London Luton Airport - Flight Information and Guide (LTN)

How to get to London Luton Airport

London centre is several kilometres from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 40-45 minutes by combining the DART and train to London.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the city centre of London in about 60-75 minutes, weather permitting.

By Train

The Luton DART, an automated connection, reaches Luton Airport Parkway station in less than 4 minutes (4.90 GBP), from which you can continue by train to London St Pancras (about 25-30 minutes).

By Bus

Various National Express bus lines connect the airport to London and other cities.

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Tips The Luton DART, sometimes called the most expensive railway line in the UK for its extremely short stretch, is nevertheless significantly more convenient than the previous shuttle bus service it replaces.

Average travel time to LTN

Train40-45 minutes (DART £4.90 + train to St Pancras)

Shuttle busService available (National Express)

Taxi / Private hire60-75 minutes (£90-130)

Parking near London Luton Airport

The multi-story parking garage is adjacent to the terminal; there is also a £7 charge per 10 minutes for short-term parking in the passenger drop-off area.

Long-term parking rates are high, in line with standards of a major London hub.

How to get to London from LTN

By Train

The Luton DART (£4.90, less than 4 minutes) connects the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station, from where you can continue by train to London St Pancras (approximately 25-30 minutes).

By Bus

Multiple National Express bus lines connect the airport to London and other cities.

By Taxi

A black cab or minicab to central London costs approximately £90-130, for a journey of 60-75 minutes; remember to also consider potential airport drop-off surcharges.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

London: Luton Airport to/from Central London Bus Transfer

★ 4.2 · 2,974 reviews

from €8.23 per person

Book

London: Express Train Transfer to/from Luton Airport

★ 4.5 · 19 reviews

from €21.29 per person

Book

Car rental at London Luton Airport

The desks of major car rental companies are in the arrivals area.

For EU residents, your national driving license is sufficient, along with passport and credit card.

Hotels near London Luton Airport

The DART, the automated shuttle linking Luton's terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station, takes less than 4 minutes: from there, Thameslink trains reach St Pancras in 30-40 minutes, which is why many people prefer to sleep in London and arrive by train on the morning of their flight. Anyone with a dawn departure or a late-night return, though, finds it handy to stay right around the terminal, where almost all the chain hotels are clustered: some within a few minutes' walk, others right next to the DART station. Those who'd rather stay in town, among shops and restaurants, can choose Luton town centre instead.

Airport area

Walking distance from the terminal

About 10 minutes on foot from the terminal; the Holiday Inn Express is the closest, about 660 metres away.

Best for: For a dawn flight or a late-night arrival, when you want the shortest possible walk.

Pros

You reach check-in on foot, no bus or taxi needed
Handy if you travel light and have a very early flight

Cons

Area with only hotels and car parks, nothing to do in the evening
The walking route isn't always covered if it rains

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport area

Towards Luton Airport Parkway

From 500 to 940 metres from the terminal depending on the hotel; the Hampton by Hilton has the DART right next door.

Best for: To stay near the terminal but with more spacious rooms or the DART link right at hand.

Pros

Soundproofed, more spacious rooms than in the first area
The DART to Luton Airport Parkway station is just steps away

Cons

A few extra minutes on foot compared with the Holiday Inn Express
Same hotels-and-offices-only area, not much else around

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Neighbourhood

Luton town centre

About 9 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal (about 4.5 km); no direct bus from the town centre.

Best for: For those who want to stay in town, with shops and restaurants on foot, and take a short taxi for the flight.

Pros

Shops, restaurants and The Mall shopping centre on foot
An alternative to the airport area for those arriving a day early

Cons

You'll need a taxi to the airport, there's no direct walking link
Few rooms available, a small hotel to book well in advance

Recommended hotels

Eagle Hotel A small independent hotel in Luton town centre, handy for those who want shops and restaurants on foot. View availability

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is a major low-cost hub for London, with numerous budget-friendly connections across Europe.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area offers Scottish whisky, British tea, and luxury products.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport has several lounges, primarily designed for business travelers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Complimentary Wi-Fi connectivity extends throughout the terminal.

Families & Children

Beyond family assistance services, the terminal provides play areas for children.

Terminal guide

The terminal, an important low-cost hub in the London area, handles intense traffic from budget airlines.

An advance of 2.5-3 hours is the standard recommendation for flights.

Map of London Luton Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is the Luton DART?

An automated rail link that takes you from the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station in under 4 minutes (£4.90), from where you can continue by train to London.

Q. Is there a surcharge for dropping someone off at the airport by car?

Yes, a £7 surcharge for a 10-minute short stop in the passenger drop-off area.

Q. How long has Luton Airport existed?

Since 1938, one of the oldest civil airports in the UK still in operation: it was also used as an RAF base during the Second World War before returning to civilian use.