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STN Airport
Stansted Airport, located in the beautiful countryside of Essex, is a bustling international airport serving millions of passengers each year. As one of London's major airports, it offers excellent connectivity to various destinations worldwide.
Situated approximately 42 miles (68 kilometers) northeast of central London, Stansted Airport is easily accessible and well-connected. It is the fourth busiest airport in the UK, handling over 25 million passengers annually. This modern airport hosts a wide range of international and domestic flights, serving as a hub for many popular airlines, including Ryanair, British Airways, EasyJet, and Emirates.
How to get to Stansted Airport from London
Reaching Stansted Airport is straightforward, thanks to the various transportation options available. Here are the best ways to get there:
1. Train from London to Stansted Airport
Stansted Express is a dedicated train service that offers a quick and efficient way to travel to and from the airport. The Stansted Express departs from London Liverpool Street Station and operates at regular intervals, with a journey time of approximately 47 minutes. The stops along the way include Tottenham Hale station (38-minute trip) and Stratford station (58-minute trip).
You’ll find trains running every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes in early mornings and late evenings. The trains run from 6 AM til 12 AM. This direct rail service provides comfortable seating, onboard Wi-Fi, and ample luggage space, ensuring a pleasant journey for passengers.
The one-way train ticket from London to STN Airport is about £25.
2. Coach from London to Stansted Airport
National Express and Airport Bus Express operate direct coach services between Stansted Airport and numerous destinations across London and other major cities. The coaches are equipped with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and ample storage for luggage.
The express buses to Stansted Airport are available from various locations in London, including:
Stratford (with a travel time of 45 minutes),
Victoria Coach Station (75 minutes)
Liverpool Street Station (55 minutes)
Portman Square via Golders Green (70 minutes)
Paddington Station (105 minutes)
Shoreditch (67 minutes)
Marble Arch (93 minutes)
These services are priced at approximately half the train fare, but the trip takes longer. You can expect to pay approximately £14 for the trip. The bus station is conveniently situated next to the terminal building - you can’t miss it!
3. Taxi and Ride-Sharing Services:
Taxis and ride-sharing services are another option for reaching Stansted Airport, though this is also the priciest option, with fares costing between £70 and £120. Licensed taxis are readily available, offering a direct and hassle-free journey to the airport Ride-sharing platforms like Uber also operate in the area, providing reliable transportation solutions for passengers for prices around £65-90 one way.
4. Car
For those who prefer the flexibility of traveling by car, Stansted Airport offers good road connectivity. The airport is well-served by major motorways, including the M11, which provides direct access to central London and other key areas. Parking facilities are available on-site, catering to both short and long stays.
Transportation Method | Travel Time (Approx.) | Price Range (One way, approx.) |
---|---|---|
Train (Stansted Express) | 47 minutes | £23 - £25 |
Coach (National Express) | 45 - 90 min (depending on route) | £14 - £18 |
Taxi/Ride-Sharing | 60 minutes (to city centre) | £70 - £120 |
How to get to Stansted Airport from different UK cities
Birmingham to STN Airport
Birmingham, situated in the West Midlands, has excellent transport links to Stansted Airport. The most convenient option is to take the National Express coach from Birmingham Coach Station straight to STN Airport. The bus takes from 2h50 to 4h, depending on the time of day and the intended route, and it costs about £31.
Cambridge to Stansted Airport
Cambridge, known for its prestigious university, is located north of Stansted Airport. To travel from Cambridge to the airport, you can take a direct coach from Cambridge City Centre to STN Airport. The journey typically takes around 40-45 minutes.
Colchester to STN Airport
Colchester historic town in Essex, offers several transport options to reach Stansted Airport. You can take a direct coach from Colchester East Hill/High Street, coach stop and get off at the airport. The trip takes about 1 hour and costs on average £12. Alternatively, you can travel by train, which involves transfers and longer travel times.
Leicester to STN Airport
To travel from Leicester to Stansted Airport, you can take a direct coach from Leicester St Margaret's Bus & Coach Station to London Stansted Airport. The trip typically takes around 2h - 2h30, and tickets are available from £18. You’ll find about 10 daily buses on this route.
Oxford to Stansted Airport
Traveling from Oxford to Stansted Airport by coach is a convenient option. Two companies operate on this route: National Express and Oxford Tube. With about 30 departures throughout the day, you can choose a time that suits your schedule. The journey typically takes from 3h40 to 5h20, depending on traffic conditions and the preferred route, and costs about £26.
Norwich to Stansted Airport
If you're in Norwich and need to reach Stansted Airport, National Express offers direct coach services for your convenience. There are about 16 daily departures and the travel time from Norwich to the airport is between 2h30 to 3h30, depending on traffic and any necessary stops along the way. Book your tickets from £26.
Plan your travel ahead
Stansted Airport stands as a vital hub connecting London to the world, serving millions of passengers every year. Its strategic location, extensive flight network, and multiple transportation options make it a convenient choice for both leisure and business travellers.
Whether you choose to travel by train, coach, car, or taxi, reaching Stansted Airport is a seamless experience. Plan your journey in advance, consider the available options, and embark on your next adventure from this vibrant airport, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable start to your trip.

Popular departures from London Stansted Airport
Popular routes | Minimum price | Average trip duration | |
---|---|---|---|
London Stansted Air… → London | Minimum priceUS$4 | Average trip duration1h 12m | |
London Stansted Air… → London | Minimum priceUS$4 | Average trip duration1h 12m | |
London Stansted Air… → London | Minimum priceUS$4 | Average trip duration1h 12m | |
London Stansted Air… → London Victoria | Minimum priceUS$17 | Average trip duration1h 55m | |
London Stansted Air… → Cambridge | Minimum priceUS$6 | Average trip duration45m |
Frequently asked questions about London Stansted Airport
Popular companies operating from London Stansted Airport
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Where are the popular stops and stations near London Stansted Airport?
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