Your Complete Guide to London Luton Airport (LLA)
The London Luton Airport is one of the largest airports in the United Kingdom, and it offers excellent airport transportation. The London Luton Airport is only 34 miles from Central London, making it one of the city's closest airports. Every year, the airport serves more than 10 million travellers. Many national and international airlines, including Easyjet, Thomson Airways, and Monarch Airlines, use the airport as a maintenance hub. There are several connections available from London Luton Airport to all other UK destinations
- Arriving
- Departures
- Airport Facilities
- Travelling with children
- Parking
- Public Transport
- Things to do near Luton Airport
- Clothing Shops
- Hotels
Important information about Luton Airport
- The London Luton Airport (LTN) is located to the northwest of the city.
- Luton Airport is home to many low-cost airlines that offer low-cost flights.
- By shuttle bus, Luton Airport Parkway train station is 10 minutes from the airport.
- It takes between 20 and 40 minutes to go from Luton to central London by train
- For individuals driving to Luton Airport, there are a variety of short-term and long-term parking options.
Arriving at Luton Airport
If you’re arriving at Luton Airport, there are a few things you need to know. The airport is located about 30 miles north of London, and it’s served by many major airlines, including British Airways, EasyJet, and Ryanair.
The airport has two terminals - the main terminal and the satellite terminal. The main terminal is where you’ll find all the shops, restaurants, and services. There are three levels to this building - the arrivals hall, the departures hall, and a food court on the top level.
The satellite terminal is where you’ll find public transportation connections like rail, bus, and coach stations. You can also find car hire offices here.
Book your arrival assistance
Luton Airport offers a range of arrival assistance services, which can be booked in advance. These include porter services, wheelchair assistance and help with luggage. You can find more information on the airport website.
Hiring a car
Hiring a car is the most popular way of getting to Luton Airport. The quickest option is to take a minicab, which takes around 15 minutes. If you are travelling there by train, the fastest route is to go from St Pancras International station to London King's Cross station. This takes 30 minutes including walking time.
Getting to your parked car at Luton Airport
When you arrive back at Luton Airport, the first thing to do is collect any luggage that you have left. Once you have done that, you need to make your way to the car park.
Picking Up
Passengers can be picked up in the Arrivals Hall and some cases from a remote car park.
Departing from Luton Airport
Departing from Luton Airport is easy, with a choice of terminals and plenty of facilities to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, make sure you plan and allow plenty of time to get through security and to your gate.
There are two terminals at Luton Airport - Terminal One and Terminal Two - offering all the usual facilities you'd expect to find at an airport, plus some extra services too.
The two terminals are linked by a dedicated walkway and shuttle bus, with journey times of around five minutes.
Road
The airport is signposted throughout the area, but the best route to take when arriving at Luton is to follow signs for M1 (south) and then take exit 10. From there, follow the signs for the airport.
Rail
The airport is just a short distance from Luton train station. Trains run regularly between the airport and London St Pancras, with a journey time of just over 20 minutes.
Coach
National Express coaches run from Luton Airport to over 350 destinations across the UK. The journey time to London Victoria Coach Station is around 50 minutes.
Minicab
Taxis are available from the rank outside the terminal building. The journey time to central London is around 45 minutes.
Bus
The Luton Airport shuttle bus runs between the airport and Park Street, adjacent to St Pancras International station.
Airport Facilities at Luton Airport
If you're travelling through Luton Airport, you'll be pleased to know that there are a range of facilities on offer to make your journey as comfortable as possible. These include:
Adult changing facilities
There are accessible toilet facilities with baby changing facilities, which are located throughout the terminals. The toilets in the Departures Hall also have a disabled access facility and there is a Radar key available from the Information Desk.
Cash machines
The airport has many cash machines located throughout the terminals, which offer a range of services including foreign currency exchange.
Cafés and restaurants
There is a range of cafés and restaurants located in the terminals, offering a range of food and drinks to suit all tastes.
Children's play areas
There are two children's play areas located in the departures lounge for ages 3-12, which are free to use.
Disabled parking
There is a large amount of disabled parking located close to the terminals; however, we would recommend you contact the airport direct on +44 (0) 871 226 2020 for more information.
Disabled toilets
There are accessible toilet facilities with baby changing facilities, which are located throughout the terminals. The toilets in the Departures Hall also have a disabled access facility and there is a Radar key available from the Information Desk.
Car hire (cars and vans)
Car-hire services are available at the airport, including cars and vans. You can pick up your car hire at the airport and drop it off at any other Europcar location in the UK.
Drop-off and pick-up points
If you're picking up or dropping off passengers, there are many designated drop-off and pick-up points located close to the terminals.
Travelling with children at Luton Airport
Are you travelling with kids? There are several things you should know about before you fly to ensure the journey goes as smoothly as possible.
Family area
If you have children with you, the airport has a designated family area. This is a relaxed and comfortable space where you can take a break from the airport bustle. The family area includes a play area, so your children can let off some steam before or after your flight.
Nappy changing facilities
The family area also has nappy changing facilities, so you don't have to worry about finding a facility.
Strollers
You are allowed to take your stroller into the airport and onto the plane.
Security
When you go through security, you will need to remove your children from the stroller and place them in a separate line for screening. Make sure you have all the necessary items for your children with you, such as formula, food and diapers, in case you need to go through the screening process with them.
Boarding
If you have a child who is not yet two years old, they are allowed to sit on your lap during the flight. If your child is aged two or over, they will need their seat.
Passports and visas
If your children are not British citizens, they will need their passports and visas to travel.
Luggage
You are allowed to take strollers and car seats on board with you, so you can use them during your flight. Make sure to remove all the wheels and check them in as luggage.
Nappy bag
The family area has a nappy bag that you can take with you if you are travelling with young children, so you don't have to take one from the cabin.
Flight connections
If your child's flight is connecting to another airport, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information to ensure a smooth journey.
These are just some of the things you need to know when travelling with children at Luton Airport. For more information, visit the airport's website.
Parking at Luton Airport
Parking at Luton Airport can be a little confusing, but with this guide, you should have no problems. There are three main parking options at Luton Airport:
Valet parking
Valet parking is an excellent choice if you don't want to worry about finding a parking space, or if you're in a hurry. The valet parking service will take your car to a secure location and park it for you. When you're ready to leave, just call the valet parking service and they'll bring your car back to the airport.
Priority Parking Meet & Greet
Priority Parking Meet & Greet is a premium service that offers the convenience of valet parking with the bonus of being able to park close to the terminal. With this service, a driver will meet you at the airport and take your car to a secure location.
Motorcycle Parking
Luton Airport provides motorcycle parking in the short-term car park. There are no charges and the bike must be parked in a designated bay.
Disabled Parking
If you have a Blue Badge, you can park in the disabled parking areas. There is ample disabled parking available at the airport and it is free for the first 60 minutes to use.
Short-term Parking
There are many short-term parking options available at the airport, including the following:
- Hourly parking - £12.50 per hour
- Daily parking - from £32.00
Long-term Parking
If you're planning on staying at the airport for a while, there is a long-term parking lot located outside the terminal, on the other side of the Skylink.
- Hourly parking - £4.50 per hour
- Daily parking - from £28.00
Public Transport at Luton Airport
Luton Airport is well-served by public transport, making it easy to get to and from the airport. Many bus services operate between the airport and the town centre, as well as to other nearby destinations. The airport is also served by several train services, making it easy to get to and from other parts of the country.
Bus services
The bus services that operate between Luton Airport and the town centre are the number 11, 12 and 13. These buses operate regularly throughout the day and make it easy to get to the airport as well as to destinations such as Stockwood Discovery Centre and Houghton Regis. The bus station is located next to the terminal building, and passengers can buy tickets from the driver. Tickets can be used on all buses operating between Luton Airport and the town centre.
National Express
National Express operates several coach services from Luton Airport to other parts of the country. These services are convenient for passengers travelling to destinations such as Oxford, London, Birmingham and Cardiff.
Train services
Luton Airport Parkway is the nearest railway station to Luton Airport, with regular train services running between London and Luton. The journey time from London St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway is around 30 minutes.
Minicab service
Taxies run from the airport to Luton town centre and back, as well as Airport Parkway which is a railway station with links around London.
Things to do near Luton Airport
If you're looking for something to do near Luton Airport, there are plenty of options available. Whether you're looking for a bit of culture, some retail therapy or just want to take in the sights and sounds, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the best options:
Wardown and Stockward Parks and Museum
Just a five-minute walk from the airport is Wardown Park, which contains a free museum, as well as a large green space with a playground, a duck pond and a bandstand.
Less than ten minutes walk in the other direction is Stockward Park, which has another playground, tennis courts and three bowling greens.
Wrest Park Gardens
Wrest Park Gardens in Silsoe is a public park and Grade I listed English country house shortly before the airport. The Wrest Park Gardens in Silsoe is the only Grade I listed park and garden in Bedfordshire.
St Albans Cathedral
There are several historical churches in the area, including St Albans Cathedral which is home to a beautiful cathedral. It was built in medieval times and has been featured in many BBC period dramas.
The Chiltern
The Chiltern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a short drive from Luton Airport.
Whipsnade
Whipsnade Zoo is a great place to visit for animal lovers of all ages. The zoo is home to over 2,500 animals from around the world. There are many indoor and outdoor exhibits to visit.
Snozone, Milton Keynes
Snozone is an indoor ski slope in Central Milton Keynes. It has a range of slopes, including a 120-meter long main slope, for all abilities. There is also a Snow Park for snowboarding and skiing stunts.
Waddesdon Manor
If you are interested in culture,e then Waddesdon Manor is a great place to visit. It is home to the Rothschild Foundation and has a beautiful Arts and Crafts-style.
Restaurants to eat near Luton airport
There are plenty of restaurants to eat near Luton airport, whether you're looking for a quick snack or something more substantial. If you're planning to stay at the airport for a few hours, you'll find that there is a McDonald's and Burger King in the multi-story car park, as well as a Costa Coffee. If you're after something more exotic, there's an Indian restaurant and a Chinese restaurant in the airport terminal.
The following restaurants are within a short walk of the airport:
- Off The Wall Luton
- Red Lion Luton
- Carriages
- The Wheatsheaf
- Vinsanto
- Lussmanns - Harpenden
- The Spotted Dog
- The White Horse
- Infuse Modern Indian Bistro
- Loft Stalbans
- Hermitage Rd Bar & Restaurant
- Miraj Indian Restaurant
Clothing Shops Near London Luton Airport
If you're looking for a place to buy some new clothes near Luton Airport, there are a few options nearby.
There's a Primark just a few minutes walk from the airport, and an H&M not too much further. If you're looking for something a bit more high-end, there are a few options in the town centre of Luton, about a 10-minute drive from the airport.
The following Clothing Shops are within a short walk of the airport:
- worn
- Crew Clothing
- FatFace
- Oliver Bonas
- Next
- BOSS Store
- JD Sports
- Accessorize
- Ted Baker - Luton Airport
- Kurt Geiger Luton Airport
- Collection
Hotels near Luton Airport
Here is a list of hotels near Luton Airport. One of the hotels here, the Crowne Plaza London - Luton, is actually connected to the airport.
- ibis London Luton Airport
- Holiday Inn Express London Luton Airport
- Premier Inn London Luton Airport
- Hilton Garden Inn Luton Airport
- Marriott Hotel London Luton
- Holiday Inn Luton Airport
- Courtyard by Marriott Luton Airport
- Contractors Delight Near Luton Airport
- Tidy and Secure Contractor Housing
- Elegant Devon
- Hampton by Hilton Luton Airport
