The closest station to East Midlands Airport is Long Eaton.
From there, if you’re in a hurry you head down the B6450 until you reach the junction with the A50.
If you’re not in a hurry you can take tracks alongside the River Trent
The A50 junction is massive but has cycle bypasses.
Head into Castle Donington (your last chance to take refreshments) and then up the quite steep Hill Top Rd. Turn right at the roundabout at the top.
The airport perimeter rd has an off-road shared use path.
When you reach the A453 turn left and take the first left to access the airport service roads – much quieter.
Follow through to the terminal.