In a nutshell
- London Stansted is the main budget airline airport serving London — and it’s a solid 64 km from the city center.
- There are four transfer options from Stansted to London, where London’s top attractions await. Our top pick is the Stansted Express — fastest at 45 minutes and great value if you book ahead.
- On a tight budget? The National Express bus gets you to Liverpool Street for as little as £17.
- Early flight? Stay near the airport: the Kings Arms Hotel is just 5–10 minutes from Stansted and has a great atmosphere.
London Stansted Airport: 5 Things You Should Know
Before we dive into your transfer options from London Stansted to London, here are a few key facts about the airport that are good to know upfront.
- London Stansted is the third-largest airport in London
- It’s the go-to airport for budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Eurowings
- There is only one terminal
- Direct flights operate from Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Dortmund, and Frankfurt
- At 64 kilometers from the city center, the airport is quite a distance out
Is London Stansted not the right airport for you? These articles cover London’s other airports in detail.
London Airports: an overview of all airports
London Heathrow Transfer: our tips
London Gatwick Transfer: our tips
Extra tip: If you ever experience a flight delay, our article on flight delay compensation gives you tips on how to get your money back.
Stansted to London: All Your Transfer Options at a Glance
To make things as easy as possible, we’ve put together an overview of all transfer options from London Stansted with the most important details — so you can quickly figure out which one suits you best.
| Transfer | Travel Time | From Stansted to the Center | From the Center to Stansted | Price | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stansted Express | 45 min | 06:00 to 00:30 | 04:40 to 23:25 | from 19 GBP | Buy now |
| National Express Bus | from 90 min | all day | all day | from 17 GBP | Buy now |
| Taxi | from 70 min | all day | all day | from 90 GBP | Buy now |
| Private Transfer | from 70 min | all day | all day | 110 GBP | Buy now |
Once you’ve made it into the city center, you’ll probably want to hit the highlights straight away. Depending on how much you want to see, a London City Pass could be well worth it.
Our Recommendation
Stansted Express: The Fastest Transfer
The Stansted Express is the most popular way to get from London Stansted to London city center — and it’s easy to see why. The train runs directly between the airport and Liverpool Street station, where you can hop straight onto the Underground. It also makes one stop at Tottenham Hale. The train station at Stansted is well signposted throughout the terminal.
The journey takes just 45 minutes — nothing else gets you from Stansted into London faster. Trains run approximately every 30 minutes.
A one-way ticket regularly costs £25, but if you book about ten days ahead, you might snag one for £19. Booking your outbound and return trips together can also save you a few pounds.
One really convenient thing: for the outbound journey, you only need to commit to a specific date — not a departure time. For the return, you don’t even need to fix a date; you just have to travel within one month of your outbound trip.
Book a ticket for the Stansted Express
National Express Bus: The Cheapest Transfer
If you’re watching your budget, the National Express bus is your best bet. There are four routes in total, serving 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 in London is, there’s almost always a convenient stop nearby.
Prices vary depending on the route and how early you book. A ticket from Stansted to Liverpool Street, for example, costs just £17, and you can easily book it on Get Your Guide.
The trade-off: depending on where you get off, the journey can take quite a while. Allow 85 minutes to Liverpool Street and up to two hours to Victoria Coach Station.
Buses depart approximately every 20 to 30 minutes, and the stop is located right outside the terminal. There are overnight services too, though they run less frequently than during the day.
Taxi: Comfort Comes at a Price
A taxi is the most comfortable way to get from London Stansted to London city center. You’ll find the taxi stand right at the airport, and you’ll be taken directly to your accommodation with no stops in between.
That said, you’ll need a bigger budget. Fares into the city center start at around £90. Always agree on a fixed price before you get in. You should also stick to the iconic black cabs — disreputable operators have been known to suddenly charge double at the end of the trip.
Cash is the safest way to pay, as card payments aren’t always accepted or may come with a 10 percent surcharge. A small tip is customary.
The journey itself takes a while too. Depending on exactly where your hotel is, expect to be in the cab for at least 70 minutes.
For the return trip, the front desk at your hotel will be happy to order a taxi for you. Or you can call directly at +44 845 300 7000.
Our tip: In addition to regular taxis, there are also minicabs. You do need to book these in advance, but you can save a few pounds. One well-known site is minicabit.
Private Transfer: For Greater Peace of Mind
As an alternative to a taxi, you can book a private transfer in advance. The big advantage: your ride is sorted before you even land, so there’s no scrambling for a cab at the airport. This makes your arrival far less stressful.
You can book the private transfer through GetYourGuide, a platform we’ve been working with for years and trust completely.
Otherwise, it works much like a taxi. At £110 per journey, it may be slightly more expensive depending on your destination — but thanks to the fixed price, it doesn’t matter if traffic is bad. The price stays the same.
Private transfer from London Stansted to your accommodation
Private transfer from your accommodation to London Stansted
Our Hotel Picks Near London Stansted Airport
London Stansted is really quite far from central London. If you have an early morning flight, spending the night near the airport is a much more relaxed option. Here are three great places to stay near Stansted.
- Hampton by Hilton: You’ll be staying right at the airport in a stylish hotel with a bar — it doesn’t get more convenient than this. Family rooms are available too.
- Kings Arms Hotel: A great pick in the nearest town — ideal if you don’t want to deal with airport noise. The airport is five minutes away by taxi and ten by Stansted Express. The train station is right next to the hotel.
- Old Thatch Bambers Green: A peaceful 4-star hotel in a green setting just five minutes by car from Stansted Airport. The hotel is happy to arrange a taxi transfer for you.
Still looking for a great hotel in central London for the rest of your stay?
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