Luton Long Stay Car Park – Prices, Shuttle & Directions
Planning airport parking can be one of the most tedious parts of any trip. For travellers flying from Luton, the long stay car park is often the most cost-effective official option, especially for journeys lasting three days or more. This guide consolidates everything you need to know: current prices, shuttle bus details, the exact postcode, and how to secure the best rate.
Luton Airport’s long stay car park is managed by APCOA on behalf of London Luton Airport and is one of four official car parks on site. It is positioned approximately two miles from the terminal and connected by a complimentary shuttle bus that runs around the clock. Understanding the pricing structure, transfer times, and booking nuances can save travellers both money and stress.
What are the prices for Luton Long Stay Car Park?
- Pre-booking online can save up to 65% on gate prices, according to the official airport website.
- Luton long stay is the cheapest official on-airport option for trips of three days or more.
- The shuttle bus runs every 5–10 minutes, 24 hours a day, free of charge.
- The car park is operated by APCOA on behalf of London Luton Airport.
- Pay-on-foot machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Amex.
- No pre-booking is required for stays under 24 hours – you can pay on arrival.
- For any booking over 24 hours, pre-booking online or by phone is recommended to secure the best rate.
| Duration | Gate Price (pay on arrival) |
|---|---|
| Up to 2 hours | Free |
| 2 to 3 hours | £7.00 |
| First day | £30.00 |
| Each subsequent day (or part thereof) | £30.00 |
| Pre-booked (example 3 days) | From ~£13.02 total (approx £4.34/day) |
| Terminal Car Park 1 (comparison, 9–24 hrs) | Up to £67.50 |
How do you get from Luton Long Stay Car Park to the terminal?
What are the shuttle bus times for Luton long stay?
The official shuttle service operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Buses run every 5 to 10 minutes, with the journey taking approximately 10 minutes on average. The service is free and does not require a ticket or voucher.
How long is the shuttle ride?
The transfer time is consistently around 10 minutes under normal traffic conditions. The airport advises allowing at least 15 minutes to park and catch the shuttle before proceeding through security and check-in.
Is the shuttle free and wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, the shuttle bus is completely free of charge and wheelchair-accessible. The car park also features dropped kerbs and designated spaces for category 2 scooters.
When you arrive, the barrier automatically reads your number plate. Take the printed ticket, park in any available space, and head to the clearly marked shuttle stop. The same process applies on return – buses drop you directly at the car park.
What is the postcode and directions to Luton Long Stay Car Park?
What is the exact postcode for Luton long stay?
The official address is President Way, Luton Airport, Bedfordshire, LU2 9NW. A second postcode – LU2 9QT – is also associated with the airport estate. Both will bring you to the correct area, but for sat nav purposes LU2 9NW is the most precise for the long stay entrance.
How to get to Luton long stay by car from M1
Leave the M1 at Junction 10a, following signs for Luton Airport. Continue on the Airport Way (A1081) for about 1.5 miles. At the roundabout after the airport terminal, take the exit signed for long stay parking. The entrance is on President Way. Postcode LU2 9NW directs you to the car park barrier.
Sat nav instructions for Luton Airport long stay
Enter President Way, Luton, LU2 9NW into your sat nav or phone. The car park is well signposted from all major routes. If using a map app, searching for “Luton Airport Long Stay Car Park” will typically direct you to the correct entrance.
The long stay car park is approximately two miles from the terminal, so walking is not recommended. The free shuttle is the designated transfer method and runs every 5–10 minutes.
Is there free parking at Luton Long Stay Car Park?
What does “free” mean in Luton long stay parking context?
The term “free” appears in two contexts. Firstly, parking for up to two hours at the long stay car park is free when paying on arrival. Secondly, the shuttle bus to the terminal is free. However, stays exceeding two hours incur the standard gate prices. Some third-party resellers may advertise “free parking” as part of promotional offers, but travellers should always read the terms carefully, as free periods are limited.
Are there any free parking alternatives at Luton Airport?
No all-day free parking exists at Luton Airport. The only free parking is the free drop-off zone for quick visits (subject to time limits and charges after a grace period). For extended stays, the long stay car park remains the cheapest official option, with pre-booked rates often below £5 per day.
Some third-party booking sites list “free” parking but include hidden booking fees or require minimum stays. Always compare the total price – including any shuttle costs – with the official London Luton Airport website before committing.
What is the timeline for using Luton Long Stay Car Park?
- Book online at least 24 hours before travel to guarantee the pre-booked rate. Phone booking is also available on 0345 303 7397 (9am–8pm).
- Day of travel: Drive to the long stay car park. The barrier reads your number plate and issues a ticket.
- Park: Find a space and note your parking bay (optional, but helpful for return).
- Shuttle: Walk to the nearest shuttle stop. Buses run every 5–10 minutes; average wait is under 10 minutes.
- Arrival at terminal: Shuttle takes about 10 minutes. Allow extra time for check-in and security.
- Return: On your way back, follow signs for the shuttle pickup at the terminal. Buses run 24/7 back to the car park.
What is certain and uncertain about Luton long stay parking?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The long stay car park is open 24/7 and operates year‑round. | Exact drive-up prices can vary on the day; only pre-booking locks in a rate. |
| The shuttle bus is free and runs every 5–10 minutes. | Shuttle frequency may be affected by rare traffic incidents or events. |
| The official address is President Way, LU2 9NW. | Some third‑party sites may list LU2 9LY; this is not the official postcode for long stay. |
| Security features (CCTV, patrols, barriers) are verified by the airport operator. | Availability is not guaranteed without a reservation, especially during peak holiday periods. |
| Pre‑booking can save up to 65% compared to gate prices. | Some ‘free parking’ offers from resellers include conditions that are not immediately obvious. |
Why do some searches mention “London Luton Long Stay Car Park”?
London Luton Airport is the formal name used by the airport itself, even though the facility is located in Bedfordshire, about 35 miles north of central London. The airport markets itself as one of London’s six international airports, which explains why official sources and booking platforms often refer to “London Luton”. Searches including “London Luton long stay car park” therefore point to the same car park as any query using just “Luton”. It is the identical facility.
For comparison, other London airports – Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, City, and Southend – all offer long stay parking options, but Luton’s long stay is generally considered the cheapest among the official on‑airport products, particularly for extended trips.
What do official sources say about Luton long stay?
The Long Stay Car Park is just a 10-minute free shuttle bus ride from the terminal and provides secure parking with 24/7 patrols.
— London Luton Airport official site
When you prebook online, you can save up to 55%.
— APCOA (official operator)
The official London Luton Airport parking page is the most authoritative source for current prices and booking. Third‑party aggregators such as SkyParkSecure, Purple Parking, and Airparks also offer Luton long stay bookings, often with minor discounts, but travellers should compare total costs including any service fees.
What is the bottom line for Luton long stay car park?
For any trip of three days or more, the official Luton long stay car park offers the best balance of cost, security, and convenience among on‑airport options. Pre‑booking online is strongly recommended to secure the lowest rate and to guarantee a space, especially during busy periods. If you are planning a short visit (under three days), it may be worth comparing with the mid‑stay car park. Always verify prices on the official site before booking through third‑party platforms. For more travel tips, read our guide on Booking.com UK – Guide to Safe Bookings and Policies.
Luton Long Stay Car Park FAQ
Can I walk from Luton long stay car park to the terminal?
Walking is not recommended as the car park is about two miles from the terminal. The free shuttle is the designated method.
Is Luton long stay car park safe?
Yes, it has 24/7 security patrols, CCTV, and ANPR entry/exit.
Can I park a van or oversized vehicle in long stay?
Yes, but height restrictions may apply. Check the terms when booking online.
How early should I arrive at Luton long stay before my flight?
Allow at least 15 minutes to park and take the shuttle (10‑minute ride) plus check‑in and security time.
Is there a grace period for dropping off or picking up?
No, long stay is for duration parking. Use the drop‑off zone or short stay for quick visits.
What payment methods are accepted at the car park?
Pay‑on‑foot machines accept Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, and Amex. Online bookings are also available.
Do I need to pre‑book for a stay under 24 hours?
No, you can pay on arrival without a reservation. However, pre‑booking may still save money.
Can I book by phone?
Yes, call 0345 303 7397 between 9am and 8pm. Pre‑booking by phone offers the same discounts as online.
What if I lose my ticket?
Contact the car park office via the intercom at the pay‑on‑foot machine. A lost ticket fee may apply, typically the maximum daily rate.
Is there a maximum stay limit?
There is no published maximum stay, but for extended trips (over 30 days), contact APCOA directly to confirm availability.
For more information on international travel preparation, see our guide on Air India Flight Booking – UK to India Guide.
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