London Kings Cross to Luton Trains From €3.98*

Head to the heart of Bedfordshire on a train to Luton. While there is no direct service from London Kings Cross to Luton, two operators run trains from London St Pancras International, situated next to Kings Cross station. East Midlands Railway operates two services an hour, passing outer London stations and leafy suburbs to reach the town in only 26 minutes.

East Midlands Railway (or EMR) provide long-distance trains across the East Midlands, as the name suggests. Intercity and suburban trains also run between stations such as Ely, Derby and Liverpool Lime Street.

Departing from London St Pancras International

The Luton to London train departs from London St Pancras International station, just across the road from London Kings Cross. Easily access the international railway terminal on local buses or the London Underground. King’s Cross St Pancras is on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines.

East Midlands Railway, Thameslink, Southeastern and Eurostar take travellers across the UK and Europe. Regular services allow you to hop on a train to Stevenage, Canterbury or Paris whenever you need.

Want to buy cheap train tickets? Book when tickets are released or as soon as possible.

Main stops

Calling points from London St Pancras International to Luton vary depending on the train-operating company, route and time. The London to Luton train may also stop at Luton Airport Parkway on an East Midlands Railway service. Thameslink trains generally stop at St Albans City and Harpenden. Some also serve West Hampstead and Luton Airport Parkway.

Arriving at Luton

Rail services from London St Pancras International stop at Luton station. A short stroll takes you to two arts venues. The Hat Factory Arts Centre hosts theatre, dance and workshops in a collaborative space. On the opposite side of the street is Departure Lounge, an innovative exhibition space for contemporary art. This part of town was once the hat-making capital. The town centre is full of independent shops and high street favourites. For something a bit calmer, People’s Park offers acres of greenery without having to venture far from the town centre.

Many buses serve Luton from the station interchange. Cabs can pick up passengers from the taxi ranks on Midland Road and Station Road. Rail services from Luton are operated by East Midlands Railway and Thameslink. A range of destinations is offered on these routes, from Corby to Rainham, Nottingham and Gatwick Airport.

East Midlands Railway train classes

• Standard Class: Some East Midlands Railway (EMR) trains offer free Wi-Fi access and plug sockets in Standard Class. Carriages are fitted with comfortable seats with either a table or a tray table.
• First Class: EMR doesn’t currently offer London to Luton First Class carriages. On other trains, passengers get spacious seats in quieter coaches. The seating also provides individual tables and plug sockets. During weekday services, light food and refreshments are served at your seat. “First plus parking” tickets are offered for routes with eligible stations, giving you return travel and three days’ parking.

East Midlands Railway train travel advice

• Luggage: Travel with up to three pieces of luggage (two larger bags and a smaller item of hand luggage).
• Bicycles: Reserving a bike space is recommended, as you can’t book one on the date of travel. You must stay with your bike in the vestibule area throughout the journey. Restrictions apply to non-folding bikes on services arriving in London before 10:00 or departing from 16:00 to 19:00 during weekdays. E-scooters are banned.
• Children: Under-5s travel for free. Kids aged 5–15 and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders receive a 50% discount. You can also get a third off for up to four adults and 60% off for four children using the Family and Friends Railcard.
• Pets: You’re allowed to take two pets on board. Keep them in an enclosed carrier or on a lead. Animals must always stay off seats.
• Passenger Assist: Request assistance for your journey (e.g., alighting the train) up to two hours before departure.

Swap the chaos of the city for a town with intriguing industrial roots. With up to three Thameslink London to Luton trains running every hour, getting to this part of Bedfordshire couldn’t be easier by rail. Watch the city go by from your window as you enter the suburbs and countryside. The journey from London St Pancras International to Luton takes just 31 minutes.

Thameslink operates commuter services between Cambridge, Bedford and Peterborough and southern destinations like Brighton, Sevenoaks and Rainham. Trains also pass through central London terminals.

Thameslink train classes

• Standard Class: Thameslink’s Standard Class carriages are fitted with several luggage racks, comfortable seats and live information screens about your journey and seat availability. Seating is in a two-by-two layout, with some facing each other for groups. Free WiFi is offered on trains with the blue Wi-Fi logo on the train doors.
• First Class: London to Luton First Class coaches offer wider, more comfortable seats in a quieter carriage at the front of the train. You’ll also find power sockets by your seat and spacious family-sized tables. On-board catering is not currently provided.

Thameslink train travel advice

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to two larger pieces (90 x 70 x 30 centimetres max.) plus an item of hand luggage.
• Bicycles: Restrictions apply to non-folding bikes and e-bikes during busier peak-time services. E-scooters and hoverboards aren’t allowed on any Thameslink trains.
• Children: Most tickets are half price for children aged 5–15 and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders. Kids can also use Zip Oyster photocards within London fare zones. For off-peak services, up to four 5–15-year-olds travelling with an adult can get £2 tickets.
• Pets: Bring no more than two pets with you in an enclosed carrier or on a lead.
• Passenger Assist: If you need help boarding or moving around stations, assistance can be booked online or by phone. Staff are also available to help if you haven’t pre-booked.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.