Heathrow to Luton

Which route does the chauffeur take?

The car leaves Heathrow on the M25 northbound, runs clockwise past the M40 junction to junction 21, and heads north on the M1 to junction 10, where the airport approach road leads to the terminal. It is about 39 miles, and it is all motorway until the last couple of miles.

The M25 between the M4 and the M1 is the part most likely to slow down, especially in the morning and on Friday afternoons. The chauffeur checks it before leaving.

How long should a connection be?

We suggest at least four hours between landing at Heathrow and departing from Luton. That allows for the border and baggage at Heathrow, the drive of an hour or so, and Luton’s security and bag drop, which close strictly for the low-cost airlines that operate most of its flights.

With separate tickets, the second airline will not wait for a late first flight. If your gap is shorter than four hours, or your arrival is late in the day, consider a later departure or a night nearby.

What is Luton’s drop-off charge?

Luton Airport charges for dropping off in the zone directly outside the terminal, with a time limit. When we take you there, the charge is part of your fixed price, and the chauffeur sets you down at the terminal doors rather than in the free drop-off area further away, which involves a shuttle bus.

Is the train a realistic alternative?

Not for a direct connection. The rail route runs through central London: the Elizabeth line into town, then Thameslink north to Luton Airport Parkway, and the DART shuttle up to the terminal. With a large case after a long-haul flight, that is two trains and a shuttle, with changes in between. The car goes straight from the Heathrow kerb to the Luton terminal.

What is Luton’s terminal like for a connecting passenger?

Luton has a single terminal, so there is no risk of going to the wrong one. The drop-off zone is directly outside, and the walk from the car to the check-in desks is short. Security at Luton can be busy in the early morning wave and on summer weekends, when many holiday flights leave at once, so give yourself time even though the building is compact.

Most flights from Luton are short-haul, with low-cost airlines that apply strict cabin bag rules and charge for checked bags. If you are arriving from a long-haul flight with a large case, make sure your Luton booking includes a checked bag before you get to the airport.

Stay near Heathrow or near Luton overnight?

If your long-haul flight lands late and your Luton flight leaves early the next morning, it is usually better to make the drive the same evening and stay near Luton. The roads are quieter at night, the morning journey to the terminal is a few minutes, and you avoid the M25 in the morning rush. There are hotels at and around the airport. We can drop you at your hotel that evening; your hotel may run its own shuttle to the terminal in the morning.

Travelling as a family on this connection?

Tell us the children’s ages when you book, and we will fit suitable seats before the pickup. A family of four with long-haul luggage fits comfortably in the V-Class, which takes six large cases. The chauffeur will help load at Heathrow and unload at Luton, and at the Luton terminal, trolleys are available just inside the entrance.

Do you pass through UK border control?

Yes. Changing from Heathrow to Luton means entering the UK, so you must meet the UK entry requirements for your nationality, which may include a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation. Check GOV.UK well before you travel.

Heading to Bedfordshire or Hertfordshire instead?

The same route serves the towns around Luton, including Harpenden, Dunstable, St Albans and Hitchin, for travellers landing at Heathrow and going home or to a meeting. Tell us the full address; the chauffeur will leave the M1 at the right junction rather than going to the airport.

Where will the chauffeur meet you at Heathrow?

In the arrivals hall of your terminal, holding a board with your name. The chauffeur follows your flight and adjusts to delays. From the hall, it is a short walk to the car park and then straight onto the M25.

Can you do Luton to Heathrow as well?

Yes. The route runs the other way round the M25, and a morning arrival at Luton with an afternoon long-haul departure from Heathrow is usually a comfortable connection. Heathrow’s £7 drop-off charge is included on that journey.