Stansted Airport to London

London Stansted Airport: 4 Important Facts

Before we look at how to get from London Stansted to the city, here are a few key facts about the airport that will come in handy.

• London Stansted is the third-largest airport in London
• It’s best known as the main hub for budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Eurowings
• There’s only one terminal
• At 64 kilometers northeast of central London, the airport is quite a way out

Not sure Stansted is the right airport for you after all? You can find more information about London’s other airports in these articles.

Stansted Airport to London: Transport Options

To make things easy for you, we’ve put together an overview of all transfer options from Stansted Airport to London with the most important details. This way, you can quickly see which one suits you best.

Stansted Express: The Fastest Transfer

The Stansted Express is a train and by far the most popular way to get from Stansted Aiport to London. It runs between the airport and Liverpool Street Station in central London, where you can easily connect to the Underground. There’s also a stop at Tottenham Hale. The station at Stansted Airport is well signposted and easy to find.

The journey takes just 45 minutes, making it the fastest way to reach the city. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes.

A one-way ticket costs around 25 pounds, but if you book about 10 days in advance, you might get one for as little as 19 pounds. It’s also worth booking a return ticket right away to save a few pounds.

Very convenient: For your outbound trip, you only need to choose a date, not a time. For the return trip, you don’t even need to set a date – you just have to use it within one month of your first journey.

Book your Stansted Express ticket here

National Express Bus: The Cheapest Transfer

The cheapest way to get to London is with the National Express bus. There are four routes in total, running for example to Liverpool Street, Victoria Coach Station, Paddington Station and Stratford. You can find an overview of all National Express routes here. No matter where your hotel is in London, there’s almost always a convenient connection.

Prices depend on the route and how early you book. For example, a ticket from Stansted to Liverpool Street costs around 17 pounds, and you can book it easily on GetYourGuide.

The downside: depending on where you’re going, the journey can take quite a while. Plan around 85 minutes to Liverpool Street and up to 2 hours to Victoria Coach Station.

Buses depart every 20 to 30 minutes and the bus stop is right outside the terminal. There are also night buses, though they run less frequently.

Taxi: Comfort Has Its Price

A taxi is, of course, the most comfortable way to travel from London Stansted. You’ll find the taxi rank directly at the terminal, and the driver will take you straight to your accommodation without any stops.

However, it’s also the most expensive option. Fares to central London start at around 90 pounds. It’s best to agree on a fixed price before setting off. Make sure to use one of the official black cabs, as some private drivers may charge much more at the end of the trip.

It’s usually best to pay in cash, since card payments aren’t always accepted or may come with a 10 percent surcharge. A small tip is customary.

The ride also takes a fair bit of time. Depending on your hotel’s location, you should expect to be on the road for at least 70 minutes.

For the return trip, your hotel reception will gladly arrange a taxi for you. Alternatively, you can call +44 845 300 7000 yourself.

Our tip: Besides the classic black cabs, there are also minicabs. You’ll need to book these in advance, but they’re usually a bit cheaper. A good option is minicabit.

Private Transfer: For More Security When Planning

If you prefer a bit more comfort and peace of mind, you can also book a private transfer. The big advantage is that your ride is already arranged in advance, so you don’t have to deal with finding a taxi at the airport. It makes your arrival much more relaxed.

You can easily book a private transfer through GetYourGuide, a trusted platform we’ve been working with for years. It’s a great option if you’d rather avoid using unfamiliar websites.

Just like a taxi, the driver will pick you up right at the airport and take you directly to your hotel. The price is around 110 pounds per trip, depending on your destination. Thanks to the fixed rate, you don’t have to worry about traffic or extra fees — the price stays the same.

Private transfer from London Stansted to your accommodation
Private transfer from your accommodation to London Stansted

Our Hotel Tips at London Stansted Airport

London Stansted is quite a distance from central London. If you have an early morning flight, it’s much less stressful to spend the night near the airport. We’ve picked three great hotels close to Stansted Airport for you.

• Hampton by Hilton: Stay right at the airport in a stylish hotel with a bar – you can’t get any closer! Family rooms are available too.
• Kings Arms Hotel: Located in the nearby town – ideal if you want to avoid airport noise. You can reach the airport in five minutes by taxi or ten minutes on the Stansted Express. The train station is right next to the hotel.
• Old Thatch Bambers Green: A quiet 4-star country hotel just a five-minute drive from Stansted Airport. The hotel can also arrange a taxi transfer for you.

Still looking for a nice hotel in central London for the rest of your trip? We’ve got you covered with these three guides.

Any questions about how to get from Stansted Airport to London?

Those were our tips for getting from London Stansted to central London. Have you ever flown from or landed at Stansted? Which transfer did you choose? Tell us in the comments – we’d love to hear from you!