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Luton Airport DART & terminal guide

Luton's new DART shuttle changed how the airport works — and how much drop-off costs. Here's everything you need to know as a passenger.

2025-12-22 · 4 min read

Luton opened the DART (Direct Air-Rail Transit) in 2023. It replaced the old shuttle bus from Luton Airport Parkway station and changed the drop-off game.

What DART is

A cable-hauled people-mover between Luton Airport Parkway rail station and the terminal. Takes 4 minutes, runs every 4 minutes, costs £5.10 per adult each way. Great if you're arriving by train.

What that means for taxi drop-off

The premium terminal drop-off now costs £7 for 15 minutes (up from £5). There's a free drop-off at the "Mid Stay" car park with a 10-minute shuttle to the terminal, but at 4am that shuttle is not fun.

Our fixed Nottingham to Luton fare includes the £7 premium drop-off — no add-ons, no extras.

Terminal

Single terminal for all airlines. easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, TUI, Jet2, El Al and a growing list of low-cost European carriers. Recently expanded — the new-look departures area is much bigger than the old one.

Security

Busy 4–7am. Allow 60 minutes in the queue during that window; 20 minutes off-peak. New CT scanners rolling out through 2026 will speed things up further.

Timing from Nottingham

About 2 hours via M1 (no M25 needed). Leave home 2h 45min before departure for short-haul.

Return pick-up

Don't try to use the DART on the way home if you've booked a taxi — we come straight to the terminal. Meet & Greet includes 1 hour of free waiting from landing.

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