If you're flying out of Luton or Stansted from London, you’ve got options - but not all of them are created equal. These two airports sit far from central London, and getting there shouldn’t feel like a chore or a budget breaker. Whether you’re rushing to catch a budget flight or dropping someone off before a long-haul trip, knowing your best route saves time, stress, and cash.
Getting to Luton Airport from London
Luton Airport (LTN) is about 30 miles north of central London. The fastest and most popular way to get there is the Luton Airport Parkway train. You take a Thameslink train from London St Pancras International - yes, the same station for Eurostar - straight to Luton Airport Parkway. The ride takes just 20 minutes. From there, it’s a free 10-minute shuttle bus to the terminal. Trains run every 10 to 15 minutes during peak hours, and tickets start at £18 one-way if booked in advance. Walk-up fares are around £27.
Many travelers skip the shuttle bus and take a taxi or ride-share from the station, but that adds £10-£15 to your cost. The shuttle runs 24/7 and is perfectly reliable. If you’ve got heavy bags, the shuttle has space for them. No need to overpay.
For those who prefer driving, the M1 motorway connects London to Luton. But traffic on the M1 can be brutal, especially on Friday afternoons or before holiday weekends. Parking at Luton costs £30 per day in the short-stay lot. If you’re leaving your car, the long-stay parking is cheaper at £18 per day - but you’ll need to take a free shuttle from there to the terminal, which adds 5-10 minutes.
There’s also the National Express coach. It leaves from Victoria Coach Station and takes about 1 hour 40 minutes. It’s the cheapest option at £12 if booked ahead, but it’s slow and gets stuck in traffic. Only choose this if you’re on a tight budget and have plenty of time.
Getting to Stansted Airport from London
Some people try to save money by taking a regular Greater Anglia train, but those stop at multiple stations and can take over an hour and a half. The Stansted Express is worth the extra £10 if you’re on a tight flight schedule.
Another option is the National Express coach. It departs from London Victoria, Stratford, and other points, and takes 1 hour 20 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. Fares start at £10 if booked early. It’s a decent backup if you’re near a coach stop and aren’t in a rush. But if your flight is at 6 a.m., the coach might not run early enough.
Driving to Stansted? The M11 motorway gets you there in under an hour - if there’s no accident or roadwork. Parking at Stansted is cheaper than Luton: £20 per day for short-stay, £14 for long-stay. The long-stay shuttle runs every 10 minutes and takes 5 minutes. Just don’t park in the drop-off zone - you’ll get fined £100.
Uber and Bolt are available, but the fare from central London to Stansted is £70-£90. It’s convenient if you’re traveling with a group of four or more - splitting the cost makes it reasonable. For solo travelers? Skip it.
Which Airport Is Easier to Reach?
Luton wins on speed from central London. If you’re near King’s Cross or St Pancras, the train to Luton is faster and cheaper than getting to Stansted. But if you’re in East London - say, near Stratford or Hackney - Stansted Express from Liverpool Street might be more direct.
Luton’s shuttle bus is a minor hassle, but it’s free and frequent. Stansted’s direct train is simpler - you walk off the platform and into the terminal. No transfers. No waiting. That’s why most business travelers prefer Stansted, even if it’s farther.
For families with kids or heavy luggage, Stansted’s train is better. Luton’s shuttle bus can get crowded during holiday peaks. Stansted’s station has elevators, restrooms, and cafes right at the platform. Luton’s station is functional but basic.
When to Leave for Your Flight
Low-cost airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet at Luton and Stansted recommend arriving 2 hours before departure. But here’s the catch: if you’re taking a train or coach, you need to add buffer time.
For Luton: Leave London 3 hours before your flight. That gives you 20 minutes for the train, 10 minutes for the shuttle, and 40 minutes to check in and get through security. If you’re driving, add 30 minutes for parking and walking.
For Stansted: Leave London 2.5 hours before your flight. The 47-minute train ride means you can leave later than for Luton. But if you’re taking the coach, give yourself 3.5 hours - traffic doesn’t care about your boarding time.
Pro tip: Don’t rely on Google Maps for travel time to either airport. It doesn’t account for train frequency or shuttle wait times. Use the official train operator apps - Thameslink for Luton, Stansted Express for Stansted. They show live departures and delays.
What to Avoid
Don’t take the 3:30 a.m. National Express coach to Stansted unless you’ve checked the schedule. Some routes don’t run on Sundays or holidays. In December 2025, service cuts are common during the Christmas week.
Avoid taxis from central London unless you’re in a group. The cost is rarely justified. Also, don’t book a private transfer service without reading reviews. Some companies charge £120 for a ride that should cost £70.
And please - don’t try to catch the last train or coach if your flight is delayed. If you miss the Stansted Express after 11 p.m., your only option is a £100+ taxi. Same for Luton after midnight. Plan ahead.
Best Value Options
For solo travelers: Stansted Express (booked in advance) - £17, 47 minutes, no stress.
For budget travelers: National Express coach - £10-£15, but allow 2+ hours.
For families or groups of 3+: Uber or Bolt - split the £70-£90 fare, and you’re door-to-door.
For early morning flights: Book a hotel near Luton Airport Parkway or Stansted Station the night before. A room at the Premier Inn near Luton Parkway costs £60 and includes free parking. Near Stansted, the Holiday Inn Express has rooms from £55 and offers a free shuttle to the terminal.
Final Tip: Check Your Airline’s Advice
EasyJet says to arrive 2 hours early at Luton. Ryanair says 2 hours at Stansted. But if you’ve checked in online, have no bags to check, and are flying within Europe, you can get away with 90 minutes. Still - don’t push it. Security lines get long, especially on weekends. And if your flight is international, stick to the 2-hour rule.
Both airports have self-check-in kiosks and bag drop lanes. Use them. Skip the counter. Save 15 minutes. Bring a printed boarding pass just in case - the Wi-Fi at both terminals can be spotty during rush hours.