How to get to Luton Airport Parkway (LTN) Train Station

Travel to the Luton Airport Parkway train station from Luton city center

Luton is the largest city in Bedfordshire and one of the major cities in south-eastern England. Most famous for its international airport, the city offers more than cheap flights and short-stay hotels. There are the craft museum and 18th-century gardens at Stockwood Park, where visitors can see a glorious collection of historical carriages. Wardown Park Museum hosts the exquisite 15th-century Wenlock Jug, while Whipsnade Zoo is a fantastic open-air family attraction, and the views from Dunstable Downs are incredible. When leaving Luton, many visitors need to travel to the Luton Airport Parkway train station that connects the city to London and the north. So, knowing the best route to the station is absolutely vital.

What is the best way to get to the Luton Airport Parkway train station from Luton city center?

Luton Airport Parkway is not the main station in central Luton. Instead, it's the rail hub for Luton International Airport - something that all visitors should keep in mind. The best route from the center of Luton to the Luton Airport Parkway train station is to take a direct train, although the 30, 366, and 612 buses all run to the airport station as well. The number 30 bus also runs from Stockwood Park to Luton Airport Parkway with no transfers needed, while the number 40 bus is the right service to catch when heading to the station from either Dunstable Downs or Whipsnade Zoo. Those coming from Knebworth can take the 44 bus, while the 41 and 81 buses both run from Barton Hills Nature Reserve to the north of Luton. Finally, those transferring from London can take trains from Kings Cross St Pancras straight to Luton Airport Parkway. National Express buses travel from Stansted Airport.

How far is it from Luton city center to the Luton Airport Parkway train station?

Luton Airport Parkway is two miles (three kilometers) east of the city itself. This rules out walking. But, bus transfers will be relatively fast (five to ten minutes) and trains will be even faster (as little as two minutes). Buses from Stockwood will take around 1two minutes to reach the airport station, while services from Whipsnade and Dunstable Downs will take slightly longer, but no more than 20 minutes.  Barton Hills is nine miles (14 kilometers) north of Luton Airport Parkway and buses take approximately 25-30 minutes, while services from Knebworth will reach the station in 35 minutes. In all cases, taxis are a good option and will tend to minimize transfer times. However, those coming from London will be advised to catch train services, which reach the Luton Airport Parkway train station in 36 minutes.

How accessible is the Luton Airport Parkway train station for those with limited mobility?

All of the entrances to Luton Airport Parkway are step-free and easily accessible for those with wheelchairs, and this also applies to the interior of the station. Staff is available during working hours to assist should problems arise, but ticketing, restrooms, waiting areas, and platforms are all designed to be accessible for disabled travelers. There is a pedestrian walkway for reaching certain platforms, but this can be reached via elevators, so everyone should be able to gain access. When traveling to the Luton Airport Parkway train station, disabled travelers should encounter very few issues. Thameslink trains are well adapted for wheelchairs and assistance can be booked 24 hours in advance. Centrebus and Uno also provide bus services in the Luton area that cater to wheelchair users. Accessible private taxis are easy to find.

Local tips: the Luton Airport Parkway train station and points of interest

If travelers find themselves at Luton Airport Parkway with some time to burn, there are answers to the question of what to do near the train station. One option is to catch the train to Luton Station and explore the town center. In that case, Wardown Park is the place to head, with its interesting historical exhibits. Alternatively, buses run to Stockwood Park - which offers a bit more for travelers to experience. The gardens are a lovely place to relax, while the house itself contains a huge variety of exhibits on all sorts of historical subjects. If travelers want to grab a bite to eat, they could try Luton city center. Although, the Airport is also a ten-minute walk and hosts cafes and shops in the departure terminal. Finally, there's a small shopping district next door to the station with coffee shops and grocery stores. So, if any supplies are needed for the journey ahead, stocking up is easy.