London Stansted Airport
Also known as: Stansted Airport, Stansted, London Stansted.
Private transfer from STNSee pricesSee pricesAbout London Stansted Airport
London Stansted Airport (STN) is one of London's main airports, in England, United Kingdom. It sits near Stansted Mountfitchet in the Uttlesford district of Essex, about 31 miles north-east of central London and south of Cambridge.
Ryanair has its largest base here, with flights to more than 150 destinations, and Jet2 and TUI are also based at Stansted. easyJet, British Airways, Pegasus and Turkish Airlines add more routes, mostly short-haul across Europe, and Emirates flies twice a day to Dubai.
The airport has one main terminal, opened in 1991, where you check in, go through security and collect your bags. The departure gates are in three satellite buildings, reached airside by the free Stansted Airport Transit System trains or by walkways. The transit trains are due to be retired in 2027.
From the airport, most travelers head into central London and the City, north to Cambridge, or around Essex and Hertfordshire. The Stansted Express runs to London Liverpool Street, and coaches run to several London stops.
Airport operator, runways and traffic
- Operator
Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
- Runways
One (04/22)
- Passengers per year
About 29.7 million in 2024
- Main airline
Ryanair (largest base)
Arrival tips for London Stansted Airport
All flights arrive at the single terminal. From your satellite gate, take the transit train or walkway back to the main building.
You clear UK passport control first. Many visitors can use the automatic eGates, while others queue at the staffed desks, and queues can build when several flights land together, especially in the early morning and evening. Most visitors who do not need a visa now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before traveling to the UK. After baggage claim, use the green channel if you have nothing to declare or the red channel if you do.
In the arrivals hall, follow the signs for trains, coaches or taxis. The railway station is part of the terminal: the Stansted Express runs about every 15 minutes to London Liverpool Street, some trains calling at Tottenham Hale, and other trains run to Cambridge, Norwich and Birmingham. Coaches to London leave from the coach station outside, and pre-booked drivers usually meet you in the arrivals hall.
The UK is on GMT in winter and BST (GMT+1) in summer, and uses pounds sterling.
Ground transportation
The Stansted Express is the quickest way into London; coaches are cheaper, and a pre-booked car is easier with luggage or for addresses outside the center.
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Book a transfer from STNStansted Express to Liverpool Street
Trains about every 15 minutes, taking about 45–53 minutes to London Liverpool Street, some calling at Tottenham Hale for the Victoria line.
Coaches to London
National Express and Flibco run coaches to several London stops. Cheaper than the train, but slower in traffic.
Private transfer
A pre-booked car meets you in the arrivals hall, useful for families, groups and addresses away from the rail lines.
Taxi from Stansted
Taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal. Good for Cambridge and nearby towns, but expensive into central London.
Trains to Cambridge and beyond
Greater Anglia trains run to Cambridge and Norwich, and CrossCountry hourly to Birmingham.
Terminals
Terminal
One terminal for all flights, opened in 1991, with check-in, security and baggage claim. Gates are in three satellite buildings reached by transit train or walkway.
Airlines and destinations
Airport lounges
Escape Lounge
A pay-for-access lounge in the departure area, open to any passenger who books.
Parking
Short-stay car park
Next to the terminal, for pickups and short stays.
Mid-stay and long-stay car parks
Further out, with a courtesy bus to the terminal from long-stay.
Drop-off
The express drop-off zone near the short-stay car park charges a fee; free drop-off is available in the mid-stay car park, with a bus to the terminal.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Stansted Airport from central London?
London Stansted is about 31 miles north-east of central London, in Essex. The Stansted Express reaches London Liverpool Street in about 45 to 53 minutes, and coaches run to several London stops.
How many terminals does Stansted have?
Stansted has one terminal, opened in 1991, where every passenger checks in and collects bags. The departure gates are in three satellite buildings, reached airside by the free transit train or by walkways.
What is the best way from Stansted to London?
The Stansted Express is the quickest, with trains about every 15 minutes to Liverpool Street, some calling at Tottenham Hale. Coaches by National Express and Flibco are cheaper but slower. A taxi or pre-booked car is easiest with heavy luggage.
Is Stansted close to Cambridge?
Yes. Stansted lies south of Cambridge, which is closer to the airport than central London is. Greater Anglia trains run from the airport station to Cambridge, and a taxi or pre-booked car goes direct by the M11.
Is there a drop-off charge at Stansted?
Yes. The express drop-off zone near the short-stay car park charges a fee. Free drop-off is available in the mid-stay car park, with a bus to the terminal.
Which airline is biggest at Stansted?
Ryanair is by far the largest airline at Stansted, which is its biggest base, with flights to more than 150 destinations. Jet2 and TUI are also based here, and easyJet, Emirates, Pegasus and Turkish Airlines fly from Stansted too.