London Stansted Airport Guide (STN)

Airport info
Code: STN
Address:
Bassingbourn Road, Stansted, Essex, CM24 1QW, United Kingdom
Location:

London Stansted Airport is about 48km (30 miles) north of Stratford, a buzzing hub in East London.

No. of terminals: 1 Dialling code: +44
Telephone:
+44 808 169 7031

London Stansted Airport is one of the four major airports serving London, alongside Heathrow, Gatwick, and Luton. The airport is located approximately 64km (40 miles) northeast of central London, outside the M25 motorway, and it serves Greater London and the neighbouring counties of Hertfordshire and Essex. This London Stansted Airport Guide offers concise information on terminal facilities and public transport options, providing a handy reference for travellers navigating the airport.

Information

A 24-hour information desk is located in International Arrivals. Help points and courtesy phones are also available at various places.

Driving directions

London Stansted is conveniently located just off the M11, a motorway running between Cambridge (Cambridgeshire) and South Woodford (London). The airport is accessible via Junction 8A on the M11, making it easy to find for drivers.

Travellers from East London can quickly get onto the M11 and reach London Stansted under normal traffic conditions in an hour. However, it's advisable to allow extra time during peak hours to account for potential congestion.

Public Transport

Public transport rail

Rail: The Stansted Express connects London Stansted Airport with London Liverpool Street Station in just 48 minutes. Key information includes:
• Trains depart every 15 minutes and run everyday.
• The first train from Liverpool Street Station to Stansted Airport departs at 03:40 (Monday, Friday and Saturday), 04:40 (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), and 04:10 (Sunday). The first train from Stansted Airport to Liverpool Street Station departs at 05:30.
• The last train from Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport departs at 23:25, and the last train from Stansted to London departs at 00:30.
• In addition to London Liverpool Street, the Stansted Express stops at Tottenham Hale and Stratford, both offering connections to the London Underground.
• The train station at London Stansted Airport is located directly below the terminal building, with a walking time of about two minutes to reach the terminal.
• For tickets and timetables, visit www.stanstedexpress.com.

Public transport road

Coach: The coach station is in front of the terminal building. National Express, First Bus Essex, and Airport Bus Express offer frequent services to London and other destinations.

Taxi: Travellers are advised to book Street Cars Taxis in advance through their website. The company also has a desk in Arrivals.

E-hailing or ride-hailing: Uber operates in London and can pick up passengers from London Stansted Airport. The exact pick-up area will be displayed in the app upon booking.

Terminal facilities

Money

ATMs are available before and after security.

Currency exchange counters are in the secure zone.

Communication

Wi-Fi is available in the terminal and in airport lounges.

Food

London Stansted Airport has a decent selection of cafés and restaurants, including a JD Wetherspoon pub. However, as Stansted is a hub for many low-cost carriers and experiences high passenger volumes, these cafés and pubs can become quite crowded.

Shopping

London Stansted Airport has many duty-free shops lining the walkways after security and before the boarding concourse. Travellers are advised to check the latest duty-free allowances for their destination before making a purchase.

Luggage

If you have misplaced items within London Stansted Airport, register the lost items here or visit the service desk at International Arrivals.

For items lost on flights, please contact the airline you flew with.

Airport facilities

Conference and business

While the airport does not have meeting facilities, the nearby Novotel London Stansted Airport Hotel, Radisson Blu London Stansted Airport Hotel, and United Business Centre offer meeting facilities.

Disabled facilities

London Stansted Airport has lifts, ramps, and adapted toilets for passengers with reduced mobility.

Travellers requiring special arrangements should contact the airline in advance of travel.

Car parking

London Stansted Airport offers various car parking options, ranging from short stay to economical choices.
• Short stay: 1 to 10 minutes' walk to the terminal.
• Meet & Greet: 2 to 3 minutes' walk to the terminal.
• Mid stay: requires a 7-minute bus transfer.
• Long stay: requires a 15-minute bus transfer.
• JetParks: requires a 15 to 20-minute bus transfer.

Meet & Greet, long stay, and JetParks options allow pre-booking only.

Car rental

Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, National and Sixt are the car rental providers at the London Stansted Airport Car Rental Village. The venue is linked to the airport via a free bus transfer that departs from the terminal every 10 minutes. Visitors are advised to reserve a rental car in advance.

Hotels

London Stansted Airport has several hotels nearby, including the 4-star Novotel and Radisson Blu, and 3-star Hampton by Hilton, Holiday Inn, and Premier Inn.


Visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing. You should verify critical travel information independently with the relevant embassy before you travel.