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Luton and Heathrow sit on opposite sides of London, north and west, and there's no direct train between them. You can take a direct National Express coach, a train journey with a change in London, or a door-to-door transfer. This guide compares each option in both directions, Luton to Heathrow and Heathrow to Luton.
Luton to Heathrow: the quick answer
- Direct coach: National Express runs from Luton Airport Bus Station to Heathrow Central Bus Station, Terminal 5 and Terminal 4, from about 50 minutes to Central Bus Station.
- Train: no direct service. Take the DART to Luton Airport Parkway, Thameslink to Farringdon, then the Elizabeth line to Heathrow.
- Easiest with luggage: a pre-booked transfer from terminal to terminal, with no changes.
Luton to Heathrow: All Options Compared
| Option | Changes | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| National Express coach | None | From about 50 min to Central Bus Station |
| DART, Thameslink and Elizabeth line | Two (Parkway and Farringdon) | DART about 4 min, Thameslink about 41 min to Farringdon, plus the Elizabeth line and changes |
| Pre-booked transfer | None | Depends on traffic |
Typical times published by the operators, not guarantees. Road journey times vary with traffic.
Luton to Heathrow by Coach
National Express route 231 runs direct between Luton Airport and Heathrow, with no changes.
- At Luton: coaches leave from the Airport Bus Station, directly outside the terminal's front entrance (stands N, P or Q).
- At Heathrow: the coach calls at Central Bus Station (for Terminals 2 and 3), Terminal 5 and Terminal 4.
- Journey time: about 50 minutes to Central Bus Station, 65 minutes to Terminal 5 and 80 minutes to Terminal 4.
- Timetable: departure times vary by day and on bank holidays, so book and check times with National Express.
Luton to Heathrow by Train
There's no direct train between Luton and Heathrow, but you can make the journey with two changes:
- Luton DART: from the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway, about 4 minutes, running 24/7 except 25 and 26 December. Buy a rail ticket to "Luton Airport" so the DART is included.
- Thameslink: from Luton Airport Parkway to Farringdon, about 41 minutes on average.
- Elizabeth line: from Farringdon to Heathrow, with direct trains to Terminals 2 & 3, Terminal 4 and Terminal 5.
Oyster cards aren't accepted on the DART, but contactless is. Read more about the trains in our Luton Airport to London guide, and see our Heathrow terminal transfers guide if you arrive at the wrong terminal.
Taxi from Luton to Heathrow
Coach timetables are limited, and the train means two changes with your luggage. A pre-booked transfer goes straight from one terminal to the other. It's usually the easier choice when:
- you have heavy luggage, a pushchair or sports equipment;
- you're travelling as a family or group;
- your flight lands late or your connection leaves early;
- you're flying from Terminal 4, the last stop on the coach.
Book a Luton to Heathrow transfer
- Terminal to terminal: pre-booked transfers between Luton and Heathrow, 24/7, with TfL-licensed drivers.
- At Luton: your driver meets you at Costa Coffee in the Arrivals Hall; add Meet & Greet when you book.
- Flight monitoring: we offer flight monitoring for pre-booked airport pickups. Add your flight number when booking, and flight monitoring helps us coordinate your pickup around updated arrival information.
- Fixed fares: fixed fares for pre-booked airport transfers. Know your fare before confirming your booking, with no meter-based fare surprises.
- Vehicles: saloons to 16-seat minibuses in our fleet. Get an instant fare quote.
Heathrow to Luton
The same options work in reverse. The National Express coach to Luton Airport leaves from Heathrow's Central Bus Station and terminals, so check your stop when you book. By train, take the Elizabeth line to Farringdon, Thameslink to Luton Airport Parkway, then the DART to the terminal. With a pre-booked transfer, your exact Heathrow meeting point is in your booking instructions.
Being dropped off at Luton? London Luton Airport charges £9 for up to 12 minutes in the Drop Off and Pick Up Zone, then £1 for each extra minute, with a 30-minute maximum stay. Heathrow charges £7 for every vehicle entering a terminal drop-off area, including taxis. Travelling with Banana Cars? Check your quote and booking details for how this airport charge applies to your journey.
Which Option Should You Choose?
- Travelling light on a budget: the direct National Express coach.
- The coach times don't suit you: the train via Farringdon, with two changes.
- Lots of luggage, a family or a group: one vehicle, terminal to terminal; see group transfers.
Connecting from Stansted instead? Read our Stansted to Heathrow guide.
Luton to Heathrow FAQs
Yes. National Express route 231 runs direct from Luton Airport Bus Station to Heathrow Central Bus Station, Terminal 5 and Terminal 4. Check departure times when you book.
About 50 minutes to Heathrow Central Bus Station, 65 minutes to Terminal 5 and 80 minutes to Terminal 4, depending on traffic.
No. Take the DART to Luton Airport Parkway, Thameslink to Farringdon, then the Elizabeth line to Heathrow.
From the Airport Bus Station directly outside Luton's terminal front entrance, stands N, P or Q.
Take the National Express coach to Luton Airport, the Elizabeth line to Farringdon and Thameslink to Luton Airport Parkway followed by the DART, or a pre-booked transfer.
Your TfL-licensed driver meets you at Costa Coffee in the Arrivals Hall. Your pickup instructions come with your booking.
We offer flight monitoring for pre-booked airport pickups. Add your flight number when booking, and flight monitoring helps us coordinate your pickup around updated arrival information. Airport waiting allowances vary between 45 and 60 minutes depending on your flight category, under the terms of your booking. Any additional waiting charges are also subject to your booking terms.
Yes. MPVs, the Executive MPV-7 and 16-seaters suit families and groups. Child seats are free on advance request: Group 0/0+ (infant), Group 1 (toddler) and Group 2/3 (booster). Tell us each child's age and how many seats you need when you book.
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