Should you book a Luton Airport chauffeur from Birmingham, or just fly from Birmingham itself? Apex gets asked this more than almost any other question. The flight is cheaper out of Luton, but is it worth the extra travel to get there? There isn't a single right answer. However, there is a straightforward way to work it out.
How far is Luton from Birmingham, really?
It's around 85 to 90 miles, mostly down the M1. In normal traffic, that's a journey of roughly two hours. The honest caveat, however, is the M1 through Northamptonshire and around Milton Keynes. On a bad day, that stretch can add a genuine 20 to 30 minutes. So keep that figure in mind before you compare it with a 25-minute run to Birmingham Airport.
When flying from Luton actually makes sense
Luton is a major base for a small number of budget carriers. Their route networks don't always match what Birmingham Airport offers, particularly on certain European and holiday charter routes. You can see the current list on the London Luton Airport website. Perhaps the fare difference is large. Or perhaps Luton is the only airport with a convenient time slot for your dates. In either case, the extra travel time is usually worth it, as long as you take the maths seriously rather than guessing.
Working out whether it's actually worth it
Add up three things. First, the fare saving. Second, the extra travel time each way compared with Birmingham Airport. Third, what a Luton Airport chauffeur costs against parking at Birmingham Airport for the same trip. For a short break, a fare saving of even fifty or sixty pounds each often outweighs an extra ninety minutes of travel. That's especially true when you spend that time in a chauffeur car rather than behind the wheel yourself. On the other hand, for a same-day business trip where time matters more than the fare, Birmingham Airport is very often still the better call. That holds even at a higher ticket price.
What a Luton Airport chauffeur changes about the equation
Driving yourself to Luton means paying for long-stay parking, which adds up fast over more than a couple of days. Otherwise, you have to ask someone to drop you off and collect you. That usually means someone else losing the best part of a day too. A Luton Airport chauffeur removes both of those costs from the sum. There's no parking bill building up while you're away, and no favour owed to whoever would otherwise be driving. Also, the two hours down the M1 stop being dead time, because you can work, sleep or simply not be the one concentrating on the road.
Booking a Luton Airport chauffeur from Birmingham
Given the distance, it's worth booking a day or two ahead rather than on the morning of travel. That matters most for an early flight, where your pickup needs to be well before dawn. We fix the fare before you travel, whatever the M1 decides to do that day. Plus, first-time customers can use MYAPEX for a discount. Book online or call 0333 533 3530.
Frequently asked questions
Is a chauffeur to Luton more expensive than parking at Birmingham Airport?
It depends on trip length. For a week or more away, long-stay parking at Birmingham Airport can cost more than people expect. So a Luton Airport chauffeur often compares more closely than you might assume. Ask for a quote against your specific dates and Apex will give you a straight comparison.
How much earlier should I leave for Luton compared with Birmingham Airport?
Allow roughly an extra 90 minutes to two hours of travel time each way compared with a Birmingham Airport departure. Then, once you've booked your flight, your chauffeur will confirm an exact pickup time.
Does Apex track flights out of Luton the same way as Birmingham Airport?
Yes. We track every booked flight, from any UK airport, in real time. That way your pickup adjusts automatically if the schedule changes.
