Here you can find out everything you need to know about the best way to go from Stansted airport to London. See our comparison of private transfers, trains, buses and cabs, including money-saving tips!
Stansted Airport is the third-largest airport in London after Heathrow and Gatwick. It’s also one of the fastest-growing airports in the whole of Europe. Continue reading to find out the best, fastest and cheapest way of getting to Central London from Stansted Airport.
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO LONDON
We’re often asked how to get to London from Stansted. The four most popular options are listed below together with all the relevant information. Click here to access all the facts about your preferred London Stansted transfer:
- By Stansted Express train
- By bus
- By private transfer
- By cab
London Stansted Airport is situated about 34 miles north-east of London. This airport is mainly served by the budget airline Ryanair, which flies to over 100 destinations from here. If you need help with finding your bearings, take a look at the map of all terminals.
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London Stansted Airport
- Private transfers definitely need to be booked in advance. You’ll be taken directly to the place where you’re staying. This is the most convenient way of travelling and costs much less than we expected.
- Thetrain is more expensive than the bus but avoids traffic jams. The Stansted Express only calls at three stations in London.
- Travelling by bus is a cheap way of getting from Stansted to London. However, it’s important to bear in mind – especially on the return journey – that the speed at which the buses travel is heavily dependent on the amount of traffic in and around London. So it’s a good idea to take an earlier bus if you want to be sure of catching your flight.
- Taking a cab is one of the most expensive options. You should definitely agree on a fixed price with the driver before getting in.
The Stansted Express to London
- Price: starting at £17 (approx. 20 €)
- Journey time: approx. 47minutes
The train journey from Stansted to London is fast and convenient. The Stansted Express is the fastest way of getting from Stansted to Central London. It takes around 47 minutes to reach Liverpool Street Station. The express train stops en-route at Tottenham Hale subway station. Trains from the airport to Central London run from 5:30 a.m. to 0:30 a.m. Trains from London to the airport run from 4.10 a.m. to 11.25 p.m.
The Stansted Express runs every 15 minutes during the day, but a little less often in the morning and at night. A one-way ticket costs around £17 (approx. 20 €), depending on how long in advance you book. If you’re flying home from Stansted Airport as well, it’s best to book a two-way train ticket. This costs a total of £29 (approx. 33 €), which will save you a few pounds. The Stansted Express to Liverpool Street is twice as fast as a cab and four times cheaper!
Buy tickets for the Stansted Express
Below is an overview of all the stations en-route:
* Kids between the ages of 5 and 15 are classed as children.Kids under the age of 5 travel free.
Buy your ticket online in advance and save yourself a long wait at the airport.
Bus transfer from Stansted to London
- Price: starting at £15 (approx. 18 €)
- Journey time: approx. 75minutes
One of the cheapest ways of getting to London is to take the bus. I would recommend the National Express service. At peak times, buses run every 20 minutes. The journey takes around 75 minutes, depending on the traffic. Buses run up to 100 times per day in both directions and take the following routes:
- A6 to Paddington Station via Baker Street
- A7 to Victoria Coach Station via Southwark, Waterloo, Victoria Rail Station
- A8 to Liverpool Street Station via Whitechapel
- A9 toStratford Station
If you buy bus tickets online in advance, you’ll save yourself a long wait at the ticket counter. The lines can be quite long, especially when several planes land in close succession.
Buy tickets online for the National Express
Private transfer from Stansted to London – low-price travel with added comfort
Did you know that you can book a car transfer online in advance and that this is a reliable, fast and even low-cost way of getting to your hotel? Private transfers are becoming increasingly popular for obvious reasons:
- Bookable in advance
- No waiting
- Fixed price
- Transfer to overnight accommodation/hotel
- Door-to-door service – no need to hump heavy bags around
We’ve taken a look at a number of Stansted to London transfers on your behalf.
1. The bargain shuttle
This shuttle service takes you from Stansted to Central London and the Docklands for as little as £13 (approx. 15 €). The service is available 24/7. If you want to take advantage of this super price, you’ll have to share the vehicle with up to 8 other passengers. The driver will meet you in the arrivals hall at the agreed time. This transfer has received very positive reviews from satisfied customers.
2. Shared door-to-door transfer
In this case, a professional chauffeur picks you up at the airport at the agreed time for an unbeatable price. The door-to-door service costs as little as£21 (approx. 25€)and covers virtually all areas of London. For further details of the precise destinations, see ouroverview. If you wish, you can also book the return transfer from the hotel to the airport at the same time.
3. Round-trip transfer Two-way journey with a private chauffeur
A chauffeur will pick you up at Stansted Airport and drive you to your accommodation. He/she will track your flight arrival time and take any delays into account. At the end of your trip to London, the chauffeur will drive you back to the airport. This means you can enjoy your stay in London without having to worry about how you’re going to get to and from the airport. However, luxury comes at a price: the two-way journey will set you back £170. It’s best to book this transfer online in advance.
Want to feel like royalty while you’re in London? If so, I can recommend a luxury ride with the wow factor:
4. Transfer from Stansted to London by luxury car
Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Stansted Airport to Central London by luxury car. Your private multilingual driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and give you a warm welcome. The transfer costs£67 (approx. 79€) per person for groups of up to 4 persons.This transfer should definitely be booked online in advance.
From Stansted Airport to London by cab
- Price: starting at £50 (approx. 58 €)
- Journey time: approx. 75minutes
Taking a cab is probably one of the most convenient ways of getting to Central London, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. However, a cab ride to Central London can cost anything up to £50 (approx. 58 €). The cab drivers use taximeters, but don’t be put off by this. It’s best to negotiate a fixed price with the driver before getting in. Otherwise, the journey can turn out very expensive, depending on the traffic situation. If you negotiate a fixed price, you’ll know what to expect and can sit back and enjoy the journey.
Don’t be conned into taking a “cheap” cab at the airport. Caution should be exercised here, as you’re likely to pay far more than you would for a licensed cab.
FAQs
How to transfer from London Stansted to London City? ›
Stansted Express trains are the quickest and most direct way to travel between London Stansted Airport and the capital. Services run every 15 minutes and tickets can be booked for as little as £9.45 one-way when bought in advance.
How much is a taxi from Stansted Airport to London? ›Absolutely. There is a taxi rank just outside of the arrivals hall at Stansted airport that offers transfers to London 24/7. The cost is around €190 and the travel time is approximately 50 minutes in light traffic. You can also book your Stansted airport taxi in advance with Welcome Pickups.
Why are there no trains from Stansted to London? ›Due to planned maintenance work between Seven Sisters and Cheshunt, on the evenings of Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th June 2023, the 2345 Stansted Airport to London Liverpool Street train will no longer stop at Seven Sisters Station, instead the trains will be diverted to stop at Tottenham Hale Station.
How long is the train journey from Stansted to London? ›Trains from Stansted to London
With the Stansted Express service, you will be in Central London (London Liverpool Street) in just 50 minutes* and with specially designed spacious carriages, you won't need to worry about luggage space.
You will Get MiniCabRide just outside of the arrivals hall at the Stansted airport that offers Taxi & Minicab transfers to Central London which is the relaxable and affordable way The cost is around £55:00 and the travel time is approximately 50 minutes in light traffic.
What is the cheapest way to get from Stansted to London? ›Taking a bus is cheapest way to travel from Stansted to London. Buses traveling from Stansted to London require a change in Bishop's Stortford train station, and takes 2:50 h to arrive at London's Victoria bus station.
Is Uber cheaper than taxi in London? ›A one-mile journey in an Uber taxi can be almost one-and-a-half times cheaper than taking a black cab, according to industry figures that support the app's battle against new regulations in London.
Is Uber or London cab cheaper? ›Hiring a cab in London is quite economical if you are travelling small distances within the city. The fares will usually stay under your budget for short distance travelling. However, for longer routes, the prices can go a little higher when compared with Uber.
Is Uber allowed at Stansted Airport? ›Can I request a ride with Uber at London Stansted Airport? Uber is available at STN Airport, so you can enjoy a comfortable and convenient trip to wherever you need to go.
Is there a normal train from Stansted to London? ›How long does the train from Stansted Airport to London take? The average journey time by train between Stansted Airport and London is 54 minutes, with around 126 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Is London Stansted hard to get to? ›
Stansted Airport has been named as the 'hardest airport to access' from the major city they serve. Although the airport is located in Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, London Stansted Airport is one of the major London airports that many passengers travel to.
How far is Stansted from London City? ›Stansted Airport is situated 38 miles (61km) north of London, a long and very expensive taxi ride or at first sight a bewildering choice of 6 public bus services and one train service. There is no universal “best” way between London and Stansted Airport.
What is the easiest way to get to Stansted Airport? ›The Stansted Express train connects the airport to London Liverpool Street station. Trains run every 15 minutes during the day, 7 days a week. Once you get to Stansted Airport train station, it's only 2 minutes' walk to the airport terminal.
Which London train station goes to Stansted Airport? ›Visitors to the airport can board the Stansted express at the primary London Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale and Stratford (London) stations which each offer regular services to the airport.
Can I buy Oyster card at Stansted Airport? ›Stansted London Airport – you can buy Oyster cards at Stansted Airport train station, before continuing your journey into Central London with the Stansted Express. London City Airport – exit the airport and follow the signs for the Underground. You can buy an Oyster card at the airport DLR station cashier window.
How much is a black cab from Stansted to London? ›| Car Type | West London | East London |
|---|---|---|
| MPV 5 (up to 5 PAX) | 99.00 GBP | 160.00 GBP |
| MPV 6 (up to 6 PAX) | 109.00 GBP | 180.00 GBP |
| MPV 8 (up to 8 PAX) | 120.00 GBP | 200.00 GBP |
| Luxury / VIP (up to 3 PAX) | 120.00 GBP | 200.00 GBP |
Free for up to 60 minutes in our Mid Stay Car Park. After this, you will be charged £5 for the second hour. Any time exceeding this, you will be charged the day rate of £30. If you're planning on staying for longer than the allocated free period, Stansted Airport parking prices are best when pre-booked.
How much does it cost to get from Stansted to Central London? ›| Stansted to London journey information | |
|---|---|
| Fastest journey time | 50 mins |
| Cheapest price from | £15* |
| Distance (approx) | 49km |
| No. of stops | 0 (A9 service, other services use further stops) |
Pay as you go
You don't have to work out the cost of your journey in advance. You can pay as you go using contactless (card or device), an Oyster card or a Visitor Oyster card. It also offers great value as pay as you go is cheaper than buying single tickets and you get daily and weekly capping.
According to data compiled by Zutobi, Stansted is the second most expensive airport to leave your car at in the world, costing a minimum of £210 for a week's stay. For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Do cabs in London take credit cards? ›
All black cabs accept payment by credit or debit card without a surcharge. For a full list of fares, check out Transport for London's taxi fares information. You can tip taxi drivers as much as you like, but most people round up to the nearest pound.
Do you tip taxi drivers in London? ›Tipping taxi drivers is perfectly normal, but it's not a requirement in the UK. Leaving a tip should never be forced upon a passenger. However, tipping is one of the perks of being a taxi driver, so it's essential to understand your passenger in order to increase your tip.
How do you pay for a taxi in London? ›All taxi drivers must accept card and contactless payments via the approved TfL fixed card payment device located in the passenger compartment and provide printed receipts for those payments upon request. Handheld payment devices do not meet the licensing requirements and are regarded as unapproved devices.
Which taxi is cheaper in London? ›You can hail any black cab with the orange 'for hire' sign lit. Cheapest - if the roads are clear then a cab off the rank will be cheaper, if there is something likely to cause UBER surge price hike, then UBER will be most expensive. But in all cases public transport will be cheapest.
Which taxi app is cheaper in UK? ›Kabbee. Kabbee claims to be 65 per cent cheaper than an average black cab and with over 10,000 cars in London, there's no shortage of them.
Can I use LYFT in London? ›Lyft does not support crossing international borders.
Where do I pick up an Uber in Stansted Airport? ›Pickup/Drop-off: STN has just one terminal. If you're being dropped off here, you'll arrive at the departures forecourt. If you're being picked up, wait in the international arrivals concourse just inside the terminal where your Uber will meet you.
Where do you get Uber from Stansted Airport? ›Designated pickup area at STN
Park your car at the Short Stay Car Park Orange and meet your rider at row G. We recommend contacting your rider to ensure you meet up quickly–they've been instructed to reach out to you as well. For more information, read more about Stansted Airport.
The DeSalis shuttle bus can drop you to Stansted Airport Terminal in less than 7 minutes, and from Stansted Airport, it takes around 7 minutes to either check into our hotel or to collect your parked vehicle. The De Salis Airport Shuttle Service offers very frequent shuttles to the Airport only every 30 minutes.
Is Stansted busy in London? ›Overall… Data provided by RadarBox.com. It remains clear that London Stansted is a busy airport in the UK, with them only two daily movements away from matching London Gatwick Airport.
Is Stansted on the tube line? ›
Tube. There is no direct connection from Stansted Airport to London by Tube so there will be some interchanges to make. The journey to central London takes approximately 90 minutes.
Do Stansted trains run all night? ›We operate half hourly services throughout the day, 7 days a week, with 3 trains an hour at certain times of the day between Monday to Friday.
What is the best time to travel to Stansted? ›What's the best time to arrive at Stansted Airport? The best and most feasible time to arrive at Stansted Airport is either early in the morning or in the night after 7 PM.
How long does it take to get through Stansted security? ›As a general guide, you will need to have checked in and be ready to go through security at least 2 hours before your flight departure time. Worried about queues?
Which airport is easiest to get into London from? ›Heathrow Airport (LHR)
It's a cheap and easy option with a one-way fare costing around £5.50 at peak hours and £3.50 off peak. The station is located within the airport so it's super easy to get to. Depending on where you're staying in town, your journey will take around 30 - 50 minutes.
The Moorgate station is the nearest one to Stansted Express Train to Stansted Airport in City Of London.
Which London airport is closest to city? ›London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to central London, and it's easily accessible by Tube, bus or taxi. Because it's a smaller airport, arrivals and departures at LCY can be much quicker and easier than larger airports in London.
Where do trains to Stansted leave from? ›Book travel across Europe
The Stansted Express train service runs from London Liverpool Street station to Stansted Airport train station. It runs every 15 minutes during the day, 7 days a week.
Transfers run every 10 minutes, 24 hours a day. The bus takes just a few minutes to cover the short distance to the terminal.
Does the train go straight into Stansted Airport? ›Rail services connect London Stansted Airport to all major destinations across the UK. Getting the train to the airport is easy, because The Station is located directly under the airport. With lifts, escalators and ramps to transport your luggage, it takes just two minutes to walk to and from the terminal.
How much is a 7 day Oyster card? ›
...
Weekly Travelcard fares from 5 March 2023.
| Weekly Travelcards | |
|---|---|
| Zones 1–5 | £69.60 |
| Zones 1–6 | £74.40 |
| Zones 1–7 | £81.00 |
| Zones 1–8 | £95.60 |
A contactless visitor Oyster card is excellent for pay as you go travel as fares are capped. This means this may cost less than a physical ticket. However, a standard contactless card will offer the same benefits. However, the visitor Oyster card is perhaps best used by tourists from foreign countries.
How much does an Oyster card cost? ›How much does an Oyster card cost? The Oyster card costs £7. You then add money to the card to pay for your travel. The £7 fee is not a deposit.
How much does it cost to go from Stansted to city Centre? ›For both the easyBus and National Express bus, the further in advance you purchase your tickets, the cheaper they are. The easyBus tickets start at £2 one-way and the National Express is £8. However, the most common price is 13.50€ (£12) from Stansted airport to the city centre of London.
How much does it cost to get from Stansted to central London? ›| Stansted to London journey information | |
|---|---|
| Fastest journey time | 50 mins |
| Cheapest price from | £15* |
| Distance (approx) | 49km |
| No. of stops | 0 (A9 service, other services use further stops) |
Stansted Express offers the fastest way to travel between London Stansted Airport and London. Trains depart every 30 minutes and take just 50 minutes to and from London Liverpool Street.
Can I transfer between airports in London? ›The National Express Heathrow - Gatwick bus service is the only direct public transport between the two airports. The only alternative direct option is to take a taxi or a private car service. Although the bus service is the only direct public transport between Heathrow and Gatwick airports it is not the cheapest.
Is Uber available at Stansted? ›Can I request a ride with Uber at London Stansted Airport? Uber is available at STN Airport, so you can enjoy a comfortable and convenient trip to wherever you need to go.
Does the London tube go to Stansted Airport? ›Tube. There is no direct connection from Stansted Airport to London by Tube so there will be some interchanges to make. The journey to central London takes approximately 90 minutes.
Which airport is closer to London city? ›London City Airport (LCY) is the closest airport to central London, and it's easily accessible by Tube, bus or taxi. Because it's a smaller airport, arrivals and departures at LCY can be much quicker and easier than larger airports in London.
What trains run from Stansted to London? ›
The Stansted Express runs directly from Stansted Airport station to London Liverpool Street station. The journey takes around 45 minutes and trains run 7 days a week. They depart every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes during early mornings and late at night. Trains run from around 4 a.m. to midnight.
Is it cheaper to get to Gatwick or Stansted? ›The train to Gatwick is cheaper than the Stansted Express, but you can depart from more stations in London to get to Gatwick than you can to Stansted. The bus to Stansted is cheaper than the train to Gatwick, but much longer. Personally I'd go with the Ryanair flight from Stansted.
What is the closest tube to London Stansted? ›What's the nearest tube station to Stansted Express Train to Stansted Airport in City Of London? The Moorgate station is the nearest one to Stansted Express Train to Stansted Airport in City Of London.
Which London station goes to Stansted Airport? ›Visitors to the airport can board the Stansted express at the primary London Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale and Stratford (London) stations which each offer regular services to the airport.
What is the best way to get from the airport to London? ›The most popular options are the National Express service and the easyBus service, which operate from both the north and south terminals at Gatwick Airport. Both services terminate at London Victoria and services run through the night, so you should usually be able to find a coach at any time of night.
Do I have to pick up my luggage on a connecting international flight to London? ›Your baggage
If you've booked two flights separately, in most cases you'll need to pick up your checked bags and check-in for your connecting flight. If so, simply exit through Arrivals and check-in at Departures.