London Luton Airport

London Luton Airport (LTN) is one of six airports serving the London area, located approximately 35 miles (56 km) north of central London in Bedfordshire. Originally opened in 1938, it has grown to become a major base for low-cost carriers, handling over 16 million passengers annually.

The airport has a single terminal building with a straightforward layout:

• Central Terminal Building: All departures and arrivals, with check-in on the ground floor and departures on the upper level
• Departure Lounges: Gates 1-20 in the main pier, with Gates 21-40 in the extended pier

Luton is a primary hub for easyJet (the airport's largest operator) and Wizz Air, along with other low-cost and charter carriers including TUI Airways, Ryanair, and Vueling. The airport predominantly serves European leisure destinations.

Important: Luton Airport Parkway railway station is not at the terminal. A shuttle bus (included in train tickets) connects the station to the terminal, adding 10-15 minutes to your journey.

London Luton Airport is located 35 miles (56 km) north of central London, connected by rail and road via the M1 motorway.

Typical travel times to central London:

• Thameslink train: 25-45 minutes to St Pancras International (plus 10 min shuttle bus)
• East Midlands Railway: 22 minutes to St Pancras International (plus shuttle bus)
• Luton Direct coach: 60-90 minutes to central London (traffic dependent)
• Taxi/rideshare: 45-90 minutes (highly traffic dependent)

Important: The railway station (Luton Airport Parkway) is approximately 1.5 miles from the terminal. A shuttle bus operates 24/7 between the station and terminal, taking approximately 10 minutes. The shuttle is included in your rail ticket price.

Uber

Uber operates at London Luton Airport with designated pickup areas.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to the rideshare pickup zone in the short-stay car park
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber XL
• Fares to central London: GBP 60-100 depending on destination, time, and demand

Bolt

Bolt is also available as an alternative rideshare option with similar pricing to Uber.

Taxi

Licensed taxis operate from the designated taxi rank outside the terminal.

Destination	Fare	Time
Luton town center	GBP 10-15	10-15 min
St Albans	GBP 25-35	20-30 min
Central London (King's Cross)	GBP 90-140	60-90 min
Heathrow Airport	GBP 100-150	60-90 min

Tip: Pre-book licensed minicabs for fixed-price fares to London, which are often cheaper than metered taxis. Reputable operators include Addison Lee.

Thameslink Train

The most practical route to central London is via Luton Airport Parkway station.

To London St Pancras International:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to the shuttle bus
2. Take the shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway station (10 minutes, runs 24/7)
3. Board a Thameslink train toward London
4. Alight at St Pancras International (25-45 minutes depending on service)

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult to London	GBP 18-25 (varies by time)
Anytime return	GBP 35-45
Off-peak return	GBP 25-35

Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours Operating hours: 05:00-00:00 (limited night services)

Note: The shuttle bus fare is included in your train ticket. If purchasing at the station, ensure your ticket includes "Luton Airport" not just "Luton Airport Parkway."

East Midlands Railway

Faster services to St Pancras run via East Midlands Railway, taking approximately 22 minutes from Luton Airport Parkway.

• Generally more expensive than Thameslink
• Fewer stops, faster journey
• Same shuttle bus connection required

National Express Coach

Direct coaches operate from the terminal to various London destinations.

Destination	Journey Time	Fare
London Victoria	60-90 min	From GBP 12
London Paddington	75-100 min	From GBP 14
Stansted Airport	90 min	From GBP 15
Gatwick Airport	2h 30min	From GBP 20

Tip: Book in advance online for the best fares. Coaches depart from outside the terminal building.

Green Line 757 Bus

A 24-hour bus service connects Luton Airport to central London.

• Route: Luton Airport to London Victoria via Baker Street, Marble Arch
• Journey time: 60-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Fare: From GBP 12 single

Luton Airport offers several parking options with significant savings when booked online.

On-Airport Parking

Facility	Location	Rate
Priority Parking	Terminal frontage	From GBP 50/day
Mid Stay	3-min walk	From GBP 30/day
Long Stay	5-min shuttle	From GBP 15/day (online)

Tips

• Book online at london-luton.co.uk for up to 60% savings
• Meet and Greet services available from GBP 45/day
• Electric vehicle charging available in Priority and Mid Stay
• Compare with off-airport parking (Airparks, Purple Parking) for potential savings on longer stays

Luton Airport has expanded its food offerings in recent years, with options both before and after security.

Landside (Before Security)

• Costa Coffee: Coffee and light bites
• Upper Crust: Baguettes and sandwiches
• WHSmith: Grab-and-go snacks

Airside (After Security)

• Wetherspoons (The White House): Full pub menu, breakfast served, reasonably priced for an airport
• Frankie & Benny's: Italian-American cuisine
• Leon: Healthy fast food, Mediterranean-inspired
• Nando's: Portuguese-style chicken
• Giraffe World Kitchen: International dishes
• Pret A Manger: Sandwiches, salads, coffee
• Starbucks: Coffee and pastries
• Burger King: Fast food

Budget tip: Wetherspoons offers the best value with airport prices similar to their high street locations. Arrive early to enjoy breakfast or lunch before your flight.

Free WiFi is available throughout London Luton Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	LTN Free WiFi
Registration	Email address required
Time limit	4 hours free, then option to purchase more
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email; streaming may be limited

For faster connections, consider the Aspire Lounge or purchasing premium WiFi access.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though UK mobile shops typically offer better deals.

Airport Locations

• WHSmith: Basic prepaid SIM options
• Accessorize/Tech kiosks: Travel SIM cards

UK Carriers

Provider	Price	Data
EE Pay As You Go	From GBP 10	2 GB
Vodafone Pay As You Go	From GBP 10	2 GB
Three (3)	From GBP 10	4 GB
Giffgaff (online order)	From GBP 10	6 GB

Tip: Order a Giffgaff SIM to your accommodation before arrival for better value. Three offers good roaming in 71 destinations at no extra cost.

ATMs are located throughout the terminal in both landside and airside areas. Major UK banks (Barclays, HSBC, NatWest) have machines available.

Currency

• United Kingdom: British Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Symbol: £
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 GBP = 1.27 USD, 1 GBP = 1.18 EUR

Currency Exchange

• Travelex counters in arrivals and departures
• Moneycorp exchange bureau

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw GBP from ATMs using a fee-free card (Starling, Monzo, Wise)
• UK is largely cashless; contactless payments accepted almost everywhere
• Avoid airport exchange bureaus due to poor rates

Tip: Most UK shops, restaurants, and transport accept contactless payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay. You may not need cash at all.

Luton Airport has a reasonable selection of shops, primarily in the airside departure lounge.

Duty-Free

• World Duty Free: Main duty-free shop with alcohol, perfume, cosmetics, and confectionery
• Tax-free shopping available for non-UK residents

Retail

• WHSmith: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• Accessorize: Fashion accessories and jewelry
• Superdrug: Toiletries and beauty products
• JD Sports: Sportswear and trainers
• Sunglasses Hut: Designer eyewear
• Tech kiosks: Electronics and travel accessories

Tips

• Shopping selection is more limited than larger London airports (Heathrow, Gatwick)
• Pre-order from World Duty Free online for collection at the airport
• Reserve Click & Collect items to save time

Luton Airport has limited lounge options compared to larger airports.

Priority Pass Lounges

Aspire Lounge

• Location: Airside, after security
• Access: Priority Pass, Lounge Club, DragonPass, or pay at door (approximately GBP 35)
• Hours: 04:00-21:00
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, bar, WiFi, newspapers, runway views
• Notes: Can become crowded during peak morning departures; capacity limits may apply

Pay-Per-Entry

The Aspire Lounge accepts walk-in guests when space permits:

• Price: GBP 30-40 depending on booking method
• Book online: Often cheaper via the airport website or LoungeBuddy

Credit Card Access

• American Express Platinum: No dedicated Centurion Lounge, but Priority Pass included provides Aspire access
• Many UK credit cards include Priority Pass or LoungeKey access

Tip: Given limited lounge options, consider the Wetherspoons pub as a budget alternative with reasonable food and drink prices.

Limited hotels are located directly at Luton Airport, but several options exist nearby.

At the Airport

Hampton by Hilton London Luton Airport

• Connected to the terminal via a 5-minute covered walkway
• 3-star, modern rooms
• Restaurant and bar
• From GBP 80/night

Near the Airport

Holiday Inn Express Luton Airport

• Free 24-hour shuttle to terminal
• Budget-friendly, clean rooms
• From GBP 60/night

ibis London Luton Airport

• 5-minute shuttle ride
• Basic but comfortable
• From GBP 50/night

Hilton Garden Inn Luton North

• 10 minutes by car
• 4-star amenities
• From GBP 90/night

Luton Town Center

Several chain hotels in Luton town center (10-15 minutes by taxi):

• Premier Inn Luton Town Centre: From GBP 50/night
• Travelodge Luton: From GBP 40/night

Tip: For early morning flights, staying at the Hampton by Hilton connected to the terminal provides the easiest access.

Luton Airport primarily serves as a gateway to London, though the nearby towns of St Albans and Luton itself offer attractions.

Getting to London

Destination	Travel Time	Route
King's Cross/St Pancras	35-55 min	Shuttle + Thameslink
Central London (Oxford Street)	50-70 min	Train to St Pancras, then Tube
West End (Theatres)	55-75 min	Train + Tube to Leicester Square
London Eye/South Bank	50-70 min	Train to Blackfriars
Heathrow Airport	60-90 min	Train + Tube (Piccadilly Line)

Nearby Attractions

If you have time before your flight or a long layover:

• St Albans (15 min by train): Roman ruins, medieval cathedral, historic market town
• Hatfield House (20 min by car): Jacobean mansion with extensive gardens
• Harry Potter Studio Tour (20 min by car): Warner Bros. Studios at Leavesden
• ZSL Whipsnade Zoo (15 min by car): One of Europe's largest zoos

London Alternatives

Luton is one of six London airports. Consider these alternatives:

Airport	Distance to Central London	Best For
LHR (Heathrow)	15 miles west	Long-haul, full-service carriers
LGW (Gatwick)	30 miles south	Mix of low-cost and full-service
STN (Stansted)	40 miles northeast	Ryanair, low-cost carriers
LCY (City)	6 miles east	Business travelers, quick access
SEN (Southend)	40 miles east	easyJet, limited routes

Travel Tips

• Oyster Card/Contactless: Thameslink trains from Luton Airport Parkway into London accept contactless payment and Oyster within zones 1-6
• Railcards: If traveling frequently in the UK, a National Railcard saves 1/3 on most fares
• Peak vs Off-Peak: Train fares are significantly cheaper outside peak hours (before 09:30 and after 16:00)
• Allow extra time: Factor in the shuttle bus when planning your journey from the station

Weather

• London's weather is famously unpredictable; pack layers and rain gear regardless of season
• Winters (December-February): Cold, often overcast, occasional frost
• Summers (June-August): Mild to warm, occasional heatwaves, long daylight hours