Car Hire London Luton Airport

Car Hire

London Luton Airport is located just over a mile from the centre of Luton, Bedfordshire, and just two miles from the M1 motorway. Its proximity to this key motorway ensures a smooth journey to the UK capital, London, for those who arrange car hire in Luton Airport, with London just a 30 mile drive away.

Who to Book With
There are plenty of car hire providers at Luton Airport, such as Avis, Europcar, Hertz and Enterprise Rent a Car. The offices of each of these companies can be reached easily from the terminal using the free shuttle bus provided from the APCOA Car Parking to the Car Hire Centre.

Need to Know Essentials
You will need to show the following documents at vehicle collection:

- Valid driver's licence
- Credit or debit card used to make the reservation
- Passport or utility bill for confirmation of identification
- Booking confirmation

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
The UK boasts a well-developed network of motorways and bypasses that connect its towns and cities. While most roads are in excellent condition, traffic can be a problem, even outside of rush hours and especially on cross-country motorways. Flashing hazard lights are only used to indicate danger and headlights are usually flashed to indicate giving way to another driver. Parking spaces are usually available in Pay and Display parking lots, with wardens frequently patrolling UK towns and cities to ensure parking laws aren’t flouted.

See our guide to the UK for further details on driving here.

Transport

Luton Airport’s short distance from the M1 motorway means it is an attractive hub for travellers from London as well as southern and northern England locations. Public transport options for passengers include buses, coaches, trains and taxis, which are usually available at most hours of the day.

Trains
Trains to London and the East Midlands from Luton Airport can take as little as 25 minutes and run from 05:00 to 00:00 each day. These services are operated by the likes of First Capital Connect and East Midlands Trains, and a typical off-peak fare to London costs around £10 per person.

Taxis
Taxis are available from the taxi rank outside Luton Airport's main terminal and are supplied by Alpha Taxis Luton, Cabco Taxis Luton and the Luton Taxi Association. Fares can be paid online prior to travel or in person to the driver.

Taxi prices:
Luton Airport to Luton town centre is about £15
Luton Airport to Central London is about £65
Luton Airport to Birmingham is about £150

Buses
Various local buses run from Luton Airport to the centre of Luton town, as do services operated by National Express, easyBus, Greenline and Stagecoach. These operators travel to destinations across the country, including London and Milton Keynes. A typical fare to London on a coach from Luton Airport is about £10.

Facilities

Terminals
Luton Airport has one main terminal that sees around 10 million passengers per year, making it England's fifth-busiest airport. It is mainly serviced by budget airlines that offer flights to cities around the UK and Europe, although there are some scheduled routes to Asian and North African destinations.

Parking
There are four different types of parking at Luton Airport: Priority Parking (which involves a meet and greet service), Short Term Parking, Mid Term Parking and Long Term Parking. Using the Long Term Parking area costs around £14 per day.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is provided by Spectrum Interactive and there are varying price plans based on the amount of hours a passenger requires to spend online.

Information Services
Three information desks are dotted around the Check-in area.

Useful Numbers
Airport Information: +44 158 240 5100
Customs: +44 158 273 5531

Accessibility
Luton Airport was designed with disabled passengers in mind. This means that doors and toilets are accessible, passengers can be helped with embarkation and disembarkation of planes, and there are specially-appointed parking spaces in Short Term Parking and Mid Term Parking.

Restaurants and Bars
Luton Airport has restaurants and bars both before and after security. Burger King, the Cornish Pastry Company, the Great British Sausage Company and Yam Yam to Go are good places to eat, while the Bar Des Voyageurs, Caffe Nero, Costa Coffee and Starbucks serve drinks before security. Bar 10 is the main watering hole after security but is rivalled by Est Bar. Pret A Manger, Krispy Kreme, Est Caffee and Starbucks sell drinks and snacks after security, too.

VIP Lounges
Someries Business Lounge

Money and ATMs
In the Check-in area of the main terminal, two bureau de change booths can be found: International Currency Exchange and the Change Group. In this part of the terminal, ATMs are to the right of the check-in counters. The Change Group has another outlet in Departures which has a selection of ATMs next to it.

Shopping
Shops can be found before and after security. While Kurt Geiger, JD Sports and Monsoon sell clothes, electronics and other travel essentials can be purchased from Dixons Travel Store, WHSmith and Boots. Items at tax-free prices can be found in Duty Free – The Travel Galleria.