Quick Answer
The fastest and most recommended way to get from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Luton Airport (LTN) is by train via London, taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours and costing between £35 - £65. The most economical option is the direct National Express bus, with journey times around 2 hours 15 minutes and fares from £15 - £30. There is no direct train or flight between these two airports; all routes require at least one change, typically in Central London.
By Train: The Fastest and Most Efficient Route
Taking the train is the most reliable and quickest public transport method, though it involves a change in London. There are two main rail routes, each with different balances of cost and convenience.
Key Route: Gatwick Airport (Gatwick Express or Thameslink) â London St Pancras International â Luton Airport Parkway (then shuttle to LTN).
| Route Option | Steps & Key Stations | Approx. Journey Time | Approx. Fare (One-Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium / Fastest | 1. Gatwick Express to London Victoria (30 min). 2. Tube (Victoria Line) to King's Cross St. Pancras (15 min). 3. Thameslink train to Luton Airport Parkway (30-40 min). 4. Shuttle bus to LTN terminal (10 min). |
~1 hr 45 min | £55 - £65 | Travelers prioritizing speed, with lighter luggage. |
| Budget / Integrated | 1. Thameslink service direct from Gatwick to London St Pancras (approx 1 hr). 2. Same platform change to the Thameslink train to Luton Airport Parkway (30-40 min). 3. Shuttle bus to LTN terminal (10 min). |
~2 hrs | £35 - £45 | Budget-conscious travelers wanting to avoid London Underground. |
Step-by-Step Guide & Key Details
Step 1: Gatwick to Central London. The Gatwick Express is a non-stop service to Victoria. For a cheaper, direct route to St Pancras, use the Thameslink service.
Step 2: Cross-London Transfer (if needed). At Victoria, take the Victoria Line (blue) northbound to King's Cross St. Pancras (approx 5 stops). This is included if you use an Oyster Card or Contactless payment.
Step 3: London to Luton Airport Parkway. Frequent Thameslink trains depart from St Pancras. Buy a through ticket to "Luton Airport" to include the shuttle.
Step 4: Shuttle to LTN Terminal. The Luton DART is a new, automated people mover that replaces the old bus. It takes 4 minutes and runs 24/7. The cost is usually included in your rail ticket to "Luton Airport".
Ticket Advice: Book advance tickets online via National Rail for the best fares. Using a contactless bank card or Oyster for the Gatwick->London segment can sometimes be cheaper than a paper ticket.
By Coach or Bus: The Most Economical Choice
For travelers on a tight budget, direct coach services offer significant savings, sacrificing only a little time compared to the train. National Express is the primary operator.
National Express Service Details
The direct National Express 787 service runs between Gatwick's South Terminal and Luton Airport's Central Terminal.
- Frequency: Approximately every 2 hours, 24 hours a day.
- Journey Time: Around 2 hours 15 minutes, but can be longer during peak traffic (M25/M1).
- Fares: Start from £15 one-way if booked in advance online. On-the-day fares can rise to £30+.
- Luggage: One large suitcase (20kg) and one small carry-on included. Extra bags incur a fee.
Booking Tips & Alternatives
Booking is Essential: Especially during weekends and holidays. Book directly on the National Express website for the best prices and to guarantee a seat.
Alternative Route via London: You can also take a National Express coach from Gatwick to London Victoria Coach Station, then another to Luton. This is often cheaper but slower (total 3+ hours) and is only recommended if the direct 787 is fully booked.
Comfort: Coaches are equipped with free Wi-Fi, USB sockets, and reclining seats. The night services allow you to save on accommodation.
By Taxi or Private Transfer: Door-to-Door Convenience
This is the most straightforward but by far the most expensive option. It is only recommended for specific situations.
Estimated Cost: £100 - £160+ for a standard car (one-way). Prices vary based on traffic, time of day, and company.
Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 45 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic on the M25 and M1 motorways.
| Service Type | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Booked Minicab (e.g., Addison Lee, local firms) | Fixed price, meet-and-greet, tracked arrival. | Still expensive, traffic-dependent. | Families with lots of luggage, late-night/early-morning flights. |
| Black Cab (Hackney Carriage) | Available on rank at Gatwick, knowledgeable drivers. | Extremely expensive for long distances (metered fare). | Urgent travel only; not recommended for this journey. |
| Uber & Ride-Sharing | Convenient app, upfront pricing. | Surge pricing during peak times, driver may refuse long trip. | Solo/couple travelers comfortable with apps. |
When Should You Consider a Taxi?
- Group Travel (3-4 people): Splitting the cost can make it comparable to train tickets per person.
- Flight Arrivals/Departures between 11 PM and 5 AM: When public transport options are severely limited.
- Travelers with Significant Mobility Issues or Excessive Luggage: Avoiding station transfers and stairs.
Important: Always pre-book a licensed private hire vehicle for a fixed price. Avoid unlicensed touts at the airport.
Shared Shuttle & Door-to-Door Bus Services
These are pre-booked shared van services that pick up and drop off multiple passengers at their respective terminals or nearby locations.
- Providers: Companies like HolidayTaxis or SkyShuttle offer these services.
- Cost: Typically £40 - £60 per person one-way.
- Time: Journey time is similar to a taxi, but with added stops for other passengers, it can take over 2 hours.
- Verdict: Often poor value for this route. It's more expensive than the train and slower than a private taxi. It's only worth considering if you are a solo traveler who absolutely needs door-to-door service but finds a private taxi too costly.
Gatwick to Luton Airport: Time & Cost Comparison Table
| Transport Method | Avg. Total Journey Time | Avg. Cost (One-Way) | Number of Changes | Best For | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (Thameslink Direct) | ~2 hours | £35 - £45 | 1 (Train at St Pancras) | Balancing speed & value, avoiding the Tube. | âââââ (Best Overall) |
| Train (Gatwick Express + Tube) | ~1 hour 45 min | £55 - £65 | 2 (Tube + Train) | Absolute fastest public transport. | ââââ |
| National Express Coach (Direct) | ~2 hours 15 min | £15 - £30 | 0 (Direct) | Budget travelers, those with flexible schedules. | ââââ (Best Value) |
| Pre-Booked Private Taxi | 1 - 1 hour 45 min | £100 - £160+ | 0 (Direct) | Groups, late-night travel, special needs. | âââ |
| Shared Shuttle | 1 hour 30 min - 2 hours 30 min+ | £40 - £60 per person | 0 (But multiple stops) | Solo travelers needing door-to-door on a mid-range budget. | ââ |
Final Recommendation: For most travelers, the Thameslink train route offers the best balance. For the lowest cost, book the National Express coach in advance.
Essential Travel Tips for a Smooth Transfer
- Luggage Strategy: If you have heavy bags, the train+shuttle route is easier than the coach. For very large or multiple bags, a pre-booked taxi may be worth the splurge.
- Connection Time: Always allow a minimum of 3 hours between your scheduled flight arrival at LGW and your flight departure from LTN when using public transport. For peace of mind, 4+ hours is better.
- Check for Engineering Works: Rail lines in the UK often have weekend closures. Always check National Rail Enquiries before you travel.
- Mobile Tickets: Use e-tickets or mobile app tickets (Trainline, National Express app) for all bookings to avoid paper hassle.
- Peak Travel Warning: Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings, and bank holiday weekends see the worst traffic and highest coach/train fares. Book as far ahead as possible.
- Payment: For London transport segments (Tube, buses), using a contactless debit/credit card or Oyster card is the simplest and often cheapest method.
FAQs: Gatwick to Luton Airport Transfers
Is there a direct train from Gatwick to Luton Airport?
No. There is no direct train service. You must change trains, most conveniently at London St Pancras International station onto a Thameslink service to Luton Airport Parkway.
What is the cheapest way to get from Gatwick to Luton Airport?
The direct National Express coach (service 787) is consistently the cheapest option, with advance fares from £15. It is significantly cheaper than any train route.
How long does the transfer take?
Between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the method and traffic. Trains are fastest (1h45m-2h), coaches take 2h15m+, and taxis 1h-1h45m.
How do I get from Luton Airport Parkway to the terminal?
Take the Luton DART, a fully automated, frequent people mover. The journey takes 4 minutes. The cost is included if your rail ticket is to "Luton Airport". If your ticket is only to "Luton Airport Parkway", you must buy a separate DART ticket.
Is a taxi faster than the train?
Not necessarily, and often slower. A taxi can be faster late at night with no traffic, but during daytime or rush hour, the train is more reliable as it avoids motorway traffic (M25/M1). The train's scheduled time is more predictable.
What if my flight arrives at Gatwick late at night?
The National Express 787 coach and Thameslink trains run 24 hours, but with reduced frequency after midnight. Check schedules in advance. A pre-booked private taxi is the most reliable but expensive option for arrivals after public transport has stopped for the night.
Is it better to fly between Gatwick and Luton?
No, it is not a viable option. There are no direct commercial flights between these two London airports. The ground transfer is always the only practical method.
What's the best option for a family of four?
Compare costs: Four train tickets will likely cost over £150. A pre-booked minicab for the group might cost £100-£140, making it a competitive, door-to-door option. Calculate based on your luggage and arrival time.