London Luton Airport
Luton, Luton, United Kingdom
London Luton Airport
North London's budget-travel gateway serving millions annually.
- ›Luton Airport opened in 1938 as a municipal aerodrome.
- ›It is one of five major airports serving the London area alongside Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and City.
- ›The Luton DART automated people mover opened in 2022, replacing an older shuttle bus connection to the railway station.
- ›The airport is owned and operated by a consortium that includes AENA and other investors.
- ›Luton has a single runway designated 07/25.
London Luton Airport, located approximately 35 miles north of central London in Bedfordshire, has operated as a commercial airport since 1938 and is one of six major airports serving the Greater London area. It serves as a key base for low-cost carriers and handles tens of millions of passengers annually, connecting the UK to European and domestic destinations. Despite its modest size, Luton punches above its weight as a budget-travel hub and continues to undergo significant terminal redevelopment.
- Main Terminal — A single integrated terminal building housing all departures, arrivals, check-in, and retail facilities, currently subject to a major expansion and modernisation programme.
- Luton Airport Parkway rail station with direct trains to London St Pancras International (approx. 22–45 minutes)
- Shuttle bus connecting the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station
- National Express and other coach services to London Victoria and regional cities
- Taxi and private hire vehicles available from the designated rank outside arrivals
- Car rental desks from major providers including Hertz, Enterprise, and Europcar
- East Midlands Railway and Thameslink rail services via Luton Airport Parkway
- Ibis London Luton Airport
- Hampton by Hilton London Luton Airport
- Holiday Inn Express Luton Airport
- Courtyard by Marriott London Luton Airport
- Premier Inn Luton Airport
Inside the terminal, passengers can find a range of familiar high-street chains including Wetherspoon, Pret a Manger, and various grab-and-go outlets both in the landside and airside areas. Options are more limited than at larger London airports, so travellers are advised to eat before security if they prefer a broader selection. The nearby town of Luton and surrounding retail parks offer additional dining choices for those with time to spare.
- Allow extra time for the shuttle bus journey between the terminal and Luton Airport Parkway station — it is not a direct walkway.
- Book the Luton-to-St Pancras Thameslink train ticket in advance online to secure cheaper fares.
- Security queues can be lengthy during early-morning peak periods, so arrive at least two hours before departure for short-haul flights.
- Long-stay car parks require a shuttle bus to the terminal, so factor in additional travel time when parking off-site.
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London Luton Airport is an international airport in Luton, Bedfordshire, England. It is 1.7 miles (2.7 km) east of the town centre and is the fourth-busiest airport serving London. The airport is owned by London Luton Airport Limited, a company wholly owned by Luton Borough Council, and is operated by London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL).
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