London Luton Airport
Also known as: Luton Airport, LTN Airport. Formerly Luton Municipal Airport.
Private transfer from LTNSee pricesSee pricesAbout London Luton Airport
London Luton Airport (LTN) is one of London's main airports, in Luton, Bedfordshire, England, United Kingdom. It sits about 1.7 miles east of Luton town center and about 35 miles north of central London, close to the M1.
easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair and Jet2 have bases here, and most flights are short-haul across Europe, with routes to Romania, Poland, Albania and the rest of Central and Eastern Europe, to Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands, and to Israel and North Africa. The airport handled more than 17.5 million passengers in 2025.
All flights use one terminal. Check-in, security and arrivals are on the ground floor, and the departure lounge and the gates, spread over three piers, are upstairs.
From the airport, most travelers head into central London, to St Albans and the towns of Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, or north to Milton Keynes. The Luton DART carries passengers between the terminal and Luton Airport Parkway station, where Thameslink and East Midlands Railway trains run to London St Pancras.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
London Luton Airport Operations Limited (LLAOL), owned by Aena and AMP Capital
- Owner
Luton Borough Council, through London Luton Airport Limited
- Runway
One, 07/25, 2,162 m
- Passengers per year
About 16.7 million in 2024, and more than 17.5 million in 2025
- Opened
1938, as Luton Municipal Airport
Arrival tips for London Luton Airport
All flights arrive at the single terminal. You clear UK passport control first: many visitors can use the automatic eGates, while others wait in line at the staffed desks, and lines can build when several flights from Europe land together. Most visitors who do not need a visa, including EU and US citizens, now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK.
After baggage claim, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if you do, and walk out into the arrivals hall on the ground floor.
For trains, follow the signs to the Luton DART, a few minutes' covered walk from the terminal. It runs 24 hours a day to Luton Airport Parkway station, where Thameslink and East Midlands Railway trains leave for London St Pancras. Coaches and local buses leave from the bus station in front of the terminal, and black cabs wait at the rank beyond Bus Bay A. Pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.
The UK is on GMT in winter and BST (GMT+1) in summer, and uses pounds sterling.
Ground transportation
The DART and train are the quickest way into London; coaches are cheaper, and a pre-booked car is easier with luggage or for addresses away from the stations.
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Book a transfer from LTNLuton DART and train to St Pancras
The DART runs 24 hours a day from the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway in about 4 minutes. From there, Thameslink and the East Midlands Railway Luton Airport Express reach London St Pancras in as little as 22 minutes.
Coaches to London
National Express and Green Line 757 coaches run to Victoria Coach Station, and easyBus to Liverpool Street. Cheaper than the train, but slower in traffic.
Taxi from Luton Airport
Licensed black cabs wait 24 hours a day at the rank just beyond Bus Bay A. Metered and good for Luton and nearby towns, but expensive into central London.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups, late arrivals and addresses in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire or across London.
Local buses
Busway route A runs to Luton town center, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, and route 100 to Hitchin and Stevenage.
Terminals
Terminal
The single terminal for all flights, with 62 check-in desks, security and arrivals on the ground floor, and the departure lounge and 30 gates on three piers upstairs.
Airlines commonly assigned here: Dan Air, easyJet, El Al, FlyOne, Israir, Jet2.com, Ryanair, SunExpress, TUI Airways, Wizz Air
Airlines and destinations
Facilities
Shops and restaurants
Shops, duty free, cafes and restaurants, including Sanfords and The Fletton bar, are in the departure lounge after security.
Currency exchange
Currency exchange is available in the terminal, including a desk before security.
Prayer room
A multi-faith prayer room is available in the terminal.
Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal.
Lost property
The airport runs a lost property service for items left in the terminal.
Fast Track Security
A paid Fast Track lane at security can be booked in advance.
Quiet room
A quiet room is next to Gate 17, for passengers who need a calmer space before boarding.
Airport lounges
No1 Lounge
Run by No1 Lounges and open daily from 4:00 to 20:00. Open to any departing passenger who pays or books ahead; Priority Pass, DragonPass and LoungeKey holders can reserve a space or enter when there is room.
My Lounge
Run by No1 Lounges, open since 2024 and daily from 4:00 to 21:00. Open to any departing passenger who pays or books ahead; Priority Pass, DragonPass and LoungeKey holders can reserve a space or enter when there is room.
Accessibility and passenger assistance
Requesting assistance
Book assistance through your airline, tour operator or travel agent at least 48 hours before your flight. Without a booking, ask any uniformed member of staff or go to an Assisted Travel desk.
Reduced mobility
A Special Assistance help desk with a lowered counter and induction loop is at the front of the terminal, with a second desk in departures and a waiting area. Help points are in all parking areas and outside the terminal doors.
Hidden disabilities
Free Sunflower lanyards are available from the Assisted Travel desk, and wearers and their immediate family can use Fast Track Security. A quiet room is next to Gate 17, and an Assisted Travel lounge is past security.
Luton DART
Both DART stations have lifts, and staff are on hand 24 hours a day to help.
Parking
Terminal Car Parks 1 and 2
Multi-story parking garages a short covered walk from the terminal, for pick-ups and short stays.
Mid Stay
On the airport west of the terminal, about a 10-minute walk away.
Long Stay
East of the terminal, with a free shuttle bus running 24 hours a day.
Drop Off and Pick Up Zone
A paid express zone on the ground floor of Terminal Car Park 2, a covered walk from the terminal; the charge is paid online by midnight the following day.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Luton Airport from central London?
London Luton Airport is about 35 miles north of central London, near Luton in Bedfordshire. The DART takes you to Luton Airport Parkway in about 4 minutes, and trains from there reach London St Pancras in as little as 22 minutes. By road, the drive usually takes more than an hour, depending on traffic on the M1.
How many terminals does Luton Airport have?
Luton has one terminal for all flights. Check-in, security, baggage claim and arrivals are on the ground floor, and the departure lounge and the 30 gates, spread over three piers, are upstairs. With one building, every arriving passenger exits into the same arrivals hall.
What is the Luton DART?
The Luton DART is a driverless shuttle train between the airport terminal and Luton Airport Parkway station. It opened in 2023, replacing the shuttle bus, and runs 24 hours a day, taking about 4 minutes. Rail tickets bought to "Luton Airport" include the DART, and contactless cards work at the barriers.
What is the best way from Luton Airport to London?
The fastest is the DART to Luton Airport Parkway, then a Thameslink or East Midlands Railway train to St Pancras, in as little as 22 minutes on the train. National Express, Green Line and easyBus coaches are cheaper but slower. A taxi or pre-booked car is easiest with luggage or for addresses away from the stations.
Is there a train from Luton Airport to Gatwick?
Yes. Thameslink trains from Luton Airport Parkway run through central London to Gatwick Airport and on to Brighton, with no change of train. Take the DART from the terminal to Parkway first. The journey crosses the whole of London, so allow plenty of time between flights.
Is Luton Airport actually in London?
No. London Luton Airport is in Luton, Bedfordshire, about 35 miles north of central London, outside Greater London. It took the name London Luton Airport in 1990 to stress its links with the capital, and it is one of the airports that serve London alongside Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and London City.
Which airlines fly from Luton Airport?
easyJet is the largest airline at Luton, which is one of its main bases, followed by Wizz Air. Ryanair and Jet2 also have bases here, and El Al, Israir, SunExpress, TUI, FlyOne and Dan Air fly some routes. Most flights are short-haul across Europe, with routes to Israel and North Africa.
Where is the taxi rank at Luton Airport?
Licensed black cabs wait at the rank just beyond Bus Bay A, close to the terminal; follow the signs from arrivals. They run 24 hours a day on the meter, are wheelchair accessible and take cards. Pre-booked taxis use the paid Drop Off and Pick Up Zone or a meeting point agreed with the driver.
Is there a drop-off charge at Luton Airport?
Yes. The express Drop Off and Pick Up Zone on the ground floor of Terminal Car Park 2 charges a fee by number-plate camera, paid online by midnight the following day. The Long Stay parking lot offers a short free stay, with a free shuttle bus to the terminal.
Is there a lounge at Luton Airport?
Yes. Two lounges run by No1 Lounges are in the terminal: No1 Lounge, open daily from 4:00 to 20:00, and My Lounge, open daily from 4:00 to 21:00. Any departing passenger can book or pay to enter, and Priority Pass, DragonPass and LoungeKey holders can reserve a space.
Do I need an ETA to fly into Luton Airport?
Most likely, yes. Unless you hold a British or Irish passport or a UK visa, you need an Electronic Travel Authorisation before you travel to the UK. Since 25 February 2026 it is fully enforced, including for EU, EEA and US citizens. Apply online before you fly and check the rules for your passport on GOV.UK.
How do I book assistance at Luton Airport?
Book assistance through your airline, tour operator or travel agent at least 48 hours before your flight, and the airport's Assisted Travel team will be ready. Without a booking, ask any uniformed member of staff or go to an Assisted Travel desk. Free Sunflower lanyards for hidden disabilities are available there too.
Is Luton Airport close to St Albans and Milton Keynes?
Yes. St Albans is south of the airport, and Thameslink trains from Luton Airport Parkway stop at St Albans City on the way to London. Milton Keynes is to the northwest along the M1. A taxi or pre-booked car goes door to door to both, which is easiest with luggage.