Where is ltn airport in london

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: London Luton Airport (LTN) is located approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles) north of central London, near the town of Luton in Bedfordshire. It serves as a major base for low-cost carriers and handled over 18 million passengers in 2023.

Key Facts

London Luton Airport is situated 56 km (35 miles) from Central London.
The airport served over 18 million passengers in 2023.
LTN is located in Bedfordshire, near Junction 10 of the M1 motorway.
A direct rail link connects the airport to Luton Airport Parkway station.
EasyJet and Wizz Air operate major bases at Luton Airport.

Overview

London Luton Airport (LTN) is a key international airport serving the Greater London area, located in the town of Luton, Bedfordshire. Despite its name, it is not within London’s city boundaries but lies approximately 56 kilometers (35 miles) north of central London, making it one of the more distant London airports.

The airport primarily serves low-cost and charter airlines, functioning as a major hub for budget travel across Europe and beyond. With over 18 million passengers in 2023, LTN ranks as the fifth-busiest airport in the UK by passenger volume.

Location: The airport is situated in Luton, Bedfordshire, near Junction 10 of the M1 motorway, providing road access from London and the Midlands.
Passenger Traffic: In 2023, Luton Airport handled over 18.2 million passengers, a 22% increase from 2022, reflecting strong post-pandemic recovery.
Runway: LTN has a single runway, Runway 08/26, measuring 2,285 meters (7,497 feet), capable of handling narrow-body aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
Airline Base:EasyJet and Wizz Air operate significant bases at LTN, offering over 100 routes across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Facilities: The terminal includes a modern departure lounge, duty-free shopping, and lounges such as the Escape Lounge, accessible via membership or day pass.

How It Works

London Luton Airport operates as a self-contained transport and logistics hub, integrating air, rail, and road networks to streamline passenger movement. Its operations are managed by London Luton Airport Limited, a consortium led by AIG and AMP Capital.

Rail Connection: A shuttle train runs every 10 minutes from Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal, completing the journey in under 10 minutes.
Check-in: Passengers are advised to arrive 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights due to security and transport links.
Security: The airport features 6 security lanes and uses automated tray return systems to reduce queue times, averaging 8 minutes during peak hours.
Baggage Handling: LTN’s baggage system processes over 1.2 million bags annually, with 98% of bags delivered within 20 minutes of landing.
Expansion Plans: A £160 million transformation project, completed in 2022, upgraded terminals and added a new 4,000-space car park.
Environmental Policy: The airport aims for net-zero emissions by 2040, with electric ground vehicles and solar panel installations already in place.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how Luton compares to other major London airports in key operational metrics:

Airport	Distance from London	Passengers (2023)	Runways	Major Airlines
LTN	56 km	18.2 million	1	EasyJet, Wizz Air
LHR	24 km	79.2 million	2	British Airways, Virgin Atlantic
LGW	48 km	40.6 million	1	EasyJet, Norwegian
STN	63 km	28.1 million	1	Ryanair, TUI
LCY	11 km	10.1 million	1	Emirates, Jet2

While Luton is farther from central London than Heathrow or City Airport, it remains competitive due to its strong low-cost carrier presence and improved rail connectivity. Its location offers fewer flight restrictions than inner-city airports, allowing for steady growth in capacity and destinations.

Why It Matters

London Luton Airport plays a vital role in the UK’s aviation network by providing affordable travel options and supporting regional economic development in Bedfordshire. Its growth reflects broader trends in air travel demand and the rise of budget airlines.

Job Creation: The airport directly employs over 1,500 people and supports an additional 10,000 jobs in the surrounding region.
Tourism Impact: LTN facilitates over 2.5 million inbound tourists annually, boosting local hospitality and retail sectors.
Transport Integration: The Luton DART rapid transit system, launched in 2023, links rail and air terminals seamlessly.
Competition: LTN pressures other London airports to improve pricing and service, benefiting consumers.
Sustainability: The airport’s carbon offset program covers all ground operations and is certified under the UK’s Airport Carbon Accreditation.
Future Growth: Plans to expand capacity to 20 million passengers by 2025 include terminal upgrades and new international routes.

As demand for air travel rebounds, Luton’s strategic location and modern infrastructure position it as a key player in London’s aviation ecosystem, balancing affordability with efficiency.