Choosing between Stansted and Luton for a budget flight? Here is how the two compare on parking price, drop-off and convenience.
Which is cheaper for parking?
Stansted and Luton are both low-cost London airports where off-airport Park & Ride offers strong value, from around £5 per day at the cheapest when pre-booked. Neither is consistently cheaper than the other; it depends on your dates and how early you book, so comparing both for your exact trip is the way to find the better deal.
ULEZ and emission zones
Both Stansted and Luton sit outside the London ULEZ, so there is no £12.50 emissions charge to drive to either, whatever your vehicle. That is a point in both their favour over Heathrow for drivers of older cars, and one less cost to factor into your trip from either airport.
Drop-off charges compared
On drop-off, the two differ: Stansted charges £10 for up to 15 minutes with a barrier system since March 2026, while Luton charges £7 for up to 10 minutes then £1 per minute. So Luton is cheaper for a quick drop, Stansted gives longer for its flat fee. Both offer a free alternative with a shuttle.
Convenience and transfers
Both have a single terminal with off-airport Park & Ride and free shuttles, plus Meet & Greet. Luton has the DART connecting to its rail station; Stansted has a transit to satellite gates. For parking, both are straightforward, with off-airport Park & Ride the best value and Meet & Greet the most convenient.
Our verdict
Stansted and Luton are closely matched: both outside the ULEZ, both with good-value Park & Ride. Luton is cheaper for a quick drop-off; on parking it varies by date. Compare both for your exact trip and apply BCP30 for up to 30% off. Off-airport Park & Ride wins at either.
More questions
Both are low-cost London airports with strong Park & Ride value, from around £5 per day pre-booked. Neither is consistently cheaper; it depends on your dates. Compare both for your trip and apply BCP30 for up to 30% off.
No. Both Stansted and Luton are outside the London ULEZ, so there is no £12.50 emissions charge to drive to either, whatever your vehicle. That is a point in their favour over Heathrow for older cars.
Luton is cheaper for a quick drop at £7 for 10 minutes (then £1/minute); Stansted charges £10 but for up to 15 minutes. Both offer a free alternative with a shuttle. Pre-booked parking avoids the charge at either.
Compare airport parking now
Search 23 UK airports and ports, compare live deals, and book with no booking fee and free cancellation. Apply promo code BCP30 for up to 30% off.
Compare parking deals