Compare Luton Airport car hire

Luton is a major gateway to London and the rest of the UK, but you can also visit the town itself to learn more about its history or to shop in its large retail centre, The Mall. Book Luton car hire to discover historic market towns, the countryside charm of the Chiltern Hills, and family attractions nearby.

London Luton Airport (LTN) is around a seven-minute drive from Luton town centre, and 20 minutes from St Albans. With quick access to the M1 too, it's a great place to hire a car. Big rental brands such as Hertz, Avis, Enterprise and Europcar all have car hire options here.

To reach Luton, head out of the airport on Airport Way, join Windmill Road (B653), then turn left at the roundabout to join the A505. For St Albans and London, exit the airport on the A1081, then join the M1 southbound.You can reach the Car Hire Centre at Luton Airport via a free shuttle bus, which you can catch from bay C outside the arrivals terminal.Car hire companies with desks in London Luton Airport in 2025 include:

• Avis/Budget (Tel: 0844 5446021)
• Europcar/National/Alamo (Tel: 01582 417723)
• Hertz (Tel: 0870 8460012)
• Enterprise (Tel: 01582 390969)

As you’d expect from a major gateway to London, there are several car hire options within Luton town centre. These include a Sixt rental office just off the A6 near Luton railway station, and an Avis and Budget office on Church Street, just south of the train station. If you’re looking for a cheap deal, book your vehicle well in advance and compare prices online.

Luton's small, compact town centre is just 4km (2.5 miles) from the airport. If you’re considering driving in, chances are you’re planning a trip to The Mall shopping centre, visiting the University of Bedfordshire, or heading to the casino, all in the centre of town.

The A6 and the A505 circle Luton’s town centre, and from either you’ll see several pay-and-display car parks signposted. Follow these to navigate the clearly marked one-way system.

Parking is plentiful in the centre. You’ll find open-air or multi-storey pay-and-display car parks all within easy reach of the shops and other central amenities, offering inexpensive and flexible lengths of stays. For a one-hour, low-cost stay, your best bet is one of the town’s uncovered car parks to the east of the centre.

Luton often serves as a gateway town to nearby London or the rest of the UK, so it's no surprise that the town has good motorway links. Head south out of town on London Road and you’ll reach junction 10 of the M1 in about eight minutes. Drive south to join the M25 in another 20 minutes.

St Albans

Driving time: 20 minutes

For market-town charm with a dash of Roman history, try this easy day trip from Luton. Head to Verulamium Museum to see re-created Roman rooms and mosaics from the settlement that predated modern St Albans, then check out the remains of an ancient theatre nearby. Had enough of the Romans? Visit the 11th-century cathedral or get a bite to eat at the regular street market, which takes over St Peter’s Street every Wednesday and Saturday.

ZSL Whipsnade Zoo

Driving time: 20 minutes

For a fun-filled day out, head to family favourite Whipsnade. It's the UK’s largest zoo, and you can explore its 600-acre site in your own car, on foot, or via a bus or steam train service. See rare and endangered Amur tiger cubs, meet a family of African elephants, or walk through hundreds of colourful butterflies in the Butterfly House.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter

Driving time: 30 minutes

Step into the magical world of Harry Potter and get an inside look at the sets and stories behind the films. Hang out in the Great Hall or Diagon Alley, try a Butterbeer (it's divisive...) and take a green-screen ride on a broomstick or the Hogwarts Express. Potter superfans will get the most out of it, but it's a fascinating day out for any serious movie lover – you'll get insights into prop making, costume design and special effects from one of the most detailed cinematic worlds ever put on screen.

Fair fuel policy

A fair fuel policy (also known as full-to-full or same-to-same) means you’ll only pay for the fuel you use. All car rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket come with a fair fuel policy, so you can book your hire car safe in the knowledge there will be no nasty surprises at drop-off. More information on TravelSupermarket’s commitment to fair fuel policies can be found here.

No hidden fees

All rental deals compared on TravelSupermarket include mandatory fees (for example, one-way and young driver surcharges) in your rental quote at the time of booking, meaning you’ll know the full price of your car hire upfront.