Luton

Getting there

By plane 1 London Luton Airport (LTN IATA). Luton is London's fourth airport, 35 miles north of the city. It's a major hub for the budget airlines easyJet, Ryanair and Wizz Air, and for charter flights by Tui (formerly Thomsons). This means it particularly feels the peaks and troughs of holiday travel: Easter here can be chaotic. Most flights are to Europe. See below for transport, and allow extra time because the access routes and parking lots are still being excavated. However, building work on the interior is complete for the time being. There are a couple of cafes and an exchange desk ground side, then a large retail and waiting area in airside departures, plus a multi-faith prayer room. Exchange kiosks are run by ICE: they don't display their rates, but these are about 25% off the official rate for major currencies - poor but average for a UK airport. "Duty-free" liquor is 10% more expensive than UK supermarket prices. Consider printing your boarding pass even if it's on your phone, as mobile / Wifi coverage is scratchy within the terminal building; you can use airport Wifi (non-secure) free for up to 4 hours. (updated Apr 2019)

For public transport to central London see Luton Airport. It's a choice between a train (shuttle bus to Luton Airport Parkway then train to London St Pancras), or a bus from the airport to London Victoria. Local buses: Arriva Bus A runs every 15 mins between the airport and Luton town railway station (15 mins) and Dunstable (30 mins). Bus 100 runs every 30 mins to Hitchin and Stevenage.

From other London airports From the other London airports, it may be quicker to use the inter-airport transfer bus then come into Luton on the town bus, rather than travel into central London then out again. National Express runs from Heathrow Airport (LHR IATA) (all terminals) to Luton Airport every 30 mins; non-stop Bus 707 takes 50 mins, Bus 787 via Hemel Hempstead takes 70 mins. Fares are demand priced, £18-30 single. Some of these buses sta

See

1 Wardown House, Museum and Gallery, Wardown Park, Old Bedford Road, ☏ +44 1582 546739. 2 Stockwood Discovery Centre (Stockwood Park Museum), Farley Hill, LU1 4BH, ☏ +44 1582 738714. Some surprisingly pleasant countryside is to be found around Luton. To the north of the town (in the village of Streatley) is a wooded hill named the Clappers, which is a good place for a walk. To the west of the town are Dunstable Downs, the eastern edge of the Chilterns and a popular place for walking, gliding and kite-flying. 3 Shaw's Corner, Ayot St Lawrence (on the way to Welwyn Garden City). This was George Bernard Shaw's home and is now owned by the National Trust. 4 Someries Castle. Restored and reopened in 2008. Although always referred to as a castle, it was a 15th-century fortified manor house. Just outside town, close to the airport.

Do

Football: 1 Luton Town FC, 1 Maple Road LU4 8AW, ☏ +44 1582 411622. "The Hatters" were relegated in 2024 then again in 2025 and now play soccer in League One, the third tier. Their Kenilworth Road stadium (capacity 10,500) is a mile northwest of town centre. (updated May 2025) There is a large South Asian community with several mosques and interesting temples such as Guru Nanak Gurdwara, as well as a jewellery market and curry houses. Wardown Park. Contains pleasant lake (to feed the ducks) and gardens plus the Luton Museum and Art Gallery, is housed in a large Victorian mansion in Wardown Park on the outskirts of the town centre. Stockwood Park. Another pleasant, quiet space to picnic and enjoy when there is nice weather. In case of rain, the Stockwood Discovery Centre, houses the unique Mossman Horse-Drawn Carriage Collection as well displaying local rural crafts and trades Luton Carnival is probably next held on Sunday 24 May 2026, tbc.

Buy

Standard shop brands such as Marks & Spencer, Primark, Wilkinson, TK Maxx

1 The Mall Luton (Arndale centre). was the largest indoor shopping centre in Europe when it was opened in 1971, and it includes a large indoor market. More interesting shopping is to be found in nearby towns: St Albans, Hitchin and Welwyn Garden City.

Eat

Bellini's (in the town centre). A bar and club by night, but during the day it serves up reasonably-priced, semi-Italian cuisine. Lazim (in the Bury Park area). Indian restaurant with delicious and affordable food; to get an incredibly-priced buffet, go for lunch or on Sunday evenings. 1 Leaside Hotel (listed in the accommodation section below). M-F 6PM-9:30PM, Sa noon-9:30PM. Varied menus, including British classics, Mediterranean food and seafood. Portions are generous and booking in advance is a good idea. A great range of food is also available at the bar. The mix of Victorian surroundings and unobtrusive modern touches make this place stand out in a town that many consider a desert for foodies. The main restaurant is closed on Sunday evenings. Tapas £5.50-8.50, burgers £11. (updated Apr 2018) ZaZa, Park Street. Authentic Italian family-run restaurant. Huge portions and great value, a proper little piece of Italy in the heart of Luton. For a quick bite, walk through the Arndale (large shopping centre) and grab some ethnic specialities in the market, such as an Indian samosa or savoury African pancake. There are also franchises like Costa, Gregg's, and McDonald's. Aroma, the Asian restaurant in the Galaxy, offers an incredible (though pricey) buffet; for cheaper prices, go for lunch.

Drink & nightlife

White House (attached the Galaxy cinema/bowling/arcade complex). Very friendly atmosphere, complete with a fireplace, armchairs, and bookshelves lining the walls.

Sleep

1 Leaside Brasserie Hotel, 72 New Bedford Road, LU3 1BT, ☏ +44 1582 417643, fax: +44 1582 734961. Victorian family-run hotel with restaurant and four-poster beds. From £43. 2 Stockwood Hotel, 41/43 Stockwood Crescent, LU1 3SS, ☏ +44 1582 721000. Single from £35.

Go next

Luton is very well-placed for travelling to many other interesting places.

London is a 30-40 minute train journey away. Whipsnade Zoo, just outside Dunstable.