Luton airport set to launch ‘game-changing’ train service

Passengers have previously had to use a shuttle bus taking around 10 minutes between the airport and the train station.

But the bus is being replaced by the electric-powered Luton Dart (Direct Air-Rail Transit) train which will take just over three minutes to complete the 1.3-mile journey. Although the price of the Dart service will be £4.90 one-way - more than double the current shuttle bus fare of £2.40.

The automated Luton Dart was due to begin carrying its first passengers on Friday (10 March), although it will not fully open for commercial operations until “around” the end of March. The project has cost £261.7 million. 

During the first three weeks of its initial opening, rail passengers will be able to use the Luton Dart instead of the bus for no additional charge. At first, the Dart will offer a restricted timetable of four hours per day, which will be gradually increased towards a 24-hour service by the end of the month.

The Dart service will be included in any rail ticket where customers choose Luton airport as the start or end point of their journey.

The airport sees the new train link as a “game-changing experience” for rail passengers, who will also benefit from a faster 32-minute journey from London’s St Pancras station.

Alberto Martin, chief executive of Luton airport, said that Dart’s introduction would be a  “transformational development”.

“This investment from the airport owner, Luton Rising, also supports our commitment to delivering a simple, friendly end-to-end passenger experience, while lessening our environmental impact and supporting our plans for enhanced connectivity and future sustainable growth,” added Martin.