The cheapest official parking at Luton Airport is the Long Stay car park, from about £30 a day on the gate but far cheaper when booked ahead, with a free shuttle bus every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, taking about 10 minutes to the terminal. Short Stay and Mid Stay car parks are nearer the terminal but cost more. Prices vary by date and how far ahead you book. Prices checked August 2026.
Car parks compared
Advance prices below are indicative for a stay of around 4 days and move with the date and your booking lead time, so treat them as a guide and check the live rate when you book.
| Car park | Price (indicative) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short Stay (Terminal Car Parks 1 & 2) | from ~£38 | 4 to 5 minute walk to the terminal |
| Mid Stay | from ~£46 | About a 10 minute walk |
| Long Stay | from ~£30/day on the gate, cheaper booked ahead | Free shuttle every 20 min, 24/7, ~10 min |
The Short Stay car parks (Terminal Car Parks 1 and 2) are closest, a 4 to 5 minute walk, and suit short trips or premium convenience. Mid Stay is a little further out at about a 10 minute walk. Long Stay is the value option for longer trips: prices booked ahead are well below the gate rate, and the free shuttle runs around the clock.
Pre-book versus paying at the gate
Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper than turning up and paying the gate rate, especially for Long Stay. Gate prices are higher and change with demand, so if you know your dates, reserving ahead locks in the lower price. The exact current rates depend on your travel dates, so confirm on the airport's own parking pages before booking.
Short waits and pick-ups
If you only need to drop someone off or wait a short while, parking is not the cheapest route. The Express Drop-Off zone charges £7 for the first 10 minutes, while the Long Stay car park gives up to 2 hours free, making it the standard choice for meeting an arrival. See drop-off and pick-up for the full detail, and the public transport page if you would rather leave the car at home.
Parking FAQs
What is the cheapest car park at Luton Airport? The Long Stay car park, from about £30 a day on the gate and cheaper when booked ahead, with a free shuttle every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day, taking about 10 minutes to the terminal.
How far is the Short Stay car park from the terminal? The Short Stay car parks (Terminal Car Parks 1 and 2) are a 4 to 5 minute walk from the terminal.
Is it cheaper to book parking in advance at Luton? Yes. Booking online ahead of travel is almost always cheaper than the gate rate, particularly for Long Stay. Prices vary with your dates, so check the live rate.
Is there a free way to wait for an arrival? Yes. The Long Stay car park gives up to 2 hours free with a shuttle to the terminal, which is cheaper than the paid Express Drop-Off zone for anything but a very quick stop.
More: Overview, Taxis, Public transport, Drop-off, Routes, 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.