- 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.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Folkestone to Luton
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Folkestone to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £32 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, while a train costs an average of £66.
Distance: 142 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£66 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 14m Average total duration 4h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Folkestone to Luton is a coach with an average price of £32.
This is compared to other travel options from Folkestone to Luton:
A coach is £35 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Folkestone to Luton costing on average £66.
The fastest way to travel from Folkestone to Luton is by train with an average journey time of 1h 21m.
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 44m.
Yes, you can take a train between Folkestone and Luton.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 47m sooner (1h 21m by train vs 2h 8m by car). Tickets start at around £66 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Folkestone 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.
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Why should you book Folkestone to Luton trains with Omio?
Southeastern operates all trains services from Folkestone to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Folkestone to Luton.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Folkestone to Luton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Folkestone to Luton run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 23:08. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 1h 18m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £21
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 1h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 1h 18m |
First train 4:40 |
Last train 23:08 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £21
Train companies: Southeastern from Folkestone to Luton trainsSoutheastern trains will get you between Folkestone and Luton from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Southeastern
About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
1h 18m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£26
Southeastern frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Family area
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.
- 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.
- Must visit
Wardown Park
Large landscaped park with formal gardens, lake, museum and open space, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Luton.
- Recommended
Stockwood Park
Parkland site with gardens, heritage displays and family-friendly walking routes around the Discovery Centre and museum grounds.
- Recommended
Galley and Warden Hills
Nature reserve and chalk downland area with trails and wide views, popular for walking and a quieter escape above the town.
Bedfordshire Clanger
A Bedfordshire classic: suet pastry pudding filled with chopped beef, onions and stock. Long linked to local home cooking across Bedfordshire, including Luton.
- Vegetarian
Stuffed Bedfordshire Onions
A traditional Bedfordshire dish of baked onions stuffed with seasoned sage and breadcrumbs. It reflects thrifty local cooking from the surrounding county.
Bedfordshire Suet Crust Pie
A rich suet pastry pie with bacon, onions and potatoes. It is an old Bedfordshire comfort food once popular with labourers and farming families.
Monna Lisa
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting close to the town centre.
Gautam's
Well-known South Indian venue specialising in dosas, curries and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Off The Wall
Established steakhouse and grill known for steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a smart but approachable 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.
Arriva Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- /null
To the city centre
Luton Airport Parkway, Luton -> Luton Town Centre, Luton
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Most local buses in Luton are run by operators listed by Luton Borough Council. Check operator apps or websites before travel because fares vary by company.
- If you are travelling between Luton Airport Parkway and the airport terminal, the Luton DART is separate from local bus travel. A DART-only single starts from £4.90.
FAQs: Folkestone to Luton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Folkestone 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Folkestone to Luton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £26, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train journey from Folkestone to Luton covers a distance of 142 km and takes approximately 1h 18m. Trains run 12 per day.
The train distance from Folkestone to Luton is 142 km.
The first train from Folkestone to Luton leaves at 4:40.
The last train from Folkestone to Luton departs at 23:08.
Trains from Folkestone to Luton run approximately 12 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Folkestone to Luton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Folkestone to Luton.
To travel from Folkestone to Luton, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Folkestone to Luton.
The train station in Folkestone that goes to Luton is Folkestone West (FKW), and it arrives at Luton station (LUT).
The cheapest way to get from Folkestone to Luton is by coach, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Folkestone 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 Folkestone to Luton offers glimpses of the Kent countryside and urban landscapes as you travel through towns and cities like Ashford, Maidstone, and London, but it is not renowned for being particularly scenic.
A day trip from Folkestone to Luton is not feasible as the journey duration is 1h 18m. However, trains run 6 times per day covering a distance of 142 km.
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 Folkestone to Luton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Folkestone and Luton
Most Folkestone to Luton trains use the Folkestone West to Luton station pair. Use this guide to compare Folkestone and Luton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Folkestone
Arrival train stations in Luton
Which Folkestone station do trains to Luton leave from?
Trains from Folkestone to Luton leave from Folkestone West. The station is 2 km from Folkestone city centre at Folkestone West station, Station Approach, off Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3PA.
Folkestone WestFolkestone West station, Station Approach, off Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 3PA+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Folkestone West from Folkestone city centre
Folkestone West is 2 km from Folkestone city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainRamsgate - St Pancras International, Faversham - St Pancras International, Margate - Ashford International, Ramsgate - London Charing Cross, Dover Priory - London Charing Cross, Ramsgate - Ashford International, Dover Priory - Ashford International, Folkestone Central - London Victoria, Dover Priory - London Cannon Street, Faversham - London Charing Cross, Dover Priory - St Pancras International, Sandwich - St Pancras International, Folkestone Central - St Pancras International, Folkestone Central - London Charing Cross, Folkestone Central - Ashford International, Dover Priory - London Bridge, Ramsgate - London Bridge, Faversham - London Bridge, Dover Priory - Tonbridge, Deal - St Pancras International, Deal - Ashford International · 2m · £0.90 · every ~5 min
Bus10, 17, 71, 71A · 4m · £3 · every ~21 min
Folkestone West train station facilities and services
Folkestone West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Folkestone West.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Folkestone West. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Folkestone West: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Folkestone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone West: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step Free access to Platform 1 via main entrance off Shorncliffe Road. Step free access to platform 2 via side entrance off Station Road. Step access between platforms via station subway. Step free Interchange between platforms via steep roads is in excess of 500 metres, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: by entrance to platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Folkestone CentralFolkestone Central station, Station Approach, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 5HB+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Folkestone Central from Folkestone city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus stop outside of the station (exit station, walk down the slope and turn right. Bus stop is just beyond the bridge)
Folkestone Central train station facilities and services
Folkestone Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Folkestone Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Folkestone Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Folkestone Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Folkestone Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access via lift or steep ramps from main entrance, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: In the booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Luton station do trains from Folkestone arrive at?
Trains from Folkestone to Luton most often arrive at Luton. Some services arrive at London Luton Airport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Luton arrival station.
LutonLuton station, Station Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 2LT
City-centre transport
Getting to Luton from Luton city centre
Bus17 · 7m · £2 · every ~2 min
Luton train station facilities and services
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink 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.
Most popular train connections from Folkestone
More options for your journey from Folkestone to Luton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Luton and Folkestone
Most popular train connections to Luton
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