Luton Airport Drop-off Charges

Luton Airport Drop-Off Guide 2025: Options, Charges & How to Avoid Fines

London Luton Airport has updated its drop-off and parking arrangements in recent years, including changes to free drop-off options and new prices for the closest drop-off zone. In this 2025 guide, we’ll outline where you can drop off passengers at Luton Airport, for free or for a fee, and how to use each option. We’ll also cover special provisions for Blue Badge holders, discounts for electric vehicles, pick-up tips, public transport links, and the penalties to avoid. Read on for a comprehensive, user-friendly breakdown of Luton’s drop-off rules and charges, plus answers to common questions at the end.

Free Drop-Off Options at Luton Airport

Yes, you can still drop off passengers for free at Luton Airport, but only in designated car parks that are a little further from the terminal. The main free drop-off location is the Long Stay Car Park, now offering up to 2 hours free parking for dropping off or picking up. (A previously available 15-minute free drop-off in the Mid Stay Car Park was a temporary measure and has now ended.) Here’s what to expect from Luton’s free drop-off option:

• Long Stay Car Park (Free for up to 2 hours): Located about a 10-minute shuttle bus ride from the terminal, the Long Stay is free for the first 2 hours, making it an ideal waiting area if you want to avoid charges. Simply follow signs to Long Stay (postcode LU2 9NW) and take a ticket at the barrier. Courtesy shuttle buses run24/7, approximately every 20 minutes, to ferry passengers between the Long Stay car park and the terminal. The ride takes around 10 minutes and is free. There are accessible shuttle buses and Blue Badge parking bays (near Bus Stop 7) for those with disabilities. If you leave within 2 hours, you won’t pay a penny. However, if you stay longer, normal parking tariffs apply: for example, 2–3 hours costs £7.00, and a full day is £30.00. Each additional day also costs £30, so be mindful of the time.

Tip: The Long Stay Car Park is a great choice not only for free drop-offs, but also for picking up arriving passengers (more on pick-ups below). It gives you a generous time window to wait, which is useful if your passengers are delayed in baggage or passport control. Just remember to catch the shuttle in time or be ready for a short bus ride back after dropping off.

• Mid Stay Car Park (Walking Distance, Paid): Luton’s Mid Stay Car Park is about a 10-minute walk from the terminal, but it no longer offers free drop-off periods. The temporary free 15-minute drop-off in Mid Stay (used during 2023) has been withdrawn as of 2025, coinciding with the reopening of the main drop-off zone. If you choose Mid Stay now, standard parking charges apply from the moment you enter. The turn-up rate is £15.00 for up to 1 hour, so this is not a cost-free option. That said, Mid Stay could be useful if you want to park and walk in with your passenger without paying the higher short-term rates closer to the terminal. There are no height restrictions here, but note there are currently no Blue Badge bays in Mid Stay (Blue Badge holders can be upgraded to a closer car park if pre-booked). Unless you specifically need to be within walking distance, most drivers will prefer the truly free Long Stay or the official drop-off zone described next.

Express Drop-Off Zone (Closest to Terminal, £7 Charge)

For the quickest drop-off right by the terminal, Luton Airport provides an Express Drop-Off and Pick-Up Zone. This is the closest you can get by car to the check-in area, located on the ground floor of Terminal Car Park 2 (about 300-400 metres from the terminal entrance, roughly a 4-5 minute walk under a covered walkway). Using this zone isn’t free, but it’s convenient if you’re short on time or have heavy luggage. Here are the key details and rules for the paid drop-off zone:

• Charges: It costs £7.00 for up to 10 minutes in the drop-off zone. If you stay beyond 10 minutes, an overstay fee of £1.00 per minute applies. The maximum time allowed is 30 minutes; the airport enforces this strictly. In late 2025, Luton Airport increased the drop-off fee from the previous £5 to £7 but doubled the included time from 5 minutes to 10 minutes, giving drivers a bit more breathing room to unload without rushing. Do not stay over 30 minutes; if you do, a hefty enforcement charge of £95 will be issued (reduced to £55 if paid within 14 days). This penalty is also applied if you abandon your vehicle. Essentially, 30 minutes is the absolute limit, and it’s meant for quick drop-offs or pick-ups only.
• How to Pay: The drop-off zone uses Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras to log your vehicle on entry. No cash payment is taken on-site. Instead, you need to pay the fee online by midnight the following day after your visit. You can pay on Luton’s official payment website or via their app (details are signposted in the drop-off zone). If you forget to pay in time, expect a penalty notice by post. Important: *No stopping without payment, the £7 charge applies 24/7, every day.
• Rules in the Drop-Off Zone: Do not leave your vehicle unattended here, even for a moment. The drop-off zone is a strictly no-waiting area; if you park up and walk away (e.g. to accompany someone inside), enforcement personnel may tow your vehicle. Stay with your car and use it purely for quick unloading or picking up. Also, no cash is accepted at the barriers; it’s fully cashless. You’ll either pay online via ANPR or by card at a machine if available, but there is no option to pay with cash on-site.
• Location and Access: If using sat-nav, use postcode LU2 9QT and follow signs for “Drop Off / Pick Up” when you approach the airport. The zone is well signposted. It sits just outside the terminal, separated by a short walk. There is a covered pedestrian bridge/walkway from the Car Park 2 area leading into the terminal, so you and your passengers will have shelter in case of bad weather.
• Unauthorised Areas, Don’t Risk It: Be aware that **stopping to drop off **passengers anywhere other than the designated areas is prohibited and can result in a £95 fine. Luton Airport monitors all approach roads, roundabouts, and bus lanes with CCTV, and anyone caught dropping off or picking up in these unauthorised areas will be issued an enforcement charge of £95 (£55 if paid in 14 days). This rule is in place to keep traffic flowing and ensure safety. So, no pulling over on the airport approach road or near the terminal entrance roads; always use either the drop-off zone or the official car parks. The only truly free option is Long Stay, as mentioned, so plan ahead if you want to avoid fees rather than attempting a cheeky drop-off on a roadside (it’s not worth the fine!).

In summary, The Express Drop-Off Zone is your closest option for dropping passengers off, at a cost of £7 for 10 minutes. It’s ideal for quick goodbyes right at the airport, but keep it brief. If you need more time or want to accompany someone into the terminal, consider parking in Terminal Car Park 1 (short-term car park) instead, where you can park for a bit longer (details below). Blue Badge holders and EV drivers have special arrangements too; see the next sections for those.

Blue Badge Holders, Disabled Drop-Off & Parking Options

Passengers with disabilities or Blue Badge holders have some concessions at Luton Airport, but note that the main drop-off zone does not provide a free allowance for Blue Badge vehicles. In other words, if you use the Express drop-off lane by the terminal, the standard charges (£7/10min) still apply, and there is no exemption at the barrier for Blue Badges. However, Luton Airport strongly recommends Blue Badge holders use Terminal Car Park 1 or 2 for dropping off because these car parks offer 30 minutes free parking and easier access for disabled travellers. Here’s what Blue Badge holders need to know:

• Dedicated Disabled Drop-Off Bay (Express Zone): If you only need a very quick drop-off and do not plan to leave your vehicle, there is a designated area in the Express Drop-Off Zone for disabled passengers. It’s located in Lane A of the drop-off zone, right next to the terminal curb. You can stop there to unload a passenger requiring special assistance. However, this is only free if under 10 minutes and the driver stays with the vehicle; essentially, it operates under the same £7 charge rule as the rest of the drop-off zone (no special discount). There are help points in this area (including near the lifts) in case you need to call for assistance or a wheelchair. Do not leave the car unattended; if the disabled person needs to be escorted inside, it’s better to use the short-term car park where you can park and accompany them.
• Terminal Car Park 1, 30 Minutes Free for Blue Badge: The best option for Blue Badge holders is usually to head to Terminal Car Park 1, the short-term car park about a 4-minute walk from departures. Blue Badge holders (and those who have pre-booked assisted travel) get 30 minutes of free parking in Terminal Car Park 1 (as well as Terminal Car Park 2). This allows you to park, help your passenger to/from the terminal, or wait for an arrival, without rushing. To use this benefit, you must validate your parking ticket before leaving: park in a marked Blue Badge bay (levels 0 or 1 of Car Park 1 are where these bays are located), display your Blue Badge in the car, and when ready to leave, go to the Priority Parking office on Level 2 with your badge or proof of assistance booking. They will validate your ticket for the free 30 minutes and apply the reduced rates if you stay longer. If you prefer not to leave your Blue Badge in the vehicle or you forgot it, you can press the help intercom at the car park or visit the office, and staff will note your details to ensure you aren’t charged for that first half hour.
• Blue Badge Parking Rates (after 30 min): If you need to stay beyond the free 30 minutes in Terminal Car Park 1, special reduced rates apply for Blue Badge holders. Luton Airport updated these rates in 2025, and they are significantly cheaper than the standard tariffs. For instance, parking for up to 1 hour is £7.50, up to 2 hours is £19.50, and up to 3 hours is £39.00 for Blue Badge users. (Comparatively, the standard public rate is £21.50 for 1 hour and £30.50 for 1–3 hours, so the disabled discount is substantial.) If you were to park a full day (24 hours), Blue Badge on-the-day pricing is currently capped at £67.50, the same as the normal daily cap. But for short stays under 5 hours, the Blue Badge rates are much lower than general rates. Remember: you only get these concessions by validating your ticket with the Blue Badge at the office or via the intercom before you exit.
• Accessibility: Terminal Car Park 1 and 2 are both very close to the terminal (4-5 minute walk) and have step-free access via lifts and a pedestrian bridge to the terminal. Car Park 1 has 82 Blue Badge bays on levels 0 and 1. Car Park 2, which is similarly close, also has Blue Badge bays (levels 1 and 2); if you prefer, the same 30-minute free policy applies there. If using Car Park 2 with a Blue Badge for drop-off/pick-up, use postcode LU2 9QT and inform the staff via intercom if you need to keep your badge with you (the procedure is slightly different: on exit from Car Park 2, press the intercom and an adviser will validate your ticket for the free period).

In summary, Blue Badge holders should plan to use the short-term car parks rather than the express curb side zone for the most hassle-free experience. You’ll get up to 30 minutes free, more space to unload, and you can even leave the car to assist your passenger into the terminal if needed, without charge. Always display or register your Blue Badge and validate your ticket before leaving to ensure the free period is applied.

(For longer stays or parking while you travel, Blue Badge travellers can also pre-book these car parks or use Long Stay, which has accessible shuttles. But for dropping off and picking up specifically, the above options are your go-tos.)

Electric Vehicle (EV) Drop-Off Discounts and Charging

Driving an electric car? Luton Airport encourages EV use and offers a small perk for electric vehicles when it comes to drop-off parking. While there is no discount or exemption for EVs in the main £7 drop-off zone (all vehicles are charged equally there), you can take advantage of a special EV discount in Terminal Car Park 1 if you’re parking for a short time. Additionally, Luton provides on-site charging points for EVs in the short-term car park. Here are the details:

• EV Discount in Terminal Car Park 1: If you have a 100% electric vehicle (note: hybrids do not qualify), you can park in Terminal Car Park 1 for a heavily reduced rate for short stays. Electric cars pay just £1.00 for up to 30 minutes in Car Park 1. This is a discounted drop-off/pick-up parking tariff exclusively for EVs. It means instead of the usual £15 charge for 30 minutes, you’ll only pay £1, giving you a very cheap half-hour to drop off or wait for someone. However, important that if you stay beyond 30 minutes, the discount doesn’t continue. Once you go over the half-hour mark, the normal parking rates apply for the entire duration. In practice, this means if you think you might need, say, 45 minutes, you won’t get the first 30 min for £1 and then just 15 min extra at full price, you would end up having to pay the standard £21.50 (1 hour) rate in full, losing the £1 deal. So, try to leave within 30 minutes to benefit.
• How to Claim the EV Rate: The procedure is similar to the Blue Badge validation. Park on Level 2 of Terminal Car Park 1, where the dedicated EV parking bays and chargers are located. Take a ticket on entry as usual. After parking, go to the Priority Parking reception/office on Level 2 (or use the help point intercom there). You’ll need to show your car keys (to prove it’s an electric model, often the key or registration will indicate the vehicle type) and your parking ticket. The staff will validate the ticket to reduce the fee to £1 for 30 minutes. If you depart within that time, you can pay just £1 at the exit. If you run over 30 minutes, as mentioned, you pay the normal rate from zero. So time your drop-off carefully to make the most of the £1 deal. (No EV discount is given in Terminal Car Park 2 at this time; the scheme is focused on Car Park 1, the closest one.)
• EV Charging Facilities: If you need to charge your electric car while at Luton, there are charging stations available on Level 2 of Terminal Car Park 1. The setup includes six Tesla Destination chargers and four Type 2 (fast) chargers. These are essentially free to use for parking customers; there’s no separate app or payment required for the electricity. You simply plug in your car, start the charge, and notify the staff at the Priority Parking office that your vehicle is charging. They’ll note it, primarily to ensure you can stay for a reasonable charging session. Charging is generally limited to 8 hours maximum, which is plenty for a full top-up for most EVs. After 8 hours, you should unplug and move your car (if you’re leaving it longer, it’s just parked as normal). This policy ensures the chargers aren’t hogged indefinitely. The combination of free electricity and the £1 parking fee for 30 minutes makes it very appealing for EV drivers to use Car Park 1 even for short visits. You could get a quick charge while meeting someone or dropping them off.

In summary, EV drivers dropping off at Luton should head for Terminal Car Park 1’s Level 2. You’ll benefit from super-cheap short-term parking (£1/30min), and you can charge your car for free during that time. Just remember the discount is only for fully electric vehicles and only for the first 30 minutes (so don’t run over unless you’re prepared to pay standard fees). With the charging points on-site, you might even leave with more range than you arrived with, a nice bonus for the trip home.

Terminal Car Park 1, Short-Term Parking Rates and Info

Many drivers opt to use Terminal Car Park 1 when they want to drop off or pick up passengers, but also park and accompany them into the terminal. This is essentially Luton’s short-stay car park, located right next to the terminal (about a 4-minute covered walk via a link bridge). It’s a good choice if you need a little more time or want to avoid the pressures of the 10-minute limit in the drop-off zone. Of course, convenience comes at a price; the turn-up rates here were increased in late 2025, but it’s fully secured and on the doorstep of departures.

Key facts about Terminal Car Park 1:

• Distance/Location: Car Park 1 is the closest public car park to the terminal, roughly a 3-4 minute walk across a pedestrian bridge directly into the terminal building. It’s a multi-storey car park with covered access. Use postcode LU2 9DH for Sat Nav, then follow the signs to “Terminal Car Park 1” as you approach. There is a height restriction of 2.1m (so no high-top vans or oversized vehicles).
• Standard Parking Charges (2025 on-the-day rates): If you drive up without pre-booking, the following turn-up tariffs apply in Terminal Car Park 1:

Duration	Gate Price (Terminal Car Park 1)
Up to 30 minutes	£15.00
Up to 1 hour (60 min)	£21.50
1 to 3 hours	£30.50
3 to 5 hours	£39.00
5 to 9 hours	£61.00
9 to 24 hours (1 day)	£67.50
Each additional day	£67.50

• These prices took effect from 23 September 2025. As you can see, it’s £15 for just 30 minutes, which is steep compared to using the drop-off zone. However, remember the earlier section: Blue Badge holders and EVs should not be paying these full prices; they have special rates (£0 or £1 for 30 min respectively) if properly validated. For general users, though, expect to pay around £21.50 if you stay just under an hour, which might be necessary if you want to meet someone in Arrivals or help carry bags, etc. If you plan to stay several hours, costs rack up quickly. Beyond 3 hours, it’s actually cheaper to pay the full day rate of £67.50 (which covers up to 24 hours).

Money-saving tip: If you pre-book Terminal Car Park 1 for a longer stay (over 24 hours), significant discounts are often available. But for short stays of an hour or two, pre-booking isn’t usually practical. Instead, consider if the Long Stay free 2-hour option could work for you by timing pickup drop-offs with the shuttle, or if not, bite the bullet with these rates for the convenience of being right at the terminal.

• Using Car Park 1 for Drop-Off/Pick-Up: Many people use this car park to pick up arriving passengers. Instead of circling or waiting on the roadside (not allowed), you can park here, enjoy a coffee, greet your passengers in the arrivals hall, and then exit, if all done within 30 minutes and you have an EV or Blue Badge, it could even be free or £1; if not, you’ll pay the 30 or 60-minute rate as above. For dropping off, you might choose Car Park 1 if you want to help an elderly or young traveller into the terminal or simply take your time without the strict 10-minute cutoff. Just go in knowing the clock is ticking money-wise.
• Payment: You take a ticket on entry and then either pay at a machine on foot before returning to your car, or at the exit barrier by card. Since this is a short-term car park, cash/card payment machines are available, unlike the express drop-off, but cash is increasingly being phased out, so card or contactless is preferable. If you have validated for Blue Badge or EV, the staff will typically adjust your ticket so that when you insert it at exit, it shows the reduced fee or no fee.
• Security: Car Park 1 is fully secured with 24/7 patrols and CCTV. It’s part of the official on-site parking, so you can trust your car will be safe here (just extremely close to planes, as it’s right by the terminal). Keep your parking ticket safe; losing it can incur a hefty charge for a replacement.

In summary, Terminal Car Park 1 is the premium short-stay option at Luton. It’s convenient but pricey, best used when you need to park up for a short while to assist or meet passengers. Always factor in the high rates, for truly quick drop-offs, the express £7 zone is cheaper; for free options, Long Stay is the way to go. But if convenience and time are your priorities, Car Park 1 is there for you, and it’s the go-to recommendation for those with Blue Badges or requiring special assistance due to its proximity.

Picking Up Passengers at Luton Airport

Picking someone up from Luton Airport? The process is essentially the same locations as dropping off, but pickups often involve waiting (since you might arrive before the passenger exits). Here’s how to handle pickups efficiently and legally:

• Free Pick-Up (Long Stay Car Park): The Long Stay Car Park’s 2 hours free parking isn’t just for drop-offs, it’s perfect for pick-ups too. If you know your arriving party might take some time (e.g. getting through passport control or customs), consider parking at Long Stay for free and asking your passenger to call you once they’re ready. You can wait in the car or even use the time to relax (there are toilets on-site in some shuttle waiting areas). When they have collected luggage and are at the terminal curb, you can either drive around to the terminal to meet them or, more simply, have them hop on the free shuttle bus to the Long Stay car park (bus stop Bay B outside arrivals) and meet you at your car. The shuttle runs continuously 24/7, so this is a viable free pick-up method and saves you from any charges at the airport. Just remember the bus ride is 10 minutes, and aim to depart the car park within the 2-hour window to avoid a fee (more than enough time in most cases).
• Mid Stay (Walking Meet-Up): Although no longer free, the Mid Stay Car Park is closer, about a 600m walk to the terminal, so if your passenger is travelling light and you don’t mind paying £15 for the hour, you could park there and walk to greet them. Mid Stay allows you to avoid shuttle buses and is often less congested than the short-term car park. Still, because it’s £15 for up to 1 hour (and no free period), many will find paying a bit more for Car Park 1 worthwhile if you want to park close, or just use the Long Stay for free.
• Express Drop-Off Zone for Pick-Ups: You can use the £7 Drop-Off Zone to pick people up as well; there’s no rule saying it’s drop-off only. However, this can be risky cost-wise if your passengers are delayed. It works if the person is already waiting outside and you’re literally swinging in for a quick curb-side collection. If you enter the zone and your passenger isn’t there yet or gets held up, you’ll start accruing extra charges (£1 per minute after 10 minutes) very quickly. Moreover, you cannot park and leave your car to search for them; you must stay with the vehicle. So, only use the express zone for pick-up if you’re certain the timing will be under 10 minutes, for example, you got a call that they’re outside and ready to go. Otherwise, you’re better off parking in Long Stay or short-term.
• Terminal Car Park 1 for Pick-Ups: This is arguably the most straightforward pick-up method (albeit not the cheapest). If you expect to greet your arrivals in the terminal, just park in Car Park 1 a few minutes before their flight is due, walk into the arrivals hall, meet them, maybe help with bags, and walk back. If all is done within 30 minutes, Blue Badge holders pay nothing, EV drivers pay £1, and others will pay £15. If you stay up to an hour, it’s £21.50. Yes, it’s a high price for an hour, but it might be worth it for the convenience of being right there in the terminal to welcome family or clients. As mentioned earlier, Blue Badge holders are specifically advised to use Terminal Car Park 1 for pickups, since the first 30 minutes are free and the bays are close to the exit/terminal link bridge. Remember to validate the ticket if using the disabled concession as described above.
• Coordinating with Your Arriving Passenger: Communication is key. Luton’s arrivals can sometimes be quick, but other times there may be delays. It’s wise to ask your arriving friend/family to call or text you once they’re ready for pickup. That way, you can time your approach. You could wait off-site (at a motorway services or a nearby area) until you get word they’ve landed or cleared immigration, then head to the airport. If you’re running early, default to the Long Stay and wait rather than circling the airport roads (again, no stopping on approach roads!). There is no official “cell phone lot” except the Long Stay free area.

Avoiding Pick-Up Fines: All the same rules about no stopping on red routes or by the roadside apply for pick-ups too. Do not be tempted to pause on the entrance road shoulder or any non-designated spot to quickly pick someone up, it’s camera-monitored, and you will receive a £95 ticket. Even picking up “just outside the airport” can be problematic if it impedes traffic or is on private land. It’s safest to use the provided facilities.

In short, for picking up at Luton, you have a spectrum from free but farther (Long Stay with shuttle) to expensive but immediate (Car Park 1), with the express zone in between (quick curb pickup for £7). Choose based on how well you can coordinate timing and whether you mind a short bus ride. Many locals actually use the Long Stay trick; it’s free and avoids the chaotic front of the terminal, but it does require a bit more planning.

Other Parking Options and APH Services at Luton

If you’re driving to Luton Airport yourself and need to park while you travel, or if the on-airport options don’t suit your needs, there are several alternative parking services to consider. As this is an APH guide, we’ll highlight some of the APH parking options available, which can often save you money compared to the official car parks:

• APH Drop & Go (Luton Airport): APH offers its own off-airport parking facility known as APH Drop & Go. This is a park-and-ride service located about 12–14 minutes from the airport terminal by shuttle bus. It’s a secure car park where you leave your car and keys with the staff; they will park your car for you in a secure area (the car’s condition is recorded at the barrier for peace of mind). You then hop on a free transfer bus, which runs on demand, meaning they’ll take you to the airport as soon as you’re ready to go. Buses operate 24/7, so even for very early or late flights, you’re covered. The advantage of APH Drop & Go is that it’s often much cheaper than on-site parking, especially for longer trips. You can pre-book to guarantee a space and a good rate. The car park has full CCTV, fencing, and patrols, and is run by a trusted partner of APH. On your return, you take a shuttle back to the car park, retrieve your keys from a secure locker (the system will tell you where your car is parked), and you’re on your way. This kind of off-site parking with shuttle is great for travellers who don’t need their car at the terminal doorstep but want a reliable and affordable option.
• Airparks Luton (Short Run and Drop & Go): In addition to APH’s own site, there are other popular off-site car parks like Airparks ShortRun and Airparks Drop & Go. Airparks ShortRun is a similar concept, a secure car park about a 4-minute bus transfer from the terminal (hence “short run”). It’s very close by, which is convenient. Airparks Drop & Go is another facility a bit further out (similar area to APH’s) with slightly longer transfer times. These options also tend to be cheaper than the official on-airport car parks, especially if booked in advance. They often have frequent shuttles, friendly staff to assist with luggage, and may offer extras like valet services or EV charging.
• Meet & Greet Services: If you want ultimate convenience, Luton has meet-and-greet (valet) parking services. With these, you’d drive straight to the terminal, hand your car to a chauffeur who will park it for you in a secure lot, and then upon your return, they bring it back to the terminal for you. APH partners with such services too. They cost more than park-and-ride but save time. This might be useful for business travellers or if you’re laden with lots of luggage or kids and don’t want to mess with shuttle buses.
• Pre-Book for Best Prices: No matter which parking option you choose, one golden rule is to pre-book your airport parking. Not only does this guarantee you a space in busy periods, but you can often save a lot of money versus turning up on the day. Luton Airport’s on-the-day prices are quite high (as we saw with Car Park 1). APH regularly offers discounts or promo codes, and you can compare different car parks on APH’s website to find the best deal for your trip. Booking in advance by even a week or two can shave off a significant percentage of the cost.

In summary, APH Luton parking services like Drop & Go provide secure, budget-friendly alternatives to leaving your car at the airport. The trade-off is a short shuttle ride, but many find that worth the savings. Plus, with on-demand transfers, you’re not waiting around unnecessarily, and you get to the terminal reasonably quickly. Always choose the option that fits your budget and comfort, whether it’s on-site convenience or off-site value, and book ahead of time for peace of mind.

(You can get a quote or book Luton Airport parking through APH using their online booking system. Just enter your travel dates to see the range of options available.)

Getting to Luton Airport by Road and Public Transport

Luton Airport is well-connected by both road and public transportation. Here’s a quick guide on how to get to Luton Airport, whether you’re driving or coming by coach, bus, or train:

By Car (Driving to Luton Airport)

Luton Airport is located just off the M1 motorway, about 30 miles north of Central London. If you’re driving:

• From the North or South via M1: Take the M1 to Junction 10, then follow the signs for Luton Airport on the A1081 Airport Way. The airport is only a couple of miles east of the M1. The route is well signposted (“London Luton Airport”). As you approach, you’ll hit a main airport roundabout where you’ll see options for terminal, drop-off, car parks, etc.
• From the East (via A1): If you’re coming from East Anglia or via the A1, the usual route is to take the A505 towards Luton. The A505 goes through Hitchin and continues to Luton. Again, once in the vicinity, follow airport signs.
• Key Postcodes: The general postcode for Luton Airport is LU2 9QT, which will put you on the approach road. Specific car parks have their own postcodes: e.g. Long Stay is LU2 9NW, Mid Stay and Drop-off use LU2 9QT, Terminal Car Park 1 is LU2 9DH. But if you just follow “London Luton Airport” on your sat-nav or the generic postcode, you’ll be directed correctly and can then follow on-airport signage to your chosen parking area.
• Traffic & Timing: The airport is near Luton town, so roads can be busy during rush hour. Allow extra time if travelling at peak times. The last stretch from the motorway can sometimes back up, especially early morning when many flights depart. Aim to arrive a bit early to account for any queues, especially if you still need to park or drop off and then get to the terminal.
• Car Security: If friends or family are driving you, or you’re dropping off a hire car, remember not to leave the vehicle unattended or in prohibited zones (to avoid those fines). Use the designated car parks or drop zones as discussed.

By Coach or Bus

Taking a coach to Luton Airport is a convenient and often cost-effective option, especially from London or other major cities:

• National Express Coaches: National Express runs frequent coach services to Luton Airport. For example, the A1 National Express route goes from London Victoria Coach Station to Luton Airport, via stops at Paddington and Golders Green in north London. There are also National Express coaches from other cities: Oxford, Birmingham, Cambridge and more have direct or one-stop coach routes to Luton Airport. Additionally, National Express operates inter-airport coaches linking Luton with Stansted, Heathrow, and Gatwick Airports, handy if you need to transfer between airports.
• Green Line 757: Another popular service is the Green Line route 757, which runs hourly between London Victoria and Luton Airport. It goes via Marble Arch, Baker Street, Brent Cross, etc. This is more like a local commuter coach service but is comfortable and direct to the airport.
• From Other Nearby Towns: If you’re coming from Milton Keynes (approx 25 miles away), the Stagecoach 99 bus provides a direct link to Luton Airport, via Luton town centre and Luton Station. There are also other regional buses from towns like Stevenage, Hitchin, Dunstable, Leighton Buzzard and of course Luton’s own town centre that go to the airport. Many of these are operated by Arriva or local bus companies. For instance, Arriva’s local buses and other providers serve the airport from the surrounding area.
• Where Coaches/ Buses Drop Off: Almost all coaches and local buses stop right outside the terminal building at Luton. The main bus bays are just a few steps from the entrance, extremely convenient. So if you take a coach, you’ll be dropped off closer than even the drop-off car park! The same goes for pickup: if someone is arriving and taking a coach or bus onward, the stops are directly outside arrivals.
• Tickets: You can buy coach tickets online in advance (recommended, to ensure a seat) or pay the driver if space is available. For local buses, you can usually pay contactless or with an app. Check Traveline or Arriva websites for local bus routes and times.

By Train (Rail), Luton Airport Parkway and Luton DART

Travelling by train to Luton Airport is now faster and easier than it used to be, thanks to the new Luton DART shuttle that connects the railway station to the airport terminal. Here’s how it works:

• Luton Airport Parkway Station: This is the nearest train station to the airport, about 1.5 miles away. Thameslink and East Midlands Railway are the main train operators. From London St. Pancras International, frequent Thameslink trains run to Luton Airport Parkway in as little as 22-25 minutes (if you catch the non-stop Luton Airport Express service) and around 35-45 minutes for stopping services. There are also direct trains from Gatwick Airport and Brighton up to Luton Airport Parkway (useful for south coast or Sussex travellers), and from the north, there are direct services from Bedford, Nottingham, Sheffield, etc. on the East Midlands line.
• The Luton DART: Previously, passengers had to take a shuttle bus from the Parkway station to the airport. In 2023, Luton introduced the DART, Direct Air-Rail Transit, which is a fast automated shuttle train that now connects Luton Airport Parkway station directly to the airport terminal. The DART runs 24 hours a day, every 4 to 6 minutes at peak (and slightly less frequently overnight). The journey takes only 4 minutes end-to-end. It’s a cable-pulled light railway that has replaced the old bus, meaning no more waiting in traffic; you get a smooth ride straight into the airport.
• Tickets & Fares for DART: If you buy a train ticket to “Luton Airport” (station code LUA) rather than just “Luton Airport Parkway”, the fare will include the DART shuttle automatically. This is seamless; you just scan your train ticket at the DART gate. If you have a rail pass or other ticket only to Parkway, or you’re dropping off someone at Parkway station, you can pay separately for the DART. The DART fare is £4.90 for an adult single (as of 2025), and £2.45 for children 5-15. Kids under 5 go free. You can pay contactless or buy a ticket at the machines. While £4.90 may seem a bit pricey for a 4-minute ride (it’s been dubbed one of the most expensive trains per mile), it’s very convenient. Note: Some concession holders (disabled badge holders, local residents, etc.) may be eligible for discounts on the DART.
• Using the DART: The DART is accessible and step-free. At Luton Airport Parkway, follow signs to the DART platform (it’s connected to the station). At the airport end, the DART delivers you right into the central terminal area, a short walk from departures/arrivals. If your flight arrives very late, don’t worry, the DART runs through the night. During peak day hours, they run every 4 minutes, so there’s virtually no wait.
• Travel Times: London to Luton Airport (train + DART) can be as quick as 30 minutes total from St Pancras if you time it right, truly making Luton an accessible airport by public transport. From other areas: Gatwick to Luton through London is about 90 minutes by train; from the Midlands, e.g. Leicester to Luton is around an hour on a direct train.

In summary, rail + DART is now the fastest public transport route to Luton Airport for many travellers. It removes the uncertainty of road traffic. If you’re coming from central London or anywhere on the Thameslink route, definitely consider the train. Buy a ticket to “Luton Airport” so the DART is included, and you’ll hop off the train, onto the DART, and be at the terminal in minutes.

(For more information on train times, check National Rail Enquiries. For DART info and to book DART tickets separately, you can visit the official Luton DART website.)

FAQs: Luton Airport Drop-Off and Parking

By using the official drop-off, Long Stay, or short-term car parks as described, you’ll be in the clear. The vast majority of fines are a result of people stopping where they shouldn’t (like on the entrance road or in bus lanes) or overstaying the drop-off time limit. Plan ahead, communicate with your passengers for smooth timing, and you won’t have to worry about tickets.

Disclaimer: The information above, including drop-off charges, parking fees, and policies, is accurate as of late 2025. Please note that these charges and rules can change. Always double-check the latest official guidance on the London Luton Airport website before your journey, as well as on-site signage, to ensure you have up-to-date information. Charges, timetables, and procedures may be updated by the airport over time. Safe travels!