Navigating your way from Luton Airport to Central London can be a breeze with our comprehensive guide. We’ve compiled the most efficient and budget-friendly transportation options to help you reach the heart of the city effortlessly. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this user-friendly guide covers all you need to know about buses, trains, and private taxis, ensuring a smooth journey from London Luton Airport to London’s bustling centre.
Transportation Options from Luton Airport to Central London
Luton Airport, the fifth-largest airport in the United Kingdom, is a bustling hub for budget-conscious travellers flying into London. Situated 34.5 miles (55.5 km) northeast of central London, Luton Airport is the perfect gateway to the city. In this article, we will explore various transportation options for getting from Luton Airport to central London, ensuring you can make an informed choice that suits your needs.
1. Budget-Friendly: Buses from London Luton Airport to London
Available around the clock, buses provide economical and accessible transportation from Luton Airport to central London. Various private companies offer services, with prices beginning at just a few pounds. Typically, the fare is around £10, and the trip takes approximately 90 minutes. National Express is a reliable and reputable bus company that operates along this route.
2. Time-Efficient: Trains from London Luton Airport to London
If speed is your priority, consider taking a train from Luton Airport to central London. To reach the train station, you’ll first need to board a shuttle bus at the airport that will take you to Luton Airport Parkway Station. This 5-minute ride is free if you have booked your train ticket online.
From Luton Airport Parkway, trains to London St. Pancras Station can take as little as 20 minutes, with an average travel time of around 30 minutes. Train ticket prices may vary, but you can purchase single tickets for £14.
3. Convenient: Taxi from Luton to London
For those who prefer a private and comfortable ride, consider booking a local taxi or Uber to transport you directly from Luton Airport to your hotel or Airbnb in London. Prices for a standard 5-seater car, including airport pick-up, typically start at £50. This option is particularly suitable for groups.
We recommend booking a taxi online, as hailing a regular taxi at Luton Airport can be quite expensive. Below we have put together a list of local taxi companies in Luton, along with their contact phone numbers:
- London Luton Airport Taxis: 01582 405100
- Silverline Cars: 01582 580048
- A1 24-Hour Taxis Luton: 01582 242424
- Go Luton Taxis: 01582 404040 / 01582 494949
- Tippoo Taxis: 01582 242424
4. Costly: Private Taxi (Black Cab) from Luton Airport to London
While there are traditional black British taxis available at the airport, they can be quite expensive for the hour-long journey to London. A more budget-friendly alternative is booking a minicab online. Not only does this allow you to confirm a reasonable price ahead of time, but it also includes a meet-up service where the driver will greet you at the arrivals hall with a sign displaying your name.
To get a price overview and book a private taxi from Luton Airport to central London, visit Minicabit.com. This website compares costs from different min.
Detailed Guide to Bus Transportation from Luton Airport to London
Buses offer a direct and affordable transportation from Luton Airport to central London. You can find buses stationed right outside the arrivals hall at the airport. Bus fares usually start at £10, but you can secure lower prices by booking in advance and taking advantage of online deals.
National Express buses run approximately every 30 minutes. The journey from Luton Airport to the Victoria Coach Station in central London takes between 65 and 105 minutes, depending on traffic conditions during your travel time.
When travelling from London Luton Airport to London, the bus stops will usually stop at the below stops:
- London Golders Green
- London Finchley Road
- London St John’s Wood
- London Baker Street
- London Portman Square
- London Marble Arch
- London Victoria Rail Station
- London Victoria Coach Station
Train Travel from Luton Airport to London
Trains are another suitable option for travelling from Luton Airport to London, particularly if your accommodation is near a major train station. To access the train, you’ll first need to take a shuttle bus from the airport to Luton Airport Parkway Station, a journey that takes under 5 minutes.
Thameslink operates trains from Luton Airport Parkway to London, stopping at key stations such as London St Pancras (next to King’s Cross Station). The fastest train from Luton Airport Parkway to St Pancras takes around 30 minutes, while slower trains with more stops can take up to 45 minutes.
The train from Luton Airport Parkway to London usually stops at these London stations.
- London St Pancras
- Farringdon
- City Thameslink
- Blackfriars
- Elephant & Castle
Affordable Train Tickets with VisitBritain
Like bus tickets, VisitBritain offers special train tickets for tourists travelling from Luton Airport to central London. Simply choose an arrival date, and you can use this ticket for any Thameslink-operated trip on that date. This flexibility means that flight delays won’t affect your travel plans.
When purchasing a train ticket through VisitBritain, the shuttle bus fare from the airport to Luton Airport Parkway Station is included in the price. Single-journey tickets cost £14.50, while return journey tickets cost £25.
How Long Does it Take to Get to Central London from Luton Airport?
The time it takes to get to Central London from Luton Airport depends on the mode of transportation:
- By Train: It typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes from Luton Airport Parkway to central London stations like St Pancras International. Remember that you’ll need to take a 5-minute shuttle bus from the airport to Luton Airport Parkway Station.
- By Bus: The bus journey from Luton Airport to central London usually takes about 1.5 hours (90 minutes), but this can vary depending on traffic conditions.
- By Car or Private Taxi (Blackcab): The driving time from Luton Airport to central London is approximately 1 hour, but it can take longer during peak hours or in heavy traffic.
FAQs
What is the distance from Luton to London?
The distance from Luton Airport to central London is approximately 34.5 miles (55.5 km).
Can you buy an Oyster Travel Card from London Luton Airport?
No, you cannot buy an Oyster Card directly at Luton Airport. However, once you reach central London using one of the transportation options like a train or bus, you can easily purchase an Oyster card at any Tube station, Oyster Ticket Stops, or London Overground stations. If you prefer, you can also order an Oyster card online before your trip and have it delivered to your home address.
What is the fastest way to get to London from Luton Airport?
The fastest route to London from Luton Airport is by taking a train. The train journey from Luton Airport Parkway station to central London takes approximately 25 to 45 minutes.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Luton Airport to London?
The cheapest way to travel from Luton Airport to London is to take a shuttle bus such as the National Express, which offers tickets starting from £6 one-way*.
Can you get an Uber from London Luton Airport?
Yes, you can get an Uber from London Luton Airport. To request a ride, use the Uber app that you already know, and you can get a ride to and from the airport at the tap of a button. The expected fare for an UberX from Luton Airport to London Liverpool Street is approximately £40-£60, excluding surge charges. When using rideshare services like Uber at London Luton Airport, there is an additional airport fee for pickups.
