Welcome / London / Luton Airport to City

How to get from Luton Airport to Central London

April Dwyer

Travel/Copy Writer - 10+ years with private, NGO and startups | Adventure Seeker/World Explorer

October 1, 2024

London Luton Airport is located 55 km from the city center which can be reached by one of four ways – a taxi, private transfer, bus, or train. The quickest and cheapest option is to take the train which will get you to London St Pancras International Station in 36 minutes. The train requires a short shuttle transfer from the airport, and you’ll likely have to connect with another train to reach your hotel.

There are two affordable bus options which take around 1 hour and 30 minutes. They each make several stops so this option provides greater flexibility for being dropped closer to your accommodation, although you’ll likely still have to connect with another bus. Finally, there is the choice of a Luton Airport taxi or private Luton Airport transfer which takes 1 hour and 15 minutes in light traffic. While these options are more expensive, they offer a door-to-door transfer in the privacy of your own vehicle, making them the most convenient.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to London at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Book a trusted, English-speaking driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular taxi Learn more

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€95	75min	24/7
Luton Airport Express	€32	36min	05:32–23:28
National Express Coach	€24	90min	24/7
Greenline Bus	€30.80	90min	24/7
Welcome Airport Transfer	€107	75min	24/7

Getting from Luton Airport to London by taxi

Hiring a Luton Airport taxi is the best option for a carefree and comfortable transfer from Luton Airport to London city center. Official black London taxis are available at any time of day and can reach the city center in around 1 hour and 15 minutes unless you’re traveling during rush hour when the trip can take considerably longer. Cabs can seat between 5 and 8 passengers, and the trip will be charged using a taximeter since there isn’t a flat rate fee for this journey.

How much is a taxi from Luton Airport to London?

Regular London taxis don’t offer fixed-rate fares for this journey, instead, from Luton Airport to London your taxi price will be determined by a taximeter. The approximate cost of your journey will be £80 (€95), depending on your final destination in the city. Please note that road tolls, an airport surcharge fee, and increased fares for traveling at night, on weekends, and on holidays may be added on top.

*Some private taxi companies offer a flat fare for the trip from Luton Airport to the city center of London, but you will need to book your ride in advance.

Cost

€95

Trip Duration

75 Min.

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Luton Airport.

Where can I catch a taxi from?

There is a designated taxi outside located just in front of the airport’s exit doors, adjacent to Bus Bay A. You will see a long line of taxis waiting to pick up arriving passengers. Simply stand in the queue and you will be shown to your car.

Convenience

Public transportation in London can be extremely crowded, hot, and overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or simply want to get to your hotel in comfort, then taking a Luton Airport taxi is the most convenient transfer option.

Editor’s Note

Even though taxi rides can be expensive, they're ideal if you're traveling with friends and can split the fare.

Useful Tips

All London taxis accept debit/credit card payments.

It's best to not try and negotiate a fixed price with the taxi driver as you can often end up paying more than is shown on the taximeter.

Standard Luton Airport taxis can carry up to 5 passengers with one piece of average-sized luggage each.

Pre-booked taxis collect passengers from the Drop Off Zone located in the Mid Stay Car Park which is a 10-minute walk or quick shuttle ride from the terminal.

How to get from Luton Airport to London by train

While the fastest way to get from Luton Airport to London is by train, since there isn’t a direct service you’ll first need to take the 4-minute Luton Dart to Luton Airport Parkway Station. Once there, you can travel on the Luton Airport Express to London St Pancras International in 32 minutes, bringing the total journey time to 36 minutes, not including wait and transfer times.

How much is the train from Luton Airport to London?

Luton DART tickets can be purchased online separately for £4.90 (€5.90) per adult or it’ll be included in the total cost of your train ticket from Luton Airport when purchasing your standard rail ticket through either the Airport Express, National Rail, or Thameslink websites.

A one-way Airport Express train ticket can cost as little as £8.20 (€9.80), or as much as £23.30 (€27.90) when purchased on the day. You can buy tickets online, from the Onward Travel Center in the Arrivals Hall at Luton Airport, or from the automatic ticket machines located in the Baggage Claim area.

Cost

€9.80

Trip Duration

36 Min.

The DART runs every 4 minutes during peak times (06:00 – 09:30 & 14:00 – 18:00) and every 7 to 15 minutes outside of these hours. The wait time for the Airport Express is around 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The DART runs 24/7. The Airport Express runs between 05:32 and 23:28 on weekdays, from 05:59 to 22:51 on Saturdays, and 08:38 and 22:46 on Sundays.

Where do I get the train from?

Follow the airport signs to the Dart Station which is a few minutes walk outside the terminal building. Once you arrive at Luton Airport Parkway, follow the signs for the EMR/Airport Express trains that head towards St Pancreas International.

*It’s also possible to board a Thameslink train towards Brighton from the Airport Parkway Station.

Convenience

Considering there isn’t a direct Luton Airport to London train, this trip is slightly less convenient, especially if you’re carrying heavy luggage or have small children with you. However, it is still the cheapest way to travel and once onboard, the journey is extremely quick.

Timetables

Luton Dart Tickets

Luton Airport – Luton Airport Parkway Station

Thameslink train schedule

Luton Airport Parkway Station - St. Pancras International station

Editor’s Note

The DART is free if you purchase a train ticket starting at Luton Airport Station rather than Luton Airport Parkway.

Useful Tips

Once you reach St. Pancras International train station in London, you will have access to six different underground lines and multiple bus lines to help you continue your journey to your hotel.

Children under 5 years of age travel for free.

Trains get extremely crowded during rush hour and can get very hot, so be sure to keep hydrated.

As there are multiple stops on the line into the city center, be sure to keep an eye on your belongings as people exit the train.

How to get from Luton Airport to London city by bus

The National Express provides three regular coach services from London Luton Airport to London City, the A1, the A2, and the A31. All buses make stops at Golders Green, Bakers Street, Marble Arch, and Victoria Rail Station, before terminating at Victoria Coach Station after 1 hour and 30 minutes.

How much is the bus from Luton Airport to London city?

The National Express bus can cost as little as £5 (€6) if you book at least three days in advance online, or as much as £12 (€14.20) if you buy a ticket on the day. At the airport, tickets can be bought from the ticket desks and ticket machines in the Arrivals Hall.

Cost

€12

Trip Duration

90 Min.

The wait time between buses is around 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

National Express buses run 24/7.

Where do I get the bus from?

The National Express bus stop is located just outside the Arrivals Hall exit doors. There’s almost always a bus waiting so you should easily spot the waiting area.

Convenience

The National Express buses are modern, comfortable, and offer free Wi-Fi. However, the journey is fairly long and in traffic can take considerably longer. If you’re in a rush or aren’t traveling on a budget, we recommend using a different mode of transport such as a pre-booked private transfer.

Timetables

London Luton Airport – Victoria Rail and Coach Station

A1 and A2 Bus Timetables

Editor’s Note

A small fee of £1.50 (€1.80) will be added to online bookings. This can be waved if you create an account.

Useful Tips

Children under 6 years of age travel for free.

There's a luggage allowance of 22 kg per passenger.

The A2 service runs more frequently than the A1 or A31.

How to get from Luton Airport to London by bus

Another affordable and convenient bus option is the Greenline 757 bus service which runs to Victoria Coach Station twice every hour in around 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, the bus calls at key destinations in the city including Brent Cross, Finchley Road, Baker Street, and Marble Arch, allowing you to easily connect with other coach and bus services or the London Underground.

How much does the bus cost from the airport to the city center?

One-way bus tickets for the Green Line bus cost £13 (€15.40) no matter when you travel or book your ticket. Tickets can be bought online, from a ticket retailer at the airport, or from the driver with cash or a debit/credit card.

Cost

€15.40

Trip Duration

90 Min.

Greenline buses run every 30 minutes.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The Greenline bus runs 24/7.

Where does the Greenline bus depart from?

The 757 bus departs from Bay K at Luton Airport’s bus station which is located on the Ground Floor, outside Arrivals. Staff are available onsite to assist you with getting to where you need to go.

Convenience

Given this bus line isn’t the cheapest or any quicker than the National Express service, there is no real benefit to this option unless it conveniently stops close to your accommodation, or if you’re buying a round-trip ticket.

Timetables

London Luton Airport – Victoria Coach Station

Greenline Bus Timetable

Editor’s Note

Keep in mind that single and return tickets bought online need to be printed off unless purchased through the Arriva Bus UK app.

Useful Tips

Buses are comfortable and reliable with air-conditioning and USB charging points available for added convenience.

For every paying adult, one child under the age of 3 can travel for free.

It's usually cheaper to buy a return ticket at the time of booking.

How to get from Luton Airport to Central London by private transfer

If you’re after a more personalized transfer, then a private transfer from Luton Airport to London City is the best way to get your trip started. Private transfers, such as those arranged by Welcome Pickups, can be tailored to suit the needs of you and your group so you never need to wait around for transport or travel separately.

Some of the perks you’ll enjoy when you book a private transfer include competitive fixed fare rates, 24/7 access to a 5-star customer service team, guaranteed on-time pickups, airport meet-and-greets, and English-speaking drivers who love to provide passengers with a warm welcome to their city. Furthermore, you’ll be dropped straight to the door of your hotel in comfort and style.

On top of that, your driver will take you on a mini tour of the city en route to your destination while letting you in on some must-see-and-do attractions to help you get the most out of your time in London.

How much is a private transfer from Luton Airport to London?

One of the main benefits of a private transfer is receiving a fixed-fare price upfront before you travel. This way you can avoid any surprises and won’t need to worry about the taximeter climbing as you sit in traffic. For two passengers, you’ll pay £89 (€107), and for a regular sedan that seats 5 passengers, you’ll pay £115.70 (€139).

To book, enter your personal details, along with your flight information either on the website or the Welcome Pickups app, and then select a pick-up time and date. The whole process takes less than a minute so you focus on planning your trip.

Cost

€107

Trip Duration

75 Min.

*When booked in advance, a vehicle will be waiting for you on arrival.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from London Luton Airport.

Where will my private transfer depart from?

No need to go searching for the taxi stand on arrival, instead, your driver will be waiting for you when you land, holding a sign with your name on it. After spotting your driver in the Arrival Hall and exchanging introductions, you’ll be shown to your pre-selected private vehicle so that your ride to Central London can begin.

Convenience

Similar to regular taxis, private transfers are fast and provide the convenience of a door-to-door service. However, private transfers offer greater flexibility as well as flight monitoring to ensure a driver is always waiting for you when you land.

Editor’s Note

It can take some time to get through Immigration at Luton Airport so be sure to select a pick-up time 30 to 40 minutes after your arrival.

Useful Tips

Private transfer drivers are highly trained and local to the area ensuring the most direct route to your accommodation is always taken.

You'll be emailed your driver's details a day ahead of your travels to help you recognize them when you land.

Payment will be taken at the time of booking so you can simply relax and enjoy your transfer when you arrive.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in London. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Luton Airport to London City?

To reach your destination quickly or easily, we recommend taking a private transfer or taxi from Luton Airport to London, both of which take between 1 hour and 15 minutes and 2 hours, depending on traffic.

Cheaper alternatives include the train (36 minutes), the National Express Bus (90 minutes), or the Greenline bus (90 minutes), however, wait and transfer times mean public transport options often take longer.

How to get from Luton to London?

There are four ways to get from Luton Airport to London; taxi, private transfer, bus or train. The quickest and cheapest option is the train, whereas a taxi or private transfer is the most convenient and comfortable since they offer a direct service. Buses take the longest, although they are also an affordable option.

How much is taxi from Luton Airport to London Center?

On average, a Luton Airport to London taxi will cost £80 (€95) when charged by the taximeter. Additional tolls and surcharges will be added to the final fare, or you can pre-book online with Welcome Pickups to avoid hidden fees.

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