Flying Space-A to Mildenhall, England: 9 Things You Need to Know

1. Flights To and From RAF Mildenhall

Published flights between RAF Mildenhall and the U.S. are not frequent. The locations most likely to have them are Dover Air Force Base (Delaware) and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (New Jersey).

Ramstein Air Base in Germany also has flights to/from RAF Mildenhall and is relatively easy to reach by flying Space-A. If you can get to Ramstein, it should be easy to hop to the U.K. or find a cheap commercial flight.

Please note that these are only the most frequent flights based on historical data. All Space-A flights are determined by mission needs, which change constantly.

Visit the Mildenhall passenger terminal’s web page to view their current flight schedules.

2. Immigration Process

The immigration process throughout the UK is electronic. When you land at RAF Mildenhall, passenger terminal staff collect your passport and call UK border control with the details. You will not receive a stamp in your passport, but the process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on how many Space-A passengers were on your flight.

When you travel through other airports in the UK, you also will not receive a stamp in your passport. You will scan your passport, and unless you are flagged, you won’t even interact with an immigration official.

Note: U.S. passport-holders can stay in the U.K. for up to 6 months without a visa.

3. Base Lodging

The Gateway Inn on RAF Mildenhall is a 5-minute walk from the passenger terminal. In general, they take Space-A reservations up to 7 days in advance from May through September, although during summer PCS season, they may temporarily stop accepting Space-A guests. At other times of the year, Space-A reservations are accepted up to 3 months in advance.

RAF Lakenheath, another U.S. Air Force base about 5 miles from RAF Mildenhall, also has rooms at Liberty Lodge.

Contact the facilities directly for current rates and reservation policies.

Plan your next Space-A adventure with our free 50-page Guide to Military Space-A Travel.

4. Civilian Lodging

Mildenhall has a few small hotels, which may be less expensive than base lodging. Among the closest are:

The Annexe at Asbit Lodge: The small guesthouse in Mildenhall is well-rated and reasonably priced, plus it offers free bikes to guests. It has two rooms, each with private shower. The Annexe I sleeps up to three guests, and the Annexe II can accommodate up to four. Check rates and availability now.

Riverside House Hotel: This hotel on the River Lark has modern rooms, but the hotel has retained much of its traditional charm. See photos and pricing here.

Shakespeare Lodge: These furnished 1- and 2-bedroom apartments are in multiple locations near RAF Mildenhall and RAF Lakenheath. They are only available for travelers staying a week or more. Visit their website for more details.

Search here for other hotels near Mildenhall.

Note: Bird in Hand, which was formerly the closest off-base lodging option, no longer functions as a hotel.

5. Local Taxis

The RAF Mildenhall AMC Gram has a list of local taxi services, three of which have base access.

• M&L Taxi has an office at the Gateway Inn on RAF Mildenhall. Their DSN is 238-2984. Commercial line is +44-1638-71-2261.
• Phoenix has an office on RAF Lakenheath near the front gate. Their phone number is +44-1638-53-3060.
• Town and Country also has base access: +44-7379-81-1373.

If you are traveling to RAF Mildenhall using a taxi service without base access, have the driver drop you at the Beck Row gate (labeled “RAF Mildenhall Out Gate” on Google Maps), which is a short walk from the passenger terminal and other base services. The front gate is more than a mile from the main part of the base.

When using an off-base taxi to go to Lakenheath, have them drop you at the front gate.

6. Rental Cars

The closest car rental option is Mildenhire. The best way to make a reservation at Mildenhire is by calling them directly.

Search online for other rental cars near Mildenhall.

Other services are in nearby towns and may be willing to pick you up at the gate to bring you to their office if you have reserved a car. If not, expect to pay upwards of £30 to take a taxi.

Note that if you have a vehicle, you can only enter Mildenhall through the front gate. The Beck Row gate is exit-only for vehicles (pedestrians can enter and exit 24/7).

7. Access to Base Facilities

Use of the Exchange and Commissary is restricted by the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the U.S. and the U.K. If you are a retiree or active duty stationed outside the U.K., you are not authorized to shop at either store.

You can eat at the food court in the Exchange and at Mildenhall’s Galaxy Club, which is a 2-block walk from the Gateway Inn.

Retirees and others Space-A travelers can also join tours through the Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT) office located in the Lakenheath Exchange.

8. Travel to London

National Express has coach buses that run from the bus station in downtown Mildenhall to various locations throughout London.

The train between Ely Station (approximately 30 minutes and £25 from RAF Mildenhall by taxi) and King’s Cross station in London takes about 75 minutes. King’s Cross station is connected to St. Pancras station, where you can catch the Eurostar to Paris, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

| Related Reading: The Best Day Trips & Getaways from Mildenhall

9. Local Civilian Airports

There are four international airports within a few hours of Mildenhall.

London Stansted is the closest civilian airport. Many European low-cost carriers fly out of Stansted, and it is a major hub for RyanAir. The train from Ely to Stansted takes about an hour, and National Express has a direct bus from downtown Mildenhall that takes 90 minutes.

(A RyanAir gift card can make the perfect gift for a military traveler!)

London Luton is another smaller airport that is primarily serviced by low-cost carriers. The best way to get there is by car (about 90 minutes).

You can reach London Gatwick and London Heathrow airports by train or bus. The journey takes between 2 and 3 hours. Use the Omio website or app to compare schedules and pricing for the train and bus and to purchase tickets.

Moreton Heights Chauffeur Services also offers airport transfer services and has base access.

Note: RAF Mildenhall no longer has a shuttle bus to London Heathrow.

Ready to Fly Space-A to Mildenhall?

In preparation for your trip, remember to review the Quickstart Guide to Space-A flights so you’re familiar with the process and know how to boost your chances of getting a seat.

Also, don’t forget your passport and any other documents you need!