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Reading to Luton Airport Parkway train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€50.10
On Tue 27
Compare train operators from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway
- Thameslink
- Elizabeth line
- Great Western Railway
Standard
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Reading
Address:
Station Hill, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 1LZ, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Local bus routes serve the North Interchange, Station Road and Belgrave Street. Buses run between the station and Suttons Business Park, Caversham, Lower Earley and other areas.
Coach: Several coaches serve Reading station, including the RailAir (RA1) to/from Heathrow Airport, as well as National Express and FlixBus routes.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: There are taxi ranks by the station forecourt, northern entrance and on Station Hill.
Platforms:
15 platforms in total. Platforms 1-6 are bay platforms, and services to/from London Waterloo, Guildford and Gatwick Airport use platforms 4-6. Platforms 7-15 are split into A (eastern) and B (western) sections. Platforms 8 and 9 handle westbound Cotswold and Cherwell Valley line trains via Oxford. Services to London Paddington tend to call at platforms 10 and 11. The Elizabeth line uses platforms 12-15.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Great Western Railway (GWR) trains offer the fastest route to/from London, taking around 25 minutes, compared to the Elizabeth line (55 minutes) or South Western Railway services to London Waterloo (1 hour 25 minutes). As Reading is a large station, allow extra time to navigate the central footbridge, whether accessing your platform or heading to the exits."
FAQs about Reading Station
Is there a car park at Reading station?
Yes, Reading station has 1,387 parking spaces and eight accessible parking spaces in the multi-storey car park. There is also a short-stay car park on Bagnall Way.
Does Reading station have contactless card readers?
Yes, contactless payments are accepted on Great Western Railway (GWR) and Elizabeth line services between Reading and London Paddington. Note that Oyster cards aren’t accepted.
Are there lockers at Reading station?
No, Reading station doesn’t have self-service lockers or left luggage facilities.
What food is at Reading station?
Food options at Reading station include Delice de France, M&S and Caffè Ritazza. Outlets are on the main concourse as well as between platforms 8 and 9 and platforms 10 and 11.
Are there toilets at Reading station?
Yes, Reading has male, female and accessible toilets on the station platforms and in the Brunel Arcade building.
Arriving at Luton Airport Parkway
Address:
Parkway Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU1 3JW
Onward Transit Options:
Luton DART: Operating 24 hours a day, the Luton DART shuttle connects Luton Airport Parkway station directly to the airport terminal in under 4 minutes. It’s just a short walk from the platforms. Exit the National Rail network and head through ticket barriers at the DART departure point.
Bus: Local bus services depart from right outside the station and on Gipsy Lane, with connections to Luton town centre and the surrounding area.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located at the front of the station on Parkway Road, with accessible drop-off and pickup points also available.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Luton Retail Park (directly adjacent)
Wardown Park and the River Lea (15-minute walk)
Luton town centre (10 minutes by train or bus)
Whipsnade Zoo (approximately 20 minutes by taxi)
Woburn Safari Park (approximately 25 minutes by taxi)
Airport Transfers:
The Luton DART light rail shuttle connects Luton Airport Parkway station directly to the airport terminal in under 4 minutes, and operates 24 hours a day. For Gatwick Airport, Thameslink operates direct services from Luton Airport Parkway in approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Luton Retail Park is directly adjacent to the station – a handy option if you need to pick up any forgotten travel essentials, or a quick meal before heading to the airport. If you have a little time to spare, head to Wardown Park for a riverside walk along the River Lea – it’s the perfect way to stretch your legs before a long flight. Just a short DART ride from the station, Luton Airport's arrivals area has a great selection of food and drink options, including Caffè Nero, Pret A Manger and some landside pubs too – all open for morning flights."
FAQs: Luton Airport Parkway Station
Is Luton Airport Parkway a train station?
Yes, Luton Airport Parkway is a National Rail station on the Midland Main Line, served by Thameslink and East Midlands Railway. It is the dedicated rail interchange for London Luton Airport, connected to the terminal by the recently opened Luton DART light rail shuttle.
How do I get to Luton Airport from Luton Airport Parkway station?
Take the Luton DART light rail shuttle from the DART platform, just a short walk from the National Rail platforms. The DART reaches the airport terminal in under 4 minutes and operates all through the night. Note that the DART fare is charged separately from your train ticket.
Is Luton Airport Parkway the same as Luton Airport?
No, they are two separate sites. Luton Airport Parkway is the railway station, located approximately 1 mile from the airport terminal.
Is there a train that goes from Luton Parkway to Luton?
Yes, Thameslink operates frequent services between Luton Airport Parkway and Luton town centre station, with a journey time of approximately 3 minutes. East Midlands Railway also serves both stations.
FAQ
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How much is a train from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway?
Tickets from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway typically cost €50.11, but can be as cheap as €50.10 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway?
The journey should take, on average, 2h 13m, though it can be as quick as 1h 35m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway?
There is no direct service between Reading and Luton Airport Parkway. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway?
You can typically book tickets from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Reading to Luton Airport Parkway trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Reading from Luton Airport Parkway?
The distance between Reading and Luton Airport Parkway is approximately 38 miles (61km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway?
There is 10 train running from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Reading to Luton Airport Parkway?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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