Luton Airport: Best Ways To Get There

how can i get to luton airport

London Luton Airport is located 56km (35 miles) northwest of Central London and is accessible by car, train, bus, or coach. The fastest way to get to the airport from Central London is by car, which takes just over half an hour. Alternatively, you can take the train from London St. Pancras International to the airport in as little as 32 minutes. The Luton DART, which replaced the shuttle bus service, connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station in under 4 minutes. National Express coaches also offer affordable and comfortable travel options to the airport, with tickets starting at £7 one-way.

Characteristics Values
Location 56km (35 miles) north-west of central London
Terminals 1
Arrival facilities Shops, restaurants, currency exchange, and an onward travel centre
Departure facilities Shops, restaurants, bars, a kids play area, and two lounges
Transport options Car, bus, coach, train, taxi
Car Short-term, mid-term, and long-term parking options available
Bus National Express and Green Line run frequent services from central London locations
Coach National Express offers tickets from £7 one-way with 51 daily trips and a journey time of 35 minutes
Train Thameslink operates 24-hour services to London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, and St Pancras International
Direct trains from London St Pancras to London Luton Airport in as little as 32 minutes
Luton DART: a shuttle service connecting Luton Airport to Luton Airport Parkway train station in 4 minutes
Taxi Drop-off available at Mid Stay Car Park with a 10-minute walk to the terminal

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By train from London St Pancras

London Luton Airport is well-connected to London St Pancras International by train. The average journey time is around 33 minutes, with the fastest services taking just 22 minutes. This route is served by East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Thameslink, with up to 7 trains departing each hour. The first train leaves London St Pancras at 04:44, while the last train heading to Luton Airport departs at 00:57.

You can expect a comfortable, stress-free journey with free WiFi on board. The standard fare starts from as little as £4.26 when booked in advance, with discounted fares available for eligible passengers with a National Railcard. Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are also perfect for quieter trains and cheaper fares. If you're a frequent traveller, a Railcard can save you up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.

Upon arrival at Luton Airport Parkway, you can reach the airport terminal in just four minutes via the Luton DART shuttle service. Tickets for the DART can be purchased in advance for as little as £10, including the transfer from the terminal.

The Luton Airport Express train service also offers a direct connection between London St Pancras International and the airport terminal, with a journey time of 32 minutes. This service runs every 30 minutes.

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By coach from London Victoria Coach Station

London Victoria Coach Station, located on Buckingham Palace Road, is a convenient option for those looking to travel to Luton Airport by coach. The station is easily accessible by public transportation, including the Tube lines Victoria, Circle, and District, which connect to the adjacent Victoria Railway Station. With regular and frequent journeys available 24 hours a day, the 28-mile (46km) trip is serviced by National Express and Megabus, offering almost 100 trips daily during the week and over 110 on weekends. The average journey time is approximately 1 hour and 47 minutes, with tickets priced at £7-8 one-way.

The coach journey from London Victoria to Luton Airport is typically direct, allowing passengers to reach their destination without any stops along the way. However, some bus schedules may include stops, so it is advisable to check the schedule when purchasing your ticket if a direct trip is preferred. Passengers can expect a comfortable journey with good seats and footrests, as well as access to various amenities, including dining options, restrooms, shops, and charging facilities.

The London Victoria Coach Station itself offers a range of facilities to meet travellers' needs. These include cafes, shops, restrooms, a Bureau de Change, ATMs, and waiting rooms. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the coach station around 20 minutes before their scheduled departure time to account for any unforeseen delays.

Upon arrival at Luton Airport, the coach drop-off points are conveniently located right outside the terminal building, providing easy access to the Departures entrance. Luton Airport also boasts a range of facilities, including shops, restaurants, bars, a currency exchange, and an onward travel centre for booking onward transportation.

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By bus from central London locations

National Express and Green Line run fast and frequent bus services from many central London locations to Luton Airport. The coach drop-off points and bus bays are conveniently located right outside the terminal building, just a stone's throw from the entrance to Departures.

The first coach leaves from London Victoria Coach Station at 00:01 am, arriving at Luton Airport Bus Station at 01:30 am. The last coach leaves from Victoria Coach Station at 23:30 pm, arriving at Luton Airport Bus Station at 00:50 am. A one-way journey from London to Luton Airport is available from £7, with up to 51 daily trips. The fastest coach journey from London to Luton Airport takes 35 minutes from the Golders Green stop.

The A1 National Express route runs to Victoria Coach Station, stopping at Golders Green, Finchley Road & Frognal Overground station, and Finchley Road. The Change & Go add-on allows you to board any coach to and from your chosen location for £5 each way. You can switch to another service within the 24-hour flexibility period (12 hours pre-departure or 12 hours post-departure), subject to availability.

It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 2 to 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in and security.

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By car from London or elsewhere

Driving to London Luton Airport is a convenient option for those travelling by car. The airport is located 56km (35 miles) north-west of central London, and the journey from London can be completed in just over half an hour by car.

London Luton Airport offers a range of parking options to suit different budgets and durations. Short-term, mid-term, and long-term car parks are available, providing flexibility for travellers. Official on-site car parks are recommended to save money on travel expenses. Additionally, there are approved suppliers operating in the car hire centre for those who require car rental services.

When driving to the airport, it is advisable to arrive 2 to 3 hours before your flight's scheduled departure. This buffer allows sufficient time for check-in, security procedures, and exploring the departure lounge amenities.

For those travelling by car, the airport provides clear driving directions and drop-off/pick-up information on its official website. This information ensures a smooth journey to and from the airport for both drivers and passengers.

If you are travelling from London, the M1 is the most direct route to the airport. Exit the motorway at Junction 10 and follow the signs to the airport. The airport is clearly signposted from the motorway, making it easy to navigate.

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By taxi

London Luton Airport is located just 28 miles north of Central London. There are several taxi services that can take you to and from the airport.

Taxi Options

London Luton Airport Taxis, 1ST Airport Taxis, and Luton Airport Taxis LTD are some of the taxi services that provide transfers to and from London Luton Airport. These companies offer a range of vehicles, from standard taxis to executive cars, MPVs, and minibuses, accommodating up to 16 passengers.

Booking and Pricing

You can book your taxi online or through mobile apps like Minicabit, which compares prices from over 1,000 licensed operators to find the best option for you. You can also request a free, no-obligation quote from Luton Airport Taxis LTD by providing your journey details.

Benefits of Taxi Services

Taxi services to and from London Luton Airport offer various benefits. These include flight monitoring, ensuring that your driver is aware of any delays or early arrivals. Additionally, some companies provide free child seats, meet-and-greet services, and no hidden charges.

Pick-up and Drop-off Zones

The airport's Drop Off/Pick Up Zone is located just outside the terminal front, with a charge of £5 for the first 5 minutes and £1 for each additional minute. Alternatively, your taxi driver can drop you off for free in the Mid Stay Car Park, from where it's approximately a 10-minute walk to the terminal.

Frequently asked questions

Trains from London St Pancras to London Luton Airport take as little as 32 minutes. Trains run every 30 minutes and tickets cost £4.90. You can also take the Luton DART, which takes four minutes to get from Luton Airport Parkway to the airport.

National Express coaches run from London Victoria Coach Station to Luton Airport Bus Station. The journey takes between 35 minutes and 1 hour and tickets start at £7 one-way.

Yes, London Luton Airport has short-term, mid-term and long-term car parks. Driving to the airport can save you money on travel expenses, but you should arrive 2-3 hours before your flight to allow time for check-in and security.

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