Best Way to go from Oxford to Luton

If you are talking public transport, the National Express 737 coach direct to Luton Airport is most convenient if its timings suit.

Although you might also want to consider flying from Heathrow. While more or less the same distance, it's a bit easier to get to Heathrow from Oxford.

There is a coach that takes a couple of hours.

Alternatively, train to Paddington, Elizabeth line to Farringdon, train to Luton Airport Parkway then the DART. You could probably do this in 1h50m

Neither of these is an especially fun route to take. I would look at staying in London the night before, especially if the flight is early

Thanks for the comments! We’ve already booked the flight from Luton so can’t change to Heathrow. The flight isn’t until around noon so it looks like we should be able to catch an 8:30am National Express bus (as suggested) and get to the airport around 10:35am. I assume that would be enough time to check bags, get through security, etc.

That feels really tight to me, especially if you have to check bags. Little leeway for any issues on the roads. For me personally I'd feel way more comfortable on the 0605 bus, arriving at 0815 but then I am cautious by nature, and would rather be there too soon than running around.
If you left Oxford at 0648 you arrive by train at 0845 + the DART time, say 0855; next train is 0707 arrive 0924 (both are Oxford to Paddington, then Elizabeth line to Farringdon then Thameslink), so not much different timing for 3 x the money (£50 at that time of the morning, and potential strike disruption)- see my next post.

That’s helpful perspective. There are 3 of us that will be going. Any idea what it would cost for an Uber? Wondering if that’s a better way to go.

I assume that would be enough time to check bags, get through security, etc.

If your flight is at noon, 10.35 will be too late - or at least later than I would risk. Luton is an extremely busy airport: lots of holiday charters and budget airlines. I don’t know who you’re flying with but remember some of the budget airlines are absolute sticklers for check-in times and also baggage size, which can cause long queues as everyone’s cabin bags get checked. I’ve always found it quite a stressful airport to fly from.

Make sure you have a full two hours before a European flight, possibly more, and be aware how busy the road network is in that area.

Is this a weekday, btw? Makes a big difference as you are potentially hitting peak rush hour on the roads around London.

Two of the big local taxi companies have a fixed fee price of £105 from Oxford to Luton Airport. More if you need a bigger car.

https://www.001taxis.com
https://royal-cars.com

Thanks Marco. Definitely cheaper then to take the bus or train.

GoldenGirl - it will actually be on a Sunday. Not sure if that helps or hurts in terms of road traffic and how busy the airport will be.

Actually the taxi is cheaper than the train (assuming no railcard) which is £113.55 groupsave for 3 people. Also, being a Sunday, the first train is 0754 from Oxford, arriving at the airport at 1022 which is rather later than you would want to be- that fare is to Luton airport so includes the DART.
So it's taxi or bus. Bus is £51 for the three of you. Being a Sunday the traffic should be much lighter. For £50 more you would get an extra hour's sleep.
I would still go for the bus, but you may find it a tighter decision.

it will actually be on a Sunday. Not sure if that helps or hurts in terms of road traffic and how busy the airport will be.

WAY better than a weekday in terms of road traffic. Possibly quieter at the airport than a Friday or Saturday, I’d think.

Thanks everyone! I think we’ll see how we’re feeling next week and then decide between the early bus or sleeping a little later and taking an Uber/car. Appreciate your help!