Everything You Need to Know Before Flying from Luton Airport(LTN) - Complete Traveler’s Guide
London Luton Airport (LTN) is a major base for budget travelers, serving as the headquarters for easyJet and a key hub for Wizz Air. Located just north of London, it recently underwent a massive upgrade, including the new Luton DART train which has finally replaced the frustrating shuttle bus transfers.
Gatwick features a single runway handling up to 55 movements per hour, serving over 220 destinations with 60 airlines, including easyJet as its largest operator. Located 30 miles south of central London in West Sussex, it operates North and South Terminals connected by shuttles.
Whether you are flying to Eastern Europe or catching a summer holiday flight, this guide covers everything you need to navigate Luton like a pro.
Passenger Statistics
Gatwick started 2025 strongly with 8.4 million passengers in Q1, driven by new routes to Bangkok and Singapore. Full-year 2024 saw 43.2 million travelers, with easyJet carrying 19.1 million. Q1 2025 security upgrades ensured 98% cleared in under 5 minutes.
Important Information
Feature | Details |
Airport Code | LTN |
Location | 29 miles (47km) North of Central London |
Terminals | One Main Terminal |
Transfer | Luton DART (Automated train from station to terminal) |
Fastest to City | Thameslink / EMR + DART (approx. 35 mins to St Pancras) |
Cheapest to City | National Express Coach (~£6–£11) |
Smoking | Strictly Prohibited after security (Airside) |
Nearby Airports
If Luton doesn’t have the flight you need, here are the nearest alternatives.
Airport | Code | Distance from Luton | Drive Time (Approx) |
STN | 29 miles (46km) East | 50 mins | |
LHR | 34 miles (55km) South | 45 mins | |
LCY | 50 miles (80km) South | 1h 10m | |
LGW | 70 miles (113km) South | 1h 30m | |
BHX | 80 miles (130km) Northwest | 1h 30m |
Travel Tip: London Stansted (STN) is the best alternative. It is roughly the same distance away and serves similar “low-cost” airlines (Ryanair, Jet2) that you find at Luton.
Popular Direct Destinations from Luton
Luton is arguably the best UK airport for flights to Eastern Europe and summer holiday hotspots.
Destination | Best For… | Direct Airlines from LTN | Flight Time (Approx) |
Amsterdam (AMS) | City Breaks | easyJet | 1h 10m |
Tel Aviv (TLV) | Culture / Beach | Wizz Air, El Al | 4h 50m |
Krakow (KRK) | History / Value | Wizz Air, easyJet, Ryanair | 2h 20m |
Lisbon (LIS) | Food / Sun | easyJet, Wizz Air | 2h 40m |
Geneva (GVA) | Skiing / Alps | easyJet | 1h 35m |
Terminal Guide
Luton has one single terminal. It is smaller than Stansted or Gatwick, which makes it easier to navigate, but it can feel crowded.
- Ground Floor: Check-in desks and Arrivals.
- Upper Floor: Security and Departures lounge.
- Navigation: Once past security, you walk through a large Duty-Free shop to reach the main seating area. Gates are a mix of walking (5-10 mins) and bus gates.
Key Airlines at Luton
- easyJet: The largest operator (Orange zone).
- Wizz Air: Massive presence, especially for Eastern Europe (Purple zone).
- Ryanair: Smaller presence here than at Stansted.
- TUI: Holiday charters.
Nearest airports to London Luton Airport (LTN)
- Approx. 30 miles (48 km) east
- Approx. 35 miles (56 km) south-west
Getting To & From Luton: The New "DART" System
1. The Train + DART (Fastest)
- Step 1: Take a Thameslink or EMR train from London St Pancras to Luton Airport Parkway.
- Step 2: Transfer to the Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit).
- Time: The DART takes 4 minutes and runs 24/7.
- Cost: Ensure your train ticket says “Luton Airport” (not just Parkway) so the DART fare is included. If bought separately, the DART costs ~£4.90.
2. The Coach (Cheapest)
- National Express / Green Line: Buses stop directly outside the terminal entrance.
- Routes: Direct to Victoria, Marble Arch, and Paddington.
- Cost: Often £6–£12 one-way.
Parking & Drop-Off: Warning on Charges
Critical Update: Luton has extremely strict drop-off fees.
- Drop-Off Zone: Costs £5–£7 (check latest price at entry barrier) for just 10 minutes.
- Penalty: Charges ramp up to £1 per minute immediately after the 10 minutes expire.
- Free Drop-Off: Use the Mid Stay Car Park. It is free for 15 minutes.
- Note: It is a 10–15 minute walk to the terminal from there, or you can take a bus.
Security & Liquids Rules
Luton is currently upgrading its security lanes.
- Liquids: Luton has installed many new 3D scanners, meaning in some lanes you can leave liquids and laptops in your bag.
- The Catch: Not all lanes are upgraded yet. We strongly recommend sticking to 100ml bottles and using a clear bag to avoid being sent to the back of the queue if you are directed to an older lane.
Where to Sleep: Hotels Near the Terminal
Unlike Gatwick or Heathrow, most hotels at Luton require a short walk or shuttle.
- Courtyard by Marriott: The closest premium option (5–10 min walk).
- Holiday Inn Express: Very popular, located near the Mid Stay Car Park (10 min walk).
- Ibis Budget: The cheapest option, located slightly further out (requires walking or a short taxi/bus).
Eating & Facilities
- Water: Free water refill station located next to the toilets near the “Benugo” cafe.
- Food:
- Budget: Burger King, Greggs (Landside – before security).
- Sit Down: Frankie & Benny’s, Smithfield Pub.
- Quick: Pret A Manger, Starbucks.
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FAQs
No. There are zero smoking areas after security (airside). You must smoke outside the terminal entrance before entering.
One single terminal across two levels: ground floor for check-in, security, arrivals, and baggage; upper floor for departures, shops, and gates (bus/walk to planes—no jet bridges).
Mainly low-cost carriers easyJet (largest base), Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Jet2 to 130+ European/North African destinations—no long-haul or connections.
2-3 hours before flight; bag drop closes 40-60 minutes prior (easyJet 40 mins). Online check-in opens 30 days ahead.
Thameslink train from Luton Airport Parkway (shuttle/DART link) to St Pancras in 30-50 mins; National Express buses to Victoria (1-1.5 hrs).
Drop-off £5/10 mins; free waiting zone nearby. Pre-book short/long-stay lots via shuttle bus.
Report to the terminal’s lost property office immediately; items are held for 90 days. High-value goods go to a central search.
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