From south London to the M1
Luton Airport is about 40 miles north of Gipsy Hill. It is a busy base for easyJet and Wizz Air, so it is often where the cheapest flights to Europe leave from. The catch for people in SE19 is getting there: the train route means Thameslink or East Midlands Railway to Luton Airport Parkway and then the DART shuttle, which is a lot of changes with luggage.
A booked car goes from your front door to the terminal drop-off. You pay one fixed fare, the driver deals with the London traffic, and you can sleep for part of the trip if the flight is an early one.
The route north
There is no way to avoid crossing central London on a Luton run, so the driver picks the route based on the time. A common choice is north through Brixton and Vauxhall, across Vauxhall Bridge, then up Park Lane and the Edgware Road (A5) to the M1 at Staples Corner. At quiet times the drive through the West End is straightforward; in busy periods drivers may head west to the A40 and then north on the A406 North Circular to the M1. Either way, you leave the motorway at Junction 10 for the airport.
| Journey | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Gipsy Hill to Luton, night or early morning | 65–80 minutes |
| Gipsy Hill to Luton, weekday daytime | 90–120 minutes |
| Luton to Gipsy Hill, evening | 75–100 minutes |
Typical estimates. Central London routes may pass through the Congestion Charge zone at certain times; ask whether this applies to your journey.
At the airport
Luton has one terminal building, and the drop-off area is right outside. The airport charges for using it, so check with us how that is handled when you book. For departures we recommend reaching the terminal two hours before a European flight, which usually means a pick-up around four hours before take-off during the day.
Arriving back at Luton
When we collect you, the driver uses your flight number to track the landing time. If you choose meet and greet, they wait in the arrivals area with a name board and walk you to the car. That saves you finding the DART and a train late at night with tired children.
Choosing a vehicle
Most couples and small families are comfortable in a saloon or estate. For larger families we recommend the 6 seater minicab so pushchairs and cases fit without a squeeze. Groups travelling together, perhaps for a football weekend abroad, can book the 7 seater taxi from Gipsy Hill. Child seats are available on request.
Before you book, it is worth comparing Luton with Stansted Airport transfers and Heathrow Airport taxis, as the journey times can be similar. We collect from all around the area, including Upper Norwood and Crystal Palace.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Gipsy Hill to Luton Airport?
Typically between 65 minutes overnight and up to two hours on a busy weekday, because the route has to cross central London.
Will you drop me at Luton Airport Parkway station instead?
Yes, if you prefer. Just give us the station as your drop-off address when booking and we will quote for that journey.
Is there a Congestion Charge on the way to Luton?
Some routes pass through the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours. Ask when you book and we will tell you whether it applies and how it affects the fare.
Can I book a return taxi from Luton at the same time?
Yes. Give us both flight details when you book and we will arrange the outbound and return journeys together.
What if I miss my Luton flight because of traffic?
We plan the pick-up time to allow for normal delays and will suggest a safe departure time when you book. Leaving enough time is the best protection, especially on weekday afternoons.