
Luton Airport is easily accessible by road, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to drive. The airport is located just off Junction 10 of the M1 motorway, and it takes about an hour to get to central London. However, if you're looking to use public transport, Oyster cards are not valid on the train to or from Luton Airport. You can, however, use a contactless card or device, or buy a paper ticket. Alternatively, you can take a coach from Victoria Coach Station or other pick-up points in central and north London.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I use an Oyster card from Luton Airport to London? | No |
| Where can I buy an Oyster card? | Oyster cards can be purchased at Luton Airport from National Express or in the Onward Travel Centre. |
| Where can I use an Oyster card? | Oyster cards can be used on the Tube, DLR, London Overground, and most National Rail services in London. |
| What are the benefits of an Oyster card? | Oyster cards can be topped up online and are one of the cheapest ways to pay for single journeys. |
| What are the alternatives to Oyster cards for travelling from Luton Airport to London? | Contactless payment cards, paper tickets, coach services, or driving |
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What You'll Learn
- Oyster cards are not valid on trains to/from Luton Airport
- You can buy an Oyster card at Luton London Airport
- Contactless cards are accepted at Luton Airport Parkway
- The Luton Airport DART shuttle connects to the terminal in under 5 minutes
- Driving to Luton Airport is straightforward, via the M1 motorway

Oyster cards are not valid on trains to/from Luton Airport
Oyster cards are not valid on trains to and from Luton Airport. This is because the Oyster card system runs on a legacy backend system that cannot handle the extra outside-of-London zones. The last stop where Oyster is valid is Radlett, and you will need to use a contactless payment card or device or buy a paper ticket from Luton Airport Parkway onwards.
Luton Airport is easily accessible by road, making it a convenient option for those who prefer to drive. The airport is located just off Junction 10 of the M1 motorway, and it takes about 30 minutes to reach North London in normal traffic conditions. Luton Airport parking options are plentiful and well-organized, with options for long-stay, mid-stay, short-stay, and premium parking. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rates.
If you prefer to take public transportation, there are a few options. National Express runs frequent, direct coach services between Luton Airport and Central London 24 hours a day, with up to 47 departures daily. Fares start from £6 one-way, and the fastest journey to London Golders Green takes 40 minutes. From Luton airport, you can take the coach to Golders Green and then switch to the Underground.
Two train companies operate the Luton Airport-London route: Thameslink and East Midlands Trains. Both companies depart from St Pancras International Station, and Thameslink also leaves from other stations in London. Tickets for this route cost £24.10 for an "Anytime single" paper ticket and £19.30 for a "Super Off-Peak Single" for travel on weekends and bank holidays. It is possible to pay for this journey with a contactless card or device, but not with an Oyster card.
From Luton Airport, you can take the dedicated airport shuttle train to Luton Airport Parkway station in under 5 minutes. At Luton Airport Parkway, you can catch direct train services to London St Pancras International, London Bridge, Wimbledon, and other major destinations across London and the South. These services are part of the Bedford to Brighton line, which runs as frequently as every 15 minutes during peak times.
You can buy an Oyster card at Luton Airport from National Express or at the Onward Travel Centre. A Visitor Oyster card can be delivered to your home before your visit, and it is one of the cheapest ways to pay for single journeys on bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, and most National Rail services in London.
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You can buy an Oyster card at Luton London Airport
Oyster cards are not valid on the train to or from Luton Airport. The last stop where Oyster is valid is Radlett. However, you can use a contactless payment card from Luton Airport Parkway to St. Pancras.
If you are looking to purchase an Oyster card, you can buy one at Luton London Airport from National Express or in the Onward Travel Centre. You can also get a Visitor Oyster card delivered to your home address before your visit. Oyster cards can be purchased at all London airports and stations. A Visitor Oyster card is one of the cheapest ways to pay for single journeys on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR, London Overground, and most National Rail services in London. You pay £7 (non-refundable) to get an Oyster card, and you can top up your credit online.
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Contactless cards are accepted at Luton Airport Parkway
Oyster cards cannot be used for travel between Luton Airport and London. The Oyster card system runs on a legacy backend system that cannot handle the extra outside-of-London zones. However, contactless cards are accepted at Luton Airport Parkway, which is the nearest train station to Luton Airport.
Contactless payments were launched at Luton Airport Parkway in October 2019, allowing passengers to use their contactless payment cards or smartphone payment apps on the station's yellow readers. This means that passengers travelling from London to Luton Airport can use their contactless cards to travel to Luton Airport Parkway and then take the Luton DART shuttle to the airport.
The Luton DART shuttle connects Luton Airport Parkway station to the airport in under four minutes. This shuttle also accepts contactless payments, allowing passengers to use a simple tap-and-go method to reach the airport terminal. Passengers can also purchase a combined ticket for the train and the Luton DART by selecting Luton Airport as their destination when booking.
The introduction of contactless payments at Luton Airport Parkway has made travel between London and Luton Airport quicker and more convenient. Passengers can now reach the airport with just their contactless cards, eliminating the need for pre-purchased tickets or cash payments. This extension of contactless payments is part of an effort to enhance the travel experience for passengers travelling to and from Luton Airport.
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The Luton Airport DART shuttle connects to the terminal in under 5 minutes
The Luton Airport DART shuttle offers a fast and efficient connection between Luton Airport Parkway and the airport terminal. The shuttle operates 24/7, with shuttles arriving as frequently as every 4 minutes during peak hours. This service replaced the previous shuttle bus service, providing a much quicker and more seamless transfer from the train to the plane.
The Luton DART can be accessed via Kimpton Road or Platform 1 at Luton Airport Parkway. The DART stations offer various amenities, including Wi-Fi, toilets, phone charging facilities, and coffee. Additionally, the stations are fully accessible for passengers with special needs and provide step-free access to all platforms through lifts and escalators.
The journey from Luton Airport Parkway to the terminal on the Luton DART takes less than 5 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travellers. The DART shuttle is fully automated and electrically powered, providing a reliable and environmentally friendly mode of transport.
When travelling from London to Luton Airport, passengers can take the Luton Airport Express train from London St Pancras, arriving at Luton Airport Parkway in 22 minutes. From there, the Luton DART shuttle provides a direct connection to the airport terminal in under 4 minutes. It is important to note that the Luton DART requires a separate ticket, which can be purchased in advance or on the day of travel.
While Oyster cards are not valid for the train to/from Luton Airport, passengers can use a contactless card or device or purchase a paper ticket for the journey. The Luton DART offers a seamless and sustainable travel experience, enhancing the overall convenience of travelling to and from Luton Airport from central London.
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Driving to Luton Airport is straightforward, via the M1 motorway
Using an Oyster Card from Luton Airport to London
Using an Oyster card from Luton Airport to London is not possible. Oyster cards are not valid on the train to or from Luton Airport. You can, however, use a contactless card or device or buy a paper ticket.
Driving to Luton Airport via the M1 Motorway
Driving to Luton Airport is straightforward, thanks to its proximity to the M1 motorway. Here are some detailed instructions to help you navigate:
When driving to Luton Airport, you'll want to head towards the M1 motorway. This major road provides a direct route to and from London, making it easily accessible from the north and south of the country. The M1 is the main route to and from London, so it's well-signposted, and you should have no trouble finding it.
Once you're on the M1, you'll want to exit at Junction 10. From here, the airport is just a short distance away, and you'll see signs directing you to the airport. Follow these signs, and you'll arrive at the airport in no time. The airport is only about two miles from Junction 10, so it's a quick and convenient drive.
If you're coming from the M40 or M25, you'll also want to join the M1, heading south. You'll join the M25 at Junction 6 and exit at Junction 16 to get onto the M40. From here, follow the signs to the M1, and then the airport.
To leave the airport, simply follow the exit signs from your car park. Then, join the A505 dual carriageway through Hitchin, and you'll soon see signs for the M1. It's a straightforward route, and with real-time traffic updates and alerts, you can plan your journey to arrive on time and avoid any unexpected delays or fines.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Oyster cards are not valid on the train to/from Luton Airport. You can use a contactless card/device or buy a paper ticket.
Oyster cards can be purchased at all London airports and stations.
National Express runs frequent, direct coach services between Luton Airport and Central London 24 hours a day, with fares starting from £6 one-way.
Driving to Luton Airport is straightforward, with the airport located just off Junction 10 of the M1 motorway. In normal traffic conditions, it takes around 30 minutes to reach North London.
The most convenient railway station for reaching Luton Airport is Luton Airport Parkway. From here, you can catch direct train services to London St Pancras International, London Bridge, Wimbledon, and many other major destinations across London and the South.











































