- Must visit
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.
Cheapest price
$78
Average price
$78
Fastest journey
2 h 5 m
Average duration
2 h 12 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
83 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basingstoke to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basingstoke to Luton will cost around $78 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $78.
It's difficult to get from Basingstoke to Luton without transferring at least 2 times.
L79347+
C41879+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
L79336+
C41873+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
L79343+
C41875+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
L78756+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+
W45535
L78756+
G88375+
C41875+
Tube from London Victoria to London St Pancras International
L78756+
G88375+
C41875+
Tube from London Victoria to London St Pancras International
L79347+
C41879+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
L79336+
C41873+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
L79343+
C41875+
Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International
C03039 · G14897+
Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon+
W45535Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Basingstoke to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 52m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $51.
Distance: 51 miles (83 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 18m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Basingstoke to Luton:
A bus is $41 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basingstoke to Luton costing on average $68 (€56).
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 29m.
Tickets start at around $68 (€56) compared to roughly $24 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-43.80 (€-35.87). The journey takes 1h 52m versus 1h 18m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Basingstoke to Luton trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79336+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ C41873 | 7:59 AM Basingstoke station (BSK) | 2h11 | 10:10 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
L79343+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ C41875 | 8:29 AM Basingstoke station (BSK) | 2h11 | 10:40 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
L78756+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ W45535 | 8:35 AM Basingstoke station (BSK) | 2h22 | 10:57 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
L78756+ G88375+ Tube from London Victoria to London St Pancras International+ C41875 | 8:35 AM Basingstoke station (BSK) | 2h05 | 10:40 AM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
C03039 · G14897+ W45535+ Tube from London Paddington to Farringdon | 8:36 AM Basingstoke station (BSK) | 2h21 | 10:57 AM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
L79347+ Tube from London Waterloo to London St Pancras International+ C41879 | 8:59 AM Basingstoke station (BSK) | 2h11 | 11:10 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Basingstoke to Luton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $51 (€42) but you can travel from only $18 (€15) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 51 miles (83 km) distance in 2h 5m.
Distance 51 miles (83 km) |
Average train duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€42) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 5m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
Luton's main museum in a Victorian mansion, covering local history, hats, lace, and changing exhibitions in a well-kept park setting.
Museum complex with rural life displays, carriages, gardens, and archaeology, making it one of Luton's strongest family-friendly heritage sites.
Working hat factory museum explaining Luton's famous hat-making trade through machinery, displays, and guided tours in an authentic setting.
Large formal park with lakes, bridges, museum, and broad lawns, ideal for relaxing walks and one of Luton's best-loved green spaces.
Historic town centre square beside St Mary's Church, valued for events, heritage surroundings, and an authentic sense of old Luton.
Extensive parkland with gardens, play areas, and museum access, popular for family walks and exploring Luton's former estate landscape.
A Bedfordshire pastry with chopped meat, suet, onions and seasoning. It is closely tied to the county around Luton and is a classic local comfort food.
A suet dumpling stuffed with currants or jam. Long associated with Bedfordshire home cooking, it is a traditional local pudding served warm.
A rich fruit cake packed with dried fruit and spices. It is a historic Bedfordshire bake often made for family gatherings and festive occasions.
Established Turkish restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and generous portions. Casual atmosphere and dependable local favourite.
Well-known Indian restaurant with polished service and a long-standing reputation. Popular for classic curries in a smart but relaxed setting.
Popular South Indian venue serving dosas, idli and vegetarian dishes. Simple setting, strong reputation and reliable regional flavours.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.
Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Luton Airport Parkway -> Luton Station Interchange
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basingstoke 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.

Most Basingstoke to Luton trains use the Basingstoke to Luton station pair, with some services arriving at London Luton Airport. Use this guide to compare Basingstoke and Luton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basingstoke has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Basingstoke.
Wi-Fi is available at Basingstoke. ATMs are available at Basingstoke.
Ticket office support is available at Basingstoke.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basingstoke: Parking, WC.
Available at Basingstoke: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basingstoke: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. This station has step-free access to all platforms via lifts from the main entrance. The rear entrance has level access to Platforms 4 and 5 (and to other platforms via lifts) but is only open Monday-Friday 0600 until 1000 and from 1500 until 2345 (closed at weekends) - outside these times a stepped subway must be used. The alternative step-free route from the rear to the main entrance via the street is approximately 380m and includes missing dropped kerbs and sections of route without a pavement. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, 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.
Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need