Unclear instruction Luton Airport to Euston

[Michael96]

I've bought a "ticket" (bunch of tickets?) online via http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/ to make a trip from Luton Airport to London Euston station where I should pick up a Virgin Train.

As a collection point I chose "Luton" - it is the first unclear point: Does it mean "Luton Airport" or town Luton itself: there were two collection points to choose: "Luton" and "Luton Airport Parkway". I've tried to find if there are collecting points for Southeastern railway in the Luton Airport but failed - there is no such option in their lists - look here http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/your-journey/station-information/

Next, They do not mention even platform to pick up their train at Luton Parkway station - I cannot spend time running from place to place to realize where my train is - can I check it out in advance? Probably, East Midland Trains come to a specific platform?

As I paid for a full trip from Luton to Euston how can I know if it includes Tube transfers mentioned in the booking? Is it 1 valid ticket for all points?

Again - the most important question: if I choose "Luton" as collection point, can I collect my tickets on another point - let's say on Luton Parkway Station (in a case "Luton means" town Luton and not an airport"...

 

[TUC]

Next, They do not mention even platform to pick up their train at Luton Parkway station - I cannot spend time running from place to place to realize where my train is - can I check it out in advance? Probably, East Midland Trains come to a specific platform?

Platforms are never usually indicated on tickets, and indeed in many cases would not be absolutely, definitively known until the last minute. I recognise that Luton Airport Parkway is a smaller station, but still platforms would not be indicated on tickets. Just look at the departure screens when you arrive.

 

[island]

Southeastern does not serve Luton Airport Parkway or Luton. You will be using Thameslink or East Midlands Trains services. Most Great British train companies sell tickets for most Great British train companies, so that doesn't matter.

The station you select when ordering your tickets also makes no difference. Tickets can be collected at any station that has the capacity to dispense online booked tickets, which includes Luton and Luton Airport Parkway. Neither of those will necessarily do for you, however, as you need to get the ticket at Luton Airport to use on the bus to Luton Airport Parkway. There is, I think, a couple of machines near the bus stop which will allow you to collect the tickets. You will not be able to use the booking confirmation email to get on the bus.

Platforms for specific services are not known in advance and it is not common at UK stations other than the smaller ones for specific trains to be at specific platforms. You will not need to run from place to place, however, as we have a wonderful invention called a display screen, which will show you what platform your train is coming into several minutes before it arrives. Luton Airport Parkway station is also staffed so if in any doubt simply speak to a staff member who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

The information we have is insufficient to determine whether your ticket is valid on London Underground from St. Pancreas to Euston — we may be able to tell you if you can tell us the price you paid for the ticket — but in practice, it is such a short distance that it is straightforward to walk (5-10 minutes).

 

[Michael96]

Southeastern does not serve Luton Airport Parkway or Luton. You will be using Thameslink or East Midlands Trains services. Most Great British train companies sell tickets for most Great British train companies, so that doesn't matter.

The station you select when ordering your tickets also makes no difference. Tickets can be collected at any station that has the capacity to dispense online booked tickets, which includes Luton and Luton Airport Parkway. Neither of those will necessarily do for you, however, as you need to get the ticket at Luton Airport to use on the bus to Luton Airport Parkway. There is, I think, a couple of machines near the bus stop which will allow you to collect the tickets. You will not be able to use the booking confirmation email to get on the bus.

Platforms for specific services are not known in advance and it is not common at UK stations for specific trains to be at specific platforms. You will not need to run from place to place, however, as we have a wonderful invention called a display screen, which will show you what platform your train is coming into several minutes before it arrives. Luton Airport Parkway station is also staffed so if in any doubt simply speak to a staff member who will be more than happy to point you in the right direction.

The information we have is insufficient to determine whether your ticket is valid on London Underground from St. Pancreas to Euston — we may be able to tell you if you can tell us the price you paid for the ticket — but in practice, it is such a short distance that it is straightforward to walk (5-10 minutes).

Great answer! Thank you - your explanation is extremely helpful.

I paid 17.7 for the trip - does it include the tube charges as well?

 

[greatkingrat]

The platform for London bound trains at Luton Airport Parkway will be either 1 or 3, if you catch the 1932 it will almost certainly be 3 although you need to check the departure screens on arrival to make sure.

 

[Olympian]

The information we have is insufficient to determine whether your ticket is valid on London Underground from St. Pancreas to Euston — we may be able to tell you if you can tell us the price you paid for the ticket — but in practice, it is such a short distance that it is straightforward to walk (5-10 minutes).

Their itinerary suggests that the ticket is valid to Euston and includes Underground from St Pancras. It wouldn't include this detail otherwise would it?

 

[Haywain]

Their itinerary suggests that the ticket is valid to Euston and includes Underground from St Pancras. It wouldn't include this detail otherwise would it?

The ticket could quite easily default to London Terminals/Thameslink and not include any underground travel. However, the OP may find that the walking distance to Euston is not that much more than the walking distances involved in using the underground.

 

[island]

Their itinerary suggests that the ticket is valid to Euston and includes Underground from St Pancras. It wouldn't include this detail otherwise would it?

That was my starting assumption but I can't find any fares from Luton Airport to Zone U1* Londn.

 

[radamfi]

There is, I think, a couple of machines near the bus stop which will allow you to collect the tickets. You will not be able to use the booking confirmation email to get on the bus.

There is also a ticket machine in the airport itself which you pass if you walk from passport control/baggage area to the exit.

 

[Michael96]

Do you know if I should get 1 valid ticket to whole route?
As mentioned I paid 17.7 pounds for a trip.

 

[island]

Yes that is valid for the underground from St. Pancreas to Euston. But really, it'll be quicker to walk.

(For other folks: ticket type is SDS 3667-0790 £17.70X)

You will receive three coupons from the machine: your ticket, a seat reservation, and a receipt. Note that your ticket is valid on any train from Luton Airport Parkway to St. Pancras and you are not obliged to use the booked train.

 

[Michael96]

Note that your ticket is valid on any train from Luton Airport Parkway to St. Pancras and you are not obliged to use the booked train.

Do you mean East Midland Trains or any train from Luton Airport parkway to St Pancras?

It could be beneficial if I could come to Euston in advance and had some time to eat before my next train.

 

[najaB]

Do you mean East Midland Trains or any train from Luton Airport parkway to St Pancras?

Any train.

 

[Michael96]

Yes that is valid for the underground from St. Pancreas to Euston. But really, it'll be quicker to walk.

I wish I knew that before buying the ticket - it is more expensive than just Luton to St pancras ticket

 

[gazthomas]

It is definitely less hastle to walk from St Pancras to Euston

 

[najaB]

It is definitely less hastle to walk from St Pancras to Euston

I second that.

 

[edwin_m]

There are one or two purple Thameslink machines just before you leave the Luton Airport building by the arrivals exit (as of last Thursday - they are rebuilding so it may change). You should be able to collect tickets there, but also check out the baggage hall because I think there were machines there too. If these also allow collection then it would be better to try them because if the machines by the exit are out of action or have a big queue you aren't allowed to go back into the baggage hall.

At the Parkway station East Midlands Trains towards London nearly always use platform 3 and Thameslink mostly use platform 1 which is furthest from the main entrance. But check on the screens when you arrive because sometimes platforms are changed (but it won't be platform 2 or 4 because these are for northbound trains). There is only one EMT train each hour but several Thameslink trains. If the first train is a Thameslink then check it is one that doesn't stop at Radlett, Elstree, etc because a later one that is fast from St Albans or an EMT will probably overtake it on the way.

 

[ffm]

I third the walk not tube - it is around 400m maximum, you will walk that far (possibly more) just going down to the tube platform at Kings Cross St Pancras and back up at the Euston end.

Your transfer bus from the airport to the station drops you at the main entrance, where there are a bank of ticket machines and then stairs/lifts to the overbridge and down to each platform. As said East Midalnds (by far the quicker service as it is non-stop) use platform 3 and the Thameslink (stoppers) use platform 1.

 

[Michael96]

There are one or two purple Thameslink machines just before you leave the Luton Airport building by the arrivals exit (as of last Thursday - they are rebuilding so it may change). You should be able to collect tickets there, but also check out the baggage hall because I think there were machines there too. If these also allow collection then it would be better to try them because if the machines by the exit are out of action or have a big queue you aren't allowed to go back into the baggage hall.

At the Parkway station East Midlands Trains towards London nearly always use platform 3 and Thameslink mostly use platform 1 which is furthest from the main entrance. But check on the screens when you arrive because sometimes platforms are changed (but it won't be platform 2 or 4 because these are for northbound trains). There is only one EMT train each hour but several Thameslink trains. If the first train is a Thameslink then check it is one that doesn't stop at Radlett, Elstree, etc because a later one that is fast from St Albans or an EMT will probably overtake it on the way.

Great answer, thanks.
If my order was via SouthEastern and the train in it is East Midland Train can I still collect my tickets via Thameslink machines?
In general, probably I can collect my ticket via any self-service machine?
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---

I third the walk not tube - it is around 400m maximum, you will walk that far (possibly more) just going down to the tube platform at Kings Cross St Pancras and back up at the Euston end.

Your transfer bus from the airport to the station drops you at the main entrance, where there are a bank of ticket machines and then stairs/lifts to the overbridge and down to each platform. As said East Midalnds (by far the quicker service as it is non-stop) use platform 3 and the Thameslink (stoppers) use platform 1.

Yes, I checked it via Google maps - it is very close and for one who has not luggage it is ridiculous to take tube for such distance...

Thanks!

 

[najaB]

In general, probably I can collect my ticket via any self-service machine?

In all but a very limited set cases, yes.

 

[Michael96]

I third the walk not tube - it is around 400m maximum, you will walk that far (possibly more) just going down to the tube platform at Kings Cross St Pancras and back up at the Euston end.

Your transfer bus from the airport to the station drops you at the main entrance, where there are a bank of ticket machines and then stairs/lifts to the overbridge and down to each platform. As said East Midalnds (by far the quicker service as it is non-stop) use platform 3 and the Thameslink (stoppers) use platform 1.

Great, thanks.
In a case of rain I will use tube, otherwise - will walk to Euston.