Luton Airport to London - the best way for you

Make an informed choice of transport between London & Luton Airport

National Express Luton Airport bus

London Luton Airport is around 35 miles (55km) north of central London. Luton Airport is a relatively small but fast expanding one passenger terminal, one runway airport.

 

It is normally quite a speedy process collecting luggage compared with the larger London airports. Rapid baggage claim and short walks when boarding your plane are therefore the norm and a pleasant contrast to London's other major airports.

Your Luton Airport to London transfer choices

Buses Luton - London

The cheapest option between Luton Airport and London are the Luton Airport bus services.

The stops in London are also in all probability going to be much nearer your accommodation than the main alternative train service.

The main downside of the bus is that it is the slowest option (60 to 90 minutes) and with London traffic you are wise to factor in a comfortable contingency in case of traffic delays.

There is a choice of two different bus companies operating 3 services into London.

 

Trains - Luton - London

The fastest option between Luton Airport and London is the Luton airport train service.

With a journey time of 25 minutes and frequencies of up to 6 times an hour it's by far the fastest option and doesn't suffer unforeseen traffic congestion delays in London.

The downside is that Luton Parkway Station, is about a mile from Luton Airport.

The upside is as of 2023 you can now take the Luton Direct Air-Rail Transit Service (DART), linking the Luton Airport Parkway station directly with the airport terminal. This line, replaces the old shuttle bus service, with the aim of reducing road congestion and reducing journey times from London St Pancras to the airport terminal to 32 minutes.

Station for trains Luton - London

The main station in London for trains is St Pancras, a major Underground hub and one of the best places in London to look for cheap accommodation.

In 2021 a new rail service was introduced, featuring fast trains between St Pancras and Luton Airport Parkway every 30 minutes. Called the Luton Airport Express it consists of a new all-electric fleet of trains.

 

 

Private taxis from London to Luton Airport

The money no object, most convenient option is of course a taxi or private transport offering door to door transport.

Once you get 6 or 7 people the costs start to compare with public transport and for larger groups.

A chartered bus is going to be a compelling option offering both low cost and convenience.

We have a dedicated page for private cars, vans and coaches to/from Luton Airport.

 

Private transfers

Being 35 miles (55km) outside of London, a taxi or private car is not going to be cheap. For families or those with significant luggage or travelling at unsocial hours when public transport is not great in some areas, a car can make sense.

 

For small or large groups chartering buses can make a compelling choice with the promise of the lowest cost and customised transfer door to door at a time chosen by you.

 

 

Convenient London hotel districts for transfers to Luton Airport

 

Airport Bus: Swiss Cottage, Marble Arch, Paddington, Victoria

Airport Trains: Kings Cross St Pancras, Euston, Bloomsbury

 

London - Luton Airport Comparison of Fares 2024
Service	Standard Adult Fare
	One-way from	Return from
Bus Service
National Express Bus	£8.00	£14.50
Green Line / Terravision Bus	£11.50	£18
Train Service
Thameslink (Anytime Fare)	£4.40*	£18.99
* Limited availability, Super Off-Peak Day Return

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OUR SELECTION OF LUTON HOTELS - AVERAGE SAMPLED PRICES
Hotel	Mid-week	Weekend	Parking**
Airport hotels within walking distance of airport terminal
Ibis Budget Luton Airport	£68	£60	Parking package
Ibis Luton Airport F	£70	£61	Parking package
Holiday Inn Express Luton F	£83	£77	Parking package
Holiday Inn Luton Airport F	£77	£79	Parking package
Courtyard by Marriott Luton F	£123	£80	Parking package
Hotels nearby in Luton town
easyHotel Luton	£26	£26	Parking package
Stockwood Hotel S	£53	£42
Premier Inn Luton Airport F	£58	£50
Thistle Express Luton S F	£81	£60
Premier Inn Luton Town F	£58	£61
Hampton by Hilton Luton F	£93	£74	Parking package
Icon Hotel Luton	£77	£89
Leaside Hotel S F	£90	£90
Off airport suitable only for motorists
Chiltern Hotel S F	£41	£39
Travelodge Luton F	£55	£73
Premier Inn Luton South F	£70	£74
Hilton Garden Inn Luton North F	£79	£90	Parking package
Holiday Inn Luton South	£117	£108	Parking package
* From prices for 2 adults in 1 room per night. ** Short and long stay parking offered by hotels can be located either at the hotel, at the official airport long stay car parks or at off-site providers depending on duration. S Single rooms. F Family rooms.

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