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Sleeping in Luton airport is far from an ideal way to spend a night, but if it’s something you end up doing you’ll find out you are far from alone. With many early morning flights on budget airlines, and not a single budget accommodation option in the area, the waiting areas are simply overflowing at all hours of the night with people attempting to get even a little bit of rest. I’ve done it, I didn’t love it, but I lived to tell the tale, and have plenty of advice to pass on. So, here is what you need to know about where and how to sleep in Luton airport to get the most rest possible.
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Can You Sleep at Luton Airport?
Yes and no. There is no hotel within the terminal at Luton airport. There are no pod options or even couches. So you will be sleeping in a chair and it will be loud and bright. But if you can sleep in those conditions, then go right ahead — you won’t be the only one trying.
Prior to being able to pass through security you have two options — find one of the chairs in the waiting area, or get a spot at Pret or Starbucks. Both will be full. I promise that if you choose to sleep at Luton airport, you won’t be the only one. Know though that sleeping won’t be easy — unless you are a true pro. They crank the music up loud and keep the lights on full power. I think the goal is to discourage people from putting their heads down to catch a few zzs. I found a spot in Pret and I did in fact put my head down. I bought something from the shop first, of course, but I got maybe 20 minutes of uninterrupted shut eye, and then other shorter spells here and there. With limited options on a limited budget this was worth it.
Once you pass through security my recommendation is to book a spot in one of the Aspire lounges. I booked into No1 Lounge. It’s not cheap at £37.99 per person, but I do think it was worth it. While I ultimately didn’t end up sleeping there, I was able to get a comfortable spot away from the crowds. And I was also able to eat and drink plenty before my flight. There is a “quiet zone” where you’d probably have a good chance of sneaking in a nap. The bathrooms also have a shower.
I recommend booking your lounge access in advance. I did, and while I was there I saw them turning people away after they’d reached capacity. You are also technically only allowed to enter three hours before your flight’s departure time, I tried to get in a bit before that and nobody blinked an eye.
Is Luton Airport Open 24 Hours?
Yes and no (again). Luton airport stays open 24 hours per day. However, that is only true for the areas outside of security. You cannot pass through security before 3:00 AM. I arrived around 1:00 AM — I came in on a late arriving flight to another London airport, hopped on a bus, and arrived to Luton early morning. So for those two hours between arriving on the bus and security opening, I had to wait outside of security. Unlike some airports that do close entirely, you at least won’t have to wait outside on the curb.
What is it Like Inside Luton Airport?
Busy. Very busy. Outside of security Luton Airport is complete madness. This is an airport which caters to budget airlines, so it presents itself as such. If you have a long time to spend in the airport I simply don’t recommend spending it in the general waiting area. If you can spare the price of the lounge, you’ll be glad for it.
What is the Best Way of Getting to Luton Airport Early Morning?
This depends a lot on what time you need to get there. And if you’re thinking, while is Luton in London? Shouldn’t it be easy? No, Luton is actually a town in and of itself. It’s about 30 miles north of London.
I arrived to Luton airport at 1:00 AM after landing in Heathrow late the night before. To make that transfer I hopped on a National Express bus which connects the two airports. My ticket was £18.90. National Express buses are also an option if you are coming from central London — the route runs frequently and costs just £10 per person.
Another option to get to Luton airport from central London is to take the Luton Airport Express train. However, if you need to get to the airport in the early morning, this unfortunately is not an option. The first trains leave around 5:30 on weekends and a bit later on weekdays.
What is the best Hotel Near Luton Airport?
If you’re put off by the idea of spending a few hours trying to dodge the wrath of the Starbucks employees and hoping your brain can tune out the blaring bass in favor of a bit of rest, there are hotel options near Luton airport. The problem is, none of them are budget-friendly options.
The absolute closest hotel London Luton airport has to offer is the Holiday Inn Express London Luton Airport by IHG. The hotel is literally just a stone’s throw from the airport, so you won’t have to worry about any additional transportation costs or time to get from your bed to the terminal. Rooms at this Holiday Inn start around £120 and go up from there.
A bit of a further option, but a more budget friendly, is CiTi Hotel London Luton. This small property is a 10-minute drive from the airport, so you would need to take a taxi ride into account. An interior room with no window starts around £50.
In the other direction, out into the countryside, is definitely the best hotel near Luton London airport — Hyde Mill. This is a countryside bed & breakfast so you could actually enjoy some time here rather than just aiming to crash in the bed for a quick night’s sleep. Rates start around £115 per night and it’s about a 12 minute drive to the airport.
If you’re through London Luton airport and have an early morning flight, the basic thing to know is that yes, it is possible to sleep at Luton airport — but it’s not comfortable. Hopefully these tips and tricks and facts help you plan your overnight as well as possible.
