Especially for those on a budget, Luton Airport is a hub which travellers heading to or leaving from London make frequent use of.
However, it’s located a bit outside of central London, so understanding the best ways to get from Luton Airport to London City is essential for a smooth and efficient journey.
In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know whether you’re looking for speed, cost effectiveness, or comfort so that you would know what you need.
Why Knowing Your Options Matters
Getting from Luton Airport to London City can be a bit overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time flying into Luton.
This takes care of getting you there stress free, using either fast trains or even bus rides into London’s heart.
For instance, we’ll go over some options in this article and give you some useful advice as to how to make your trip as smooth as possible.
1. Train: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option
Duration: Approximately 32 minutes
Cost: From £10 when booked in advance
For most travellers, taking the train is the fastest and most convenient way to travel from Luton Airport to London City.
Travel to Luton Airport Parkway Station starts with a short 4 minute Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) shuttle ride.
From there you can catch a train in to London St Pancras International, the city’s main transport hub in the centre of the city.
Pros:
- Trains run fast and efficient every 10 to 30 minutes
- Especially if you book in advance…affordable fares.
- Short travel times as short as 32 minutes, comfortable and fast.
Cons:
- Transfer from airport to the train station via the DART shuttle is needed.
The ones who require speed and convenience opt for Train and what is it, because train is obviously preferred.
Apart from the best fares in addition to this, you can book your train ticket in advance to reap the best fares.
Tip: Why not book our London Airport Transfer for a more personalised experience and more hassle free travel.
2. National Express and Other Bus Services: Budget-Friendly Travel
Duration: It takes 60-90 minutes (depending on traffic).
Cost: Only from £8 when you book in advance
If you’re looking for an affordable and direct way to get from Luton Airport to London City, buses such as National Express and easyBus are solid options.
The airport also runs these services – also including Victoria Coach Station, Paddington and Marble Arch – into the city.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly, especially if booked in advance
- Direct routes to several London destinations
- Comfortable with onboard facilities
Cons:
- Subject to traffic delays, which can lengthen your journey
- Less frequent than trains
If you don’t mind a slightly longer journey and are trying to make your money go further then the bus is a great option.
Need convenience and speed? But if you seek a faster and more luxurious experience than our London Chauffeur Service is what you need.
3. Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services: Direct but Expensive
Duration: 1-1.5 hours (depending on traffic)
Cost: From £58 to £100
Taxis and ride-sharing services such as Uber are available directly from Luton Airport.
Door to door service makes these options convenient because there is no need to walk around with lots of luggage to a crowded train or bus and you can travel in a group.
The cost of a cab in to central London depends on your final destination AND traffic.
Pros:
- Direct, door-to-door service
- Good for travellers with luggage or travelling in groups.
- So there’s no need to worry about changing between different modes of transport.
Cons:
- It can be expensive especially during the peak times.
- Travel times include delays due to traffic
That being said, for those more concerned with comfort and convenience, taxis or ride sharing services are a pretty great, and often more expensive, option.
Prefer to travel in style? You can opt for our Luton Airport Transfer service where safe premium chauffeur driven cars will get you to your destination in a comfortable fashion.
4. Private Transfers: Personalized and Stress-Free
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Cost: Varies, starting from £50
But if you prefer a stress free personalised experience, a private transfer is perhaps the best option for you.
Pre-booked transfers mean you will be happy to know a driver will be waiting on arrival at the arrivals terminal, will help you with your luggage, then transport you directly to your destination in London City.
Pros:
- No transfers, door to door service
- Fixed pricing and personalised.
- Perfect for travellers on business, or those looking for a luxurious journey
Cons:
- GreaterThan public transport cost
- Must be booked in advance
If your goal is a hassle free and comfortable transfer, then go for private transfers.
Explore our luxury options: If coming from Luton airport and wanting strong professionalism, book our Airport Chauffeur Service in London, providing a seamless transfer through those high-end doors.
5. Car Rentals: Flexibility for Longer Stays
Duration: It varies, about 1-1.5 hours to drive into London.
Cost: Fuel + Parking + Potential congestion charge(s) + Rental fees.
If you’re travelling from Luton Airport and want to explore beyond London City or just like the freedom that a rental car offers, then renting a car or booking our chauffeur service at Luton Airport could be right up your particular street.
You don’t have to go on an ‘island’ once you are on one, many major rental companies have desks at the airport where you can pick up a car and begin your journey.
Pros:
- Total flexibility, independence
- Great if you’re travelling outside of London or will be driving on the road.
Cons:
- Driving in London is tough because of traffic and parking restrictions.
- Plus parking, congestion charges, fuel for example.
If you need to travel further afield than London or you’re thinking of staying for longer, it’s perfect for renting a car or you can book our chauffeur service online through our website within 2 mins.
FAQs
How do you get from Luton Airport to London by train?
It takes about 32 minutes, making for a total journey time, from the Luton DART shuttle to Luton Airport Parkway and the train to London St Pancras International.
How do I get from Luton Airport to London for the least cost?
Generally speaking, the most cost effective way to get there is to take the National Express bus and they sell tickets from £8 if booked in advance.
Is it possible to book a direct transfer from Luton Airport to my hotel in London?
Luckily you can prebook a private transfer, even if you don’t want to take a direct transfer to your hotel or destination in London City you can always use ride sharing services; it is maybe not as comfortable as you would have it, but in any case it is a solution.
What are the ideas going upward if I want to get up Luton Airport to London late at nighttime?
The Luton DART shuttle is indeed 24/7 (yes it is) late night trains and buses are available (just) but after peak hours frequency may decrease.
Summary
When it comes to travelling from Luton Airport to London City, there’s an option for everyone, whether you’re prioritising speed, budget, or comfort.
The Luton Airport Express train is the fast and efficient choice or if you have chosen to take the National Express buses they are direct and cheap.
If you need luxury or no stress, and looking for a premium travel experience, don’t miss to book our Airport Transfer for a stress free and relaxed ride to your destination.