01 March 2023 , 16:29
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Getting to Luton Airport is about to get a whole lot easier thanks to a new train service.
If ever you've gone by rail to the Bedfordshire travel hub, then you'll know it's a little difficult.
The airport is connected to London St Pancras via a railway station at Luton Airport Parkway, which is a mile away from the terminal building, My London reported.
Currently a shuttle-bus connects the two buildings - a mode of transport which can feel a little slow if you're in a rush to catch a plane.
That is about to change as the airport has installed a new train service between the two buildings which will launch later this year, called DART.
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The train was officially launch later this year (Luton Rising)It will take just three minutes to travel between the two stations, but it will cost passengers.
The fare will be £4.90 for a single, 158% more than the current shuttle bus which is £2.40.
It is quite possibly the most expensive rail journey in the country based on distance travelled, at roughly £1 per 400m.
The airport is asking for volunteers to come and try the new train on March 8 between 9am and 1pm, March 13 between 2pm and 5pm, March 15 between 9am and 1pm, and March 18 between 9am and 1pm.
An official full opening date of DART has yet to be unveiled by Luton Airport.
In order to simulate a proper flight experience, participants are asked to bring one empty suitcase, and wear comfy shoes.
Chief executive officer of Luton Rising - the new official name of the company which owns London Luton Airport - Graham Olver told Bedfordshire Live earlier this month: “We know that many people in Luton are extremely interested in the Luton DART. Not only is it a pioneering infrastructure project with environmental benefits, but its contribution to the airport’s success directly benefits local people and services through our unique social investment."
A single will cost £4.90 (Luton Rising)In December last year King Charles visited the airport and inspected the railway.
DART was pencilled to cost £290 million and was supposed to have been completed in 2021.
Work had to be stopped during the pandemic which slowed the project down.
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Passengers traveling to the terminal from London St Pancras will be able to do so in around 30 minutes.