Trains from Luton to London

Trains from Luton to London

Traveling in the United Kingdom is swift and convenient, thanks to the nation's extensive transport network. Taking a train from Luton to London is the fastest way to travel from the town to the city. Luton and London are approximately 29 miles (46km) from each other and the trains take an average of 48 minutes. However, the trains along the route can take anywhere between 20 minutes and one hour to complete the trip.

Luton to London Train time: Daily departures

The Luton-London route is busy, and travelers have plenty of trains to choose from. Around 145 trains travel every day from Luton to London. On some days, trains start their days as early as midnight, but around 7:00 a.m. on most days. The trains run throughout the day, and the last passengers can usually catch the final train from Luton to London a bit before midnight.

How long is the journey by train from Luton to London?

The average travel time for a train from Luton to London is 48 minutes. The fastest trains on the route are half that, taking around 23 minutes to complete the trip. There are also slow trains that take around one hour to finish the journey. The trains travel directly between the stations, so passengers can avoid making transfers along the way.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Luton to London?

Departure train stations: A train from Luton to London begins its journey from Luton Railway Station or Luton Parkway Airport. The first station is located in the city center, approximately 300 meters away from The Mall. The second station is around 1.3 miles (2.1 km) from The Mall and is accessible via taxi and train. Both stations have facilities such as ticket offices, ticket machines, ATMs, pay phones, restrooms, refreshment facilities, and shops. Luton Parkway Airport is widely accessible and Luton Railway Station has more limited accessibility for limited-mobility passengers. 

Arrival train stations: A train from Luton to London ends its trip at London Bridge and Blackfriars if it departed from Luton Railway station. Any train from Luton Airport Parkway ends the trip at London St. Pancras. All the stations are within a 2.5-mile radius of Central London. Travelers from London Bridge station can use taxis or the underground to travel to the city center. Those alighting at Blackfriars and St. Pancras can use buses and taxis. London St. Pancras is a major station in the city, offering shops, restaurants, restrooms, and full access for limited-mobility passengers. 

Which train companies travel from Luton to London?

There are two train companies operating along the Luton-London route. They are East Midlands Railways and Thameslink. The former travels between Luton Airport Parkway and London St. Pancras. Thameslink trains travel from Luton Railway station to London Bridge or London Blackfriars station.

East Midlands Railways Luton to London

On a regular day, around 30 trains by East Midlands Trains travel from Luton to London. The trains travel at speeds of 125 mph (200 kph) and arrive in London in around 27 minutes. For the fastest journeys, travelers should use East Midlands trains. Fortunately, passengers can also reserve seats on board.

Thameslink Luton to London

Thameslink controls the lion's share of trains along the Luton-London route. The operator has around 120 trains running on the tracks every day. Travelers can catch trains after 7:00 a.m. to around 11:30 p.m. The trains travel at 100 mph (160 kph) and take approximately 52 minutes to reach London.

Luton to London Trains: Services on Board

East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Thameslink trains have a standard class and first class. The trains have comfortable seats with tables, trolley service, plug sockets, free WiFi, luggage storage, CCTV, and accessible toilets. For free drinks and snacks and quieter environments, travelers can upgrade to first class. People with disabilities can pre-book assistance during boarding and alighting. There are dedicated wheelchair spaces, but travelers should book these before boarding. Passengers can also bring their mobility scooters on board some trains, but only if they have a Scooter Card. It's also crucial to check the operator's wheelchair and scooter guidelines to ensure that they fit in the train. Guide dogs are also welcome on all trains for free. EMR trains only allow two bikes per service. For bike transportation, travelers should therefore reserve a spot early. Thameslink trains allow full bikes during off-peak hours, but only if they don't obstruct other passengers. If space is limited, the staff may ask the cyclist to remove their bike. Fortunately, foldable bikes are always welcome as long as they are stored with the rest of the luggage. Passengers are allowed a maximum of two pets per person. Small pets should travel inside suitable carriage boxes and dogs should always stay on a lead.

How can I find cheap train tickets from Luton to London?

To find a cheap train from Luton to London, book in advance. The train operators release their schedules early for booking. It's also wise to compare the providers and travel dates for the lowest prices.