while Mid Stay is a slightly longer walk but can be better value for longer trips. This guide compares prices, walking distances and which car park suits your trip.

Short Stay vs Mid Stay at a glance

What is Short Stay parking at East Midlands Airport?

Short Stay is designed for passengers who want to park as close to the terminal as possible. It is approximately a 1–2 minute walk to departures, which makes it especially convenient if you have heavy luggage or young children, or simply want the shortest distance between your car and check-in.

Short Stay also makes sense for short trips where convenience matters more than finding the lowest price. For a closer look at the drop-off rules around the terminal, see our guide to pick-up and drop-off at East Midlands Airport.

Who is Short Stay best for?

• Travellers on a short break
• Anyone who wants the shortest possible walk to the terminal
• Families with young children or several bags
• Drivers who prefer convenience over a small saving

What is Mid Stay parking at East Midlands Airport?

Mid Stay is another on-site option at East Midlands Airport, approximately a 6–7 minute walk from the terminal. It is further than Short Stay, but it can offer better value if you are leaving your car for several days.

The current parking plan lists Mid Stay from £51.99 for 8 days, compared with Short Stay from £52.99 for 4 days. Always check the price for your exact travel dates before booking.

Short Stay vs Mid Stay: which is cheaper?

The price depends on your travel dates, how long you park and whether you pre-book. Pre-booked examples are £52.99 for 4 days in Short Stay and £51.99 for 8 days in Mid Stay. Turn-up examples are £59 per day for Short Stay and £395 for 7 days for Mid Stay, so booking ahead makes a big difference.

For a full breakdown of weekly costs across every option, read our guide to parking at East Midlands Airport: weekly prices, meet and greet and drop-off.

Short Stay vs Mid Stay: walking distance

The biggest practical difference is distance. Short Stay is about a 1–2 minute walk; Mid Stay is about 6–7 minutes. If reaching the terminal quickly is your priority, Short Stay wins. If you are happy to walk a few extra minutes for potentially better value, Mid Stay may be the better choice.

Which car park is best for a short trip?

For a trip of a few days, Short Stay is usually the most convenient, and being close to the terminal may be worth paying a little more for. It is still worth checking Mid Stay prices first, as the difference can be small depending on your dates.

Which car park is best for a week-long trip?

For a week away, Mid Stay is worth considering. The parking plan highlights Mid Stay for longer stays, with prices from £51.99 for 8 days, so a few extra minutes of walking can be a fair trade for better value. You may also want to compare Long Stay parking prices and shuttles.

What about meet and greet parking?

If walking from any car park is not ideal, compare Short Stay and Mid Stay with meet and greet. You drive to the terminal, hand over your keys and walk straight to departures, and your car is waiting when you land. Midlands Parking meet and greet is worth comparing, especially with all-inclusive pricing that covers airport entry fees.

Short Stay or Mid Stay: which should you choose?

Choose Short Stay if you want the shortest walk, are taking a short trip, have lots of luggage or value convenience most.

Choose Mid Stay if you are away for several days, want better value for a longer stay and do not mind a 6–7 minute walk.

For most week-long holidays, check Mid Stay first. For maximum convenience, Short Stay is the stronger choice.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Short Stay parking from the East Midlands Airport terminal?

Short Stay is approximately a 1–2 minute walk from the terminal.

How far is Mid Stay parking from the East Midlands Airport terminal?

Mid Stay is approximately a 6–7 minute walk from the terminal.

Is Mid Stay parking cheaper than Short Stay?

It can be better value for longer stays. The current plan lists Mid Stay from £51.99 for 8 days and Short Stay from £52.99 for 4 days. Prices vary with dates and availability.

Is Short Stay better for a short trip?

Short Stay is convenient for short trips because it is closest to the terminal. Compare the price for your exact dates before booking.

Should I choose Mid Stay for a week-long holiday?

Mid Stay is worth considering for a week away, as the extra walk may be offset by better value. See our parking FAQs for more help choosing.

Final verdict

If convenience and the shortest walk are your priorities, Short Stay is the obvious choice. If you are away for several days and do not mind a 6–7 minute walk, Mid Stay could offer better value. Compare both for your exact dates, or skip the walk altogether and book meet and greet parking with Midlands Parking.