Transport from London Luton Airport to central London is fairly simple, with the train, National Express coach, and taxis all available from the airport. For most travellers, the train is the simplest and quickest option, especially if you are heading to London St Pancras, Farringdon, City Thameslink, London Blackfriars, or anywhere with easy Underground connections.
The journey starts with the Luton DART, which connects the airport terminal with Luton Airport Parkway station. From there, you can take a direct train into central London. The total journey from the terminal to central London usually takes around one hour, depending on waiting times and which London station you are heading to.
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Train from London Luton Airport to central London
The train is usually the best way to travel from London Luton Airport to central London.
From the terminal, follow the signs for the Luton DART. This is accessed from the airport terminal by walking through a covered walkway, so it is easy to find after arrivals. The Luton DART then takes around five minutes to reach Luton Airport Parkway station.
From Luton Airport Parkway, there are regular trains into central London throughout the day. Services usually run around four times per hour, with direct trains to key London stations including St Pancras International, Farringdon, City Thameslink, and London Blackfriars.
St Pancras is useful if you want the Underground, King’s Cross, Eurostar, or onward rail connections. London Blackfriars is useful if you are heading towards the City, South Bank, or parts of central and south London. Both stations also have easy onward transport connections.
The train also runs through the night, with a reduced overnight service. Between roughly 1am and 4am, trains usually run around once per hour, which is still a fairly useful overnight service if you are arriving late or catching an early flight.
The main downside is the price of the Luton DART. For such a short journey of around 1.3 miles, the DART is expensive, costing around £5 one way. However, you can usually buy your train ticket all the way from Luton Airport to central London, which includes the DART and avoids needing a separate ticket.
At the time of writing, a one way ticket from London Luton Airport to central London usually costs around £25 without a Railcard, although prices can vary depending on the route, time of day, and ticket type.
For most travellers, this is the option I would recommend. It is quicker than the coach, easier than taking a taxi, and connects directly with useful central London stations.
National Express coach from London Luton Airport to London Victoria
National Express is the main coach option from London Luton Airport to central London.
Coaches run directly from the airport terminal to London Victoria Coach Station, with services usually running around every 30 minutes throughout the day. This can be a useful option if you do not want to use the Luton DART, if the train is expensive, or if you are heading towards Victoria or west London.
A typical one way coach ticket costs around £14, although prices can vary depending on when you book and which service you choose. The journey to London Victoria Coach Station usually takes around 1 hour 37 minutes, depending on traffic.
The coach is normally cheaper than the train, but it is slower. It can also be less convenient if your final destination is not near Victoria, as you may still need to take the Underground, a bus, or a taxi after arriving in central London.
Taxi and Uber options
Taking a taxi or Uber is the simplest door-to-door option, but it is also usually the most expensive.
The journey is around 36 miles and usually takes about one hour, although this depends heavily on traffic and your final destination in London. At busy times, the journey can take longer.
An Uber or private hire car between London Luton Airport and central London can easily cost more than £80, and sometimes more during busy periods. This makes it difficult to recommend for solo travellers.
However, a taxi or Uber can make sense if you are travelling in a group, carrying lots of luggage, arriving very late, or heading somewhere awkward that is not close to a train or coach stop.
Best way to get from London Luton Airport to central London
For most travellers, the train is the best option.
Take the Luton DART from the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway, then take a direct train to St Pancras International, Farringdon, City Thameslink, or London Blackfriars. It is the quickest and most convenient option, especially if you are heading into central London and want easy Underground connections.
Choose the National Express coach if you want a cheaper option, do not want to use the Luton DART, or are heading towards Victoria.
Choose a taxi or Uber only if you want door-to-door transport, are travelling as a group, have lots of luggage, or are arriving at a difficult time.
FAQs: London Luton Airport to Central London
The best way to get from London Luton Airport to central London is usually the train. Take the Luton DART from the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway, then take a direct train to St Pancras, Farringdon, City Thameslink, or London Blackfriars.
The total journey from London Luton Airport terminal to central London usually takes around one hour. This includes the Luton DART, walking time, waiting time, and the train journey into London.
The Luton DART costs around £5 one way for adults. It is expensive for such a short journey, but you can usually buy it as part of a through train ticket to or from Luton Airport.
Trains from Luton Airport Parkway to London usually run late into the night and there is a reduced overnight service. Between around 1am and 4am, trains usually run around once per hour, but it is always worth checking live times before travelling.
A National Express coach from London Luton Airport to London Victoria usually costs around £14 one way, although prices vary depending on when you book and which service you choose.
The National Express coach from London Luton Airport to London Victoria usually takes around 1 hour 37 minutes, depending on traffic.
No. London Luton Airport is outside of the city, around 36 miles from central London. However, it has regular train and coach connections into the city.
For further information, you can visit Luton Airport’s official website here.
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