Global Suppliers at Luton
Authorized partnerships with global brands stationed at LTN Car Hire Centre.
All-Inclusive LTN Protection
Drive out of Luton with absolute confidence. Every booking automatically includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Third-Party Liability, and Theft Protection.
We ensure total transparency: the rate you book covers your essential insurance needs and includes 24/7 UK-wide breakdown assistance as standard.
Car Hire Centre Access
All rental providers at Luton Airport are grouped together in a dedicated Car Hire Centre on President Way. After claiming your baggage, head to Bay C outside the terminal for the free, dedicated shuttle bus.
For terminal maps and live flight information, we recommend checking the official London Luton Airport website.
What Our Luton Customers Say
Verified reviews from travelers who rented directly from London Luton Airport.
"Fantastic service at Luton Airport. The free shuttle bus to the Car Hire Centre from Bay C was waiting right outside, and we were on the M1 in minutes."
"Very smooth pick-up process. Used the car to drive to the Harry Potter Studio Tour with the kids. Will use again!"
"Best prices I found for a LTN rental. The car was ready and waiting with no hard sell at the desk."
"Returning at 5 AM was a breeze with the drop box, and the early bus to the terminal took 5 minutes."
"Absolutely no hidden fees. The price I saw online was exactly what I paid at the Luton desk."
"The car broke down which was surprising as it was brand new, but I guess nothing is perfect! However, I was very happy with the support. The car change over was very quick and professional. Thank you Sarah for the great customer service."
"Very straightforward access onto the A1081 straight out of the village. The premium vehicle selection is top-notch."
"Modern fleet and efficient customer support. Got me out of the airport traffic in record time heading to Milton Keynes."
Essential Driving Guide out of Luton
Landing at LTN? Familiarise yourself with these vital rules of the road before exiting the Car Hire Centre in your rental.
Navigating the M1 & A1081
Leaving the Luton Car Hire Centre places you just a few minutes from Junction 10 of the M1 motorway (connecting London to the North) via the A1081 dual carriageway. Traffic heading south towards London can be heavy during morning rush hours.
Manual vs. Automatic
Manual transmission (stick shift) is standard. If you are jet-lagged or unfamiliar with UK roads, we strongly recommend filtering for an automatic vehicle when you book to make navigating airport traffic much easier.
Roundabout Etiquette
You will encounter multiple large roundabouts (such as Capability Green) exiting the airport towards the M1. Traffic flows clockwise. You must always give way (yield) to traffic approaching from your right.
Speed Cameras & Smart Motorways
The M1 is heavily monitored by variable speed limits displayed on overhead gantries. These are strictly enforced by yellow speed cameras. Distances and speeds are measured in Miles Per Hour (mph).
Luton & the London ULEZ
Luton Airport is located in Bedfordshire and is completely outside the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ). However, if you plan to drive south into Greater London, you will cross into the zone. Fortunately, most of our LTN fleet is ULEZ-compliant.
Returning the Car (Fuel)
If you have a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy, there are petrol stations conveniently located on Airport Way just before the terminal approach. Fill up here before turning into the Car Hire Centre on President Way to avoid penalty charges.
Police Traffic Stops
If signalled to stop by a police vehicle (flashing blue lights or sirens), pull over safely as soon as possible. Stay in your vehicle, turn off the engine, and wait. Have your driving licence, passport/ID, and car rental agreement ready.
Current UK Fuel Costs
UK fuel is sold by the litre. Due to recent geopolitical events affecting global supply chains, prices are currently averaging around £1.45 upto £1.60 per litre. We advise choosing a 'Full-to-Full' fuel policy to control your own refuelling costs.
*As this is a volatile and ever-changing item, these prices were last updated on: .
Popular Drives from Luton Airport
Because LTN is perfectly positioned just north of London, it serves as an excellent gateway. Here are the top family-friendly spots and scenic drives our customers visit after picking up their rental.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Distance: 20 miles (25 mins via M1)
Head directly south on the M1 to Watford for 'The Making of Harry Potter'.
Child-Friendly? An absolute must for Potter fans of all ages!
Pro Tip: Parking is free on-site, but you MUST book your tickets months in advance as they sell out globally.
Central London
Distance: 35 miles (1 hr via M1)
Drive south into the capital to see the famous landmarks.
Child-Friendly? Excellent for the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, or riding the London Eye.
Pro Tip: Avoid central London driving stress by parking at a northern Tube station like Stanmore or Edgware, and taking the Underground in.
Whipsnade Zoo
Distance: 10 miles (25 mins via A505)
A fantastic, short drive west to the UK's biggest zoo, set on the spectacular Chiltern Hills.
Child-Friendly? Highly recommended! It's a massive, open-air day out.
Pro Tip: You can actually pay a premium to drive your rental car inside the zoo and park right next to the animal enclosures!
St Albans & Verulamium
Distance: 15 miles (25 mins via M1/A414)
A very short drive to a beautiful cathedral city built on ancient Roman ruins.
Child-Friendly? Great for exploring Verulamium Park and the Roman mosaic museum.
Pro Tip: An ideal "first stop" right after arriving if you want to stretch your legs without driving into London.
Woburn Safari Park
Distance: 15 miles (30 mins via M1)
Experience a true drive-through safari right in the heart of Bedfordshire.
Child-Friendly? Perfect for families. You can drive your rental car right through the lion and monkey enclosures.
Pro Tip: Make sure your windows are rolled up in the monkey enclosure, as they are known to climb on cars!
Milton Keynes & Bletchley Park
Distance: 25 miles (35 mins via M1)
Head north to the famous code-breaking centre from WWII.
Child-Friendly? Excellent interactive exhibits for older kids, plus MK has an indoor ski slope nearby.
Pro Tip: Milton Keynes is famous for its grid road system and hundreds of roundabouts. Keep your GPS handy.
Cambridge City Centre
Distance: 40 miles (1 hr via A505)
Drive northeast across the countryside to the historic university city.
Child-Friendly? Yes! Kids will love punting on the River Cam.
Pro Tip: Parking in central Cambridge is extremely limited. Use the Trumpington Park & Ride for the easiest access from the A505 approach.
Oxford City Centre
Distance: 45 miles (1 hr 15 mins via A418/A34)
A scenic drive west to the "City of Dreaming Spires" and historic university colleges.
Child-Friendly? Great for exploring the Ashmolean Museum or Oxford Castle.
Pro Tip: Similar to Cambridge, avoid driving into the centre. Park at the Thornhill Park & Ride just off the A40.