Trains to Luton

Trains to Luton

Luton is a large town in Bedfordshire, about 35 miles north of London. Located on the River Lea, it is a centre of industry and education. It is also the home of the Luton Hatters football team, and the location of a major airport. Arriva Shires & Essex, Grant Palmer and Centrebus provide transport within the town, and connect it with the Dunstable area. It has three railway stations, Luton, Leagrave and Luton Airport Parkway (LTN).

Which is the main train station in Luton?

Luton Airport Parkway (LTN) is Luton’s main train station. Just 29 miles from London’s St Pancras station, it is served by Thameslink and East Midland trains. From the station, passengers can take the bus shuttle service (approximately one mile) to Luton Airport. The station's facilities include four platforms, four waiting rooms, telephones, a cafe, newsagent, ATM and toilets. The station participates in the Plusbus scheme, in which passengers can buy train and bus tickets together, for a cheaper price.

Which train companies offer trains to Luton?

Daily, trains to Luton Airport Parkway leave London St Pancras about every fifteen minutes. Thameslink and East Midlands provide the services. The journey takes about forty-five minutes, with no changes required.

Why travel by train to Luton?

Going by train is an exciting way to travel. No extra charges, such as parking fees, are required on arrival at your destination. You can dine, relax and talk while absorbing the beauty of the passing countryside. And there is no need to begin your journey in London. For instance, the Thameslink connects Luton with Rainham in Kent, travelling through towns such as Rochester, Chatham and Plumstead, and through the suburbs of south London and north London, before reaching Luton. The proximity of the station to the airport makes rail travel a great choice, avoiding any parking fees during a holiday.

Before you travel to Luton by train - good to know!

Luton is an ancient town with an eclectic mix of attractions that make it a magnet for visitors. Every year, the Luton International Carnival takes place on the last Monday in May. The Carnival consists of a parade with floats featuring the cultural and creative life of the town. Just outside the town is Luton Hoo, a country estate that includes a palatial house designed by architect Robert Adam. Used as a location for films, its gardens are open to the public.

How to Get to Luton by Train

First Capital Connect offers a fast rail service to Luton from five central London stations and offers excellent value for money. Direct rail services run from London Bridge, Blackfriars, Farringdon, St. Pancras and City Thameslink to Luton Airport Parkway Train Station. Train journeys take about 40 minutes from London stations to Luton. If you are travelling to Luton Airport, you can take a bus to the airport terminal from Luton Airport Parkway Station. This takes only 8 minutes. There are trains six times each hour during peak hours. Trains run every hour during the night. Trains to stations south of the Thames run at a frequency of four trains an hour. East Midlands Trains run a rail service from London to Luton Airport Parkway. This service only takes about 21 minutes. Bus transfers are available from all train stations to surrounding suburbs and airports.

Luton

The pretty borough of Luton offers visitors a bustling town, dotted with green areas, parks and landmarks which are well worth exploring. Whipsnade Zoo is an ideal day excursion for families with small children, as is the Stockwood Discovery Centre which is a free interactive museum that also offers beautiful gardens and galleries, a memorable discovery hall and the Mossman collection of horse-drawn vehicles. The Wardown Park Museum offers wonderful displays of Luton history, especially that of industrial importance and a its well-known hat and lace collection. Live music is also offered at the museum as a regular feature. The Galley and Warden Hills Nature Reserve is a wonderful way to view rare species of flowers and butterflies. Avid cyclists can enjoy the Barton Cycle Route and the city offers a number of wonderful restaurants and bars which serve fine food and beer or wine to enjoy after a day sightseeing.