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Airport Transportation

London Stansted Airport

Also known as: Stansted Airport, Stansted, London Stansted.

STN · EGSS · London

Airport facts

Name
London Stansted Airport
IATA code
STN
ICAO code
EGSS
City
London
Country
England
Coordinates
51.8850, 0.2350
Time zone
Europe/London

About London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport (STN) is one of London's main airports, in England, United Kingdom. It sits near Stansted Mountfitchet in the Uttlesford district of Essex, about 31 miles north-east of central London and south of Cambridge.

Ryanair has its largest base here, with flights to more than 150 destinations, and Jet2 and TUI are also based at Stansted. easyJet, British Airways, Pegasus and Turkish Airlines add more routes, mostly short-haul across Europe, and Emirates flies twice a day to Dubai.

The airport has one main terminal, opened in 1991, where you check in, go through security and collect your bags. The departure gates are in three satellite buildings, reached airside by the free Stansted Airport Transit System trains or by walkways. The transit trains are due to be retired in 2027.

From the airport, most travelers head into central London and the City, north to Cambridge, or around Essex and Hertfordshire. The Stansted Express runs to London Liverpool Street, and coaches run to several London stops.

Airport operator, runways and traffic

Operator

Manchester Airports Group (MAG)

Runways

One (04/22)

Passengers per year

About 29.7 million in 2024

Main airline

Ryanair (largest base)

Arrival tips for London Stansted Airport

All flights arrive at the single terminal. From your satellite gate, take the transit train or walkway back to the main building.

You clear UK passport control first. Many visitors can use the automatic eGates, while others queue at the staffed desks, and queues can build when several flights land together, especially in the early morning and evening. Most visitors who do not need a visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. After baggage claim, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if you do.

In the arrivals hall, follow the signs for trains, coaches or taxis. The railway station is part of the terminal: the Stansted Express runs about every 15 minutes to London Liverpool Street, some trains calling at Tottenham Hale, and other trains run to Cambridge, Norwich and Birmingham. Coaches to London leave from the coach station outside, and pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.

The UK is on GMT in winter and BST (GMT+1) in summer, and uses pounds sterling.

Ground transportation

The Stansted Express is the quickest way into London; coaches are cheaper, and a pre-booked car is easier with luggage or for addresses outside the center.

  • Stansted Express to Liverpool Street

    Trains about every 15 minutes, taking about 45–53 minutes to London Liverpool Street, some calling at Tottenham Hale for the Victoria line.

  • Coaches to London

    National Express and Flibco run coaches to several London stops. Cheaper than the train, but slower in traffic.

  • Private transfer

    A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups and addresses away from the rail lines.

  • Taxi from Stansted

    Taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal. Good for Cambridge and nearby towns, but expensive into central London.

  • Trains to Cambridge and beyond

    Greater Anglia trains run to Cambridge and Norwich, and CrossCountry hourly to Birmingham.

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Terminals

Terminal

One terminal for all flights, opened in 1991, with check-in, security and baggage claim. Gates are in three satellite buildings reached by transit train or walkway.

Airlines and destinations

This directory lists the main airlines at Stansted.

easyJet

European destinations

Emirates

Dubai

Airline guide

Jet2

Holiday destinations in Europe

Airline guide

Pegasus Airlines

Istanbul and Turkey

Airline guide

Ryanair

More than 150 destinations across Europe and North Africa

Airline guide

TUI Airways

Holiday destinations in Europe

Airline guide

Turkish Airlines

Istanbul

Airline guide

Airport lounges

  • Escape Lounge

    A pay-for-access lounge in the departure area, open to any passenger who books.

Parking

Short-stay car park

Next to the terminal, for pickups and short stays.

Mid-stay and long-stay car parks

Further out, with a courtesy bus to the terminal from long-stay.

Drop-off

The express drop-off zone near the short-stay car park charges a fee; free drop-off is available in the mid-stay car park, with a bus to the terminal.

Frequently asked questions

How far is Stansted Airport from central London?

London Stansted is about 31 miles north-east of central London, in Essex. The Stansted Express reaches London Liverpool Street in about 45 to 53 minutes, and coaches run to several London stops.

How many terminals does Stansted have?

Stansted has one terminal, opened in 1991, where every passenger checks in and collects bags. The departure gates are in three satellite buildings, reached airside by the free transit train or by walkways.

What is the best way from Stansted to London?

The Stansted Express is the quickest, with trains about every 15 minutes to Liverpool Street, some calling at Tottenham Hale. Coaches by National Express and Flibco are cheaper but slower. A taxi or pre-booked car is easiest with heavy luggage.

Is Stansted close to Cambridge?

Yes. Stansted lies south of Cambridge, which is closer to the airport than central London is. Greater Anglia trains run from the airport station to Cambridge, and a taxi or pre-booked car goes direct by the M11.

Is there a drop-off charge at Stansted?

Yes. The express drop-off zone near the short-stay car park charges a fee. Free drop-off is available in the mid-stay car park, with a bus to the terminal.

Which airline is biggest at Stansted?

Ryanair is by far the largest airline at Stansted, which is its biggest base, with flights to more than 150 destinations. Jet2 and TUI are also based here, and easyJet, Emirates, Pegasus and Turkish Airlines fly from Stansted too.

Why book with Airport Transportation?

We provide private transportation from any airport to any hotel at the best price, and we are licensed with complete insurance liability.

Is the transportation private or shared?

Airport Transportation provides private transportation only, in vans, luxury SUVs, or semi-buses.

Are prices per person or per vehicle?

Prices on our website are per vehicle, not per person, based on a range of passengers.

How many people can a van carry?

Regular vans carry up to 9 passengers, semi-buses up to 16, and luxury SUVs up to 6 passengers.

How do I find you at the airport?

Walk all the way out of the airport. You'll see representatives holding boards. Look for the Airport Transportation logo or your name.

What kind of vehicles do you use?

Commonly Toyota Hiace, Volkswagen Transporter, Mercedes Sprinter, Volkswagen Crafter, Chevrolet Tahoe, and Chevrolet Suburban.

Do you have insurance?

Yes. We carry insurance with complete liability for all passengers while using our services.

Do you provide baby seats?

Baby seats are provided with prior notice, subject to availability, one seat maximum per vehicle.

How far in advance should I book?

You can book any time in advance; we suggest one week to one day ahead. Same-day reservations are available.

What payment methods are accepted?

PayPal is our main payment method; a cash option is also available when booking through our website. Credit cards are accepted through PayPal.

Do vehicles have air conditioning?

Yes. For your comfort all our units have air conditioning.

What if my flight is delayed?

During booking we ask for your airline and flight number so we can track delays and wait for you.

Can I make stops during my ride?

Yes, you can add an extra stop to your service during the booking process.

Do children pay differently than adults?

No. Prices are set per passenger range or per vehicle, not per age.

Is my reservation refundable?

Yes. Cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before your pick-up and you are refunded in full. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before service are not refundable.

Do drivers speak English?

Yes. While their English may not be native-level, drivers have the skills to communicate with passengers.

Are tips mandatory?

Tips are not mandatory but are highly recommended; drivers earn them through service quality.

What currencies are accepted?

All prices are in USD. Via PayPal you can pay in almost any currency; cash payments accept USD only.

Are pets allowed?

We can transport domestic pets kept in cages that fit in a normal vehicle.

Is there room for luggage?

Yes. There is plenty of room for one suitcase and one carry-on per person.

What is included in the price?

Every private transfer includes a professional, licensed driver; an insured, well-maintained vehicle; real-time flight monitoring; meet-and-greet service at arrivals; and door-to-door service with no hidden fees added after booking. Your fixed price covers the full route to your destination.

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