London Stansted Airport is the third international airport serving London and the South of England and is located 68 km north of Central London. The airport welcomes an impressive 27 million passengers a year, making it the fourth busiest airport in the UK. Although it is smaller than its well-known counterparts, Gatwick and Heathrow, Stansted still runs flights to over 160 destinations and is home to over 20 airlines, acting as a crucial hub for a number of low-cost carriers including Ryanair and easyJet.
Stansted Airport Services
Special Assistance
Stansted Airport is accessible, with ramps and lifts wherever necessary, accessible toilets and changing rooms, and reserved seating areas. If you are a person with reduced mobility or have a hidden disability, you can request further assistance by booking Stansted’s Special Assistance services, providing you with full support for arrival and departure procedures.
To book, simply request the service from your airline or travel agency at least 48 hours before your flight. Make sure you provide details about your impairment or mobility difficulties. Your airline will notify airport staff ahead of your flight, so all you need to do is head to your check-in desk or a Special Assistance desk and let them know you have requested assistance. If you’ve booked assistance for arrivals, a member of staff will be waiting for you at the exit of the plane.
*For those with hidden disabilities or who don’t want full assistance, you can wear a sunflower lanyard to make staff aware you may need some extra support and consideration as you make your way through the airport.
Fast Track
Airport Lounge
Free WiFi
Baggage Services
Stansted Airport Parking
Stansted Airport parking includes different options based on varying needs. Most car parks offer online booking options as well as “turn up and park” prices. Although it’s important to note that booking in advance will save you some money.
Express Set Down
On the terminal forecourt
Exclusively for quick drop-offs
Prices are £7 (€8) for up to 15 minutes and £25 (€29) for over 15 minutes
Short Stay
1-10-minute walk to terminal
No minimum stay
Ideal for short trips and mini breaks
*Please note that there are five short-stay car parks located at varying distances from the terminal. Orange, red, and yellow are the premium car parks closest to the terminal, and cost a bit more. Whereas the blue and green car parks are situated further away but charge lower rates.
Mid Stay
7-minute shuttle to terminal
3-day minimum stay
Great value and location
Long Stay
15-minute shuttle to terminal
6-day minimum stay
Perfect for longer holidays
JetParks
20-minute shuttle to terminal
7-day minimum stay
Budget-friendly choice
*pre-book only
Meet and Greet
Drop your car and keys off at the Meet and Greet bay
2-minute walk to your terminal
Popular amongst business travellers
*pre-book only
Arrivals
Departures
Terminal Information
There is only one terminal at Stansted Airport. It is a single-level passenger terminal building split between arrivals and departures. However, you won’t find any boarding gates in the main terminal building, instead, the boarding gates are housed in three satellite terminals some distance away from the main terminal. Not to worry though, Stansted’s airport transit system means passengers can travel quickly and easily to and from the boarding gates.
The terminal is well-equipped with some charging stations, currency exchange and cash services, prayer rooms, toilets and baby changing rooms, medical facilities and information desks. Shops, bars and restaurants are also plentiful. You can also take advantage of the airport’s premium lounge or meeting rooms.
*Stansted Airport has a free airside transit system that passengers can use to transfer from the main terminal building to their boarding gates in the satellite terminals.
Stansted Airport Terminal
Transport options from Stansted Airport to Central London
Learn more
By train
Catch the Stansted Express to London Liverpool Street in just 45 minutes
*Departure every 15 minutes
By coach
Hop on a coach or bus to London Victoria for 1 hour and 30 minutes
*Departure every 15 minutes
By taxi
Get a Stansted Airport taxi from the ranks to take you anywhere in London
Or, for a more personalised experience, pre-book a private transfer with Welcome Pickups
By car
Drive to London in around an hour
*Trip durations vary depending on your final destination and traffic
More connections from Stansted Airport
Airport Trains
The Stansted Express is a direct service connecting Stansted Airport and central London.
Greater Anglia and Cross Country provide services between the airport and popular cities such as Cambridge and Norwich.
The London Overground connects Stansted to plenty of destinations in and around London including Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale, and Clapton.
Coaches and Buses
Taxis and Airport Transfers
Stansted Airport Hotels
Practical Information
Opening Hours
London Stansted is open 24/7.
Shops and food outlets: 04:00-21:00 (except for certain food outlets and newsagents that are open 24/7).
Recommended Arrival Times
International Flights: 3 hours
European/Domestic Flights: 2 hours
Airport Codes
Stansted Airport code: STN (IATA)
ICAO code: EGSS
Contact Information
- Help centre: +44 808 169 7031
- Special Assistance: + 44 844 335 1803
- Queries and Complaints: online form
- Lost Property: online form
FAQs
Where is Stansted Airport?
Stansted Airport is located near Essex, approximately 70 km from London. It takes about an hour to get there from London by car.