Local passengers travelling to and from London Luton Airport by bus are set to benefit from a brand-new fleet of 30 state-of-the-art, low-emission buses, launched as part of Arriva’s £9.7 million investment into its enhanced, turn-up-and-go Busway network.
The new buses will streamline connections between the airport and passengers travelling from Luton, Dunstable, Houghton Regis and surrounding areas, further enhancing the appeal of bus travel as a sustainable way of getting to and from the airport.
The investment from Arriva supports Luton Airport’s (LLA) wider sustainability ambitions to reduce congestion, improve air quality and deliver enhanced, more sustainable public transport choices as passenger numbers continue to grow.
Passengers will benefit from a complete upgrade of the Busway timetable, including:
• More frequent services, with buses up to every 7–8 minutes between LLA and Dunstable, and Luton
• 24/7 operations, with round-the-clock buses from LLA on routes A and Z
• Enhanced airport links, offering a seamless, high-quality experience for passengers travelling to and from the airport, linking more areas of Dunstable and Houghton Regis directly to the airport
Luton Airport is exceptionally well-connected by public transport, making travel easy from across the UK. With close links to major rail and road networks via the Luton Airport Express, Thameslink, the Luton DART, and 24/7 bus and coach services, passengers have a broad range of fast and convenient options to reach the airport.
Andy Martin, Surface Access Development Manager for London Luton Airport, said: “Arriva’s bus network is a vital part of the public transport system serving London Luton Airport. As a 24/7 operation with over 60 per cent of our staff living locally, a reliable, high-quality bus service is essential to supporting our workforce as well as passengers, flying from LLA.
“Enhancing connectivity and promoting sustainable travel is key to LLA’s plans for long-term responsible growth and we look forward to working closely with all transport providers and local authorities, to make travel to and from the airport easier, simpler and more sustainable than ever.”
The new Arriva fleet, featuring the latest Euro VI technology, delivers cleaner, greener, and more comfortable journeys on the guided busway system. It marks a major milestone in Arriva’s long-term commitment to improving bus services across the area with a clear focus on providing reliable, frequent, and accessible public transport that supports connecting communities and the environment.
Matt King, Network Manager for Arriva, said: “This investment is about more than just new buses – it’s about raising the standard of public transport for everyone who lives, works, or travels in and around Luton.
“We’ve designed this fleet and our new routes and times around the needs of our customers, with the frequency, comfort, and connections that people expect from a modern public transport network. With these upgrades, we’re proud to say that travelling by bus is now one of the easiest and most environmentally responsible ways to get around our area – whether you’re commuting, shopping, flying, or heading out for the day. These are buses our customers are proud to be seen on.”
Each vehicle comes equipped with next stop audio and visual announcements, comfy seating, USB charging points and full low-floor accessibility.
The new services include routes A, H, L, X2/X3 and Z, offering regular departures from early morning through to midnight and beyond, seven days a week.
