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London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW) is an international airport located in Luton, England, just 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of Luton's town centre. It is one of London's six international airports and is the fourth-busiest airport serving London, after Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. The airport is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and is managed by the private sector London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL). London Luton Airport offers travellers a range of facilities, including cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, currency exchange services, and a dedicated Chaplaincy team and multi-faith prayer room.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of Luton town centre |
| Ownership | Luton Borough Council |
| Management | London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL) |
| Distance from London | 56km (35 miles) north-west of central London |
| Transport to London | 32 minutes by train; 1-hour by National Express coach |
| Transport to Luton Airport Parkway station | 4 minutes by Luton DART |
| Transport to St. Pancras International | 32 minutes by Luton Airport Express; 23 minutes by Thameslink |
| Transport to London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, and St. Pancras International | 24-hour Thameslink service |
| Transport to Brent Cross West, West Hampstead, and Greenwich | Thameslink service |
| Car parking | Official on-site car parks available |
| Car hire | Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar |
| Annual passengers | 16.5 million (2018) |
| Ranking | Fourth-largest airport serving the London area; fifth busiest airport in the UK |
| Airlines | EasyJet, TUI Airways, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and formerly Monarch Airlines |
| Destinations | Over 145 destinations, mostly in Europe, with some in Northern Africa and Asia |
| Facilities | Currency exchange, ATMs, cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, departure lounge, and a multi-faith prayer room |
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What You'll Learn
London Luton Airport's history
London Luton Airport, previously Luton Municipal Airport, is an international airport located in Luton, England, situated 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre. It is the fourth-busiest airport serving London and is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and operated by London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL).
The airport was officially opened on 16 July 1938 by the Right Honourable Kingsley Wood, the Secretary of State for Air. During World War II, the airport was used by the Royal Air Force, serving as a base for 264 Fighter Squadron. It also doubled as a manufacturing site for both civil and military aircraft. Following the war, the airport was returned to the local council, and commercial activity resumed in 1952, with the opening of a new control tower.
During the 1960s, Luton Airport played a pivotal role in the development of the package holiday business. The formation of Euravia in 1962, now Britannia Airways, was instrumental in this growth. By 1969, a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departed from Luton Airport, and by 1972, it had become the country's most profitable airport. However, the airport suffered a setback in 1974 when Clarksons, a significant package holiday operator, and its in-house airline Court Line went into liquidation. Despite this, an expansion plan was initiated in the late 1970s to accommodate up to 5 million passengers annually.
In 1985, a new international terminal building was opened by the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles III. The airport was renamed London Luton Airport in 1990 to emphasise its proximity to the capital. The arrival of new operators in the 1990s, such as MyTravel Group and low-cost flights from Debonair and EasyJet, led to a rapid increase in passenger numbers, making it the fastest-growing major airport in the UK. To accommodate this growth, a new £40 million terminal was opened in 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
In 2018, London Luton Airport handled a record 16.5 million passengers, making it the fifth busiest airport in the UK. It continues to be a significant airport serving the London area and has seen a post-pandemic recovery in passenger numbers.
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Transport to and from the airport
London Luton Airport (LTN) is located 56km (35 miles) northwest of Central London. The airport is accessible by car, train, bus, and coach.
Car
London Luton Airport can be reached by car from Central London in just over half an hour. The airport has official on-site car parks, as well as short-term, mid-term, and long-term parking options. There is also a free shuttle bus that takes passengers to the Car Hire Centre, where providers such as Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar offer a range of rental options.
Train
The airport is connected to Central London via fast rail services, with journey times from 32 minutes. The Luton DART, an automated people mover, connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station in just four minutes. Tickets for the Luton DART cost £4.90 and can be purchased at the airport or via contactless payment. From Luton Airport Parkway, Thameslink operates 24-hour services to London Bridge, Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon, and St Pancras International, as well as local London stations such as Brent Cross West, West Hampstead, and Greenwich. The Luton Airport Express runs every 30 minutes to St Pancras International, with a journey time of 23 minutes.
Bus and Coach
National Express and Green Line offer 24-hour bus and coach services to and from the airport, with fast and frequent connections to key UK locations and Central London destinations such as Victoria Coach Station. The airport's coach drop-off points and bus bays are located right outside the terminal building. Licensed taxis are also available at the airport.
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Facilities and amenities
London Luton Airport has a range of facilities and amenities to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience for travellers. Here is an overview of what's on offer:
Transportation
The airport is easily accessible by various means of transportation. For those travelling by car, there are official on-site car parks with parking options to suit different budgets. A free shuttle bus service is available for those needing to get to the Car Hire Centre, which is a short ride from the terminal. Car rental companies such as Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar offer convenient rental options.
For rail travellers, the Luton DART provides a fast connection between the airport and Luton Airport Parkway station, with journey times as quick as four minutes. Tickets for the DART cost £4.90 and can be purchased at the airport or via contactless payment. Regular train services connect the airport to central London, with journey times starting from 32 minutes. The Luton Airport Express service offers a direct link to London St Pancras International in 32 minutes. Thameslink also operates 24-hour services to various London stations.
National Express and Green Line provide accessible coach services to key UK locations and central London destinations. Bus services are also available, with bus drop-off points conveniently located outside the terminal building. Licensed taxis are another option, with a dedicated Priority Drop-Off Zone at the airport.
Dining and Shopping
London Luton Airport offers a variety of dining options, including cafes, restaurants, and bars located throughout the terminal. These dining establishments promise a delicious menu for travellers to enjoy before their flights. The airport also features a range of shops, allowing travellers to engage in some retail therapy or last-minute shopping.
Additional Amenities
The airport provides essential services such as currency exchange, with 0% commission and attractive rates, and ATMs located in the Check-in, Departures, and Arrivals areas. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. For those seeking relaxation before their flight, the MyLounge and No1 Lounge can be booked in advance.
London Luton Airport also prioritises passenger safety and security, employing the latest systems to ensure a smooth and secure journey to the Departures area. A dedicated Guest Experience team is on hand to assist with any queries, directions, or medical emergencies. Additionally, a Chaplaincy team and a multi-faith prayer room are available for those seeking spiritual support.
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Security and policing
The Airport Policing Unit at LLA is dedicated to deterring and detecting criminal and terrorist activities. Their proactive tactics help maintain a secure environment for travellers and staff. Additionally, LLA offers a local police station to assist with any issues, including lost items and theft.
Passengers can streamline their security experience by reserving a free 30-minute slot up to four days in advance, available between 3 AM and 3 PM. The Fast Track service further expedites the journey between the public departures area and security, providing more time for dining, shopping, or relaxation.
LLA's official on-site car parks offer convenient and cost-effective parking options. The Priority Drop-Off Zone is located near the terminal, with a £5 charge for up to 10 minutes. Alternatively, passengers can use the free Mid-Stay Car Park and walk for approximately 10 minutes to the terminal.
The airport also provides a seamless connection to London and beyond. The Luton DART, an automated people mover, swiftly transports passengers between the airport and Luton Airport Parkway station in just four minutes. From there, travellers can reach Central London in as little as 32 minutes via regular train services. National Express and Green Line operate fast and frequent services to various London destinations, ensuring efficient ground transportation.
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Hotels and accommodation
London Luton Airport is located 1.7 miles from the town centre of Luton, England, and is the fourth-busiest airport serving London. The airport has seen significant investment in its infrastructure and facilities over the years, including the opening of a new terminal in 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. Today, it serves as a major base for several low-cost airlines and is easily accessible from central London.
London Luton Airport is surrounded by a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. For those seeking convenience and proximity to the airport, there are several hotels located just a short walk away, including well-known chains such as Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Courtyard, and Ibis. These hotels offer comfortable rooms, essential amenities, and easy access to the airport, making them a convenient choice for travellers with early flights or late arrivals.
In addition to these nearby hotels, there are numerous other accommodation options situated just a few kilometres from the airport terminal. These include other popular hotel chains, as well as independent hotels, guesthouses, and bed-and-breakfast establishments. These options may offer a wider range of amenities, such as swimming pools, gyms, or larger rooms, providing a more comprehensive stay for travellers.
For those seeking a more extended stay or preferring the comforts of home, there are also apartment rentals and Airbnbs available in the vicinity of London Luton Airport. These options typically offer more space, kitchen facilities, and a more residential feel, which can be advantageous for families, groups, or those on longer trips.
Furthermore, the surrounding area of Luton provides a range of accommodation choices, from charming country inns to modern business hotels. Exploring the local towns and villages can lead travellers to unique bed-and-breakfast establishments, cosy cottages, or even boutique hotels, allowing for a more immersive experience of the region.
Whether it's convenience, comfort, or a unique experience you seek, the range of hotels and accommodation options near London Luton Airport cater to diverse preferences. With easy accessibility to the airport and London itself, travellers can find a suitable base for their travels, ensuring a pleasant and memorable stay.
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Frequently asked questions
London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN, ICAO: EGGW) is an international airport located in Luton, England, situated 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of Luton's town centre. It is one of London's six international airports and is the fourth-largest airport serving the London area.
London Luton Airport is located 35 miles (56km) north-west of central London. You can get to the airport by car, bus, coach, or train. The airport also has its own airport parking and car rental services.
London Luton Airport has a range of facilities, including cafes, restaurants, bars, shops, a currency exchange, and an onward travel centre. There are also two lounges, MyLounge and the No1 Lounge, which can be booked in advance.
There are several transport options available from London Luton Airport to central London. You can take a train from Luton Airport Parkway station, which is connected to the airport via the Luton DART. There are also National Express and Green Line coaches that service the airport, as well as licensed taxis.
