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Luton Taxi Services

Although significantly smaller than Gatwick or Heathrow, Luton airport is a popular choice for many travellers and has made a name for itself amongst fans of the television series, Airline, which follows the working lives of Easyjet employees at the airport. It is London’s fourth largest airport and, as well as being a hub for Easyjet, is also used by Monarch and Ryanair. Most passengers use it for European or domestic flights although there are also intercontinental routes. Rather confusingly, London Luton Airport is actually 30 miles north of London in Bedfordshire.

Taxi Tips

There is only one terminal at Luton airport so there is no need to worry about telling your driver where to go. There is a clearly marked Meeting Point for arrivals which can be easily accessed through the walkway from the main terminal building. Some taxi companies will have their own preferred pick up points which they will tell you about when you book. If they meet you in the car park you will normally be liable to pay the parking charge but, compared to airports such as Heathrow, these charges are very reasonable. Another charge to factor in is the London congestion charge if you are being taken to or from central London.

The taxi rank at Luton is at the front of the terminal building and is well sign posted. Only licensed hackney carriages can be picked up at a rank. If you want to hire a private hire vehicle, or minicab as they are often known as, this must be pre-booked by phone or in person at the operator's office. Minicabs at the airport are licensed by Luton Borough Council and the vehicles have to pass a stringent test to ensure that they are roadworthy and in an immaculate state cosmetically. The appropriate yellow plate must be displayed inside and outside and the driver must have photo ID at all times.

If you would like a bespoke luxury service there should be no problem arranging for this at Luton. Some companies will supply newspapers and bottled water, will valet the vehicles on a daily basis and ensure their drivers undergo an annual medical. Cars used are normally Mercedes and BMWs or similar with leather upholstery, air conditioning and Sat Nav systems.

If you are a woman travelling on your own and, for reasons of religion or personal preference, would like a female driver this should also be easy to arrange in advance. Indeed Luton is said to have the highest ratio of taxis to residents in the UK so, whatever your requirement, big or small, posh or humble, it should be possible to arrange.

If you are a business traveller or just a frequent flyer, you may find it convenient to open an account with your taxi firm of choice. Each journey then just needs to be signed for and an account is presented at the end of each month.

A taxi from the airport to central London will take around an hour to an hour and a quarter and will cost in the region of £80, whilst a minibus seating up to 12 people will cost about £170. Price structures do of course vary from firm to firm.

Places to see - Wild Animals, Real Snow and a French Chateau

Whipsnade

Whipsnade is Europe’s largest animal conservation park and home to an amazing 6,400 animals. It is run by the same people as Regents Park Zoo in London but, with over 600 acres of Bedfordshire countryside, there is far more scope to recreate the natural habitat of the animals. It is located near Dunstable, about 11 miles from Luton airport which should take just over 20 minutes. Several species roam freely and visitors can walk, drive, use the shuttle bus or the narrow gauge train service to move around the park. For full details see Whipsnade's website.

SNO!zone, Milton Keynes

Where else can you find real snow, year round in the UK? Milton Keynes may well be famous for its concrete cows but, if you’re after a cheap alternative to hitting the slopes for real, then this is the place to come. The 170 m long slope is great for skiing and snowboarding, to say nothing of sledging and ice sliding in giant tubes on a special ice course. For more information see SNO!zone's website. Milton Keynes is 23 miles from Luton airport which should take just over half an hour by taxi.

Waddesdon Manor

If you are interested in culture you will enjoy a visit to Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. You could be forgiven for thinking that you are in France when you fist catch sight of this astonishing manor, built in the style of a Renaissance chateau for Baron de Rothschild. The property is now owned by the National Trust and, together with its beautiful gardens, makes a splendid day out. It is 30 miles from Luton airport and takes just under an hour.

St Albans

The historic market town of St Albans is 12 miles from Luton airport and can be reached by taxi in 20 minutes. Originally a Roman settlement, the whole of the town’s history is well exhibited at the Museum but if it is Roman mosaics and artefacts that grab you, a trip to the Museum of Verulamium is a must. The cathedral of St Alban is well worth a look too but if beer, rather than culture, is your thing you might be interested to know that St Albans has the highest number of pubs per square metre in the UK.

London

London really does have something for everyone. Visit some of the fascinating museums, palaces and galleries and don't just head for the well-known but give the more intimate ones, such as the Courtauld Collection, a try. Alternatively, treat yourself to a spot of shopping in Regent Street and then walk to theatre land for a show, perhaps visiting Chinatown for an authentic Chinese meal afterwards. If you feel like burning off some calories the next day, head for Hampstead Heath for a good walk with great views.