Croydon to Luton train with Thameslink

Wed 23 Sept
+ Add return
East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
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Great Western Railway
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2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Croydon to Luton

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£13

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£17

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

1 h 6 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

1 h 7 m

Trains on 23 Sept

3

Distance

59 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Croydon to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Croydon to Luton will cost around £17 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.

Fast trains

On Wed 23 Sept, we found 3 trains from Croydon to Luton, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 59 km distance in an average of 1 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 6 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 7 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Thameslink
    11:211h06
    Croydon
    12:27Luton
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    8:331h07
    Croydon
    9:40Luton
    £191One-way
    0 changes
  • Thameslink
    7:331h07
    Croydon
    8:40Luton
    £191One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train for Croydon to Luton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Croydon to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £20, while a train costs an average of £20.

Distance: 59 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£20

Average Price

Cheapest

£25

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 48m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Thameslink

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Croydon to Luton is a train with an average price of £20.
The fastest way to travel from Croydon to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 8m.
Yes, you can take a train between Croydon and Luton.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 40m faster (1h 8m by train vs 1h 48m by car) and roughly £6 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£20 vs £25). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Thameslink.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Croydon to Luton train times

The table below shows live departures for Croydon to Luton trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Thameslink15:33 Croydon
1h07
16:40 Luton0 changesdirect
Wednesday 23 September
Thameslink7:33 Croydon
1h07
8:40 Luton0 changesdirect
Thameslink8:33 Croydon
1h07
9:40 Luton0 changesdirect
Thameslink11:21 Croydon
1h06
12:27 Luton0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Croydon to Luton by train

Compare train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Croydon to Luton trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Croydon to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Croydon to Luton.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Croydon to Luton.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Croydon to Luton.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Croydon to Luton?

The best time to book your train from Croydon to Luton is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Croydon to Luton route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Croydon to Luton per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Croydon to Luton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Croydon to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Croydon to Luton run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 59 km distance in 53m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
59 km
Average train duration
1h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
£14
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
53m
First train
0:02
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
7 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Thameslink, East Midlands Railway from Croydon to Luton trainsThameslink, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Croydon and Luton from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
53m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£14
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
58m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£14
Thameslink frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Luton

Things to do in Luton

Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.

  • Must visit

Wardown House Museum and Gallery

Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.

  • Recommended

The Hat Factory

Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.

  • Recommended

Stockwood Discovery Centre

Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.

FAQs: Croydon to Luton train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Croydon to Luton by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Croydon to Luton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £14, while the average price tends to be around £20.
The train journey from Croydon to Luton covers a distance of 59 km and takes approximately 53m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Croydon to Luton is 59 km.
The first train from Croydon to Luton leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Croydon to Luton departs at 23:58.
Trains from Croydon to Luton run approximately 9 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Croydon to Luton.
Yes, there is a direct train between Croydon and Luton. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by Thameslink.
To travel from Croydon to Luton, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Croydon to Luton.
The train station in Croydon that goes to Luton is East Croydon (ECR), and it arrives at London Luton Airport (LUA).
The cheapest way to get from Croydon to Luton is by train, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Croydon to Luton in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Croydon to Luton is primarily urban, passing through suburbs of London, so it is not considered particularly scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Croydon to Luton is feasible. The journey takes 53m and covers 59 km. Trains run 6 times per day.
In Luton, visitors can explore The Mall Luton for shopping and dining, visit Woodside Animal Farm for a family-friendly day out, and enjoy the variety of goods at Luton Indoor Market. Outdoor enthusiasts can relax at Stockwood Park, while entertainment seekers can head to The Galaxy for cinema and bowling. For cultural experiences, visit Stockwood Discovery Centre for local history, Wardown House Museum and Gallery for art and history, and The Hat Factory Arts Centre for performances and exhibitions. Historical and scenic sights include Luton Hoo Estate and Whipsnade Zoo.
Two to three days in Luton is sufficient to explore its key attractions, such as the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House Museum, and the surrounding countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Croydon to Luton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Croydon and Luton

Most Croydon to Luton trains use the East Croydon to London Luton Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Luton. Use this guide to compare Croydon and Luton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Croydon
Arrival train stations in Luton

Which Croydon station do trains to Luton leave from?

Trains from Croydon to Luton leave from East Croydon. The station is 1 km from Croydon city centre at East Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LF.
East CroydonEast Croydon station, Station Approach, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 1LFWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to East Croydon from Croydon city centre

East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:

BusN68 · 11m · £2 · every ~2 min

East Croydon train station facilities and services

East Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at East Croydon.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

West CroydonWest Croydon station, London Road, Croydon, Greater London, CR0 2TAWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to West Croydon from Croydon city centre

Bus289 · 4m · £2 · every ~20 min
450 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
157 · 7m · £2 · every ~20 min

West Croydon train station facilities and services

West Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at West Croydon.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at West Croydon.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at West Croydon.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at West Croydon: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at West Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at West Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: B2 station category. Step free access available for platform 1 and 3 using the London Road car park entrance . This side gate is kept locked but has help buttons to request use. Step-free access via separate entrance to platform 4 (to Sutton), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

PurleyPurley station, Station Approach, Whytecliffe Road, Purley, London, CR2 2APWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Purley from Croydon city centre

Purley is 5 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Bridge - Caterham, London Victoria - Reigate, Tulse Hill - Caterham, London Bridge - Tattenham Corner, London Victoria - Brighton, London Victoria - Three Bridges, London Victoria - Ore, London Victoria - Horsham, London Bridge - Purley, London Victoria - Redhill, East Croydon - Caterham, London Victoria - Bognor Regis, London Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour · 8m · £2 · every ~9 min
Bus407, N68 · 19m · £2 · every ~21 min
60 · 20m · £2 · every ~24 min
439 · 22m · £2 · every ~6 min
289 · 47m · £2 · every ~20 min

Purley train station facilities and services

Purley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Purley.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Purley. ATMs are available at Purley.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Purley.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Purley: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Purley: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Purley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is on platform 6 above the waiting room, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Croydon to Luton

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