Luton Airport Parking & Hotels

At A Glance

Airport Code LTN
7th largest airport in the UK
Over 6.5 million passengers a year
Home to over 15 airlines
Flights to over 60 destinations

Background

London Luton Airport was opened on 16 July 1938, when it was owned by the Borough of Luton.  During the war, the airport used by the RAF; civil use resumed in 1952.  During the period of package holidays over the following ten years Luton airport played an important role, and by 1969 a fifth of all holiday flights from the UK departed from Luton International Airport. 1986 marked the growth of scheduled air services from the airport, which represents over 70 per cent of their business.  In 1987 Luton International Airport became a Limited Company with Luton Borough Council as sole shareholder, and the airport was renamed London Luton Airport in 1990.  Ryanair moved its operations to Stansted Airport in 1991, hitting London Luton Airport hard.  Over the next 5 years £30 million was invested in the London Luton Airport infrastructure, and facilities were significantly improved.  Business increased during this period with the introduction of Airtours flights and the low cost scheduled airlines Easyjet and Debonair. In order to expand further, London Luton Airport signed a unique private-public partnership in 1998 to secure financial investment for the future, which meant that the airport remained publicly owned by Luton Borough Council but was to be managed and developed by a new private consortium.  London Luton Airport has continued to grow as the demand for inclusive/package holidays continues to increase.

Transport

From the M25, exit at junction 21 for access to the M1. From the M1, exit at junction 10 and follow signs to the airport. From the east and A1, take the A505 dual carriageway at junction 9; London Luton Airport lies just off the A505 and is clearly signposted.

There is express, medium-stay and long-stay parking available at London Luton Airport, with express parking situated within easy reach of the terminal building.

Luton Airport Parkway Station, 2km (1 mile) from the airport, is connected to the terminal by a free shuttle bus service.

First Capital Connect and East Midlands Trains provide services to London. Virgin Trains operates an express coach connection to its West Coast mainline rail services at Milton Keynes station.

Free London Luton Airport Express shuttle buses run to/from the Luton Airport Parkway Station. Local bus services connect the airport with the surrounding areas.

The Greenline express coach runs daily between London Luton Airport and central London. Easybus offers a 24-hour service to London Victoria. Numerous National Express coaches run from the airport to destinations all over the country.

Cabco cabs, Alpha Taxis and Luton Taxi Association offer pre-bookable services to and from the airport, while licensed taxis are available at a rank outside the terminal.

Airport Facilities

There are several electronic information booths at London Luton Airport, as well as roving passenger service assistants. The booths contain touch-screen information on onward transportation, local amenities, airport navigation, parking and live flight information.

Bureaux de change, ATMs and web-enabled telephones can be found throughout the terminal building. There is an Internet café in the terminal, and Wireless Internet access is available in bars, restaurants and public seating areas.

The airport has a range of restaurants, cafés and bars, including a food court and a traditional English pub.

There is a wide variety of shops at London Luton Airport, including 24-hour duty-free shopping and a 24-hour newsagent and bookstore.

There are no left-luggage facilities at the airport, but there is a lost property office.

Other facilities include a children’s play centre, baby care rooms and a chapel.  The Aviance Executive Lounge provides Internet access, pay phone and fax facilities, newspapers, television, and complimentary drinks and snacks.

Disabled Access Facilities

London Luton Airport is fully accessible and includes adapted toilets and telephones and induction loops at information points. Wheelchairs for transit through the terminal and help with baggage are available free of charge via the special assistance telephones. Passengers who require help boarding aircraft should request this service in advance from the individual airlines. Disabled parking is available, and London Luton Airport Express shuttle buses are wheelchair-accessible.