The Luton DART is the automated train that replaced Luton Airport's old shuttle bus in March 2023. It links the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway station in under 4 minutes, runs 24 hours a day, and costs £4.90 for an adult single, though it's often free if your train ticket is booked correctly.
What the DART actually is
The DART, short for Direct Air-Rail Transit, is a cable-hauled, fully automated, electric people-mover. It covers the 2.3 km link between the terminal and Luton Airport Parkway railway station, and unlike a bus, it runs on a fixed guideway, so it isn't affected by road traffic. The entrance is right outside the Arrivals hall.
Why it replaced the shuttle bus
Before March 2023, the terminal-to-Parkway journey was covered by a free shuttle bus, which could get caught up in road traffic and had a less predictable journey time. The DART opened in March 2023 and took over the route, cutting the journey to a fixed under-4-minute ride and running to a much tighter timetable than a bus ever could on shared roads.
Fares
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult single | £4.90 |
| Child single (ages 5 to 15) | £2.45 |
| Under 5s | Free |
The DART fare is separate from your train ticket, with one important exception: if you book your rail ticket to "Luton Airport" rather than "Luton Airport Parkway", the DART leg is bundled in for free. Buying a ticket to "Luton Airport Parkway" only covers the railway station, meaning you would pay the £4.90 DART fare on top. This single wording difference is worth checking before you buy, since it can save a return traveller almost £10.
Timetable and frequency
The DART runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and unlike many airport people-movers, it does not shut down overnight. During peak windows, roughly 06:00 to 09:30 and 14:00 to 18:00, it runs about every 4 minutes. Off-peak, it runs roughly every 7 minutes, and overnight it drops to 4 to 6 departures an hour. Because the schedule is consistent and the journey itself takes under 4 minutes, it's rarely worth timing your arrival at the station precisely, you will not wait long either way.
Getting the timing right for your train
Because the total terminal-to-St-Pancras journey, DART plus a Thameslink or East Midlands Railway train, runs around 30 to 35 minutes, and the train itself takes about 22 to 25 minutes from Luton Airport Parkway, it's worth building in the DART transfer time when planning a connection. For full timetables and fares for the onward train, see the public transport page.
Is the DART worth it compared with other options
For anyone arriving by train, the DART isn't really optional, it's the only way to reach Luton Airport Parkway from the terminal on foot. The real decision is whether to book your ticket correctly so the £4.90 is included, and whether rail is the right mode for you in the first place. If you are two or more people with luggage, a taxi from the official rank might work out at a similar overall price and takes you door to door instead of to a station.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Luton DART? An adult single is £4.90, and a child single (ages 5 to 15) is £2.45, with under 5s travelling free. It is included at no extra cost if your rail ticket is booked to "Luton Airport".
How long does the Luton DART take? Under 4 minutes for the 2.3 km journey between the terminal and Luton Airport Parkway station.
Does the Luton DART run all night? Yes. It operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, dropping to 4 to 6 departures an hour overnight.
What replaced the shuttle bus at Luton Airport? The DART did, in March 2023. It took over the terminal-to-Parkway route from the old free shuttle bus.
Do I need a separate ticket for the DART? Only if your rail ticket is booked to "Luton Airport Parkway". Book to "Luton Airport" instead and the DART fare is included in the rail fare.
More
More: Overview, Facilities, FAQs.
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Last verified August 2026 by the London Luton Airport Guide editorial team. Prices and timetables change, so confirm the specifics on the official London Luton Airport website before you travel.