Trains from Kettering to Luton Airport
Kettering to Luton Airport train times and prices
Travel from Kettering to London Luton Airport by train. Plan your journey online for live train information and to buy tickets.
This guide is your one-stop resource for a hassle-free journey when travelling from Kettering to Luton Airport.
Train tickets from Kettering to Luton Airport cost from just £13 one-way, and trains run every half an hour.
There are up to 33 direct trains from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway throughout the day. From Luton Airport Parkway, it’s a quick four-minute journey on the Luton DART shuttle to the airport terminal. To get a combined ticket that takes you from door-to-door, make sure you choose Luton Airport as your destination when booking.
Kettering to Luton Airport: Route Map
The Luton Airport Express is connected by EMR with trains from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway running seven days a week. If you’re catching the train from Kettering, you will travel via Wellingborough, Bedford and Luton before arriving at Luton Airport Parkway.
From here, it’s a seamless change for the Luton DART shuttle that takes you directly to the London Luton Airport Terminal. For accessibility and step free access, there is a lift and escalators between the train platform and the DART terminal.
How to get cheap train tickets from Kettering to Luton Airport
If you’re travelling from Kettering to Luton Airport and looking to get the cheapest train tickets for your journey, there are plenty of options for you to take advantage of.
Advance Tickets: Booking Advance rail tickets for your journey from Kettering to Luton Airport is one of the best ways to find cheap fares. Use our Journey Planner to find the cheapest tickets for your desired ravel times up to 12 weeks in advance.
Off-peak Savings: If you’re able to travel during Off-peak and Super Off-peak times, you can get cheaper tickets whilst enjoying quieter trains for a more relaxing journey from Kettering to Luton Airport.
Anytime Tickets: ideal if your plans might change, Anytime tickets let you travel on any service without time restrictions. That all‑day flexibility makes them the most expensive standard fare, but they remove the need to stick to a specific train and are useful for last‑minute travel or unpredictable itineraries.
Railcards: There are also discounts available when purchasing a train ticket from Kettering to Luton Airport with a Railcard. If you’re a frequent rail traveller, you could get up to a third off every train journey with a National Railcard and not just your journey to Luton Airport.
Family Savings: If you’re off on a family holiday and catching the train from Kettering to Luton Airport as a family (up to four adults), you can save money on the cost of your train fare by purchasing a Family and Friends Railcard. This Railcard provides great value as it can then be used all year round for future family adventures.
Find out more about our Railcards.
Booking your ticket from Kettering to Luton Airport
You can easily and efficiently book your train tickets from Kettering to Luton Airport at the station or online. You’re able to purchase tickets for the same day or up to 12 weeks in advance. When booking rail tickets online, we always show the full range of train fares so you can plan your journey with confidence, knowing you have secured the cheapest price.
For a seamless and relaxing journey from Kettering to Luton Airport, we recommend booking a combined train and Luton DART ticket. When buying your tickets, ensure you enter Luton Airport as the destination station.
Kettering to Luton Airport: Onboard experience
Relax on our electric Class 360 trains from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway, then hop onto the fast Luton DART for the short transfer to the terminal. The Luton Airport Express offers a range of passenger conveniences:
Complimentary Wi‑Fi: Connect to the EMR_WIFI network and accept the terms to access onboard 4G internet. For a smooth experience, avoid streaming high‑bandwidth video or large downloads.
Generous luggage policy: You may bring up to three items - two larger cases plus a smaller bag. Overhead racks and dedicated storage areas accommodate hand luggage and suitcases; please ensure you can lift and control your own baggage.
Family-friendly facilities: Accessible toilets include baby‑changing tables and there’s space for folded pushchairs and prams. With no onboard catering, bringing snacks and drinks is recommended for longer journeys.
Bicycles: Folding bicycles are welcome at all times when collapsed and stowed securely. Full‑size bikes can be carried in vestibule areas outside weekday peak periods - please keep them with you and avoid blocking doors or wheelchair spaces.
Accessibility features: Trains have accessible toilets and priority seating/space for wheelchair users, along with audio and visual passenger information.
Travelling by rail from Kettering to Luton Airport is a greener, more relaxed alternative to driving. Our onboard team is available to assist with queries and help make your journey as comfortable as possible.
Kettering to Luton Airport: Timetable details
The Luton Airport Express runs frequent services linking Kettering with Luton Airport Parkway, making it easy to plan onward travel. Trains operate throughout the day with more departures during weekday peaks to cater for commuters and air travellers.
Weekday services
Early morning: The first departure from Kettering is at 04:40, ideal for early flights.
Evening: The final service leaves Kettering at 22:41, covering late‑night travel needs.
Weekend services
Saturday: Services start slightly later and finish earlier than weekdays; the first train departs at 05:19 and the last at 21:48.
Sunday: Weekend schedules start later still, with the earliest service at 08:53 and the final train at 22:05.
Frequencies are typically around every 30 minutes between Kettering and Luton Airport Parkway, though times can vary at peak periods or during engineering works. Always check the live timetable before travelling for the latest departure times and any planned disruptions.
Kettering to Luton Airport FAQs
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Combined train and Luton DART tickets from Kettering to Luton Airport cost from £13 one-way or £26 return, with no booking fees.
The cost of your tickets may vary depending on the time of day you’re travelling, the route, the class you choose or how far in advance you book.
To check the cheapest train tickets for your travel dates plan your journey online.
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The train from Kettering to Luton Airport takes around 52 minutes. This includes transfer time to the Luton DART terminal at Luton Airport Parkway station and the four-minute shuttle to the airport.
If you opt to travel from Kettering to Luton Airport via coach, the average journey time is 1h 33m.
Check your journey online for up to date information on your chosen travel dates or check our timetable.
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The fastest train from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway is 34 minutes. Then hop on the Luton DART for the four-minute shuttle ride to the airport.
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There are up to 33 Luton Airport Express trains a day from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway.
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You can travel directly from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway without having to change trains.
From Luton Airport Parkway station, it’s a quick and easy platform change for the Luton DART shuttle, taking you efficiently to the airport terminal in just 4 minutes.
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The first train leaves Kettering station for Luton Airport Parkway at 04:40 from Monday to Friday, and 05:19 on Saturday.
On a Sunday morning, services may take longer than usual. The first Luton Airport Express train leaves Kettering at 11:49 but there are earlier services to Luton Airport Parkway on EMR Intercity from 08:53. You are able to purchase tickets for both Luton Airport Express and EMR Intercity services through our online booking page.
The last train from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway departs at 22:41 on weekdays. However, this varies on weekends with the last train on Saturdays departing at 21:48 and 21:18 on Sundays. However, on Sundays there are later train services via EMR Intercity with the last one departing at 22:05.
The Luton DART shuttle runs 24 hours a day.
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To ensure your journey from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway is as comfortable as possible, our Luton Airport Express trains are well equipped and ready to welcome you on board.
There is ample luggage space, free WiFi and accessible toilets with baby changing facilities. To find out more click here.
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Our trains from Kettering to Luton Airport Parkway have ample space for hand luggage along with plenty of room for suitcases.
You are permitted to bring a maximum of three luggage items on board the train. This includes two larger bags or suitcases and a smaller bag too.
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For your journey from Kettering to Luton Airport, there are lots of transport options available such as private transfer, your own car, coach, bus or the train. If you choose to travel to Luton Airport from Kettering by train, there are plenty of benefits:
With an average journey time of 52 minutes on the train compared to 1 hour 33 minutes via coach, you can rest easy knowing that you will arrive in good time
Avoid the stress of being stuck in traffic, sit back and relax whilst reading a book or browsing the internet via our free on-board WiFi
Catching a flight can be stressful at the best of times but travelling by train enables you to arrive at the airport relaxed and refreshed, ready for your onward journey
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To secure the most affordable fares for your rail trip from Kettering to Luton Airport, it’s advisable to plan and purchase your tickets as early as possible. Booking in advance often results in significant savings, as ticket prices tend to increase closer to the departure date. Our user-friendly Journey Planner is designed to help you find real-time train schedules and the lowest available fares, with tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your intended travel date. By reserving early, you not only save money but also guarantee your preferred travel times, making your journey smoother and more predictable.
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Yes, if your train to Luton Airport from Kettering is delayed by more than 15 minutes, you can claim compensation through our Delay Repay scheme.
If your train is cancelled altogether, you can travel on the next available train. If that’s not feasible, you will be eligible for a refund.
If you decide not to travel, Advance tickets are non-refundable. If you’ve purchased an Anytime, Off-Peak or Super Off-Peak ticket and decide not to travel for any reason, you can claim a refund but please note that a £10 fee applies.
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Yes. You can book assistance at the station and on the train between Kettering and London Luton Airport up to just two hours before you travel. Book assistance online or call our Passenger Assist team on 08000 11 33 23.
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Yes, bikes are allowed on the Luton Airport Express trains operating between Kettering and Luton Airport, but there are specific rules to ensure a smooth journey for all passengers.
Folding bikes
Folding bikes can be taken at any time. Please ensure they are fully folded and securely stowed in luggage racks or placed beside your seat during the trip. This helps keep the carriage comfortable for everyone.
Full-size bikes
Standard bicycles are permitted only during off-peak hours to avoid congestion.
On weekdays, full-size bikes are not allowed on trains arriving at London St Pancras International before 10:00, nor on services departing from London between 16:00 and 19:00.
When bringing a full-size bike, it must stay in the vestibule area and remain with its owner throughout the journey. Please avoid blocking doors, wheelchair spaces, or aisles to ensure safe and accessible travel for all passengers.
Always check the latest travel guidelines and train timetable before your trip, especially during busy periods or if you plan to bring a large bike. Properly securing your bike and adhering to time restrictions helps make your journey trouble-free.
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Absolutely - well-behaved pets are welcome onboard services between Kettering and Luton Airport, making it easier for passengers to travel with their furry friends.
Dogs: Up to two dogs per passenger can travel free of charge. Dogs should be kept on a lead or in a secure carrier throughout the journey, ensuring they don’t disturb other passengers or escape during station stops.
Other pets: Cats, birds, and small animals must be transported in a sturdy, fully enclosed pet carrier. This helps keep all passengers comfortable and safe during the trip.
Assistance animals: These are always welcome without restrictions, providing essential support to passengers with disabilities.
Staff reserve the right to refuse passage to any animals deemed aggressive or potentially unsafe for other travellers.
To ensure a pleasant trip for everyone:
Keep your pets under control at all times, especially during boarding and disembarking.
Avoid letting pets sit on seats or block aisles, ensuring space for all passengers.
Plan for regular station stops during longer journeys to give your pet a chance to stretch and relieve themselves.
Bring water and a small snack or treat to keep your pet comfortable and calm during the trip.
Traveling with pets can be straightforward with proper planning - and following these tips helps make your journey smoother and more enjoyable for your animal companion and fellow travellers alike.
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Yes – the train services connecting Kettering to Luton Airport are fully committed to accessibility, ensuring that all passengers, regardless of mobility challenges, can travel comfortably and safely.
Key features designed to support passengers with disabilities include:
Reserved wheelchair spaces on trains, positioned for easy access and safety.
Accessible toilets equipped with assistive facilities for passengers who need them.
Boarding ramps and step-free access at stations, allowing for smooth transitions onto the train without needing to navigate stairs.
Advanced audio and visual information systems to aid passengers with hearing or vision impairments, providing clear updates on travel information.
Both Kettering and Luton Airport Parkway stations are built with level platform access, making it easy for those with reduced mobility to move between the station and train. Additionally, station staff and onboard crew are available to provide assistance whenever needed, ensuring a stress-free journey.
If you have specific mobility requirements or need assistance, feel free to contact our support team in advance to ensure we can accommodate your needs effectively. We are dedicated to providing an inclusive travel experience for everyone.
Station facilities
To help plan your journey, you can find out more about the facilities at Kettering train station and Luton Airport Parkway station by using the links below.
Check live departure boards for your journey, understand station accessibility along with toilet locations, view ticket office opening times, see car park information and much more.
Book a journey with us now
Buy train tickets online with no booking fees
Kettering to Luton Airport from £13 one-way when you book in advance