Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG: 5 minutes from terminal, free breakfast, parking £14/night, shuttle £4, modern rooms, business facilities.
Holiday Inn Express runs the cheapest shuttle at Stansted — £4 per person, and it runs around the clock with no timetable to catch. The hotel sits a mile from the terminal on Thremhall Avenue, a five-minute ride away, with continental breakfast included in the room rate.
Budget three-star pricing from around £60, free breakfast, parking at £14 a night. This page covers the shuttle in detail, what the room rate actually includes, the unusual 11am check-in, and the total cost once parking and transfers are counted. Pre-booked fixed-fare transfers for the hours a shuttle cannot cover with Stansted Airport Taxi, a TfL-licensed private-hire operator. Reviewed August 2026.
If you want the lowest total cost, this is the strongest case at Stansted. Budget room rates from around £60, continental breakfast included, and a shuttle at £4 per person that runs 24 hours a day with no scheduled times. Nothing else here combines all three.
If you are flying very early, it still works. The shuttle is on-demand around the clock rather than to a timetable, so a 05:45 pick-up for a 07:00 flight is a phone call to reception rather than a gamble on a first departure.
Two things to note before booking. Check-in is 11:00 — unusually early, and useful if you land in the morning. And the shuttle multiplies: four people, both ways, is £32, at which point one pre-booked vehicle is frequently cheaper.
The headline facts before the detail — distance, access, what is included and what is charged.
| Hotel detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Hotel | Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport by IHG — 180+ rooms, 3-star budget |
| Location | Thremhall Avenue, London Stansted Airport, Stansted, Essex |
| Postcode | CM24 1PY |
| Distance to terminal | 1 mile — around a 5-minute shuttle ride |
| Shuttle | £4 per person each way, 24 hours, on demand — no scheduled times |
| Check-in / check-out | From 11:00 / by 11:00 — check-in unusually early for the bracket |
| Breakfast | Included — continental, typically 6.00am–10.00am |
| Parking | On site, £14 per night — 150 spaces, charged separately |
| Facilities | Restaurant, bar with pool table, free Wi-Fi, business centre, 5 meeting rooms |
| Indicative rate | £60–£130 per night, varying with date and booking window |
Prices shown are calculated on room type, date and availability. Your final fixed price is confirmed at the time of booking. Hotel prices, shuttle charges and facilities change — check directly with the property.
Free breakfast saves roughly £12–£18 per person against a property that charges for it, and the £4 shuttle is the cheapest transfer at Stansted. Together they make the one-mile distance a smaller problem than the map suggests.
The maths changes with party size. Per-person shuttle charges multiply; a per-vehicle fare does not.
How far is Holiday Inn Express from Stansted Airport?
One mile, around a five-minute shuttle ride. It is not a sensible walk — the route runs alongside airport approach roads with little pedestrian provision. Use the shuttle or a car.
How much is the Holiday Inn Express shuttle?
£4 per person each way — the cheapest hotel shuttle at Stansted. It runs 24 hours on demand rather than to a timetable, and luggage is included at no extra charge.
Does the shuttle run 24 hours?
Yes. There are no scheduled departure times — you reserve a slot at reception or by phone and the shuttle runs to it, at any hour of the day or night.
Is breakfast included?
Yes — a continental breakfast is included in most room rates, typically served 6.00am to 10.00am. Cooked items are available on some rates. Confirm the hours at booking.
How much is parking?
£14 per night for overnight guest stays, charged separately from the room and usually settled at checkout. 150 on-site spaces, CCTV monitored, rarely full.
What time is check-in?
11:00 — early for the bracket, and genuinely useful if you land on a morning flight. Check-out is also 11:00. Late check-out is available subject to availability.
The address, the postcode, and what one mile actually means on the ground.
Thremhall Avenue, London Stansted Airport, Stansted, Essex CM24 1PY.
The hotel sits about a mile south-west of the terminal, on airport land. Thremhall Avenue is the airport approach road, so give a driver the postcode CM24 1PY rather than the road name alone — several properties sit along it.
Reaching it: by the hotel's own shuttle (£4 per person, 24 hours, five minutes), or by taxi or pre-booked transfer. The shuttle picks up at the hotel front entrance and drops at the terminal main entrance.
Phone: +44 333 320 9362 (reservations and reception)
This section covers where this hotel sits. For how the wider hotel landscape is arranged, see our Stansted airport hotels guide.
One mile — short enough that the transfer is cheap, far enough that you need one.
One mile from the terminal, roughly a five-minute shuttle ride.
This is not a long distance, and the transfer is quick. What matters more than the mileage is that the shuttle runs continuously rather than to a schedule, so there is no waiting for a service that departs on the hour.
Do not plan to walk it. A mile sounds walkable, and published estimates put it at 15–20 minutes. In practice the route runs alongside busy airport approach roads with little designated pedestrian provision. Technically walkable is not the same as sensible to walk, particularly with luggage or in the dark. Use the shuttle or a car.
What this means for budget travellers. One mile plus a £4 shuttle plus included breakfast is a stronger value proposition than the room rate alone suggests. Against a walkable hotel charging £15–£20 for breakfast, the gap closes quickly.
What this means for groups. The shuttle cost multiplies per person. Four people travelling both ways is £32 — at which point a single pre-booked vehicle is frequently cheaper and takes all the luggage in one go.
What this means for late arrivals. The shuttle is available at any hour, so a midnight landing is a phone call from arrivals rather than a problem.
The cheapest transfer at Stansted, and the detail that decides whether it suits your flight.
£4 per person each way, luggage included at no extra charge. It runs continuously, 24 hours, on demand rather than to published departure times — which removes the single most common airport-hotel problem, a first service that starts after you need to leave. Journey time is around five minutes.
Reserve at reception when you check in, or the day before. Call +44 333 320 9362 to book a specific time. There is no advance online booking — arrange it direct with the hotel. Tell reception your flight time when you check in and they will help you work backwards to a sensible pick-up.
Reserve your departure time, and staff call your room as a reminder before it leaves. Walk to the hotel front entrance, board in the forecourt, and you are dropped at the terminal main entrance about five minutes later. Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are available — request one when you book the slot.
Exit arrivals and look for the Holiday Inn Express shuttle sign. The vehicle may wait briefly to fill or may depart immediately. Five minutes to the hotel front entrance. If you are landing very late, call reception from arrivals rather than waiting to be found.
At £4 per person the shuttle is the cheapest airport transport at Stansted, and for one or two people travelling light it is the obvious choice. A taxi covers the same ground door to door for more. Walking is free but genuinely unwise on this route. Car hire makes no sense for a single overnight.
When the per-person maths turns against you — a family of four, both ways, is £32 — when you have heavy or awkward luggage that a shared vehicle handles poorly, when a shuttle transfer is difficult for accessibility reasons, or when you are travelling onward to a town rather than the terminal. A per-vehicle fare stops multiplying at two passengers.
Modern, functional and recently renovated — a bed before a flight rather than a destination.
| Room type | Suits |
|---|---|
| Double | Two guests, one double bed |
| Twin | Two guests, two single beds |
| Family (interconnecting) | Up to four guests across connected rooms |
| Accessible | Step-free access, accessible bathroom with grab rails |
In-room amenities: free Wi-Fi · flat-screen TV with Freeview (60+ channels) · work desk · tea and coffee making facilities · modern bathroom with wet-room shower · hairdryer and toiletries · air-conditioning · iron and ironing board · in-room ordering phone.
Room quality. Modern and recently renovated to a clean, well-maintained three-star standard. Functional rather than luxurious, which is the honest description and the right one for the price. Rooms are typically courtyard-facing, which keeps them quieter than the location suggests.
Family rooms interconnect, with extra beds available at a charge and children's amenities on request. Quiet floors are available if you ask.
Accessible rooms offer step-free access, an accessible bathroom with grab rails and mobility assistance on request at reception. Confirm the specific configuration on +44 333 320 9362 before booking, and ask about the accessible shuttle vehicle at the same time.
What the property offers beyond the room — modest, but complete for an overnight.
Included breakfast is the main saving here — but check the hours against your flight.
Breakfast is included in most room rates and typically served 6.00am to 10.00am. It is a continental buffet — pastries, cereals, bread, fruit and yogurt, with coffee, tea, juice and hot chocolate. Cooked items are available on some rates. Vegetarian and vegan options are available on request.
A 6.00am start does not serve the very first Stansted departures. If your flight leaves at 06:30 and you are taking a 05:00 shuttle, breakfast will not be open.
Two workarounds: room-service breakfast delivery, which can sometimes be arranged for an early departure — confirm at booking — or eat in the terminal after the shuttle. Confirm the exact hours with the hotel rather than assuming, since they vary.
| Meal | Indicative cost |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Included in most room rates |
| Lunch mains | ~£10–£15 |
| Dinner mains | ~£12–£18 |
| Bar drinks | ~£4–£7 |
| Room service | Menu pricing plus £2–£3 delivery |
Alternatives. The terminal food court is a five-minute shuttle away, and there are restaurants in Bishop's Stortford and the surrounding area if you have a car.
The lowest published rates at Stansted — and the three lines you add to get the real figure.
Rooms run from around £60 to £130 per night, varying with date, room type, availability and booking lead time. Weekday rates sit below weekends; the July–August and school-holiday peak lifts rates; winter is often competitive.
| Included in the rate | Charged separately |
|---|---|
| The room | Parking — £14 per night, overnight stays |
| Continental breakfast | Shuttle — £4 per person each way |
| Free Wi-Fi throughout | Lunch and dinner — £10–£18 mains |
| Use of hotel facilities | Room service delivery charge |
Room ~£85 + parking £14 + breakfast (included) + shuttle £8 each way = around £115 for the stay and both transfers.
The same trip with four people: shuttle rises to £16 each way, £32 in total. Compare that against a single pre-booked vehicle before you book the seats — a per-vehicle fare stops multiplying at two passengers, and takes all four cases in one go.
Multi-night stays. Parking at £14 a night and shuttle fares per person per journey both accumulate. Over three or four nights the total shifts considerably — recalculate rather than assuming the per-night figure scales cleanly.
Cancellation. Most standard rates allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival; budget rates are non-refundable. For a stay tied to a flight, flexibility usually earns its price.
How to book the best rate. Book direct at ihg.com/holidayinnexpress or call +44 333 320 9362. Check several dates, since rates move daily. IHG One Rewards is free to join and members see discounts and upgrades.
Prices last checked: August 2026
Unusually early check-in for this bracket, which is worth knowing if you land in the morning.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Check-in | From 11:00. Early even against the 14:00–15:00 industry standard. Not guaranteed if a room is not ready |
| Check-out | By 11:00. Late check-out subject to availability, charge may apply |
| Reception | Staffed 24 hours. Late arrivals enter via the main entrance and phone reception from the lobby. No late-arrival surcharge |
| Express check-in | Available online, reducing time at the desk |
| Luggage storage | Before check-in and after check-out. Free for two to four hours, chargeable beyond. Secure facility |
Why the 11:00 check-in matters. If you land on a morning flight and want to sleep before travelling on, most airport hotels will not give you a room until mid-afternoon. Here you can be in one by late morning. That single detail makes this property considerably more useful for inbound overnight stays than its price bracket suggests.
Where the budget-plus-shuttle combination works, and where it does not.
The strongest value case at Stansted on total cost. Lowest published rates, breakfast included, cheapest shuttle. If you are treating the room as a bed before a flight and travelling as one or two, nothing here beats it.
Strong fit. The 24-hour on-demand shuttle removes the question that sinks most airport hotels — whether the first service runs early enough. Book a 04:30 pick-up at reception the night before and it runs.
Unusually good fit. Check-in from 11:00 means a room after a morning landing rather than a five-hour wait in a lobby. Very few properties in this bracket offer that.
Adequate and well equipped for the price. Business centre, five meeting rooms, boardrooms, work desks in rooms, free Wi-Fi and corporate rates. A budget property with genuine meeting provision, which is unusual.
Good fit on the room, check the transfer. Interconnecting family rooms, children's amenities and breakfast included. But the shuttle charges per person — four people both ways is £32, and one vehicle is often cheaper.
Good fit. 150 on-site spaces at £14 a night, rarely full, CCTV monitored and well lit. Cheaper than the £25 at Hampton by Hilton, though it covers your stay night rather than the length of your trip.
Not the right property. The mile is not sensibly walkable. If removing the transfer entirely matters to you, the Radisson Blu and Hampton by Hilton are the only two walkable options at Stansted.
Not the right property. This is clean, modern, functional three-star. No pool, no spa, one restaurant. For a stay you want to enjoy rather than sleep through, look at the Radisson Blu.
Match your circumstances against the property before you book.
| Your situation | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Budget is the priority | Yes — lowest total cost at Stansted for one or two people |
| Very early or very late flight | Yes — 24-hour on-demand shuttle, no first-departure problem |
| Landing on a morning flight | Yes — 11:00 check-in is rare in this bracket |
| Driving to the airport | Yes — £14 parking, 150 spaces, rarely full |
| Family of four | Yes on the room, check the transfer — £32 of shuttle seats each trip |
| You want to walk to the terminal | No — consider Radisson Blu or Hampton by Hilton |
| You want a pool, spa or dining choice | No — consider Radisson Blu |
| You want parking included | No — £14 per night is separate. Ramada includes it on direct bookings |
| Staying several nights | Recalculate — parking and shuttle both accumulate |
Where to book, what to confirm, and what happens next.
Book online or by phone → confirmation email → check in from 11:00 → reserve your shuttle slot at reception → breakfast in the morning → five-minute ride to the terminal at £4 per person → check out by 11:00.
The primary sources behind the facts on this page, so you can verify current rates and shuttle arrangements directly.
Q: How far is Holiday Inn Express from Stansted Airport?
A: One mile, around a five-minute shuttle ride. It is not a sensible walk — the route runs alongside airport approach roads with little pedestrian provision.
Q: Does Holiday Inn Express have a shuttle bus?
A: Yes — 24 hours a day at £4 per person each way, running on demand rather than to a timetable. Journey time around five minutes, luggage included, wheelchair-accessible vehicles available on request.
Q: How do I book the shuttle?
A: At reception when you check in, or the day before. Call +44 333 320 9362 to reserve a specific time. There is no advance online booking — arrange it direct with the hotel.
Q: Is breakfast included in the room rate?
A: Yes — continental breakfast is included in most rates, typically served 6.00am to 10.00am. Cooked items are available on some rates. Confirm the hours at booking if you are flying early.
Q: What time is check-in and check-out?
A: Both 11:00. The early check-in is unusual for the bracket and genuinely useful if you land on a morning flight. Late check-out is available subject to availability and may be charged.
Q: How much is parking at Holiday Inn Express Stansted?
A: £14 per night for overnight guest stays, charged separately from the room and usually settled at checkout. 150 on-site spaces, well lit, CCTV monitored and rarely full.
Q: What's the total cost for a couple with a car?
A: Roughly £115 for one night — room around £85, parking £14, breakfast included, shuttle £8 each way. For four people the shuttle rises to £32 in total, so compare a single vehicle.
Q: What facilities does Holiday Inn Express have?
A: Restaurant, bar with pool table, free Wi-Fi, business centre, five meeting rooms, accessible rooms, luggage storage and on-site parking. No pool or gym.
Q: What are the room types?
A: Double, twin, interconnecting family rooms for up to four, and accessible rooms. All modern and recently renovated to a three-star standard, typically courtyard-facing.
Q: Are accessible rooms available?
A: Yes, with step-free access and accessible bathrooms with grab rails. Wheelchair-accessible shuttle vehicles are available. Call +44 333 320 9362 to confirm both before booking.
Q: Is Holiday Inn Express suitable for an early flight?
A: Yes. The shuttle runs 24 hours on demand, so there is no first-departure problem. Check breakfast hours separately — a 6.00am start does not serve the earliest departures.
Q: How do I get to central London from the hotel?
A: Take the shuttle to the terminal (£4, five minutes), then the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street in around 45 minutes from the station beneath the terminal.
Q: Is the hotel pet-friendly?
A: No. Pets are generally not accommodated. Confirm with the hotel if you have an assistance dog, which is treated differently.
Q: Can I cancel for free?
A: Most standard rates allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before arrival. Budget rates are non-refundable. Check the rate terms at booking.
The £4 shuttle is the cheapest transfer at Stansted and, for one or two people travelling light, the obvious choice. It stops being the cheapest option the moment the party grows: four people both ways is £32 of seats, and a per-vehicle fare stops multiplying at two passengers. A car also earns its place with heavy or awkward luggage, when a shared shuttle transfer is difficult for accessibility reasons, or when you are travelling onward to Bishop's Stortford, London or across the region rather than to the terminal. Stansted Airport Taxi runs pre-booked journeys to and from any Stansted-area hotel at any hour.
📞 Get your fixed-fare quote in under two minutes — book online or call +44 20 3617 7825.
Other Stansted hotels: Radisson Blu · Hampton by Hilton · Novotel · Ramada by Wyndham · Premier Inn · All Stansted hotels compared
Airport guides: Terminal guide · Shuttle and transport · Parking guide
Last reviewed August 2026 · Prices last updated August 2026 · Next review November 2026 · Sources checked against IHG's official site, London Stansted Airport's official hotels page and Stansted Express · Stansted Airport Taxi editorial team.
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