Luton Airport is located approximately 35 miles (56 kilometres) north of Central London, in Bedfordshire, UK. If you’re traveling to or from Luton Airport, there are very good transportation options:
- Coaches & Buses: The airport is well-served by private coaches and public buses, with frequent services connecting to nearby towns and cities. Luton Airport Bus and Coach Station is located right outside the main terminal building, it’s the designated arrival and pick-up point for coaches and is easily accessible and clearly signposted within the airport premises.
- Luton Airport Drop Off Zone: There’s a special drop-off zone near the terminal where coaches can also pick up passengers. It’s conveniently located and well-marked, check your travel ticket for more detailed information from your booked provider.
- Train station: Parkway station is located within the airport complex and offers direct train services to various destinations including central London, St Albans, Milton Keynes, and beyond. Within easy walking distance of the airport, the train station also serves as a popular pick-up point for coaches. Follow the signs from the terminal to the station, which is connected by a covered walkway.
- Taxis: Taxis (and ride-sharing services) are also available at the airport for convenient transportation to your desired location. These are obviously more costly than public facilities but take you to your door.
- Luton Airport Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels in the vicinity of the airport offer shuttle services, and their pick-up points are found near the main entrance or reception areas. Check with your specific hotel for their designated coach pick-up location.
- Drop-off/Pick-up Zones in Car Parks: Luton Airport has several designated drop-off/pick-up zones in the long-term and short-term car parks. Coaches can also use these areas to conveniently pick up passengers. Refer to the airport’s signage or ask staff for directions to these zones.
Check your ticket before setting off.
Remember to always check with your coach service provider for details of their specific pick-up locations to minimise any stress enroute.
Helpful local stuff…
Luton Airport is particularly conveniently situated for accessing London. Travellers can reach the capital by taking a coach or train from Luton Airport Parkway station. A train ride takes around 30-40 minutes, and a coach takes slightly longer but is usually less expensive, with both services running frequently.
Once in London, you can explore famous attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, and many more.
Places of interest nearby:
- St Albans: A historic city located just a few miles from Luton, St Albans is known for its beautiful cathedral, Roman ruins, and charming city centre, and is a short train ride from the airport.
- Milton Keynes: Situated to the northwest of Luton, Milton Keynes is a modern town known for its shopping, entertainment, and outdoor spaces. It’s easily accessible by train and you can visit attractions like Bletchley Park (historical site of World War II codebreakers), the Milton Keynes Theatre, and the Xscape complex (offering indoor skiing, cinema, and more).
- Whipsnade Zoo: Located around 10 miles (16 kilometres) southwest of Luton Airport, Whipsnade Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the UK. It houses a wide range of animals and offers an opportunity to explore its extensive grounds. You can reach the zoo by taxi or public transport from Luton Airport.
- Hatfield House: Situated approximately 10 miles (16 kilometres) southeast of Luton Airport, Hatfield House is a stunning Jacobean mansion with beautiful gardens. It’s a popular tourist attraction and often hosts events and exhibitions. You can reach Hatfield House by hire car or public transportation.
- Cambridge: While not extremely close to Luton Airport, Cambridge is worth mentioning as it’s a renowned university city with rich history and architecture. To reach Cambridge, you can take a direct train from Luton Airport Parkway to Cambridge station. The journey takes around 1-1.5 hours, but it’s worth it to explore the famous colleges, go punting on the river Cam, and visit museums like the Fitzwilliam Museum.
It’s always recommended to check for the latest travel information and schedules to plan your journey effectively. The UK is currently in a period of labour unrest and strikes are ongoing. Consult your travel company’s website and, if you’re heading to the capital, the TfL (Transport for London) website too for planned disruption dates and news.