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Luton Airport has many pick up and drop off options for different travel needs.
- The Express Drop Off Zone, right next to the terminal, starts at £9.
- The Long Stay Car Park gives you 2 hours free, with a bus to the terminal.
Shuttle buses run from the Long Stay Car Park every 20 minutes and take 10 minutes to reach the terminal. Priority Parking is the fastest, at just 3 minutes to the terminal.
Electric vehicle users can find charging points in Terminal Car Park 1. Blue Badge holders get reduced rates in Terminal Car Park 1 (note: there are no Blue Badge concessions in the Express drop-off zone).
Express Drop Off & Pick Up Zone:
Luton Airport's covered Express Drop Off & Pick Up Zone is the closest option to the terminal and is open 24/7 for any flight schedule. It is on the ground floor of the rebuilt Terminal Car Park 2.
Pricing and Maximum Stay
The Express Zone uses tiered pricing: the first 12 minutes cost £9, then £1 for each additional minute. The maximum stay is 30 minutes. Staying longer brings a £95 enforcement charge, reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days.
Vehicle Types Allowed and Payment Methods
Cars and minibuses with up to 19 seats can use the zone. The cashless, barrier-free system lets you pay online until the next day for flexibility.
Step-by-Step Guide to Using Express Drop Off
To use the Express Drop Off Zone, follow these steps:
- Set your sat-nav to postcode LU2 9LY
- Follow signs to the Express Drop Off Zone
- Enter the zone and drop off passengers
- Exit within the allotted time
- Make payment online before midnight the next day
For a more personal service, our Luton airport chauffeur services are a great option.
The Long Stay Car Park is free for 2 hours
The Long Stay Car Park suits drivers who need to park for a while. It offers up to 2 hours of free parking, which suits longer drop offs or pickups.
The car park is a 10-minute shuttle ride from the terminal. A free shuttle bus runs 24/7 every 20 minutes, so the wait to get to the terminal is short.
After the first 2 free hours, charges apply. Booking in advance saves up to 70% on on-the-day prices. The car park takes all types of vehicles, with no height restrictions.
Duration and Price
| Duration | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | FREE |
| Up to 3 hours | £7.00 |
Blue Badge parking spaces are near bus stop 7 for passengers with mobility issues. The car park is easy to find and is expanding to meet demand. Its ease of use, quick service and good prices make it a top choice for getting to Luton Airport.
Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Luton Airport's Assisted Travel team (previously Special Assistance) helps passengers through check-in, security and boarding. Book at least 48 hours before your flight. For Blue Badge holders and pre-booked Assisted Travel, the airport recommends Terminal Car Park 1 for the easiest terminal access.
Parking Area Blue Badge Benefits Maximum Stay
| Parking Area | Blue Badge Benefits | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal Car Park 1 | 30 minutes free, reduced rates | Up to 24 hours |
| Express Drop Off Zone | No concessions | 30 minutes |
The Mid Stay Car Park has no special transport for passengers who need help, so plan your trip for a comfortable airport visit.
Navigating to Luton Airport's Various Parking Zones
This guide helps you find parking at Luton Airport, which can be a challenge. The airport has many parking spots for different needs and budgets.
For fast drop-offs, use the Express Drop Off Zone at LU2 9LY. The Mid Stay Car Park is a 10-minute walk away, from £15 for up to an hour. For longer stays, the Long Stay Car Park at LU2 9QT has plenty of space.
Clear signs guide you to these areas, but plan your route early. Luton Airport is 32 miles from central London, close to the M1, M25 and A1.
Allow for roadworks or diversions when choosing transport, and check the airport's website for travel updates to save time and stress on your travel day.
Recent Changes and Upgrades to Luton Airport's Transport Facilities
In September 2025, Luton Airport reopened its rebuilt Terminal Car Park 2, almost two years after the October 2023 fire that destroyed the original structure. The new five-level car park has around 1,900 spaces and a covered Express Drop-Off and Pick-Up zone on the ground floor, with quick, weather-protected access to the terminal.
The former temporary drop-off area is now additional bus stands, and the airport launched a £1.5 million Public Transport Investment Fund to improve rail, bus and coach links to the terminal.
