Your complete Stansted Airport guide. Airlines, destinations, Stansted Express train, taxi, parking, hotels, terminal facilities, accessibility and passenger services at STN.
London Stansted Airport (STN) is the fourth-busiest airport in the United Kingdom, serving 28.9 million passengers annually. Located 42 miles northeast of Central London in Essex, this single-terminal airport operates with 30+ airlines flying to over 160 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Major carriers include Ryanair, Jet2.com, TUI Airways, and easyJet.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Stansted Airport — from airlines and destinations to transport, parking, hotels, facilities, and passenger services. Whether you're planning a business trip, holiday, or connecting flight, we've included verified information on every option to help you plan your journey efficiently.
Quick Overview
Stansted Airport (STN) is the UK's fourth-busiest airport, 42 miles northeast of London, serving 28.9 million passengers annually with 30+ airlines and 160+ destinations. The fastest way to London is the Stansted Express train (45–50 minutes to Liverpool Street, from ~£19.80). A taxi offers door-to-door convenience (from ~£80 to Central London, 60–75 minutes). Coaches provide budget options (from ~£10–15). The single-terminal airport has 36 gates, state-of-the-art security with 3D CT scanners, and parking from ~£6 (Long Stay) to ~£43.50 (24-hour Short Stay). On-airport hotels include the Radisson Blu (2-minute walk) and Hampton by Hilton (5-minute walk). Call +44 344 335 1800 for general enquiries or visit stanstedairport.com.
Essential details for travellers arriving, departing, or connecting through Stansted Airport.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from London | 42 miles (68 km) northeast |
| Airport Code | STN (IATA), EGSS (ICAO) |
| Annual Passengers | 28.9 million (2024 record) |
| Airlines Operating | 30+ carriers (Ryanair, Jet2.com, easyJet, TUI Airways) |
| Destinations Served | 160+ routes across Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa |
| Terminals | 1 (designed by Norman Foster, opened 1991) |
| Runways | 2 (10,000 ft main, 6,995 ft secondary) |
| Operating Hours | 24/7, 365 days/year |
| Fastest to London | Stansted Express train: 45–50 minutes to Liverpool Street |
| Parking Options | Short Stay, Long Stay, Meet & Greet, Valet, Blue Badge |
Last updated August 2026. Fares and schedules subject to change — verify at source before travel.
Five transport options compared — time, cost, and what suits each traveller type.
The fastest and most reliable way to Central London. The dedicated Stansted Express service connects the airport directly to London Liverpool Street Station.
Journey time & frequency: 45–50 minutes, every 15–30 minutes throughout the day (first train ~05:00, last train ~23:00). Peak-time service is particularly frequent during business hours.
Pricing: Off-peak fares from ~£19.80, peak fares ~£24.00. Group and advance booking discounts available. Free Wi-Fi on board.
Pros: Reliable, no traffic delays, frequent service, connects to London Underground at Liverpool Street. Cons: Walking from station with luggage, limited luggage space during peak times.
Door-to-door service with no transfers or fixed timetables. Stansted Airport Taxi provides fixed-fare private hire vehicles available 24/7.
Journey time & pricing: 60–75 minutes to Central London (depending on traffic), from ~£80 for a saloon. Fares to Cambridge ~£79, Chelmsford ~£67, Colchester ~£81, Oxford ~£164, Dover ~£185. Free meet and greet included; 60 minutes free waiting time for arriving passengers.
Pros: Convenience, no transfers, available any hour, larger luggage capacity. Cons: More expensive than train or coach, exposed to traffic congestion.
Budget-friendly options connecting Stansted to London, Cambridge, and regional destinations.
Operators & pricing: National Express and Terravision operate services to London Victoria, from ~£10–15 one-way (advance booking). Journey time 60–90 minutes depending on traffic. Local buses (MetroBus 133, 308, 509, 510) serve nearby towns like Braintree and Bishop's Stortford from ~£3–5.
Pros: Cheapest option, direct routes to major cities. Cons: Longer journey times, fixed timetables, busier during peak travel periods.
Major car rental companies operate from Stansted, including Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, and Europcar. Access via M11 Junction 8 or A120.
Best for: Travellers requiring flexibility, families with luggage, exploring the Essex and East Anglia regions. Drop-off charge £10 at terminal forecourt. Parking available at the airport for multi-day stays.
On-demand ride-hailing services available, though pricing surges during peak times.
Best for: Solo travellers, short distances, when surge pricing is reasonable. Pickup areas designated within the airport.
No single option suits every traveller — choose based on budget, time, luggage, and comfort preferences.
The Stansted Express train at 45–50 minutes to London Liverpool Street — unaffected by traffic, frequent service, and direct connection to the Underground network. Ideal for business travellers and those catching onward connections.
A taxi or private hire — door-to-door with no transfers, no fixed timetables to work around, full luggage capacity, and 24/7 availability. Available for any flight time, ideal with young children or heavy cases.
Coaches and buses from ~£10–15 one-way to London, or local buses from ~£3–5 to nearby towns. Advance booking secures lowest fares. Best for budget-conscious solo travellers and groups.
Self-drive car rental via M11 Junction 8, offering flexibility to explore Essex, Cambridge, Suffolk, and the English countryside. Ideal for those keeping the car for their trip, avoiding public transport schedules.
Every option side by side — journey time, cost, luggage capacity, and what each option suits best.
| Transport | To Central London | Estimated Cost | Luggage Capacity | 24/7? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stansted Express Train | 45–50 min | ~£19.80–£24 | Standard luggage | No (05:00–23:00) | Business, speed, reliability |
| Taxi/Private Hire | 60–75 min* | From £80 | Full boot capacity | Yes | Families, convenience, luggage |
| Coach (National Express) | 60–90 min* | ~£10–15 | 2 cases + hand luggage | No (limited timetable) | Budget, groups |
| Local Bus | Regional | ~£3–5 | Standard allowance | No (daytime) | Short distances, local |
| Car Rental & Drive | 45–60 min* | Rental + fuel | Full vehicle | Yes | Flexibility, exploration |
* Traffic-dependent; times are typical. Fares and schedules subject to change — verify at source before travel.
Parking options from 1 hour to multi-day stays, with pricing from ~£6 (Long Stay) to ~£43.50 (24-hour Short Stay).
Location: Adjacent to terminal. Walking time: 1–3 minutes. Best for: Drop-offs, quick collections, short stays.
Pricing: Up to 1 hour ~£10.50, up to 2 hours ~£15.00, up to 6 hours ~£25.00, up to 12 hours ~£35.00, up to 24 hours ~£43.50.
Location: On-airport, further from terminal. Walking time: 3–5 minutes or free shuttle. Best for: Multi-day trips, value pricing.
Pricing: Significantly cheaper than Short Stay. 1 day ~£25.00, 3 days ~£50.00, 5 days ~£75.00. Free shuttle service to terminal.
Service: Premium valet service. Your car is parked, you collect a shuttle to the terminal. Walking time: 0 minutes. Best for: Premium experience, convenience, families with luggage.
For disabled travellers: Designated bays near terminal, free or discounted rates, reduced walking time. Pre-registration required for free parking.
Parking tips: Book online for cheaper rates than paying at the gate. Compare Long Stay (better value) vs Short Stay (convenience). Check current prices on the airport website. Peak season (school holidays) can mean longer waiting times.
30+ airlines operating from Stansted, serving 160+ destinations across Europe, Middle East, and beyond.
Ryanair: Largest operator with 100+ routes from Stansted (Ryanair's largest UK base). Serves Dublin, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Milan, Paris, and extensive European network.
Jet2.com: Leisure-focused airline operating flights to Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, and the Canary Islands.
TUI Airways: Charter and seasonal services to Mediterranean destinations, particularly Spain, Portugal, Turkey, and the Canary Islands.
easyJet: Base at Stansted with flights to European capitals and leisure destinations.
Other carriers: Pegasus Airlines, Air Arabia, Corendon Airlines, SunExpress, Play, and cargo operators (Emirates SkyCargo, Amazon Air, FedEx Express, UPS Airlines).
Most popular destinations: Dublin (~1.2 million passengers/year), Edinburgh (~900,000), Amsterdam (~800,000), Barcelona (~700,000), Milan Bergamo (~650,000), Paris Beauvais (~600,000), Tenerife (~500,000). These routes typically operate multiple daily frequencies.
160+ destinations across: Europe (120+ destinations in 30+ countries), Middle East (Dubai, Doha, Amman), North Africa (Marrakech, Agadir, Cairo), Asia (Istanbul, with Beijing planned). Seasonal routes to Mediterranean and alpine destinations operate during peak travel periods.
Single-terminal facility with 70+ check-in desks, 36 gates, state-of-the-art security, and comprehensive passenger facilities.
Designed by renowned architect Norman Foster and opened in 1991, Stansted's single terminal is a modern, spacious facility handling all flights under one roof. Features include 70+ check-in desks, state-of-the-art security with 3D CT scanners (allowing liquids and electronics to stay in bags), extensive departure lounge with 12+ restaurants and 15+ retail outlets, 36 gates (many with air bridges), and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Opening hours: Check-in desks open 3–4 hours before scheduled departures (varies by airline). Self-service kiosks available for pre-checked passengers. Online check-in recommended where possible. Dedicated bag-drop lanes for passengers with pre-checked luggage.
3D CT scanners: Allow passengers to leave liquids and electronics in bags (major time-saving upgrade). Security opens 03:00 daily and continues to the last departure. Fast Track security available for purchase. Dedicated lanes for passengers requiring additional support.
Liquids & items: 100ml containers in a clear, resealable plastic bag. Shoes, belts, jackets may need removal. Electronics can remain in bags.
Extensive facilities including 12+ restaurants and cafés (Costa, Pret A Manger, Burger King, Frankie & Benny's, Café Nero, Wetherspoon), 15+ retail outlets (duty-free, WHSmith, tech shops, fashion brands), Escape Lounge (premium lounge, £24.99), free 30-minute Wi-Fi, charging points throughout, family seating, and baby-changing rooms.
36 gates total: Gates 1–10 with air bridges (terminal-connected), Gates 11–20 with air bridges and remote stands, Gates 21–36 remote stands (bus gates requiring shuttle). Allow extra time for bus gate boarding. Check departure screens for gate information and listen for announcements about gate changes.
Multiple baggage carousels, trolleys available, lost baggage reporting to airline desk, meet and greet area, information desks, ground transport connections (taxi ranks, Stansted Express, bus and coach stops), and currency exchange.
Comprehensive facilities including dining, retail, family services, accessibility support, and business amenities.
Restaurants & Cafés: 12+ outlets including Costa, Pret A Manger, Burger King, Café Nero, Frankie & Benny's, The Camden Bar, Wetherspoon, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 04:00 to 22:00 (varies by outlet).
Duty-Free & Retail: 15+ shops including World Duty Free (perfume, cosmetics, alcohol, tobacco), Dufry, WHSmith, Accessorize, Hugo Boss, JD Sports, Sunglass Hut, Tech Express, serving 24/7 for departing passengers.
Escape Lounge: £24.99 per person, open 04:30–20:30, includes continental breakfast, hot food, snacks, unlimited soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, comfortable seating, quiet area, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Available to all passengers regardless of airline or class of travel.
Free 30-minute Wi-Fi for all passengers (additional data available for a fee). Charging points and USB ports throughout the departure lounge. Wireless charging at selected locations.
Family seating areas, baby-changing rooms throughout the terminal (before and after security), children's play area, and pushchair rental available. Designated family queue lanes at check-in.
ATMs throughout the terminal. Travelex and FX Now currency exchange services offering competitive rates and easy comparison.
Prayer room: Multi-faith prayer room open 24/7 for individual prayer and reflection (before security). Accessibility: Step-free access throughout, lifts and escalators available, accessible toilets before and after security, assistance dogs welcome, hearing loops at information desks. Medical: On-call medical team available 24/7. Smoking: Designated smoking areas outside the terminal (not permitted inside).
On-airport and nearby hotels offering overnight stays before or after your flight.
Radisson Blu Hotel: 2-minute walk from terminal (connected via covered walkway), premium 4-star accommodation, ideal for early flights or late arrivals, business facilities and meeting rooms, free Wi-Fi throughout.
Hampton by Hilton: 5-minute walk from terminal, business-friendly with free Wi-Fi, fitness facilities, family rooms available, consistently good reviews.
Holiday Inn Express: 5-minute walk, affordable 3-star option, breakfast included, suitable for families and business travellers.
Premier Inn: Value-for-money accommodation, free shuttle service to terminal, family-friendly rooms.
Travelodge: Budget option, shuttle service available (charge applies), functional rooms for overnight stays.
Book early for best rates. Use comparison websites to find the best deals. Check for stay + parking packages offering savings. Hotels closer to the terminal command higher prices but offer greater convenience for very early or very late flights.
Planning advice to make your journey through Stansted smooth and stress-free.
Essential information at a glance — for quick reference.
Q: What is Stansted Airport?
A: London Stansted Airport (STN) is the UK's fourth-busiest airport, located 42 miles northeast of London in Essex. It serves 28.9 million passengers annually (2024 record) with 30+ airlines and 160+ destinations across Europe, Middle East, and beyond.
Q: How far is Stansted from London?
A: 42 miles (68 km) northeast of Central London. By Stansted Express train: 45–50 minutes to Liverpool Street. By taxi: 60–75 minutes (traffic-dependent). By coach: 60–90 minutes.
Q: What's the fastest way to get to Central London?
A: The Stansted Express train at 45–50 minutes, every 15–30 minutes, from ~£19.80 off-peak. Unaffected by traffic, connects directly to London Underground at Liverpool Street.
Q: How much does a taxi from Stansted cost?
A: From ~£80 to Central London (60–75 minutes, traffic-dependent). Fixed fares available for other destinations: Cambridge ~£79, Chelmsford ~£67, Colchester ~£81, Oxford ~£164, Dover ~£185. Includes free meet and greet.
Q: What's the cheapest transport from Stansted?
A: Coaches to London Victoria from ~£10–15 (advance booking). Local buses to nearby towns from ~£3–5. Stansted Express ~£19.80. Book in advance for lowest fares.
Q: Is Stansted Airport open 24 hours?
A: Yes, 24/7 and 365 days a year. Terminal access and arrivals are 24/7. Security opens 03:00. Restaurants and shops have limited hours (04:00–22:00). Taxis and some transport operate 24/7.
Q: How many terminals at Stansted?
A: One modern single-terminal facility designed by Norman Foster (opened 1991). Features 70+ check-in desks, 36 gates, state-of-the-art 3D CT security scanners, 12+ restaurants, 15+ retail outlets, and comprehensive passenger facilities.
Q: Which airlines operate from Stansted?
A: 30+ carriers including Ryanair (100+ routes, largest UK base), Jet2.com, TUI Airways, easyJet, Pegasus Airlines, Air Arabia, SunExpress, plus cargo operators (Emirates SkyCargo, Amazon Air, FedEx Express, UPS Airlines).
Q: What destinations does Stansted serve?
A: 160+ destinations. Europe: 120+ in 30+ countries. Top routes: Dublin, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Milan Bergamo, Paris, Tenerife. Middle East: Dubai, Doha, Amman. North Africa: Marrakech, Cairo. Asia: Istanbul (Beijing planned).
Q: What parking options are available?
A: Short Stay (1–24 hours, £10.50–£43.50), Long Stay (£6–£25/day, with shuttle), Meet & Greet (valet service), Valet, and Blue Badge (free/discounted for disabled travellers). Book online for cheaper rates.
Q: Are there hotels at Stansted Airport?
A: Yes — Radisson Blu (2-minute walk, premium), Hampton by Hilton (5 min), Holiday Inn Express (5 min, budget), Premier Inn (shuttle, value), Travelodge (shuttle, budget). Stay + parking packages available.
Q: What are the luggage rules?
A: Hand luggage typically 56x45x25cm (10–15kg). Checked baggage typically 20–30kg. Verify exact allowances with your airline — different carriers have different limits, and overweight fees apply.
Q: Does Stansted have Free Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, 30 minutes free for all passengers. Extended access available for a fee. Charging points and USB ports throughout the departure lounge. Wireless charging at selected locations.
Q: What facilities are available for families?
A: Family seating areas, baby-changing rooms throughout the terminal (before and after security), children's play area, and pushchair rental. Family-friendly queues at check-in. Multiple food and retail options.
Q: How early should I arrive before my flight?
A: 2 hours before short-haul flights (within Europe), 3 hours before long-haul, 3–4 hours during peak seasons (school holidays, Christmas, Easter, public holidays). Peak airport times: 05:00–09:00.
Complete your pre-travel checklist to ensure a smooth journey.
General enquiries: +44 344 335 1800 (UK) or +44 808 169 7033 (International). Website: stanstedairport.com. Lost property: Report through stanstedairport.com/lost-property. Accessibility enquiries: Contact the airport directly with any accessibility requirements.
Guide last updated August 2026. Fares, schedules, and facilities subject to change — verify current information at stanstedairport.com or contact the airport directly before travel. This guide is provided for informational purposes and does not constitute official airport guidance.
