At Luton Airport there are two ways to bridge the gap between your car and the terminal: the DART rail link, or a car park shuttle bus. Pick the wrong one and a family of four can pay £20+ they did not need to. Here is how the two compare in 2026, and which is genuinely cheaper for your trip.
What is the Luton DART?
The DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) is an automated people-mover that runs between Luton Airport Parkway railway station and the Central Terminal. The journey takes about 4 minutes.
2026 DART fares:
- Adult single: £4.90
- Child single (5–15): £2.45
- Under 5s: free
You can buy a DART ticket at lutondart.com or tap a contactless card at the machines in Luton Airport Parkway station and the terminal station. One important point: if you book a train ticket to "Luton Airport" (not "Luton Airport Parkway") with Thameslink, East Midlands Railway or Luton Airport Express, the DART leg is included free — you do not buy it separately.
The car park shuttle option
Most Luton airport and off-airport car parks — Park & Ride, mid-stay and Meet & Greet products — include a free shuttle bus to and from the terminal. You park, the shuttle takes you in, and the cost of that transfer is already built into your parking price. There is no separate fare and no DART ticket to buy.
Shuttle frequency varies by operator and is shown on each listing — most run every 10 to 20 minutes through the day.
Which is cheaper — DART or a car park shuttle?
It comes down to one question: are you parking your own car for the whole trip, or arriving by train?
- You are driving and parking your car. A car park with a free shuttle is almost always the better deal. The transfer is included in the parking price you already paid — there is no DART fare on top. For a family this is the clear winner: two adults paying the DART return (around £20) is real money you simply do not spend with a shuttle car park.
- You are coming by train, or want to park at Luton Airport Parkway station. Then the DART is your link into the terminal — and if your rail ticket is booked through to "Luton Airport", it costs you nothing extra.
For most drivers, then: book a car park with a free shuttle and skip the DART fare entirely. Compare Luton Airport parking to see the shuttle options and live prices for your dates.
Quick tips
- Driving and parking? Choose a car park with a free shuttle — the transfer is already paid for.
- Coming by train? Book your ticket to "Luton Airport", not "Luton Airport Parkway", so the DART is included free.
- Buying DART separately? Tap contactless or buy online — under-5s travel free.
- Whichever you choose, allow a few extra minutes at peak times for the shuttle or for DART boarding.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Luton DART cost in 2026?
An adult single is £4.90, a child single (5–15) is £2.45, and under 5s travel free. If you book a train ticket to "Luton Airport", the DART leg is included at no extra cost.
Is the DART or the car park shuttle cheaper?
If you are parking your own car, a car park with a free shuttle is cheaper — the transfer is included in your parking price, with no DART fare on top. The DART mainly matters if you are arriving by train.
How long does the Luton DART take?
About 4 minutes between Luton Airport Parkway station and the Central Terminal.
Do I need a separate DART ticket if I come by train?
Not if your train ticket is booked to "Luton Airport" — the DART is included. If your ticket is only to "Luton Airport Parkway", you buy the DART separately.
Related guides
Last fact-checked May 2026 against the official Luton DART fare information. Fares can change — verify at lutondart.com before you travel.