The easiest way to get to London is by plane. To help you get to the city as easily as possible, here are the different ways to transfer between Luton airport and the center!
London is certainly one of Europe’s most attractive cities for tourists. Famous for Big Ben and the London Eye, but also for its museums, Tower Bridge and the Shard, it’s also an ideal destination for shopping enthusiasts. If you’re planning to spend a few days here and fly in, you may well end up at Luton Airport, one of the capital’s seven airports. It offers the basic services necessary for travelers’ comfort and welcomes over 14 million people every year. If this is your case, you should know that it is located some 50 kilometers from London. It’s essential to think about the mode of transport to use when transferring to the city center.
To ensure a smooth transfer between Luton airport and the center, here are the different ways to get to the city.
The cheapest way: by bus
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Buses are the most economical form of transport. There are several companies offering transfers between Luton airport and the city center.
Easybus
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours (depending on traffic and drop-off point)
- Fares: between £2 and £10 one way
- Times: between 7:30 a.m. and 11 p.m.
Routes served :
- Victoria route via Golders Green: Golders Green, Finchley Road, Baker Street, Marble Arch, London Victoria
- Victoria via Brent Cross: Brent Cross, Finchley Road, Baker Street, Marble Arch, London Victoria
- Paddington via Golders Green: Golders Green, Finchley Road, Baker Street, Paddington
Easybus is a great option for those on a budget. Depending on your drop-off point, the line you use and the date you book your journey, you can benefit from a very attractive fare. Just order your ticket online as soon as possible.
You should also be aware that there are certain criteria to be met when taking an Easybus bus. Your baggage allowance is limited to a maximum of 5 kg of hand luggage (50 cm long, 15 cm wide and 25 cm high) and a maximum of 20 kg of hold luggage (70 cm long, 30 cm wide and 45 cm high).
National Express
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours (depending on traffic and drop-off location)
- Fares: between £4.50 and £10 one way
- Timetable: between 5 a.m. and 11.55 p.m.
- Stops served: Golders Green, Finchley Road, St John’s Wood, Baker Street, Portman Square, Marble Arch, Victoria Rail Station and Victoria Coach
National Express buses make 83 trips a day. To book your ticket, simply buy online from their website.
Terravision
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours (depending on traffic and drop-off point)
- Fares: £11 one way
- Times: between 0:15 and 23:35
- Stops served: Bricket Wood, Brent Cross, Baker Street, Finchley Road, Marble Arch and Victoria Station.
The fastest way: by train
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- Duration: between 30 and 50 minutes
- Fares: £18
- Times: every 15 minutes during the day, every hour at night
First you’ll need to take a free shuttle bus from Luton to Luton Airport Parkway train station. Then all you have to do is board your train for your transfer between Luton Airport and central London.
The train has its advantages: no baggage restrictions, regular departures, relative low cost. And above all, no dependence on traffic conditions.
The most comfortable: the mini-cab
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- Duration: minimum 30 minutes (depending on traffic)
- Fares: around £70
- Times: according to your reservation (24/7)
The mini-cab is undoubtedly the most comfortable mode of transport for your transfer to central London. Simply book your vehicle online on their website. The price quoted will be fixed, regardless of traffic conditions. You’ll be met in the arrival hall of your terminal and taken to your desired address.
Most available: cabs
Photo credit: Flickr – James Barrett
- Duration: minimum 30 minutes (depending on traffic conditions)
- Fares: minimum £100
- Opening hours: 24 hours a day
Cabs are undoubtedly the most expensive mode of transport between Luton airport and the center. Also known as a black-cab. Its main advantage: it’s available at any time on leaving your terminal. You can also book your cab in advance, so you can rest easy once you’ve landed. An online platform such as TaxiTender allows you to book your cab. Once you’ve received the confirmation e-mail, all you have to do is find your driver and off you go to the center!
The alternative: rent a car near Luton airport
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If you want to be independent and manage your own journeys, you can also rent a car. Whether it’s for your transfer between Luton airport and the center or for your visits, you can drop it off just before your return flight.
There are nine agencies on the airport site and surrounding area (the town of Luton):
- Europcar Airport
- Sixt, Car Airport
- Europcar Downtown
- Green Motion Car and Van
- Thrifty Car and Van
- Budget, Car Hire
- Sixt Car City Center
- Hertz
- Easyrent, Car
Alternatively, you can book a car online to reduce your time at the airport. Numerous booking sites, such as Rentalcars, allow you to prepare your transfer from Luton airport to central London in advance.
Sleeping near Luton airport
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If you have an early flight, you may need to sleep close to Luton airport. There are two ways to do this: either sleep on site (the airport is open 24 hours a day) or choose a nearby hotel. You can even walk to some of them.