Table des matières:
Introduction
Arriving at Luton Airport or Luton town and need to reach central London? You have several choices, each with different trade-offs in speed, cost, and convenience. Whether you’re a budget traveler, a business professional, or a family with luggage, this guide breaks down every option so you can pick the best route for your journey.
Train from Luton to Central London
The train is the fastest way to get from Luton to central London. Two main services operate from Luton station (located in the town center, not the airport).
Thameslink (East Midlands Railway)
Thameslink trains run frequently from Luton to St Pancras International. The journey takes about 25–40 minutes, depending on the service. Trains depart every 10–30 minutes, and tickets cost around £10–£20 if booked in advance or with a railcard.
Pros: Fast, frequent, direct to central London.
Cons: Luton station is 1.5 miles from the airport; you need a shuttle bus (bus 100 or A) which takes 10–15 minutes.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) Intercity
EMR also runs intercity trains from Luton to St Pancras, similar to Thameslink but slightly faster. However, they may be less frequent. Both services accept Oyster cards and contactless payment between Luton and London.
Coach from Luton to Central London
Coaches are the cheapest option, especially if you book ahead. National Express and Green Line operate services from Luton Airport directly to central London stops.
National Express
Buses run 24/7 from Luton Airport to Victoria Coach Station, with journey times of 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Fares start from £5–£10 if booked online in advance.
Pros: Direct from airport, cheap, luggage allowed.
Cons: Slower due to traffic, less frequent late at night.
Green Line 757
Green Line coach 757 connects Luton Airport to London Victoria, stopping at several points including Baker Street. It runs every 20–30 minutes during the day. Same price range as National Express.
Taxi or Private Transfer
For door-to-door convenience, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer is ideal. Journey time is about 45–70 minutes, depending on traffic. Fixed fares from Luton Airport to central London range from £50–£100.
Pros: Comfortable, direct, good for groups or heavy luggage.
Cons: Expensive, subject to traffic delays.
Driving Yourself
If you have a car, driving to central London is possible but not recommended due to congestion charges, limited parking, and high costs. The M1 motorway connects Luton to London, but expect heavy traffic during peak hours. Parking in central London can cost £30+ per day.
Comparison Table
| Option | Time | Cost (approx) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Thameslink) | 25–40 min | £10–£20 | Speed & frequency |
| Coach (National Express) | 60–90 min | £5–£10 | Budget travelers |
| Taxi/Private transfer | 45–70 min | £50–£100 | Convenience & groups |
| Driving | 45–70 min | £20+ (fuel + congestion charge) | Flexibility (not recommended) |
Step-by-Step Guide for Each Option
How to Take the Train from Luton Airport
- From Luton Airport terminal, take the shuttle bus (bus 100 or A) to Luton station. The bus runs every 10 minutes and takes 10 minutes.
- At Luton station, buy a ticket to London St Pancras International (or use contactless/Oyster).
- Board the Thameslink or EMR train. Check the departure board for platform.
- Alight at St Pancras. From there, you can connect to the Tube, bus, or walk to your final destination.
How to Take the Coach from Luton Airport
- Follow signs to the coach station at Luton Airport (adjacent to the terminal).
- Purchase a ticket from the driver or via the National Express app.
- Board the coach (look for Victoria or Green Line 757).
- Relax for 60–90 minutes. Coaches have luggage holds and onboard toilets.
- Alight at your chosen stop (Victoria Coach Station is the main terminus).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking train strikes: Strikes can disrupt service. Check National Rail Enquiries before travel.
- Buying a taxi without a fixed price: Always agree on a fare or use a pre-booked service to avoid surge pricing.
- Assuming Oyster works on coaches: Oyster and contactless are valid on trains and Tube but not on National Express or Green Line coaches.
- Underestimating travel time from Luton station to airport: The shuttle bus adds 15–20 minutes, so factor that in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get from Luton to central London?
By train, 25–40 minutes from Luton station plus 10 minutes shuttle from airport. By coach, 60–90 minutes. By taxi, 45–70 minutes.
What is the cheapest way from Luton to London?
Coach is cheapest, with advance tickets from £5. Train advance fares start around £10.
Can I use Oyster card from Luton to London?
Yes, Oyster and contactless are accepted on Thameslink and EMR trains between Luton and London, but not on coaches.
Is there a direct train from Luton Airport to London?
No direct train from the airport. You must take a shuttle bus to Luton station, then a train to St Pancras.
How much is a taxi from Luton to central London?
Fixed fares range from £50 to £100, depending on the company and time of day. Pre-book for best rates.
What is the best option for late-night arrival?
National Express runs 24/7 coaches from the airport. Taxis are available but expensive. Trains stop around midnight, so check schedules.
Conclusion
Getting from Luton to central London is straightforward once you know your priorities. For speed, take the train; for budget, take the coach; for convenience, take a taxi. Always check for disruptions and book ahead to save money. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be in the heart of London in under two hours. Plan your route now and enjoy your trip.
Photo by Joaquin Carfagna on Pexels
Is there a direct train from Luton Airport Parkway to central London, or do I need to go to Luton station?
Luton Airport Parkway is actually a separate station closer to the airport, but it’s not yet directly connected to the terminal. You can take a shuttle bus from the airport to Luton Airport Parkway (about 5-10 minutes), then catch Thameslink trains to St Pancras. Alternatively, some services run from Luton station in the town center, which requires a longer shuttle bus ride. Both options are valid, but Luton Airport Parkway is more convenient for airport passengers.