Thameslink
Thameslink runs a 24 hour core route between Bedford and Brighton through central London, with a direct link to Luton Airport.
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Official website
- Official website
- Train tickets
- Direct
Thameslink is one of four separate customer facing brands run by Govia Thameslink Railway, alongside Southern, Great Northern and Gatwick Express.
Core route
Thameslink first opened as a through service in 1988, the first substantial rail service to pass under central London on a single route, and its core corridor still runs between Bedford and Brighton. The network operates around the clock, with direct trains also serving London Bridge, St Pancras International, Blackfriars, Farringdon, London City Thameslink, St Albans and Rochester, among other stations on the wider route.
Getting to Luton Airport
Booking a Thameslink ticket to 'Luton Airport' automatically includes the Luton DART shuttle, which connects Luton Airport Parkway station to the terminal in under four minutes and runs around the clock. Journey time from central London to Luton Airport Parkway starts at 24 minutes, with up to 8 trains an hour from London and St Albans during the weekday morning peak and more than 100 services a day overall. Direct trains to Luton Airport also start from Brighton and Gatwick, giving a single-ticket route between the two airports and the wider network. The DART itself is owned and run by Luton Rising, which sets its own DART ticket prices; booking a Thameslink through-ticket to 'Luton Airport' is what includes the DART leg automatically.
Railcards and discounts
A Railcard gives a third off eligible fares, and the discount extends to the DART shuttle when a through-ticket to Luton Airport is booked; buying the DART leg separately loses the Railcard saving. GroupSave gives a third off Off-Peak fares for 3 to 9 adults travelling together. Children aged 5 to 15 travel at a flat discounted rate on most journeys, and under 5s travel free with a fare-paying adult.
Flight connections
A Thameslink ticket bought for a specific date stays valid until 4:29am the following day if a flight is delayed past midnight, and a Luton DART ticket stays valid until 3:30am the following day under the same circumstance.
Where to book
Train tickets
- Buy direct from Thameslink
Thameslink
Frequently asked questions
What is Thameslink's core route?
Thameslink runs a core corridor between Bedford and Brighton through central London, operating around the clock since it opened as a through service in 1988.
How do I get to Luton Airport on Thameslink?
Book a ticket to 'Luton Airport' and the fare automatically includes the Luton DART shuttle from Luton Airport Parkway station, which takes under four minutes to reach the terminal.
Does my Railcard discount apply to the DART shuttle?
Yes, if the Luton DART is included in a through-ticket to Luton Airport. Buying the DART leg separately does not carry the Railcard discount.
Which stations have direct trains to Luton Airport?
Direct trains run from Brighton, Gatwick, London Bridge, St Pancras International, Blackfriars, London City Thameslink, Farringdon, Bedford, St Albans and Rochester.
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Official website
