London Luton Airport: where to stay, areas and recommended hotels

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.

Walking distance from the terminal

Airport area · 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 in this area

Holiday Inn Express London Luton Airport: The hotel closest to the terminal, with runway views and breakfast from 4am for early flights.
Ibis London Luton Airport: About 10 minutes on foot from the terminal, with trains to London every 15 minutes from the nearby station.

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Towards Luton Airport Parkway

Airport area · 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 in this area

Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport: A few minutes' walk from the terminal, with soundproofed rooms and early breakfast for the first flights.
Holiday Inn London Luton Airport: About 15 minutes on foot from the terminal, with a gym and in-house restaurant for longer stays.
Hampton by Hilton London Luton Airport: The DART to the terminal is right next to the hotel, handy too if you don't want to walk with luggage.

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