Luton Airport Train Station: A Quick Guide

which train station for luton airport

Luton Airport Parkway Station is the nearest train station to Luton Airport, situated about 1 mile away. Trains operated by Thameslink and East Midlands connect the station to St. Pancras International, with trains running every 10 minutes during peak times, 7 days a week. Upon arrival at Luton Airport Parkway, passengers can transfer to the Luton DART, which takes just under 4 minutes to reach the airport terminal. The Luton DART is included in the price of train tickets that have Luton Airport as the endpoint, but separate DART tickets can be purchased if needed.

Characteristics Values
Station Name Luton Airport Parkway Station
Location Luton, Bedfordshire
Address Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JW
Distance from Luton Airport 1 mile
Shuttle Service to Luton Airport Luton DART
Shuttle Service Travel Time 4 minutes
Shuttle Service Frequency Every 10 minutes during peak times
Shuttle Service Timetables 3
Shuttle Service Platform Location Above the Parkway Station
Shuttle Service Accessibility Covered footbridge with escalators and lifts
Shuttle Service Fares £4.90 (Single), £2.45 (Children between 5 and 15), Free (Under 5s)
Train Frequency Every 10 minutes during peak times, 7 days a week
Train Operators Thameslink, East Midlands, EMR
Train Services London St. Pancras International, Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Bedford, Cambridge, Canterbury, Oxford, Brighton, Nottingham, Sheffield, Derby, Orpington, Sutton, East Grinstead, Littlehampton, Three Bridges
Train Travel Time 20-50 minutes
Station Facilities Waiting rooms, car parking, cycle storage, step-free access, ticket office, staff assistance
Station Timetables Luton Airport train timetable

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Luton Airport Parkway Station

The station is served by Thameslink and East Midlands Railway services, connecting it to St Pancras International, Farringdon, City Thameslink, London Blackfriars, Gatwick, and other towns and cities in South East England, such as Cambridge, Canterbury, Oxford, and Brighton. During peak times, trains operate every 10 minutes, 7 days a week, with an average journey time of 20 to 50 minutes.

To get to Luton Airport from Luton Airport Parkway Station, passengers can use the Luton DART, a light rail shuttle service that takes approximately 4 minutes. The Luton DART platforms are located above the Parkway station and are accessible via lifts, escalators, and a footbridge. The shuttle operates 24 hours a day and is included in the price of rail tickets marked "Luton Airport". If your ticket only covers travel to Luton Airport Parkway, separate DART tickets can be purchased from ticket machines before entering the shuttle terminal.

The station has step-free access to all platforms, and staff are available at all times to provide assistance. It is recommended that passengers arrive 20 minutes before their train departure to ensure that any required assistance can be arranged.

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Luton DART shuttle

Luton DART (Direct-Air-Rail Transit) is a shuttle service that connects Luton Airport Parkway train station to London Luton Airport. The shuttle service is available 24/7 and runs every four minutes during peak hours and up to every seven minutes during off-peak hours. The shuttle arrives at the airport in under four minutes.

The Luton DART shuttle service is fully automated and electrically powered, providing fast, reliable, and environmentally friendly transport to Luton Airport. The trains are spacious, with seating along the sides and at both ends of the carriage, as well as poles to hold onto if you are standing. There is also priority seating and dedicated wheelchair spaces. Digital screens display the latest updates for upcoming flights.

The Luton DART shuttle service is accessible from Kimpton Road or Platform 1 at Luton Airport Parkway. The station has step-free access and facilities such as Wi-Fi, toilets, phone charging, and coffee are available. The shuttle service is included in your rail ticket if you choose Luton Airport as your start or end point. Otherwise, you can purchase a separate ticket for the shuttle, which costs £4.90 for a standard adult ticket. Children between 5 and 15 travel half-price (£2.45), and under 5s go free.

The Luton DART shuttle service provides a quick and convenient connection between Luton Airport Parkway and London Luton Airport, making it a seamless and efficient transfer for passengers travelling to and from the airport.

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Train times and prices

Luton Airport Parkway Station is the most common train station for travellers heading to Luton Airport. Trains operated by Thameslink and East Midlands connect the station to St Pancras International. They run every 10 minutes during peak times, 7 days a week, with a 40-minute average journey time. The first train leaves London St Pancras International before 6 am from Monday to Saturday, and there is a half-hourly service until late. On Sundays, trains start at 12:14 pm and run until 22:12 pm. Direct trains run to St Pancras from Brighton, Ashford International, Leicester and Dover.

The Luton DART replaced the shuttle bus service between Luton Airport Parkway and Luton Airport on 27 March 2023. The Luton DART is a passenger transit system that takes under 4 minutes to get to the airport. The shuttle runs every 4 minutes at peak times, every 8 minutes off-peak, and every 15 minutes during super off-peak hours. Peak hours for the Luton DART are 06:00–09:30 and 14:00–18:00 daily. If you choose Luton Airport as the start or endpoint of your journey, the Luton DART is included as part of your rail ticket. You can also buy a separate DART ticket for £4.90 for a single. Children between 5 and 15 travel half-price (£2.45), and under 5s go free.

To get tickets at the lowest prices, it is recommended to book well in advance of the journey. You can also use National Railcards to save a further 1/3 on an adult's journey and 60% on kids' fares.

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Station facilities

Luton Airport Parkway Station is the nearest train station to Luton Airport. It is situated in Luton's Park Town district, approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) west of the airport. The station is 29.27 miles (47.11 km) from London St Pancras, between Harpenden to the south and Luton to the north. Its three-letter station code is LTN, which is also the IATA code for the airport. The station is served by Thameslink and East Midlands Railway, with trains running every 10 minutes during peak times, 7 days a week.

The station has ticket gates and CCTV coverage. There are ticket machines, customer help points, and a ticket office with an assistance meeting point. Staff are available at all times to provide assistance with getting on and off trains, as well as navigating the station and platforms. This assistance can be pre-booked up to two hours before departure or arranged upon arrival. The station has toilets, including baby-changing facilities, and there are seating areas for waiting passengers. There are also cash machines, shops, and cafes/restaurants. However, there are no luggage storage facilities, luggage trolleys, public telephones, a post box, or Wi-Fi available at the station.

Until March 2023, a dedicated airport shuttle bus service operated between the station and the airport terminal, located about a mile away. This service has now been replaced by the Luton DART, a light rail/people mover transit system. The Luton DART journey takes just under 4 minutes and is included in the price of train tickets that have Luton Airport as the start or endpoint.

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Getting to Luton Airport from London

London Luton Airport is around 35 miles (55km) north of central London. There are several ways to get to Luton Airport from London, including by train, bus, taxi, or private car.

By Train

The main station in London for trains to Luton Airport is St Pancras International, a major underground hub. Trains operated by Thameslink and East Midlands connect St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway station, which is one of the most common stations for travellers from London to Luton Airport. Trains run every 10 minutes during peak times, 7 days a week, with an average journey time of 40 minutes. From Luton Airport Parkway, you can take the Luton DART, a dedicated rail link that takes around 4 minutes to reach the airport. The Luton DART replaced the shuttle bus service in 2023 and is included in your rail ticket if you choose Luton Airport as your endpoint.

By Bus

The cheapest option for travelling between Luton Airport and London is the airport bus service. However, it is also the slowest option, with journey times ranging from 60 to 90 minutes. There are two different bus companies operating three services into London, with stops at various locations, including Swiss Cottage, Marble Arch, Paddington, and Victoria.

By Taxi or Private Car

A taxi or private car can be a convenient option, especially for families or those with significant luggage. However, it is important to note that the cost can be high, as Luton Airport is 35 miles outside of London. For larger groups, chartering a bus or coach may be a more cost-effective choice, offering door-to-door transfer at a time that suits your needs.

Frequently asked questions

Luton Airport Parkway Station is the closest train station to Luton Airport.

Luton Airport Parkway Station is about 1 mile from London Luton Airport.

The Luton DART passenger shuttle takes you from Luton Airport Parkway Station to Luton Airport in under 4 minutes.

Trains to Luton Airport Parkway Station depart every 30 minutes from early morning to late at night, Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, train services also run regularly but the journey time may be longer.

If you choose Luton Airport as your endpoint destination, the Luton DART is included in your rail ticket. If your ticket is only to Luton Airport Parkway, you can purchase a separate DART ticket at the station or on the DART website. The shuttle bus fare was previously £2.40 for a single and £3.80 for a return.

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