London Luton Airport (LTN) Ultimate Guide

London Luton Airport (IATA: LTN) is one of the busiest airports serving the UK, located just 35 miles north of Central London. It serves as a key hub for domestic and international travel, particularly for low-cost airlines. Whether you're traveling for business, leisure, or connecting to other destinations, this detailed and SEO-optimized guide will provide all the essential information to ensure a smooth and efficient experience at London Luton Airport.

Overview of London Luton Airport (LTN)
Airport Terminals and Layout
Airlines and Destinations
Transportation to and from London Luton Airport
Dining and Restaurants
Shopping Guide
Parking Information
Passenger Services
Hotels Near London Luton Airport
Accessibility and Special Assistance
Travel Tips and Recommendations
Future Developments and Expansion Plans
Local Attractions Near London Luton Airport

Overview of London Luton Airport (LTN)

London Luton Airport is one of the major international airports serving London, situated in Luton, Bedfordshire. As one of the five main airports serving the London area, Luton is the fourth busiest airport in the UK, handling millions of passengers annually. The airport is an important gateway for travelers from around the world, offering both domestic and international flights, particularly to Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Luton is especially popular with budget carriers, including easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, offering affordable travel options for millions of passengers.

Location and Accessibility

London Luton Airport is located approximately 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Central London, making it easily accessible from the capital and other surrounding areas. The airport is located just off the M1 motorway, offering excellent road access for those driving to and from the airport. It is approximately a 45-minute drive from Central London, depending on traffic. The airport is also well-connected by rail, with regular services between Luton Airport Parkway station and Central London.

Airport Terminals and Layout

London Luton Airport operates from a single terminal, which is divided into two main sections: the Arrivals area and the Departures area. The terminal is modern and well-equipped, designed to efficiently handle large volumes of passengers.

Terminal Facilities

Check-In and Security: The airport has multiple check-in desks and self-service kiosks to help expedite the check-in process. Passengers can also use the online check-in options available with most airlines, saving valuable time. Once check-in is complete, passengers proceed to security screening, where modern X-ray machines and advanced screening technology ensure a smooth and efficient process.
Lounges: For those seeking comfort and a quieter environment, the V.I.P. Lounge offers premium amenities including free Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere. There are also various other lounges available, including paid access lounges for passengers flying in economy class.
Security and Passport Control: London Luton Airport employs advanced security measures to ensure passenger safety. Security checks are in line with international standards, and there are multiple security lanes available to avoid long queues during peak times.

Airlines and Destinations

London Luton Airport is home to a variety of airlines, including major low-cost carriers such as easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and TUI Airways. These airlines provide extensive connections to various domestic and international destinations, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Major Airlines Operating at Luton Airport

easyJet is one of the primary carriers operating at Luton, offering flights to major cities in Europe such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, and Paris.
Ryanair, another major airline at Luton, operates low-cost flights across Europe, including destinations in Italy, Spain, and Poland.
Wizz Air offers flights to Eastern Europe and Asia, connecting passengers to countries like Hungary, Romania, and Israel.
TUI Airways provides seasonal and long-haul destinations, including flights to Mexico, Caribbean, and Egypt.

In addition to these, British Airways, Jet2, and several charter airlines operate from Luton Airport, providing connections to both business and leisure destinations across the globe.

Transportation to and from London Luton Airport

Getting to and from London Luton Airport is straightforward, with several transportation options available for travelers.

By Train

Luton Airport Parkway station is located just a short distance from the airport terminal. Passengers can take a 10-minute shuttle bus from the station to the terminal, which runs every 10 minutes. The train service from Luton Parkway to London St Pancras takes approximately 25 minutes, making it one of the quickest ways to reach Central London. The station is also connected to other cities in the UK via the Thameslink rail network.

By Bus

There are several bus services operating from Luton Airport to various locations in and around London. The National Express operates direct services from Luton Airport to London Victoria Coach Station, with a journey time of around 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic. The Green Line 757 service connects Luton Airport to Central London and other locations in the region.

By Taxi or Ride-Sharing

Taxis are readily available from the airport’s Taxi Rank, located directly outside the terminal. The journey to Central London takes around 45 minutes and costs between £60-£80. For those preferring a more convenient option, ride-sharing services such as Uber also operate at Luton Airport, with fares similar to those of a regular taxi.

By Car

Luton Airport is easily accessible via the M1 motorway. The airport provides a range of parking options, including short-term, long-term, and premium parking. There are also car rental services available at the airport, with major rental companies such as Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar offering a range of vehicles to suit all needs.

Dining and Restaurants

Luton Airport offers a range of dining options to cater to every traveler’s needs, from quick snacks to sit-down meals.

Before Security (Landside)

Pret A Manger: A popular choice for travelers looking for quick and healthy meals, Pret offers sandwiches, salads, hot drinks, and snacks.
Costa Coffee: For coffee lovers, Costa Coffee provides a great place to grab a quick coffee and pastry.
The Deli Hub: A grab-and-go outlet offering fresh sandwiches, wraps, and drinks, perfect for passengers in a hurry.

After Security (Airside)

Giraffe: A sit-down restaurant offering a variety of meals, including healthy options, burgers, and global cuisine.
Wagamama: A well-known chain offering a selection of Asian-inspired dishes, including ramen and sushi.
The Olive Tree: A Mediterranean restaurant offering a range of traditional dishes such as falafel, mezze platters, and fresh salads.
Starbucks: For coffee and light snacks, Starbucks is located in both the departures and arrivals areas.
The Great British Sausage Company: Perfect for a quick bite, this restaurant serves traditional British sausages and other hearty meals.

Shopping Guide

Luton Airport offers a variety of retail options for travelers to shop before their flight. Whether you’re looking for high-end luxury goods, travel essentials, or souvenirs, you’ll find plenty of options.

Duty-Free Shopping

The World Duty Free store offers a wide selection of luxury goods, including perfumes, cosmetics, chocolates, and tobacco. Passengers traveling outside the EU can take advantage of tax-free shopping and save on a range of premium products.

Fashion and Accessories

WHSmith: For books, magazines, and travel essentials, WHSmith is located airside and offers a variety of items for last-minute purchases.
Accessorize: A popular store for fashion accessories, including handbags, scarves, and jewelry.
Next: A high-street retailer offering clothing, accessories, and home goods. Ideal for picking up a gift or a new outfit.

Electronics and Tech

InMotion: A specialty store offering the latest gadgets, headphones, chargers, and travel accessories. Ideal for tech-savvy travelers looking for electronics on the go.

Parking Information

London Luton Airport offers several parking options for travelers, catering to different budgets and preferences.

Short-Term Parking

Located directly outside the terminal, the Short-Term Parking lot is perfect for passengers who are picking up or dropping off others. It is priced on an hourly basis and is the most convenient option for short stays.

Long-Term Parking

For those flying on longer trips, Long-Term Parking is a cost-effective option, located a short distance from the terminal. A shuttle bus runs regularly between the long-term parking lot and the terminal, making it easy to reach your gate.

Premium Parking

For added convenience, Premium Parking provides parking spaces closer to the terminal. Ideal for travelers who prefer quick access to the terminal, this option is more expensive than long-term parking but offers enhanced convenience.

Meet and Greet

For those who want the ultimate convenience, the Meet and Greet service allows travelers to drop off their car directly at the terminal. A member of the parking staff will take care of the rest, parking your car while you head straight to check-in.

Hotels Near London Luton Airport

There are several hotels located within a short distance of London Luton Airport, offering convenient accommodation for passengers.

On-Site Hotels

Holiday Inn Express Luton Airport: Located just a short walk from the terminal, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, free breakfast, and parking options.
Luton Hoo Hotel: A luxury hotel located a few minutes from the airport, offering a range of amenities including a spa, golf course, and fine dining.

Nearby Hotels

Ibis London Luton Airport: A budget-friendly hotel located within 5 minutes of the airport, offering modern rooms and 24-hour reception.
Premier Inn Luton Airport: This hotel is situated within a 10-minute walk from the terminal and offers affordable rooms with free Wi-Fi.

Accessibility and Special Assistance

London Luton Airport is committed to providing a high level of accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility. Services include:

Wheelchair Assistance: Available at all terminals, passengers can request assistance at the airport or arrange for it in advance with their airline.
Accessible Toilets and Elevators: The airport provides accessible facilities throughout the terminal, including dedicated toilets and elevators.
Parking: Disabled parking spaces are available in all parking lots, and there are dedicated drop-off zones for those with mobility needs.

Travel Tips and Recommendations

Arrival Time: It is recommended to arrive 2 hours before a domestic flight and 3 hours before an international flight to allow for check-in, security, and any potential delays.
Currency Exchange: If you need to exchange currency, there are currency exchange kiosks and ATMs available at the airport.
Free Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, so you can stay connected while you wait for your flight.

Future Developments and Expansion Plans

London Luton Airport has plans to expand and improve its facilities in the coming years to accommodate the growing number of passengers. This includes expanding the terminal, adding more gates, and enhancing transportation links to and from the airport.

Local Attractions Near London Luton Airport

If you have some time before your flight, there are several attractions near the airport worth exploring:

Wardown Park Museum: A short drive from the airport, this museum showcases the history and culture of Luton.
Stockwood Discovery Centre: A local museum and park, featuring exhibits on local history, agriculture, and natural history.

Conclusion

London Luton Airport (LTN) is a major international gateway, offering a variety of services and amenities to make your travel experience as smooth as possible. Whether you're flying for business or leisure, Luton has everything you need, from convenient parking and dining options to comfortable lounges and hotels. With its extensive transport connections and numerous flight options, Luton is an excellent choice for travelers in the London area.