Kick off your holiday hassle-free by taking the train to London Luton Airport (LLA).
Getting to Luton Airport by train
Getting trains to Luton Airport is easy. The closest station is Luton Airport Parkway, about 28 miles north of central London. A driverless light rail train called the Luton DART shuttle takes less than four minutes to get you from the station directly to the airport terminal via Luton DART Parkway station. When you buy your train ticket, make sure to choose Luton Airport (LUA) as your arrival/departure station. This way, your ticket price includes the DART ride.
LNR trains to London arrive at London Euston station. From Euston, you'll need to take the tube to either London St. Pancras International or Farringdon stations to connect with a direct train to Luton Airport Parkway every 30 minutes. The total travel time from central London is about 35 to 45 minutes.
Once at Luton Airport Parkway station, follow signs inside the station to DART. At the airport, the DART station is right next to the terminal.
If your ticket is to/from Luton Airport Parkway (LTN) only, you'll need to buy a separate ticket for the DART. One way adult tickets currently cost £4.90.
How to get cheap Luton Airport train tickets
Want to grab the cheapest fares? Check out our top tips for finding cheap train tickets to Luton Airport:
- Book ahead and save with Advance tickets: Train companies (including us) usually release tickets 12 weeks before travel, offering the cheapest fares compared to last-minute purchases.
- Travel Off-Peak: Fares are typically cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. Avoid peak hours for better deals.
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys with a National Railcard, ideal for anyone who catches the train a few times a year.
- Use GroupSave: Groups of 3 to 9 people can save up to 34% on off-peak journeys with GroupSave discounts.
About Luton Airport
Luton Airport serves as a major hub and the UK’s fifth-busiest airport, connecting holidaymakers and travellers to diverse destinations across the UK, continental Europe and the Mediterranean including North Africa.
Major airlines like TUI, Wizz Air, easyJet and Ryanair operate flights from Luton, offering convenient connections to popular ski resorts, summer sunspots and exciting cities.
The airport has only one terminal, making it easy for passengers to navigate and catch their flights.
Need to refuel before or after your flight at Luton Airport? Pre-security, you'll find a large Pret near fast track security, perfect for meeting fellow travellers.
Post-security, grab hot meals from Yo! Sushi, Burger King and more. Or opt for sandwiches, wraps and sweet snacks from Pret A Manger, Krispy Kreme and others. Quench your thirst with coffee and treats from Black Sheep Coffee, Caffè Nero, Starbucks or indulge in continental delights from Crêpeaffaire, Nolito or Fattorie Garofalo's fresh Italian fare.
Inside the airport you’ll find plenty of shopping to keep you occupied while you’re waiting to jet off.
Before security, you'll find an M&S Simply Food for snacks to take on board, Luggage-Point for last-minute luggage needs and a WHSmith where you can buy stamps for your unsent postcards (don’t forget to post them before you go through security).
Once past security you’re greeted with a vast duty-free store , offering brilliant discounts on a range of items including confectionery, wines, toys, accessories and more.
Other stores include Hamleys, Rituals and Accessorize, alongside designer brands such as Ted Baker, Kurt Geiger and Boss, perfect for updating your travel outfits. You’ll also find a number of useful shops like WHSmith, JD Sports and Boots, for anything you may have forgotten for your holiday.
At London Luton Airport, you'll find ATMs, currency exchange options, and free WiFi for convenience. Passenger service assistants are available to help.
For a smoother journey, consider taking advantage of the priority security lane with fast-track passes available for purchase.
Escape the crowds by visiting one of the airport lounges. No. 1 Lounge , available from £38, offers a quiet space with complimentary Wi-Fi, food, soft drinks, wines, beers and spirits, so you can unwind away from the crowds before your trip.
Stay hydrated with water fountains located just after security, at the base of the lifts before going up to the departure lounge. Most food outlets will also provide free tap water on request.
While the airport is compact, expect a walking distance of around 15 minutes to your gate. Keep an eye on the board at all times to make sure you reach your departure gate in plenty of time.
The airport also features a multi-faith prayer room for spiritual needs.
If you're staying in Luton and need a secure place to store your luggage and personal items, consider using Luggage-Point . Conveniently located at the end of our Check-in area, Luggage-Point offers safe storage solutions for travellers.
To make your travel easier, you may wish to extend your stay in Luton with one of several convenient hotels close to the airport terminal.
The following hotels are within a 10- to 15-minute walk of Luton Airport terminal. The closest to the terminal, Holiday Inn Express , offers an inclusive breakfast and free WiFi. The Holiday Inn Luton Airport is 5 to 10 minutes away on foot, with stylish rooms where kids 17 and under stay/eat free. Ibis London Luton is another affordable, pet-friendly option just steps from the airport. While the Ibis Budget Luton Airport is a low-cost hotel just 0.4 miles from the terminal.
For luxury, consider the four-star Courtyard by Marriott with family rooms, dining and a fitness centre within a 10- to 15-minute walk.
If you have time to spare before your flight or after landing in Luton, consider visiting Wardown Park , home to Wardown House, Museum & Gallery. Located in central Luton close to Luton station, explore the Victorian-era mansion in landscaped park gardens, with local history collections and engaging exhibitions, or head to the Garden Cafe for afternoon tea.