Illustrative comparison based on typical fares and public transport costs. Ticket prices vary by airline, season and booking date.
Gatwick has a direct train from the terminal — the Gatwick Express reaches Victoria in about 30 minutes, while Luton needs the DART rail link plus Thameslink.
Gatwick's single-terminal layout is simpler to navigate than Luton's.
Gatwick serves more airlines and routes than Luton, giving you more flight options.
Gatwick Express trains run every 15 minutes, and Southern/Thameslink add further connections across London.
Gatwick is better located for south London and Brighton — Luton is better only for the far north.
Wizz Air's base at Luton offers very low fares to Eastern Europe — routes Gatwick doesn't serve.
Luton is around £30 cheaper door-to-door in this comparison, mostly because its flight fares are lower.
Luton's DART rail link takes about 5 minutes, so the change is smoother than its reputation suggests.
Luton is better for north London, Milton Keynes, Bedford and the Midlands.
Both airports are comparable for budget travellers — the choice depends on airline and destination availability.
Illustrative breakdown. Actual costs depend on your specific flight, baggage and chosen transfer option.
Direct rail, no DART change, better terminal facilities, more route options.
One direct train — no DART rail link and Thameslink change. Easier with luggage.
Wizz Air fares to Eastern Europe from LTN can be extremely low — the savings are real.
Gatwick is the natural choice — direct trains to both south London and the south coast.
Luton is closer to north London, Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes.
About 5 minutes faster door-to-door and more reliable train connections.
Add baggage fees, transfer cost and schedule waiting. A £50 saving on the ticket can disappear after one checked bag.
Both airports sit about 45km from central London, but Gatwick's train is direct while Luton's needs the DART change.
Budget airlines charge around £40 for a checked bag. Full-service airlines often include it.
Gatwick is better for south London. Luton is better for north London.
Gatwick wins for most travellers because of its direct train and wider route choice, but Luton is around £30 cheaper door-to-door in this comparison. If Wizz Air or easyJet flies your route from Luton, the saving can outweigh Gatwick's convenience.
The Gatwick Express reaches Victoria in about 30 minutes (~£20 off-peak; advance fares from £9.90). Southern and Thameslink trains take 40–50 minutes and cost less.
The DART rail link connects the terminal to Luton Airport Parkway in about 5 minutes (£4.90), then Thameslink reaches St Pancras in about 30 minutes — roughly 40 minutes and ~£15 in total. DART is an automated people mover on rails, not a bus.
Gatwick typically costs around £130 door-to-door in this comparison; Luton around £100 — about £30 less.
Gatwick serves mainly easyJet, BA and TUI. Luton serves mainly Wizz Air and easyJet.
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Next factual review: April 2027
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