
Luton Long Stay Car Park – Prices, Shuttle Times & FAQ for 2025
London Luton Airport’s Long Stay Car Park is the primary option for travellers who need to leave a vehicle for several days. Located on the airport grounds, it offers a free shuttle service that runs around the clock, connecting the car park to the terminal in about ten minutes. Understanding the costs, access details, and booking requirements can help drivers make an informed choice before they travel.
The facility is designed for longer trips, with a minimum pre-bookable stay of 24 hours according to the airport. Official on-the-day prices start with a free period for up to two hours, then rise to £7 for two to three hours, and £30 for the first full day, with each subsequent day also costing £30. Third-party resellers often advertise lower pre-booked rates, but those figures can vary by season and availability.
This article covers the key facts drivers ask about most: current prices, shuttle logistics, short-stay flexibility, and how to reach the car park from London. All information is drawn from the airport’s own website and verified third-party sources.
What are the current prices for Luton Long Stay Car Park?
| Price Range | Shuttle Time | Distance to Terminal | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| £4.34–£28/day (varies by provider) | 10-minute ride | 10 minutes (free shuttle) | 24/7 |
| Free shuttle included | Buses every 20–25 min | 1.5 miles | Patrolled 24/7 |
The table above shows typical price ranges quoted by third-party aggregators. However, the official London Luton Airport tariff for turn-up users is structured differently: the first two hours are free, two to three hours cost £7, and then £30 for the first day and £30 for each additional day. Pre-booking through the airport’s own site may yield lower rates, and third-party resellers sometimes offer prices below the gate rates.
- The official Long Stay Car Park is on-site at Luton Airport, a 10-minute free shuttle ride from the terminal.
- Prices vary widely between official and third-party resellers; pre-booking often yields lower rates.
- Shuttle buses run 24/7 with a typical frequency of every 20–25 minutes, taking 10–12 minutes.
- Parking is not free – only the shuttle transfer is free. Charges apply per day.
- The car park postcode is LU2 9NW (official location).
- 1-hour parking is generally not offered; Long Stay is designed for multi-day stays (minimum 24 hours often required).
| Car Park Name | Luton Long Stay (Official) |
| Postcode | LU2 9NW |
| Distance to Terminal | 1.5 miles / 10-minute shuttle ride |
| Shuttle Frequency | Every 20–25 minutes (24/7) |
| Typical Price | £4.34–£28 per day (depending on booking source) |
| Security | 24/7 patrols, CCTV, secure perimeter |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair-accessible buses, designated bays |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours a day, 365 days |
Official turn-up rates are £30 per day after the first two hours. Third-party aggregators such as Purple Parking and Parking4Less often list pre-booked prices starting from around £4.34 per day, but those rates are subject to availability and advance purchase.
How do I get from Luton Long Stay Car Park to the terminal?
Shuttle bus times and frequency
A dedicated free shuttle bus connects the Long Stay Car Park to the terminal building. According to the airport’s official site, buses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, approximately every 20 minutes. The journey takes about 10 minutes on average. The same service operates in both directions, with marked stops at the car park and outside the terminal.
Car park postcode and exact location
The Long Stay Car Park is located off Airport Way in Luton. The official postcode is LU2 9NW, as confirmed on the London Luton Airport Long Stay Car Park page. Drivers should follow signs for “Long Stay Car Park” upon entering the airport approach roads. The facility is on the airport grounds, so there is no need to leave the airport perimeter.
Third-party resellers such as Skyparksecure and Holiday Extras also describe the shuttle as a 10-minute bus ride. While the airport states “approximately every 20 minutes”, actual wait times may vary during peak or late-night hours. Real-time information is displayed at the bus stops.
Can I park for just 1 hour at Luton Long Stay?
The Long Stay Car Park is primarily designed for travellers leaving their vehicle for extended periods. The official website sets a minimum pre-bookable duration of 24 hours. For turn-up users, the tariff allows a short window: parking is free for up to two hours and costs £7 for stays between two and three hours. After three hours, the daily rate of £30 applies. In practice, using the Long Stay for a one-hour stop is possible (and free), but the facility is located a shuttle ride away from the terminal, making it impractical for very quick visits. For drop-offs, collections, or stays under three hours, the airport’s Short Stay or Mid Stay car parks are more convenient options.
Even though the first two hours are free at the gate, you must factor in the shuttle journey (10 minutes each way) and waiting time. A one-hour stay may leave you with only about 20–30 minutes at the terminal. For short visits, consider the Short Stay car park next to the terminal building.
How do I get from London to Luton Long Stay Car Park?
The car park is situated on Airport Way, Luton, postcode LU2 9NW. From central London, the most direct route by car is via the M1 motorway. Leave the M1 at junction 10 and follow the signs for Luton Airport. The car park entrance is clearly marked after passing the main terminal roundabout. The journey from central London takes roughly 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.
For those using public transport, Luton Airport Parkway railway station is served by trains from London St Pancras International (approximately 30 minutes). A free shuttle bus connects the station to the terminal, and from there passengers can take the Long Stay shuttle to the car park if needed. Alternatively, National Express coaches run direct services to the airport from several London stops.
Booking timeline and recommended steps
- At least 24 hours before departure: Book online to secure the best rate. The airport’s official page allows pre-booking for a minimum of 24 hours.
- Day of travel: Follow signs to “Long Stay Car Park” off Airport Way.
- Arrival: Park in any available bay and note the zone number for later reference.
- Shuttle: Wait at the marked bus stop – buses run continuously every 20 minutes.
- At terminal: Follow airport signage to check-in.
- Return: Take the shuttle from the terminal bus stop back to the car park.
What is certain and what remains unclear about Luton Long Stay?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The Long Stay Car Park is located on Airport Way, Luton, postcode LU2 9NW. | Exact shuttle frequency may vary by time of day; check real-time boards. |
| A free shuttle bus operates 24/7 between the car park and the terminal. | Price comparisons across aggregators are accurate at time of booking but change seasonally. |
| Parking is charged per day; no free parking option exists beyond the first two hours. | Minimum stay length for “Long Stay” is not explicitly stated on the official site for turn-up users – assume 24 hours minimum unless otherwise noted on your booking confirmation. |
| The car park is patrolled and secure with 24/7 CCTV. | 1-hour parking is not advertised; short-stay options are available at the Mid Stay car park instead. |
Pricing and value: official vs third-party analysis
The official Long Stay Car Park, operated by London Luton Airport, offers a standard daily rate that can be higher than third-party resellers like Purple Parking or Parking4Less. These resellers often buy bulk capacity and pass savings to customers. However, only the official site guarantees direct booking with the airport. Users should compare total cost including any hidden fees. The free shuttle is included regardless of booking source. For short durations (under 24 hours), the Mid Stay Car Park may be more economical.
What do official and third-party 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 for the duration of your stay.”
London Luton Airport Official Site
“Long Official Stay Parking Luton is open 24/7, just 10 minutes from the terminal. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle buses whisk you there smoothly.”
Skyparksecure.com
“Buses run every 20-25 minutes, take 10-12 minutes and are included. Rate of £28.”
Parking4Less.com
Summary – Is Luton Long Stay the right choice for you?
London Luton’s Long Stay Car Park suits travellers who need secure parking for multi-day trips and can rely on the free shuttle. It is not designed for short visits – the Mid Stay car park is better for stays under 24 hours. Pre-booking through the official site or a reputable third-party can lower the cost. For real-world context, see our analysis of the Heathrow Airport Cyber Attack – Complete Breakdown and Latest Updates for insights on airport security incidents, or check Hotels Near Alton Towers – Best On-Site & Off-Site Options for travel planning advice.
Frequently asked questions about Luton Long Stay Car Park
Is the Luton Long Stay Car Park open 24 hours?
Yes, the car park and shuttle bus operate 24/7, 365 days a year.
Can I leave my car for more than 30 days?
Long Stay allows extended stays, but you should check the specific terms with your booking provider.
Do I need to take a ticket to enter the car park?
If you pre-booked, you typically enter using your booking reference or ANPR. If paying on entry, take a ticket.
Are there electric vehicle charging points?
Some areas of the Long Stay car park have EV charging – verify at time of booking.
What is the price for a 3-day stay at the official gate rate?
Official on-the-day pricing: first day £30, second day £30, third day £30, totalling £90 (assuming no free 2-hour period is used).
Can I walk from the Long Stay to the terminal?
Walking is not recommended – the car park is about 1.5 miles from the terminal and the route is not pedestrian-friendly. The free shuttle is the only practical option.
Is the shuttle bus wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the airport states that the shuttle buses are wheelchair accessible, and there are designated accessible bays in the car park.
Can I pre-book Luton Long Stay parking?
Yes, pre-booking is available on the official London Luton Airport website with a minimum duration of 24 hours.
Is there CCTV in the Long Stay Car Park?
Yes, the car park has 24/7 CCTV coverage and regular security patrols.
What are the best alternatives if I only need 2 hours of parking?
Use the Short Stay car park right next to the terminal. Long Stay is too far and requires a shuttle, even though the first two hours are free if you use it.