Compare cheap car hire at London Luton Airport with practical details on rental desk locations, vehicle options, driving routes and seasonal prices.
London Luton Airport (LTN) sits about 55km north of central London and is widely used by low-cost airlines serving destinations across Europe. The airport is a practical arrival point for travellers visiting Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and the wider south-east of England.
Picking up a rental car at the airport makes it easier to explore beyond London, particularly for trips to the countryside, historic towns and coastal areas.
Direct Flights from Ireland
London Luton Airport has frequent direct connections with Ireland.
- Dublin → London Luton (Ryanair)
- Belfast → London Luton (easyJet)
The flight time from Dublin to Luton is typically around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
Car hire desks at Luton Airport are located inside the Car Hire Centre next to the terminal building. The facility is reached by a short shuttle bus ride from the terminal forecourt.
After completing the rental paperwork, vehicles are collected from the adjacent car rental parking area. The shuttle journey between the terminal and the Car Hire Centre usually takes only a few minutes.
Airport maps and passenger information are available on the official London Luton Airport website.
Rental Companies at Luton Airport
Several major international rental providers operate from the airport’s Car Hire Centre.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
Vehicles are normally parked directly outside the Car Hire Centre in the dedicated rental parking area.
Typical Rental Prices at Luton Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £25 – £45 per day | £45 – £75 per day | £75 – £130 per day |
| April – June | £30 – £60 per day | £60 – £95 per day | £95 – £160 per day |
| July – August | £40 – £85 per day | £85 – £140 per day | £140 – £220 per day |
| September – October | £30 – £65 per day | £65 – £110 per day | £110 – £180 per day |
| November – December | £25 – £50 per day | £50 – £85 per day | £85 – £150 per day |
Vehicles Popular with Travellers
Compact Cars
Small hatchbacks are ideal for short city trips and travelling between towns in south-east England.
Family Cars
Larger vehicles such as estate cars are comfortable for longer journeys or travelling with luggage.
SUVs
SUVs provide additional space and comfort for road trips across rural areas.
Driving from Luton Airport
The airport connects directly to the UK motorway network via the M1 motorway.
- Central London – about 1 hour
- Oxford – around 1 hour 30 minutes
- Cambridge – roughly 1 hour 20 minutes
- Birmingham – about 2 hours
The M1 motorway links Luton with London and the Midlands, while the nearby M25 motorway provides access to destinations across the south-east.
Travellers flying into London sometimes compare other nearby airports such as Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport and Stansted Airport.
Driving Advice in England
Vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road in the United Kingdom. Motorways are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
Most UK motorways are toll-free, although a few bridges and tunnels require payment.
Additional visitor information is available from the official VisitBritain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Luton
With a rental car, visitors can easily explore destinations around southern England.
- St Albans – historic cathedral city near London
- Cambridge – famous university city
- Oxford – historic academic centre
- Chiltern Hills – scenic countryside and walking trails
Many visitors combine several of these destinations during a short road trip from London.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Luton Airport?
The rental desks are located in the airport’s Car Hire Centre, reached by a short shuttle bus from the terminal.
Which companies operate car hire at Luton Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Luton Airport from central London?
The airport is located about 55km north of central London.
Is driving in the UK easy for visitors?
Yes, although drivers should remember that vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Do UK motorways charge tolls?
Most motorways are toll-free, although some bridges and tunnels require payment.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Luton Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are still more common in the UK.
Should I book Luton Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Luton Airport to Cambridge?
The journey usually takes around 1 hour 20 minutes depending on traffic.
What motorway connects Luton Airport to London?
The M1 motorway provides the main connection between Luton Airport and London.
