Find your perfect car hire at East Midlands Airport
Nottingham East Midlands Airport is close to Nottingham, Derby and Leicester. The Airport is easily accessible from all parts of the UK.
Directions from M1
Take either junction 23a or 24 off of the M1 and pick up signs for the airport.
Directions from M42
Continue until M42 turns into A42, you will pick up signs for the airport.
Where to find Avis at East Midlands Airport
Picking up your hire car at Avis East Midlands Airport
A shuttle bus located at the front of the terminal operates from April to October. At all other times, it’s a short walk to the Car Rental Centre.
Vehicle keys cannot be left at the airport information desk or other third party.
Where to return your Avis car
All vehicles should be returned to the Car Rental Village located on Ambassador Road, DE74 2SA.
Directions to the car rental village
After turning into the airport, take the first exit at the roundabout onto Viscount Road. Continue straight at the first mini roundabout. On the next roundabout take the first exit onto Ambassador Road and follow for around 200yds until you see the car hire entrance.
In-hours return procedure
At the Car Rental Village, please park your rental vehicle in the return bays marked ‘Avis Budget’.
Out-of-hours return procedure
If you need to return your vehicle outside of our opening hours, please park in the return bays marked ‘Avis Budget’. Remember to lock your rental vehicle and then leave your keys in the drop box at the ‘Avis Budget’ cabin.
Any cars returned to the short-stay car park at the airport will incur a parking charge and liability will be the renter.
Avis services in Nottingham
Our car rental services in Nottingham offer a wide selection of vehicles suitable for city driving, business trips and longer journeys. You can choose a practical compact car ideal for navigating city streets or winding rural lanes, a comfortable sedan or an SUV offering more space for longer drives and road trips. Additional equipment is also available including GPS, child seats plus additional driver options.
East Midlands Airport car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for hiring a car at East Midlands Airport?
The minimum age depends on the country and the car group you choose, and a young driver surcharge may apply to drivers under 25. Check the rental terms shown during booking for the exact requirements. Drivers also need a full, valid driving licence, so bring yours when you collect the car.
Can I pick up my hire car at East Midlands Airport and return it to another location?
Yes. One-way rental with Avis lets you collect your car at East Midlands Airport and return it to another Avis location. Availability and any one-way fee depend on your route, so check when you book. Many Avis locations also offer 24-hour drop-off, which makes one-way trips more flexible.
Is it worth hiring a car at East Midlands Airport?
Yes. The airport sits between Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, and a car makes it easy to reach all three, plus the Peak District and Sherwood Forest, at your own pace. Public transport to smaller towns and villages is more limited.
What type of car should I hire for the East Midlands?
A compact car suits city driving and tight parking. For longer trips with family or luggage, or for the hills of the Peak District, an estate or SUV is more comfortable. You can choose your preferred car group and add any extras you need when you book.
Tips for driving in Nottingham and the United Kingdom
Which side of the road?
In the United Kingdom, please drive on the left side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device
- There is a congestion charge payable when driving in London
- Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
- Zebra crossings (black and white stripes on the road) give pedestrians right of way to cross the road
Speed Limits
All speed signs will be in mph.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban areas: 30 mph (48 km/h)
- Motorways: 70 mph (112 km/h)
- Rural areas: 60 mph (96 km/h)
Unless indicated by road signs.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 or less than 135cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.
Explore Nottingham and the East Midlands with your hire car
East Midlands Airport sits close to Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, so you are never far from your first stop. In Nottingham, wander the historic Lace Market, explore the caves beneath the city and visit Nottingham Castle. Then follow the Robin Hood story to Sherwood Forest, where the Major Oak has stood for centuries.
To the north-west, the Peak District has rolling moors, stone villages and some of the best walking in England. A car lets you combine city and countryside in a single day and stop wherever takes your fancy. Check out car hire in Nottingham for more road trip inspiration.
For driving advice, see our UK road rules guide.
Why choose Avis for your East Midlands Airport hire car?
Avis helps you start your East Midlands trip with less fuss. Book direct and you get the benefits below, whatever the length of your trip.
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers. - Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover. - Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more. - Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.