Trains From Hackney Downs to Luton Airport Parkway

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Getting to Luton Airport by train (via Luton Airport Parkway)

Luton Airport Parkway is the nearest station to Luton Airport, and connects to it via the Luton DART, an automated, fully accessible shuttle running 24 hours a day with a journey time of under 4 minutes.

Most tickets marked “Luton Airport” include the Luton DART fare automatically, making interchange seamless.

From London St Pancras International, journey times to Luton Airport Parkway can be as little as 22 minutes, depending on the service you choose. Both Thameslink and the Luton Airport Express operate frequent trains, with up to 8 services per hour at peak times on Thameslink routes.

Trains from London typically begin around 05:30 on weekdays and run until late evening. The last weekday London‑bound Luton Airport Express departs at 23:25 from Luton Airport Parkway.

Luton Airport is also well connected from the north, with direct trains from Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Bedford.

You can use contactless payment to travel between London and Luton Airport Parkway, but Oyster is not valid beyond the London Transport Zones boundary.

Food and drink at Luton Airport

Before security, you’ll find familiar high-street options like Caffè Nero, Starbucks and Burger King, plus The Fletton Pub & Kitchen, which celebrates the history of the local area.

After security, there’s lots more on offer, including restaurants such as Nolito, The Big Smoke Taphouse & Kitchen and Sanfords, as well as places for a quick bite like Pret a Manger, Wasabi, Chopstix and Chaiiwala.

Shopping at Luton Airport

Duty‑free shopping is available at Aelia Duty Free, located after security and also in Arrivals.

There are also lots of other shops too, from Boots, InMotion and WHSmith for travel items, to Accessorize, Boss, Hamleys, JD Sports, Lego, and Rituals for luxury items and gifts.

Children and families at Luton Airport

If you’re travelling with little ones, Luton Airport is well-equipped for families. You’ll find dedicated baby changing facilities throughout the terminal, and breastfeeding parents can access a Quiet Room near Gate 17 for privacy and comfort.

To burn off some pre-flight energy, there is an airport-themed play area located near gates 1 to 6. Most restaurants and cafés are family friendly, and staff can assist with warming bottles or preparing baby food upon request.

Pushchairs can be taken all the way to the departure gate, and complimentary loan pushchairs are available on arrival routes.

Guest Experience team members are on hand throughout the terminal to help with general family support.

Hotels at Luton Airport

The Hampton by Hilton London Luton Airport, Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Ibis Hotel, and Courtyard by Marriott are all nearby and offer easy access to the airport by DART service, bus or taxi, or on foot.

Image credit: Luton Airport DART platform by Jonathan Dann is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.