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Transfer Options from Stansted Airport to

London Stansted Airport (STN) is one of the fastest-growing airports in Europe. Taxis, trains and buses are your three transfer options when travelling from the airport to the city centre of London. Taking an airport taxi from Stansted is very convenient, but at the same time, can be expensive. The 64 km journey will cost approximately €120 (£100), charged using a taximeter, and will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Travelling on the Stansted Express train is the fastest transfer option, as the average transfer time to London Liverpool Street is 47 minutes. An off-peak train ticket for this journey also costs just €18.75 (£16.60). Taking either the easyBus or National Express bus is the cheapest mode of transport from Stansted Airport (STN) as it costs on average €13.50 (£12) one-way, depending on how far in advance you book your ticket. However, this journey does take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the city centre.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to London at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €90 50min 24/7 Book
Book
Taxi €113 80min 24/7
Train €37.50 47min 05:30–00:30
Bus €27 100min 24/7

How to get from Stansted airport to the city centre by taxi

For a convenient and relaxed transfer it is always better to choose an airport taxi. All taxis at Stansted Airport are black with a yellow “TAXI” sign on top. Their license will be displayed on a plaque on the rear bumper of the car and a sticker on the windshield.

Never accept transfer services from random individuals who may approach you as you leave the airport as these could be unlicensed and may charge you a much higher rate. When the roads are not congested, the approximate travel time is 1 hour and 20 minutes and the journey should cost you around €120 (£100) depending on the exact distance to your hotel.

Taxi fare from Stansted airport to city centre

When travelling from Stansted airport to the city centre of London, taxi rides can be extremely costly, as the fare is calculated using a taximeter based on distance travelled or time taken. In addition, extra charges from tolls, late-night driving, or national holidays may apply. However, the average price of this journey is €120 (£100).

Booking your taxi ride in advance through a private company might be less expensive and you will receive a flat rate fee.

Cost

€120

Trip Duration

80 Min.

*Rates may vary unless you book your taxi in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Stansted airport.

Where do I get it from?

Taxis at Stansted airport are lined up just outside of the terminal’s exit doors.

Convenience

As far as comfort is concerned, taxis provide the best services. You don’t need to stand outside in the cold waiting for public transport, you can simply hop into a taxi and start enjoying London. Taxi rides might be hard on your wallet, but the convenience they offer cannot be compared with the other means of transport.

Editor’s Note

Stansted is the third busiest airport in the UK. Therefore, during rush hour, you might have to wait in line in order to get a taxi. This could add a substantial amount of time to your journey.

Useful Tips

Let your driver know that you are aware of the average price before you begin your journey.
Ensure your taximeter is reset and running correctly throughout your journey.
If your driver chooses to take a toll road, he must tell you in advance as this will be an extra charge.
Traffic in London can be extremely hectic, if you travel during rush hour your journey time could double.

How to get from Stansted airport to city centre by train

Taking the Stansted Express train is the quickest method of travelling from Stansted airport to the downtown area of London. The trains end their 47-minute journey at Liverpool Street terminus, located in the main business district of London. If you’re travelling on a budget, taking a train could also be a great option as tickets cost just €18.75 (£16.60).

How much is the train from Stansted airport to city centre?

Off-peak single tickets from Stansted airport to Liverpool Street in the city centre of London cost €18.75 (£16.60).

You can purchase your train tickets online, or from the ticket counters and automated ticket machines in Stansted airport train station.

Cost

€18.75

Trip Duration

47 Min.

Waiting time is around 15 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Stansted Express trains run to Liverpool Street railway station from 05:30 to 00:30.

Where do I get it from?

The Stansted airport train station is located right under the passenger terminal and it can be easily accessed via lifts, escalators, or ramps. To find it, all you need to do is follow the signs from baggage claim and they will lead you straight to the lifts.

Convenience

Although the Stansted Express train is affordable, easily accessible and fairly cheap, it doesn’t leave you in the most useful location in the city. Liverpool Street Station is located in the main business district of London, not a place tourists want to visit and there are little to no hotels around. Therefore, to reach your accommodation, you will need to take another train, taxi or bus from there.

Editor’s Note

Liverpool Street terminus has many facilities such as restaurants, shops, pubs and underground connections to every line.

Useful Tips

Children under 5 years of age travel for free.
There are other Stansted Express trains that travel to Tottenham Hale station.
Be sure to keep your ticket on you at all times as there are random checks throughout your journey.
Keep an eye on your belongings at all times.

How to get from Stansted airport to city centre by bus

Taking a bus from Stansted airport to the city centre of London gives you many different route options, so wherever you’re staying downtown, you should find a stop that suits you. The National Express bus runs to Victoria Station, Paddington Station and the Liverpool Street terminus, while the easyBus runs to Baker Street.

Tickets for the easyBus start at £2 and at £8 for the National Express, if you purchase them online weeks in advance, but the most common price for both the easyBus and National Express coach is €13.50 (£12). Be aware that although the easyBus tickets are much cheaper, these buses are small, cramped and old compared to the National Express buses. The total journey time from Stansted airport to London is 1 hour and 40 minutes in light traffic.

How much is the bus from Stansted airport to the 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.

You can buy your tickets from the National Express or easyBus counters in the arrivals hall at Stansted airport or you can purchase them online beforehand.

Cost

€13.50

Trip Duration

100 Min.

Waiting time is around 15 minutes.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

National Express and easyBus buses run 24/7.

Where do I get it from?

As soon as you walk through the arrivals hall exit doors you will see the coach station directly in front of you. The buses leave every 15 to 30 minutes, so you will likely see a bus waiting in the stands.

Convenience

Bus rides from Stansted airport to the metropolitan area of London are inexpensive and very frequent. However, do not be surprised if you get stuck in traffic, adding a lot of time to your journey. In order to avoid the rush hour, you can always use the traffic-independent trains.

Editor’s Note

Although the easyBus is much cheaper than the National Express, it is rated one of the worst bus experiences in London as it's small, old and fairly uncomfortable. If you want an easy, enjoyable bus ride, we recommend paying the extra pounds and getting a National Express ticket.

Useful Tips

Make sure you are getting on the correct bus as there are 4 different routes.
Expect less frequent services through the night.
Booking your tickets in advance can ensure much cheaper prices.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in London. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

Read more Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

  • 20 minute gap between transfers

  • Regular Car Sanitisation

  • Contactless ride

  • Sanitiser in every car

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Frequently asked questions

How much is a taxi from Stansted airport to the city centre?

Taxis at Stansted airport don’t have a set fees, instead, journeys are calculated using a taximeter based on distance. The average price of a taxi ride from Stansted airport to the city centre of London is £100 (€120). Without traffic, the journey will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.

How much is a train ticket from Stansted airport to city centre?

Off-peak train tickets from Stansted airport to the Liverpool Street terminus cost £16.60 (€18.75). Tickets can be bought at the airport train station from the ticket desks, automated machines, or online in advance.

How far is it from Stansted airport to the city centre?

The distance between Stansted airport and the city centre of London is approximately 64 km. This journey will take approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus, 1 hour and 20 minutes by taxi and just 47 minutes by train.

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