London Stansted Airport and Heathrow Airport are approximately 60 road miles apart (about 96 km), according to Heathrow's own airport guide. The airports are directly connected by coach — National Express currently operates route 727 with a fastest journey of around 1h30 — while rail passengers must change in central London with no direct airport-to-airport train. A pre-booked private car provides the only door-to-terminal direct road transfer between the two airports.
Last reviewed: September 2026
⚙ Quick Answer
Stansted and Heathrow are approximately 60 road miles / 96 km apart via the M11 and M25. There is no direct train — a change in central London is required. National Express currently operates a direct coach service (727) with a fastest journey of around 1h30. A pre-booked private car provides the only direct door-to-terminal road transfer.
Stansted to Heathrow: Quick Answer Table
| Question | Planning answer |
|---|---|
| Approximate road distance | ~60 miles / 96 km |
| Main road corridor | M11 → M25 |
| Direct train? | No — change in central London required |
| Direct coach? | Yes — National Express 727 |
| Fastest current coach reference | ~1h30 |
| Private car? | Yes — direct airport-to-airport |
| Heathrow drop-off charge | £7 (included in Stansted Airport Taxi fares) |
Quick Answers
How many miles is Stansted from Heathrow Airport?
Approximately 60 road miles / 96 km, according to Heathrow's own airport guide. This covers the standard M11–M25 road corridor between the airports.
Is there a direct train from Stansted to Heathrow?
No. Rail passengers take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street and then connect via the Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line or another route to Heathrow. Total rail journey time is typically 1h45 to 2h30.
Is there a direct coach from Stansted to Heathrow?
Yes. National Express currently operates route 727 directly between Stansted Airport Coach Station and Heathrow Airport, with a fastest published journey of approximately 1h30.
How long does Stansted to Heathrow take by car?
Approximately 1h15 to 1h45 off-peak via the M11 and M25. Weekday morning peaks and Friday afternoons can add 30 to 60 minutes or more.
How much is a taxi from Stansted to Heathrow?
Stansted Airport Taxi's fixed fares start from £108.50 for a Saloon (approximately 60 miles, including the £7 Heathrow set-down charge).
Which Heathrow terminal does the National Express coach serve?
National Express currently serves Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2 and 3) and Terminal 5. Terminal 4 requires checking separately.
Why Do Stansted-to-Heathrow Distance Figures Vary?
Passengers researching this route may find different distance figures from different sources. There are three main reasons.
Straight-Line Distance vs Road Distance. The geographic straight-line distance between the two airports is shorter than the road mileage, because the road network between them routes via the M11 and M25 rather than in a straight line. The 60-mile figure (96 km) from Heathrow's own guidance refers to road distance on the normal driving route — this is the most useful measurement for transfer planning.
Heathrow Terminal Choice. Heathrow Airport contains four passenger terminals: Terminals 2 and 3 (served together at Heathrow Central), Terminal 4 and Terminal 5. These are not at exactly the same point within the airport. Terminal 5 is the westernmost terminal, and Terminal 4 requires an internal transfer for some transport modes. The total journey distance can vary very slightly depending on the terminal, though the difference is operationally small for road travellers.
Road, Coach and Rail Distances Are Different Measurements. National Express gives its Stansted–Heathrow route distance as approximately 100 km, while Heathrow gives approximately 96 km road distance. The difference reflects different measurement methodologies rather than contradictory facts. Rail travel, which routes through central London, covers a longer total distance than a direct road journey.
Stansted to Heathrow Distance by Car
The road distance from Stansted Airport to Heathrow Airport is approximately 60 miles / 96 km via the M11 and M25.
Main Driving Route. Stansted Airport → M11 southbound → M25 (via Junction 27) → Heathrow approach
From Stansted, the M11 southbound takes traffic toward Junction 27 of the M25, where the motorway joins the anticlockwise M25. The M25 then continues west past the M4 interchange and Heathrow's various road approaches. The specific terminal exit follows signage from the M25 and the Heathrow access roads.
How Long Does Stansted to Heathrow Take by Car? Driving time on this route varies significantly more than the distance suggests, because the M25 is one of the UK's most congestion-prone motorways.
| Conditions | Journey-planning guidance |
|---|---|
| Early morning (before 6 am) | Typically 1h00–1h20 |
| Normal off-peak | 1h15–1h45 |
| Weekday morning peak (7–9.30 am) | Allow 1h45–2h30 |
| Friday afternoon | Severe delays possible |
| Terminal approach | Add 5–10 minutes for airport circuit |
Which Part of the Journey Is Most Traffic-Sensitive? The M25 between Junction 27 (M11) and the Heathrow exits carries high volumes of mixed traffic throughout the day. The M11 itself is generally more predictable, making the Stansted-side of the journey the more reliable section. The M25 is where journey-time contingency should be focused.
Private Car from Stansted to Heathrow Airport
A pre-booked private car provides a direct airport-to-airport journey — no coach station, no rail change, no luggage handling at intermediate points. The passenger departs from Stansted Airport's terminal and the driver delivers directly to the correct Heathrow terminal.
Why a Private Car Is Different from Rail. Rail passengers travelling from Stansted to Heathrow must exit Stansted Airport, take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, transfer across London to a Heathrow connection (Elizabeth line or Piccadilly line), and then navigate to the correct Heathrow terminal. For passengers with checked luggage making a connecting flight, this involves managing bags through multiple transit points. A private car eliminates every intermediate step.
Stansted Airport Taxi Private Car Service. Stansted Airport Taxi provides pre-booked private-hire transfers from Stansted Airport to Heathrow Airport. Verified fixed fares for the approximately 60-mile journey:
| Vehicle | Capacity | STN → Heathrow (inc. £7 Heathrow charge) |
|---|---|---|
| Saloon | Up to 4 | £108.50 |
| Estate | Up to 4 + luggage | £112.45 |
| MPV5 | Up to 5 | £118.65 |
| MPV6 | Up to 6 | £124.00 |
| MPV7 | Up to 7 | £134.15 |
| MPV8 | Up to 8 | £138.95 |
| Executive Saloon | Up to 4 | £142.00 |
| Executive MPV | Up to 6 | £164.50 |
Fares fixed at booking. The £7 Heathrow set-down charge is included. No surge pricing, no card fees.
For booking, see Heathrow Airport Taxi.
Heathrow Drop-Off and Pickup Rules. Heathrow currently charges £7 for entry to terminal drop-off zones. For private-hire vehicle passengers, this charge is included in Stansted Airport Taxi's quoted fares. Airport arrivals from Heathrow are collected from authorised pickup zones — the driver monitors the flight and meets passengers at the agreed point.
Is There a Direct Coach from Stansted to Heathrow?
Yes. National Express currently operates a direct airport-to-airport coach service on route 727.
National Express 727. Stansted Airport Coach Station → National Express 727 → Heathrow Airport
Current National Express data for this service:
- Fastest journey: approximately 1h30
- Route distance: approximately 100 km
- Fares: currently advertised from £18 (subject to change — verify at nationalexpress.com before travel)
- Frequency: up to nine services per day on current schedule (verify timetable)
Book at nationalexpress.com and verify current departure times before travel, as schedules and fares change.
Which Heathrow Terminal Does the Coach Serve? National Express currently serves Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2 and 3) and also serves Terminal 5. Terminal 4 arrangements differ — check the National Express journey planner for your specific terminal when booking.
Coach Luggage Allowance. National Express currently allows one large suitcase or two medium cases plus one soft hand-luggage item per passenger on airport routes, subject to its current policy. Verify the allowance when booking if travelling with significant luggage.
Is There a Shuttle Between Stansted and Heathrow?
There is no dedicated airport-to-airport shuttle service between Stansted and Heathrow in the sense of a fixed, branded transfer connecting only those two airports. The National Express 727 coach is the closest equivalent — a direct, scheduled airport-to-airport coach service. A private car or taxi is also direct but operates as a pre-booked individual vehicle rather than a shared scheduled service.
No rail shuttle exists — rail travel between the airports requires an interchange in central London.
Stansted to Heathrow by Train
There is no direct train between Stansted Airport and Heathrow Airport. Rail passengers must change in central London.
Stansted Airport to Liverpool Street. The Stansted Express departs from the station directly beneath Stansted Airport terminal, running non-stop to Liverpool Street. Heathrow's guidance gives the Liverpool Street leg as approximately 46 minutes. This is a reliable, frequent service.
Liverpool Street to Heathrow. From Liverpool Street, passengers connect to Heathrow using one of three main options:
- Elizabeth line: direct from Liverpool Street to Heathrow (approximately 40 minutes, per Heathrow's current guidance, in the reverse direction). This is currently the simplest connection for most passengers.
- Piccadilly line (London Underground): via central London; longer journey but lower cost
- Heathrow Express: requires travelling from Liverpool Street to Paddington first (approximately 15 minutes by Elizabeth line or other route), then Heathrow Express from Paddington to Heathrow (approximately 15–21 minutes depending on terminal)
The total rail journey time from Stansted to Heathrow, including connection time at Liverpool Street, is typically 1h45 to 2h30 depending on connection timing, service type and terminal.
Other Heathrow Connections. For passengers whose Stansted Express arrival at Liverpool Street does not connect well with a direct Elizabeth line departure, the Piccadilly line from central London provides an alternative route to all Heathrow terminals, though journey time is longer.
Stansted to Heathrow Travel Options Compared
| Factor | Private car | Coach (NX 727) | Rail (via Liverpool Street) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct airport-to-airport | Yes | Yes | No — change in London |
| Changes | None | None | At least one |
| Luggage | Remains in vehicle | Stow once on coach | Passenger handles through change |
| Traffic exposure | High (M25) | High (M25) | Lower |
| Timetable | Pre-booked time | Scheduled | Scheduled |
| Fastest reference | ~1h15–1h45 off-peak | ~1h30 | ~1h45–2h30 |
| Terminal flexibility | Any terminal by arrangement | Check terminal stops | All terminals via connections |
| Best suited to | Groups / luggage / connection certainty | Single passengers / budget | Lower cost / no baggage |
How Much Time Should You Allow Between Flights at Stansted and Heathrow?
The transport journey is only one part of a Stansted–Heathrow airport connection. A realistic total calculation includes:
- Stansted landing and disembarkation
- Passport control where applicable
- Baggage reclaim at Stansted (typically 20–40 minutes)
- Exit terminal and reach transport departure point
- Wait for coach or private car
- Road or rail journey — 1h30 by direct coach under good conditions; allow more for M25 traffic
- Heathrow arrival at correct terminal
- Heathrow check-in or bag drop
- Security at Heathrow
- Gate and boarding
Heathrow's own guidance for connecting flights specifically tells passengers to allow time beyond the travel journey for all airport processes. A realistic minimum for a Stansted–Heathrow connection with checked luggage is 3h30 to 4h under normal conditions. This is not a guaranteed figure — M25 traffic incidents can extend the road section significantly.
Heathrow to Stansted: Is the Distance the Same in Reverse?
Yes. The physical road distance is the same in either direction — approximately 60 miles on the M25 and M11 corridor. Journey time in the Heathrow-to-Stansted direction uses the same road network in reverse. Heathrow's own airport guide gives its Heathrow→Stansted direct-coach reference as approximately 80 minutes, while the current National Express fastest Stansted→Heathrow listing is around 1h30 — a variation that reflects different direction traffic patterns and departure timing rather than a different distance.
How to Plan Your Stansted-to-Heathrow Transfer
- Confirm your Heathrow terminal — check the airline booking; do not assume
- Choose transport mode — private car, coach or rail based on luggage, group size and connection time
- Allow realistic journey time — 1h30 minimum for off-peak road/coach; more for peak periods
- Add airport-process buffer at Heathrow — check-in deadline, security, gate
- Work backwards from the Heathrow boarding time to establish the latest acceptable Stansted departure time
- Book in advance — for private car, book at stanstedairport-taxi.com; for coach, nationalexpress.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many miles is Stansted from Heathrow Airport?
A: Approximately 60 road miles / 96 km, according to Heathrow's own airport guide. This covers the standard M11–M25 road corridor between the airports.
Q: Is there a direct train from Stansted to Heathrow?
A: No. There is no direct train between the two airports. Rail passengers take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street and then connect via the Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line or another route to Heathrow. Total rail journey time is typically 1h45 to 2h30.
Q: Is there a direct coach from Stansted to Heathrow?
A: Yes. National Express currently operates route 727 directly between Stansted Airport Coach Station and Heathrow Airport, with a fastest published journey of approximately 1h30. Verify current timetables and fares at nationalexpress.com.
Q: How long does Stansted to Heathrow take by car?
A: Approximately 1h15 to 1h45 off-peak via the M11 and M25. Weekday morning peaks and Friday afternoons can add 30 to 60 minutes or more, as the M25 between Junctions 27 and Heathrow is frequently congested.
Q: How much is a taxi from Stansted to Heathrow?
A: Stansted Airport Taxi's fixed fares start from £108.50 for a Saloon (approximately 60 miles, including the £7 Heathrow set-down charge). Fares are confirmed at booking. See Heathrow Airport Taxi for full fare details.
Q: Which Heathrow terminal does the National Express coach serve?
A: National Express currently serves Heathrow Central Bus Station (Terminals 2 and 3) and also serves Terminal 5. Terminal 4 requires checking separately. Always confirm terminal stops for your specific booking on nationalexpress.com.
Related Pages
- Heathrow Airport Taxi — private transfers to and from Heathrow
- Heathrow Airport Taxi Prices — fare information
- Taxi to Heathrow Terminal 5 — Terminal 5 guide
- Stansted Airport Taxi — Stansted-based private hire
- Stansted Airport Public Transport — transport options
Book Your Stansted to Heathrow Transfer
For a direct airport-to-airport journey with no coach station and no rail change, Stansted Airport Taxi provides pre-booked, fixed-fare transfers between Stansted and Heathrow — the £7 Heathrow drop-off charge is included in every quoted fare.
👉 Get your fixed-fare quote in under two minutes — book online or call +44 20 3617 7825.
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Published by the Stansted Airport Taxi editorial team. Last reviewed September 2026. Stansted Airport Taxi is operated by QMH Technologies Ltd (Co. No. 13506378, registered office 10–16 Tiller Road, London E14 8PX — verified via Companies House).
