Luton Airport Guide - Features, Services & Facilities
Content
London Luton Airport (LTN) is the UK’s 5th busiest airport, handling over 18 million passengers annually. Located 28 miles north of Central London, this single-terminal facility is a major base for easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and recently Jet2.com. As of 2026, it features the fully operational Luton DART shuttle, Next Generation security scanners, and expanded connections to over 130 destinations.
Introduction: The Capital's Low-Cost Hub
Luton Airport is a critical pillar of London's aviation system, specializing in low-cost and charter travel. Uniquely, the airport infrastructure is owned by Luton Rising (a company belonging to Luton Council), ensuring profits are reinvested into the local community. However, operations are managed by a private consortium led by Spanish airport giant Aena (51%) and InfraBridge (49%).
The year 2025/2026 marks a period of significant growth for LTN. The arrival of Jet2.com in Summer 2025 brought award-winning holiday packages to the airport for the first time, adding prestigious routes like Verona and Madeira. The airport has also revolutionized its transport links with the Luton DART, a £290m automated rail link that replaced the old shuttle bus, cutting the transfer time from the train station to the terminal to just 4 minutes.
Recommended Check-In Times
Luton operates a high-volume, fast-paced terminal. Security queues can be unpredictable during the morning first wave (05:00 - 07:30).
- Jet2.com / TUI: Arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure.
- easyJet / Wizz Air / Ryanair: Arrive 2 hours before departure.
- Desk Closing: Check-in desks typically close strictly 40 minutes before flight time.
- Online Check-In: Highly recommended. Most airlines at Luton charge fees for airport check-in.
- Bag Drop: Self-service bag drops are standard for easyJet and Wizz Air.
How to Get to LTN Airport?
Luton Airport is accessible via the M1 motorway and a dedicated express rail link.
By Car
- Directions from London (South): Drive north on the M1 motorway and exit at Junction 10. Follow the signs for Airport along the dual carriageway (A1081). The journey from North London typically takes 40-50 minutes, but you should allow 90 minutes during peak times.
- Directions from the North: Drive south on the M1 and exit at Junction 10.
- Sat Nav Warning: Use postcode LU2 9QT. Be aware that the final approach road to the terminal (Airport Way) is a Red Route; stopping anywhere other than a designated car park will result in an immediate fine.
- Roadworks: Ongoing expansion projects can cause delays on Airport Way; always check traffic reports.
By Bus / Coach
- National Express (A1/A2 Routes): These services run 24/7 from London Victoria Coach Station, stopping at Marble Arch, Portman Square, Baker Street, St John's Wood, Finchley Road, and Golders Green. They drop you directly outside the terminal building. Journey time is approx. 75 minutes.
- Green Line 757: A popular commuter coach serving London Victoria, Brent Cross, Bricket Wood, and Luton. It offers free Wi-Fi and leather seats.
- Local Buses: Arriva Bus A (Dunstable/Luton Town) and Stagecoach 99 (Milton Keynes).
By Train (Luton DART)
There is no railway station attached directly to the terminal building. Trains arrive at Luton Airport Parkway. You must transfer to the terminal using the Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit).
- The Luton DART Experience: This automated, cable-hauled people mover replaced the old shuttle bus and runs 24 hours a day. It takes 4 minutes and costs £4.90 per adult (Single).
- Money Saving Tip: Always buy a train ticket to Luton Airport (LUA) rather than Luton Airport Parkway. This through ticket includes the DART fare.
- Luton Airport Express (EMR): The fastest option. Non-stop electric trains from London St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway (approx. 22 mins).
- Thameslink: Commuter trains serving Brighton, Gatwick, London Bridge, and St Pancras. Slower but runs throughout the night (24/7).
By Car Hire
The Car Hire Centre is not at the terminal. It is located on the airport perimeter. You must take the Free Shuttle Bus from Bay C outside the terminal arrivals hall. Operators include Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt.
What is pick up and drop off procedure?
Luton Airport enforces strict drop-off zones with specific charges for 2026.
1. Express Drop-Off (Paid)
This is the closest zone, located directly outside the terminal entrance.
- Cost: £7.00 for 10 minutes (2026 Rate).
- Overstay Charges: £1.00 per minute thereafter.
- Payment Method: There are NO barriers. Cameras record your number plate (ANPR). You must pay online or via the automated payment line by midnight the following day.
- Warning: Failure to pay results in a Parking Charge Notice (PCN) of £100.
- Accessibility: Blue Badge holders are exempt from charges but must register their vehicle and badge details with APCOA Parking in advance.
2. Mid Stay Car Park (Free Option)
For drivers who want to avoid the £7 fee but still want a reasonable walking distance.
- Location: A 10-15 minute walk from the terminal via a marked footpath.
- Cost: Free for up to 15 minutes (Subject to change; check signage on entry).
3. Long Stay Car Park (Best Free Option)
This is the best option if you arrive early to pick someone up.
- Location: Further out on the airport perimeter.
- Cost: Free for up to 2 hour.
- Transfer: A free shuttle bus runs approximately every 15 minutes to the terminal.
Which destinations does LTN Airport covers?
Luton connects to over 130 destinations in 30+ countries. It is the UK's primary gateway to Eastern Europe and a growing hub for sun holidays.
Destination Highlights
The airport offers unrivalled connectivity to Eastern Europe, including Romania, Poland, Hungary, and Albania. For summer sun, there are high-frequency flights to Spain, Portugal, and Greece. New routes for 2025/26 include Verona, Madeira, and Girona via Jet2.
Complete List of Direct Destination Categories (2026)
| Region | Primary Destinations Served |
|---|---|
| UK & Ireland | Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Aberdeen, Jersey, Kerry, Knock. |
| Spain (Mainland) | Alicante, Malaga, Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Seville, Murcia. |
| Canary Islands | Tenerife, Lanzarote, Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria. |
| Balearics | Majorca (Palma), Ibiza, Menorca. |
| Eastern Europe | Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Sofia, Tirana, Skopje, Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk, Katowice, Budapest, Prague, Bratislava, Riga, Vilnius, Kaunas. |
| Middle East | Tel Aviv, Amman, Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada. |
| Mediterranean | Malta, Larnaca, Paphos, Antalya, Dalaman, Bodrum, Izmir. |
| Western Europe | Amsterdam, Paris, Geneva, Zurich, Nice, Lyon, Grenoble, Salzburg, Innsbruck. |
| North Africa | Marrakech, Agadir, Enfidha. |
Which Airlines fly from Luton Airport?
Luton is dominated by low-cost carriers. easyJet is the largest airline, headquartered in the orange hangar visible from the runway. Wizz Air uses Luton as its main UK base for Eastern Europe. Jet2.com recently opened its 13th UK base here, elevating the airport's leisure profile.
Complete List of Airlines
- easyJet: The dominant carrier (HQ Base).
- Wizz Air: Massive network to Eastern Europe.
- Ryanair: Budget flights to Ireland and Europe.
- Jet2.com: Package holidays and leisure flights.
- TUI Airways: Charter holidays.
- El Al: Flights to Tel Aviv.
- SunExpress: Flights to Turkey.
- FlyOne: Flights to Moldova and Armenia.
- Dan Air: Flights to Romania.
What parking options are available on LTN Airport?
Luton has reorganized its parking facilities following recent infrastructure updates. Pre-booking is strongly advised as drive-up rates are punitive.
Park And Ride
- Long Stay Car Park: The most economical official option. Located on the perimeter with a free 10-minute shuttle bus. Best for 1 or 2-week holidays.
- Mid Stay Car Park: A middle-ground option closer to the terminal (10-15 minute walk or short bus ride).
Park And Walk
- Terminal Car Park 1: The premium multi-storey option directly connected to the terminal via a link bridge (4-minute walk).
- Terminal Car Park 2: Slightly further out (5-7 minute walk via footpath).
Meet And Greet / Valet
- Official Priority Drop-Off: Drive to the designated Priority lane closest to the terminal entrance. Hand your keys to the official staff, and your car is driven to a secure compound.
SaveOnPark Exclusive: We provide the best Luton Airport parking deals. Official turn-up rates for the Terminal Car Parks can be astronomical (often exceeding £70 per day). By comparing prices on our platform, you can save up to 60% on official Long Stay products or trusted off-site Park & Ride operators like Airparks. Pre-booking is essential at Luton due to high demand.
What facilities does LTN airport provides?
Despite being a low-cost hub, Luton offers a high street shopping experience and extensive dining options.
Shopping
- Retail: World Duty Free, JD Sports, Accessorize, Sunglass Hut, Fat Face.
- Essentials: Boots, WHSmith.
- Toys & Tech: Hamleys, InMotion.
Bar & Restaurants
- Dining: The Smithfield (Pub), Frankie & Benny’s.
- Quick Bites: Burger King, Wasabi, Auntie Anne's, Krispy Kreme.
- Coffee: Starbucks and Pret A Manger are located both landside and airside.
Lounges
- Aspire Lounge: Located airside. Features complimentary food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and SnoozePods.
- No1 Lounge: A more premium offering with a stylish interior and à la carte dishes.
Hotels
- Holiday Inn Express: The closest hotel to the terminal (5-7 mins walk).
- Courtyard by Marriott: A modern hotel just a 10-minute walk away.
- ibis London Luton Airport: Budget-friendly option near the drop-off zone.
- Hampton by Hilton: Located near Luton Airport Parkway station (requires DART).
Special Assistance
Services are managed by Wilson James. Assistance points are located in the drop-off zone and DART station. Luton fully recognizes the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme.
Airport Security & Baggage
- Scanners: Luton has completed the installation of Next Generation (C3) security scanners.
- Liquids: Current UK government advice (as of 2026) requires passengers to stick to the 100ml limit per container due to regulatory consistency. However, these bottles can remain inside your hand luggage.
- Fast Track: Available to pre-book from £4.00 per person and on the spot for £8.00 per person.
Currency Exchange
Global Exchange kiosks are available landside and airside. ATMs dispensing Pounds, Euros, and Dollars are available throughout the terminal.
Luton Airport FAQs
How many terminals are at Luton Airport?
Luton Airport has one main terminal building.
Is there a smoking area at Luton Airport?
Yes, but only Landside (outside the terminal entrance). There are NO smoking facilities (including e-cigarettes) once you pass security (Airside).
How to get from Luton Airport to London?
Take the Luton DART to Luton Airport Parkway station, then catch a Thameslink or EMR train to St Pancras International. Alternatively, take a National Express coach to Victoria.
Is there a Wetherspoons at Luton Airport?
No. There is no Wetherspoons branded pub. The main pub is The Smithfield, which offers a similar menu and atmosphere.
Where is Luton Airport?
It is located in Bedfordshire, approximately 28 miles (45 km) north of Central London, just off the M1 motorway.
How to get from Luton Airport Parkway to Luton Airport?
You must use the Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit). It runs every 4 minutes and takes 4 minutes. It is no longer possible to walk safely or take a free shuttle bus (the old bus was replaced by the DART).
How to pay the Luton Airport drop off charge?
You must pay online or via the automated telephone line by midnight the day after you visit. There are no barriers or card machines at the exit.
Who owns Luton Airport?
The airport infrastructure is owned by Luton Rising (Luton Council). It is operated by a private consortium of Aena (51%) and InfraBridge (49%).
How much is parking at Luton Airport?
Gate prices for the Terminal Car Park can exceed £70 per day. Pre-booked Long Stay parking can be as low as £10-£15 per day via SaveOnPark.
What shops are at Luton Airport?
Shops include World Duty Free, JD Sports, Boots, WHSmith, Hamleys, Sunglass Hut, and Accessorize.
How big is Luton Airport?
It covers a relatively small site but handles over 18 million passengers, making it highly efficient but often crowded.
Does Luton Airport have a train station?
Not physically attached to the terminal. The station (Luton Airport Parkway) is 1.5 miles away, connected by the DART shuttle.
How much is the drop off at Luton Airport?
The charge is £7.00 for 10 minutes (2026 rate).
What time does Luton Airport open?
The terminal is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
