Getting to London Luton Airport usually means choosing between the train and the Luton DART, or a taxi to the terminal door. Both work well; which is better depends on where you are coming from, how much luggage you have and what time you fly. This guide compares them honestly.
What is the Luton DART?
The Luton DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) is an automated shuttle that links Luton Airport Parkway railway station with the airport terminal. According to London Luton Airport (checked October 2026):
- the ride takes less than four minutes;
- it runs 24 hours a day, every day: every 5 minutes at peak times, every 8 minutes off-peak and every 15 minutes late at night;
- an adult single costs £4.90, and you can buy it together with your train ticket by choosing “Luton Airport” as your destination station.
From London St Pancras, the train and the DART together can get you to the terminal in as little as 32 minutes.
When the train and DART make sense
- You live or are staying near a station with direct trains to Luton Airport Parkway.
- You are travelling alone or as a couple, with light luggage.
- Your flight is at a time when trains are running.
When a taxi makes more sense
- Families and groups: one fixed price for the whole car instead of a train and DART ticket for each person. An MPV 6 takes up to 5 passengers and an MPV 8 up to 8.
- Heavy luggage: no carrying cases between platforms, the DART and the terminal.
- Early or late flights: we work 24/7, so a 4 am pickup is booked the same way as a midday one.
- Away from the railway: if there is no direct train from your town or village to Luton Airport Parkway, a taxi saves the changes.
Getting a taxi at Luton Airport
A pre-booked taxi takes you straight to the terminal. On the way home, your driver meets you in the airport’s Pick Up Zone or at a meeting point you agree, or inside the arrivals hall if you add Meet & Greet (£10). We track your flight and include 45 minutes of free waiting from the time it lands. The airport’s drop-off and pick-up charge is already included in your fixed price.
You can book up to 45 minutes before your pickup, and cancel free of charge up to 2 hours before it. More detail is in our Luton Airport taxi guide, and if you are heading into the capital, our Luton Airport to London comparison.
Popular routes to Luton Airport
- Milton Keynes to Luton Airport
- Bedford to Luton Airport
- Aylesbury to Luton Airport
- Leighton Buzzard to Luton Airport
- Luton Airport to Stansted Airport: coach, train or taxi
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Get an instant fixed-price quote for your journey to Luton Airport, or call us 24/7 on +44 1582 800333.
