London Stansted Airport (STN)

Flying from/to London Stansted Airport

Plan your journey from/to London Stansted Airport by finding out which transport links are available upon arrival—whether its an airport transfer by coach or a local train which gets you to where you need to be. We recommend booking your ticket with Omio.

Travel from London city centre to London Stansted Airport

London is one of the most iconic and ancient cities in the world. It is also one of the most visited, most populous and the most expensive city in Europe. London has hundreds of landmarks that continue to lure millions of tourists annually.  With all this footfall, thankfully the transport system in London is incredible. London has eight airports, and the oldest underground transport network in the world. The city is also home to the world’s coachiest airport, London Heathrow Airport. London Stansted Airport has flights destined for the highest number of European destinations in the UK, and is the main airport for budget carriers. The city also boasts an advanced road network, modern rail system, boat and water transport, taxis, coaches and shuttles, and cable cars. 

What’s the best way to get to the airport from the city centre?

London Stansted Airport is 68-kilometers northeast of central London. Several transport options access the airport from the city centre. Taking a taxi is the most comfortable and reliable way to get to the airport,however taxis in the UK are notoriously expensive, so this is only an option for a faint few travellers. Using the train is another comfortable and more affordable option to get to the airport. The train station is located underground at Stansted, and trains run directly from early morning to late evening from several major cities in the United Kingdom. Train tickets can be bought online or at the ticket machine at the railway stations, however pre-booking tickets is much cheaper than buying them on departure day. The underground station is connected to the terminal by escalators, lifts, and ramps to help with heavy luggage or wheelchairs. The Stansted Express takes 47 minutes from Liverpool Street Station in central London to the airport. The coach station is a two-minute walk from the airport’s terminal, and services regular coaches to and from London and beyond. This is a slower but cheaper option of getting to the airport. The coach services accessing the airport are the Nation Express, First Essex, and the Airport coach Express. 

How far is it from the city centre to the airport?

London Stansted Airport is six-kilometers northeast of central London. Train services accessing the Airport are Stansted Express and CrossCountry. The Stansted Express is the primary railway service that accesses the airport. It operates between Liverpool Street and Stansted direct throughout the day. The Stansted Airport Railway Station is located in the terminal building below the main concourse. The CrossCountry service connects the airport to Birmingham New Street, passing through Cambridge, Peterborough, and Leicester. Express coaches carry passengers to and from Stratford to the airport. The route A120 connects Stansted to Northeast London and Cambridge. 

Which facilities are there at the airport?

The London Stansted Airport is equipped with adequate infrastructure and amenities to ensure passengers remain comfortable during their wait in the airport. Some of the facilities in the airport include eateries such as Burger King, pharmacies, restaurants, free WiFi, charging sockets, resting lounges, boutiques, fashion shops, showers, toilets, lifts, and escalators. There is also a quiet space for passengers in the departure and arrival areas. Passengers can also book airport hotel rooms at Stansted and online prior to arrival or departure as of 2004. Some of the hotels include Radisson Blu, Premier Inn, Hampton by Hilton and Holiday Inn Express. Radisson Blu and Hampton by Hilton are located close to the terminal building. Passengers can access the terminal building via an undercover walkway. There are both long-term and short-term parking spaces at the airport.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility? 

Passengers with a lot of luggage don’t have to worry about moving around the airport. The coach and railway station are located close to the terminals or below them. The underground stations are connected to the terminals with lifts and escalators. This way, the passengers have an easier time accessing the terminals, and also moving their luggage, or maneuvering the airport with a wheelchair or other disabilities. The infrastructure is favorable for people with mobility or sight issues. Furthermore, the airport’s security offers additional help when requested in advance. 

Local tips: how to travel to the airport like a local

It is safe to book your coach or train a few days before your travel day. Pre-booking may save you up to 68% of the total cost. Pre-booking also saves passengers the long wait at the station. For stress-free movement, passengers can book the dedicated lane to get them straight to the security checkpoint. Passengers can also book airport hotels or hotels near the airport, allowing travellers a quick hop over to their gte upon waking. Avoid taking ‘cheap cabs’ to the airport, as these may be unlicensed fakes, which are illegal. Be sure to check out the prices of different taxi services online before settling for one, or order an Uber, if public transport isn't an option for whatever reason.