Luton Airport Parking

History of Luton Airport

Luton Airport began operations in 1938. During the second world war, the airport became a base for 264 Fighter Squadron, and a manufacturing site for civilian and military aircraft. Luton returned to civilian use in 1952, with the opening of a new control tower.
 
In the 1950s and 1960s, Luton played a major role in the rise of the package holiday industry, in particular after 1962 with the formation of Euravia – later Britannia Airways. By 1969, a fifth of all UK holiday flights departed from Luton.
 
After surviving a turbulent period in the 1970s, following the collapse of tour operator Clarksons and its airline Court Line, Luton bounced back with a new international terminal building opened by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1985. 1986 saw the arrival of Ryanair and scheduled flights to Ireland, and Monarch Crown Service with scheduled flights to Spain.
 
Renamed London Luton Airport in 1990, new investment brought upgraded facilities including a new control tower, new cargo centre, an extended and refurbished passenger terminal, additional car parking, a new access road and the installation of a Category 3 Instrument Landing System.
 
With the arrival of Airtours, EasyJet and Debonair, passenger levels increased rapidly to over four million in 1999, and a new terminal and railway station – London Luton Parkway – were opened, and the runway was extended.
 
A further development plan was launched in 2014 and by 2017, passenger numbers had increased to almost 16 million.

Terminals

Luton has one, large terminal. Check-in is on level 1, as is the security area and the arrivals hall. Upstairs in level 2, you’ll find the departures lounge and 43 gates.
 
Facilities at the terminal include restaurants, bars and lounges, duty-free shopping, free WiFi, currency exchange, ATMs, luggage storage and special assistance services. 
 
There is a range of airport parking options to select from, including APH Self Park and APH Drop and Go, as well as parking and hotel packages.
 
Airlines that fly in and out of Luton include:
 

• Blue Air
• easyJet 
• El Al 
• FlyOne 
• Ryanair 
• SunExpress 
• TUI
• Wizz Air

Check-in

The check-in area is on level 1 of the terminal, to the right of the entrance doors. Information screens advise where to go to check in for your flight.

If you have already checked-in online and are travelling with hand baggage only, you can head straight for security to go through to the departures lounge. If you have luggage to go in the hold, take this to one of the Bag Drop desks for your airline. 

Check hand luggage restrictions at home before you pack.

If you think your baggage may be close to your airline’s weight limit, you can weigh it yourself before you check it in (cost £1.00), to avoid any excess charges.

Any oversized items of luggage should be taken to the Outsized Baggage Desk.

Luton Airport advises all passengers to arrive at the airport at least two to three hours prior to the flight departure.

Main travel connections

By road

Located just two miles from Junction 10a of the M1 motorway, Luton Airport is easily accessed wherever you are coming from in the UK. London is 30 miles, Oxford 50 miles, Birmingham 90 miles and Milton Keynes 25 miles. 

If you are driving your own car to the airport there are plenty of airport parking options to keep your car safe and secure while you are away. 

Luton Airport postcode: LU2 9QT

From the M1, exit at Junction 10 and follow the signs to the airport, which is just two miles away.

From the east and the A1, take the A505 through Hitchin and follow the signs to the airport.

From the west and the M40/M25, join the M1, take the exit at Junction 10 and follow the signs to the airport.

You can also travel to Luton by coach on National Express. Services from London include the A1 from London Victoria via Paddington Station and Golders Green. National Express also offer services to Oxford and Birmingham, as well as inter-airport transfers between Luton and Stansted, Luton and Heathrow, and Luton and Gatwick.

Alternatively, Green Line route 757 runs hourly between London Victoria and Luton Airport via Marble Arch, Baker Street and Brent Cross Shopping Centre.

Stagecoach service 99 runs to/from Milton Keynes via Luton Station and Luton town centre. 

The coach drop-off point at Luton Airport is right outside the terminal building.

The bus stops are right outside the terminal building too and there are over 400 buses from all over the UK passing through the airport each day, including frequent services from London. Key departure points include Luton town centre, Milton Keynes, Stevenage, Hitchin, Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable. 

For more bus information check Traveline. 

By rail

Luton Airport Parkway is the station for Luton Airport, with shuttle buses connecting passengers between the two. The shuttle transfer takes approximately ten minutes and buses run every 10 minutes between 05:00 and midnight, with a through-the-night service for train connections. 

Make sure you select Luton Airport (LUA) as your train ticket destination to have your shuttle transfer fare included. Alternatively, you can pay the shuttle fare separately by contactless Visa or Mastercard.

Luton Airport Parkway to/from Luton Airport shuttle fares:

Single fare: £2.40

Standard open return fare: £3.80

Children aged 5 to 15 years: half price

Under 5 years: free of charge

From the south, there are regular trains from/to London, Gatwick and Brighton. London train stations include London Blackfriars, City Thameslink, Farringdon and St Pancras International.

From the north, there are direct trains from/to stations in the Midlands as well as connecting trains from/to major cities. The line goes via Bedford to Derby and Sheffield.

National rail enquiries: 08457 48 49 50.

Drop-off zones

Free drop-off

The closest free drop-off area at Luton Airport is the Mid Stay car park, where the first 15 minutes of parking is free. The Mid Stay car park is about a 600m walk to the terminal. No return within four hours.

You can also drop off for free at the Long Stay car park, where the first hour of parking is free. The cost for two hours of parking is £5.00. Passengers will need to take the shuttle bus to the terminal, which departs every 20 minutes and takes 10 minutes. The buses are fully accessible for special assistance passengers. No return within four hours.

Pay drop-off

The pay drop-off zone is a 350m walk from the terminal. The minimum charge is £5.00 for ten minutes; £1.00 per additional minute thereafter.

Postcode: LU2 9QT.

Disabled parking is available for passengers dropping off within the 10-minute time limit. Note that vehicles must not be left unattended. If you need to park for longer or leave the car unattended, you should use Terminal Car Park 1, which is a four-minute walk across the bridge and costs £9.50 for 30 minutes. The disabled parking bays are on level 0 and level 1.

Electric vehicles (EV) benefit from a reduced fee for drop-off or pick-up within Terminal Car Park 1. The reduced EV fee is £1.00 for 30 minutes and applies only to 100% electric vehicles, which must be parked on level 2 in the dedicated EV spaces. Parking tickets must be taken to the Priority Parking Office on the same level to be validated.

There are designated spaces for Blue Badge holders in Terminal Car Park 1. Make sure you display your Blue Badge and take your ticket to the Priority Parking office to have it validated for a reduced tariff.

Short Stay and Multi Storey car park charges

Terminal Car Park 1 

Terminal Car Park 1 is a four-minute walk to the terminal. Blue Badge parking bays are available on level 0 and level 1. The height restriction is 2.1m.

Postcode: LU2 9DH.

Once at the airport, follow the signs to Terminal Car Park 1. Take a ticket at the entry barrier and find a space to park. Unload your luggage and walk over the link bridge to the terminal entrance.
 
Terminal Car Park 1 charges:

• up to 30 minutes £9.50
• 35 – 45 minutes £12.50
• 45 – 60 minutes £17.50
• 1 – 2 hours £22.00
• 2 – 3 hours £28.00
• 3 – 4 hours £37.00

Terminal Car Park 1 charges for Blue Badge holders:

• up to 30 minutes free
• 30 minutes – 1 hour £5.50
• 1 – 2 hours £15.00
• 2 – 3 hours 19.50
• 3 – 4 hours £21.50

Terminal Car Park 2 

Terminal Car Park 2 is a five-minute walk to the terminal. Blue Badge parking bays are available on level 1 and level 2. The height restriction is 2.1m.

Postcode: LU2 9QT.

Once at the airport, follow the signs to Terminal Car Park 2. Take a ticket at the entry barrier and find a space to park. Unload your luggage and walk to the terminal entrance.

Terminal Car Park 2 charges:

• up to 30 minutes £9.50
• 35 – 45 minutes £12.50
• 45 – 60 minutes £17.50
• 1 – 2 hours £22.00
• 2 – 3 hours £28.00
• 3 – 4 hours £37.00

Fast-track lanes

Beat the queues with Luton’s Fast Track Security. Priced from £6.00 per person when booked online, availability is limited so it is a good idea to book in advance. 

Opening times: 04:15 – 20:00

As well as booking online, you can also purchase Fast Track Security passes from kiosks at the airport. The cost is from £7.00 per adult. Infants under two years are free of charge. Passes are non-refundable and non-amendable. However, if your flight time has changed but is still on the same day, you can still use your pass. 

The following passengers can also use Fast Track Security:

• Fast Track ticket holders
• LLA guest voucher holders
• easyJet Flexifare or Plus ticket holders

Special assistance and disabled facilities

Special Assistance

Bookings for Special Assistance should be made with your airline at least 48 hours prior to travel. If you have not been able to book Special Assistance in advance, you can still request it at the airport, but the service might be limited or delayed.

If you have booked assistance when you arrive at the airport just go to the Special Assistance Desk, which is signposted from the entrance. The following assistance is available:

• getting to and from public transport getting to and from your car park
• carrying baggage
• navigating check-in and security
• getting to the aircraft
• getting on and off aircraft
• help with luggage on arrival

Mobility equipment

To ensure you will be able to take your mobility aid with you on your flight, you must pre-book with your airline, who will require the dimensions and weight of the equipment. You can take mobility aids, such as scooters or motorised wheelchairs, all the way to the aircraft door but they must be immobilised before being loaded into the aircraft hold.

Assistance dogs

Assistance dogs must be fully vaccinated and microchipped. You can check your documentation here. Contact your airline at least 48 hours prior to departure to make sure you can take your dog on board the flight and contact Luton airport to advise your flight details and provide photos of your assistance dog.

On arrival at the airport, go to the Special Assistance desk near the terminal doors. Let them know if your assistance dog needs a "Service Animal Spend Area." 

There is an animal relief area at the front of the terminal building, near bus stop T. 

Disabled parking

Blue Badge parking bays are available in Terminal Car Park 1, Terminal Car Park 2, the Mid Stay and Long Stay car parks. If you are taking your Blue Badge away with you, or if you don’t have one but have reduced mobility, contact the car park operator APCOA / 07809 492373 with your registration details in advance of travel.

Disabled facilities are also available at APH Short Run parking. 

Fast Track Security

Avoid the queues at security by booking Fast Track Security. Priced from £6.00 per person online, or £7.00 per person at the airport, availability is limited so it is a good idea to book in advance. 

Opening times: 04:15 – 20:00

Passes are non-refundable and non-amendable. However, if your flight time has changed but is still on the same day, you can still use your pass. 

Security

If you are not with a Special Assistance team member, you can explain your requirements to a member of the security team, who are fully trained to help all customers and will be sensitive to your requirements.
Private search areas are available on request.

Accessible toilets

There are accessible toilets throughout the airport, and there is also an adult changing facility in the quiet room, after security next to gate 17. This includes a toilet, a shower facility, a height-adjustable changing bench and a hoist. 

Hearing loop

There are 130 hearing loops all around the airport to ensure customers with hearing aids can communicate with staff at check-in, security search, departure gates and border control.

Hidden disabilities

Sunflower lanyards are available at the Special Assistance Desk, which is signposted on a yellow background from the entrance to the terminal building. The sunflower lanyard will identify you to staff as someone who may need additional support or understanding. It will also give you and your immediate family access to the Fast Track Security lane.

There is also a quiet room next to Gate 17, once you have passed through security. Designed to be a calming environment, the quiet room is specifically for passengers with disabilities like autism, dementia or cognitive impairment.

Family facilities

Baby changing

There are baby care rooms throughout Luton Airport, which have everything you need for baby changing. You can also ask a Passenger Service Assistant to guide you to a quiet sport for peace and privacy while breastfeeding.

Pushchairs

If you are travelling with a pushchair, you can take it right up to the gate, just before you board your flight. When flying into Luton, there are complimentary pushchairs that you can borrow, which you can drop off in the baggage reclaim area once you have collected your own pushchair.

Play areas

Keep the kids entertained in Luton’s airport-themed family-friendly area, with big screen fun. Follow the signs for Gates 1 to 6 and you’ll find the play area near the stairs, around the corner from Pret a Manger.

Passenger Service Assistants

Easy-to-spot Passenger Service Assistants are on hand throughout the airport. Just look out for their high-visibility uniforms or use a red courtesy phone to contact them. They can answer questions, offer directions, help with medical emergencies and generally provide assistance as required.

Business facilities

Fast Track Security

Avoid the queues at security by booking Fast Track Security. Priced from £6.00 per person online, or £7.00 per person at the airport, availability is limited so it is a good idea to book in advance. 

Opening times: 04:15 – 20:00

Passes are non-refundable and non-amendable. However, if your flight time has changed but is still on the same day, you can still use your pass. 

Aspire Executive Lounge

Located up on the first floor, the Aspire Lounge provides a relaxing environment while you wait for your flight. 

Once you have passed through security, follow the signs for the departure gates and take the stairs or lift between Accessorize and Wasabi.

Lounge benefits include comfortable seating, complimentary food and beverages including soft drinks, wine, beers and spirits. The WiFi is free, as are the newspapers and magazines.

Opening times: 04:30 – 20:30

Price from £35.00 per person aged 11 years+

Price from £18.99 per child aged 2 to 11 years

Infants under 2 years free of charge

Chapel

Open 24/7, the Prayer Room at Luton Airport is open to people of all faiths. Located in the departures area, after security and just after the departures lounge, the Prayer Room has directions of prayer marked out, washing facilities, prayer mats and prayer books.

Luton Airport’s multi-faith chaplaincy team are on hand to offer comfort, emotional support and access to local charities and support groups for those who need it.

Food and drink

There are plenty of refreshment opportunities at Luton Airport, from coffee and cake to sushi and salads, burgers and burritos to craft beers and fine wines. For the best gluten-free options, check out our guide to gluten-free eating at London airports. 

Benugo - Premium café with charging points; eat in or take away 
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Hawker Bar - Outdoor terrace, fine food, unique cocktails and impeccable service 
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Frankie and Benny’s - New York Italian cuisine; big flavours
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – last flight

Burger King - 100% beef flame-grilled burgers
Before security - Opening times: 03:00 – 23:00

Burger King - 100% beef flame-grilled burgers
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

The Smithfield Pub and Kitchen - Classic British pub food and real ales
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – last flight

Costa Coffee - Italian coffee, sandwiches and pastries
Before security - Opening times: 24 hours

crêpeaffair - Freshly prepared crêpes
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

The Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen - Great range of beers and freshly prepared food
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

El Mex - A classic taste of Mexico
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Fattorie Garofalo - Buffalo cheeses and meats, panini and piadine
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Krispy Kreme - Over 16 varieties of doughnut
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Wasabi - Sushi, bento, salads
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Pret a Manger - Organic coffee, busy kitchen and baker’s oven
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Pret a Manger - Organic coffee, busy kitchen and baker’s oven
Before security - Opening times: 24 hours

Starbucks - Frappucinos, lattes, pastries and paninis
After security - Opening times: 04:00 – 22:00

Starbucks - Frappucinos, lattes, pastries and paninis
Before security - Opening times: 24 hours

Smoking areas

There is a designated smoking zone outside the front entrance of the terminal buildings. No smoking is permitted anywhere within the terminal building, including e-cigarettes.

Water fountains

There are water fountains just after security, at the bottom of the lifts before going up to the departure lounge. Most food outlets at the airport will provide free tap water upon request too. 

Duty-free shopping

Aelia Duty-Free

Aelia Duty-Free has stores in departures after security and in the arrivals area. Aelia Duty-Free offer a click and collect service, so you can shop in advance at home, purchase your items, and collect them at the airport.

Once you have completed the security procedures, you will enter the departures lounge via the walk-through Aelia Duty-Free store. 

Collection Duty-Free

Collection Duty-Free also has a store at Luton Airport offering 20% off high street prices for designer brand fashion accessories.

Other shops

Other shops at Luton Airport include:

• Accessorize
• Glorious Britain
• Marks & Spencer Simply Food
• Inmotion
• Hamleys
• Boots
• WHSmith
• Rituals
• Boss
• Kurt Geiger
• Next
• Oliver Bonas
• JD Sports
• Fat Face
• Ted Baker
• Sunglass Hut
• Charging points 

Luton Airport was the first airport in the UK to offer power banks. Supplied by ChargedUp, the power banks allow you to walk around the shops, restaurants and bars while charging your mobile device.

ChargedUp benefits:

- on-demand charging from renewable energy sources
- portable power for your time at the airport
- built-in Lightning and Micro USB / USB-C
- supports Apple and Android devices
- multiple ChargedUp locations across the airport
Pricing:
- option 1: pay as you go, £2.00 per hour (capped at £5.00 per day)
- option 2: pay per day, £3.00 per day
​- option 3: purchase the power bank, £30.00
How to set up a ChargedUp account:
- Install the free ‘ChargedUp' app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Register an account by entering your mobile number, full name and card details.
- Verify your account details by applying the code provided to you via SMS (make sure you have the reception to receive the code).

EV charging points 

Terminal Car Park 1, level 2:

• 6 x Tesla chargers
• 4 x Type 2 chargers

EV charging prices:

• up to 30 minutes £1.00
• 30 – 45 minutes £12.50
• 45 – 60 minutes £17.50
• 1 to 2 hours £22.00

Airparks Drop & Go -fee included with parking

Internet access

WiFi

Luton Airport offers unlimited free WiFi as follows:
- turn on your WiFi-enabled device
- go to Settings and select “WiFi” then “Luton Airport WIFI” from the list of networks
- open your web browser and the WiFi welcome page will guide you through
Luton’s WiFi service is provided by Virgin WiFi.

For any WiFi questions, call Virgin’s 24/7 support desk on +44 (0)330 660 1028 or visit their WiFi FAQs.

Luggage trolleys

Wanzl luggage trolleys can be found across the airport terminal and also at the Terminal Car Park 1 – on the second floor near Priority Parking – and the pay drop-off zone on the ground floor.

The cost of a trolley is £2.00 or €2.00, which can be paid by cash (£2.00 coin, £1.00 coin, 50p coin, €2.00 and €1.00 coin), with all change dispensed in GBP coins. Alternatively, you can pay for a trolley by contactless card, Apple or Android pay.

If you experience any problem with payment, contact Wanzl.

Luggage lockers

Luton has a left luggage facility operated by Luggage-Point, who offer the following services:

• baggage storage
• bag wrapping
• weighing scales
• lost property enquiries and collections
• mail it on

Opening times: 04:00 – 21:00 

luton@luggage-point.co.uk

Currency exchange 

You’ll find ATMs in the check-in area, the departures lounge and the arrivals hall.

Currency exchange at Luton Airport is operated by ChangeGroup, which offers over 60 currencies, subject to availability and legal restrictions. The main store is near the entrance to the terminal before you go through to security, and there are also 13 ATMs throughout the airport.

Main store opening hours: 04:00 – 22:00 Monday to Tuesday - 04:00 – 20:00 Wednesday to Sunday

Tel: 01582 423 754

ChangeGroup’s Buyback Guarantee means you can exchange any leftover currency with them upon your return, for the same rate as you bought it. The Buyback Guarantee costs £5.99.

Pharmacies

There is a Boots store in the departures lounge after security but there is no dispensing counter or pharmacy service.

After security - Opening hours: 04:00 – 22:00
Tel: 01582 485486

Help Desk

Passenger Service Assistants

Easy-to-spot Passenger Service Assistants are on hand throughout the airport. Just look out for their high-visibility uniforms or use a red courtesy phone to contact them. They can answer questions, offer directions, help with medical emergencies and generally provide assistance as required.