The journey from London St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway takes, on average, twenty-three minutes with East Midlands Railway, or, alternatively, forty-four minutes with Thameslink. On your trip, your train will head northwest through Greater London towards Luton in Bedfordshire.
East Midlands Railway helps keep the Midlands connected to towns and cities in the Midlands and to other major destinations like London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Norwich.
Departing from London St Pancras International
London St Pancras International’s centrality makes it a brilliant, well-connected and convenient station to get to.
If you’re coming from outside of London, it’s only half a mile from London Euston Station and a mere two-minute walk from London Kings Cross. Plus, if you’re coming from around London or a neighbouring locale, then Kings Cross Station on the London Underground runs on the Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Northern, Piccadilly, and Victoria lines. As well, tons of buses and taxis can drop you off along Euston Road or at the station’s entrance, too.
London St Pancras International is a major hub offering Eurostar services to European cities like Paris and Brussels, while East Midlands Railway, Southeastern, and Thameslink connect to key UK destinations such as Nottingham, Brighton, and Canterbury.
Main stops
When travelling with East Midlands Railway, there are no stops from London St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway. However, when travelling with Thameslink, there are two stops at St Albans City and Harpenden. These stops may be subject to change due to scheduling alterations, adverse weather conditions, train faults, or construction work. To avoid disappointment, it’s advisable to check ahead before travelling.
If you want to buy cheap train tickets, use sites like TrainPal to find the most affordable fares.
Arriving at Luton Airport Parkway
The train from St Pancras International will arrive at Luton Airport Parkway, the station that connects the town of Luton to Luton International Airport. If you’re heading to the airport, then there is the Luton DART, a shuttle service that runs 24/7 and goes directly to the airport. Alternatively, taxis are available on Kimpton Road, as well as local buses.
Perhaps your flight is departing early in the morning, and you’d prefer to get a good night’s sleep before heading to the airport? If so, there’s a Premier Inn near the station, and there are hotels by Ibis and Holiday Inn near the airport itself.
Thameslink and East Midlands Railway are the main operators at this station. They serve London St Pancras International and predominantly regional destinations like Brighton, Rainham, Bedford, and Harpenden.
East Midlands Railway train classes
- Standard Class: Standard Class is the most popular and budget-friendly choice, and it offers comfortable seating. Passengers also benefit from complimentary Wi-Fi and convenient plug sockets for all devices.
- First Class: East Midlands Railway offers a First-Class ticket from London St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway, which includes more spacious seating, quieter train carriages, and complimentary refreshments.
East Midlands Railway travel advice
- Luggage: Each person is limited to bringing two items: a maximum of one large luggage compartment (with a maximum size of 90x70x30cm), and one small luggage bag or suitcase
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and small animals can travel at no cost. Dogs need to be on a lead, and other animals must be in carriers. Passengers can bring a maximum of two pets.
- Bicycles: Reservations are highly recommended, as each train has only two cycle spaces. To avoid disappointment, it’s best to book early.
- Children: Children under the age of 5 can travel without charge, while those between 5 and 15 years old get a 50% discount on their tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard provides up to a one-third reduction on family ticket prices.
- Passenger Assist: Assist with journey planning, ticket selection, fare reductions, and train seat bookings. We provide help with boarding, alighting, luggage handling, and transferring between trains.
The journey from London St Pancras International to Luton Airport Parkway with Thameslink takes approximately forty-four minutes. Along this route, travellers can enjoy views of the vibrant urban landscape transitioning into the scenic outskirts of London. Thameslink offers vital connections between London and the broader southeastern region of England, linking key destinations such as Brighton, Bedford, and Gatwick Airport to the British capital.
Thameslink train classes
- Standard Class: Offering a comfortable seat, dedicated luggage spaces, live on-screen train information, and free WiFi on some trains.
- First Class: Providing more comfortable and spacious seating, quieter carriages, power outlets, free WiFi on some trains and an improved travel experience.
Thameslink train travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and small animals can travel at no cost. Dogs need to be on a lead, and other animals must be in carriers. Passengers can bring a maximum of two pets.
- Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. There is no need to pre-book. Folding e-bike and manual scooter allowed, e-scooter, e-unicycle, e-skateboard, and hoverboard banned.
- Children: For children under 5, travel is free, and those between 5 and 15 receive a 50% fare reduction. The Family & Friends Railcard can reduce family ticket costs by up to one-third.
- Passenger Assist: Help with carrying luggage and accessing the platform, offer ramps and transportation, and give help and guidance on tickets.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.