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Flights to Creamfields 2025

Fly in for the music, pay later for the flight

A woman enjoying herself in a crowd at a music festival

What is Creamfields?

Creamfields is one of the UK’s biggest and most iconic electronic music festivals. Each year, it brings together thousands of fans for a weekend of world-class DJs, heavy beats and proper festival energy. With events taking place in both the north and south of England, flying can be the most convenient way to reach the site.

This guide is here to help you find the best flight options for Creamfields 2025, whether you’re travelling from within the UK or coming from abroad. You’ll find the nearest airports, transport links to each festival site and the most practical ways to book.

We’ve also included how to pay later for your flights using Klarna, PayPal Credit, Clearpay and more, so you can plan now and split the cost. Everything you need to know about flying to Creamfields 2025 starts here.

A crowd jumping at a music festival

When and where is Creamfields 2025?

Creamfields is one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the United Kingdom. Since launching in 1998, it’s built a reputation for high-energy lineups, huge production and dedicated fans from around the world. It began in Winchester before moving to Liverpool and now takes place in two UK locations: Daresbury in Cheshire and Hylands Park in Chelmsford.

Creamfields has grown into a four-day event attracting over 280,000 people each year. With two editions each summer and performances from the biggest names in dance music, it’s become a firm favourite on the UK festival calendar.


Creamfields 2025 dates and locations 📍

Creamfields North 2025

  • 21-24 August 2025
  • Daresbury Estate, Cheshire, England

Creamfields South 2025

  • Dates to be announced (expected late May Bank Holiday)
  • Hylands Park, Chelmsford, England
An airport at dusk

Closest airports to Creamfields North

  • Manchester Airport (MAN) is the most convenient choice for Creamfields North. It’s around 20 minutes away from Daresbury Estate by car and has strong domestic and international connections. You can fly into Manchester from across the UK and Europe, as well as from North America, Asia and the Middle East. Public transport options are available, but taxi or rideshare is quicker.
  • Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) is another option, just over 30 minutes away by car. It mainly serves low-cost and regional routes, including flights from several UK cities and nearby European destinations.

Both airports are close enough to make travel to the festival straightforward. Manchester Airport is often preferred due to its wider range of flights and transport links.

Aerial view of Stansted Airport

Closest airports to Creamfields South

  • London Stansted (STN) is the nearest airport to Creamfields South. It’s about a 35-minute drive to Hylands Park and serves many UK and European cities. Budget airlines operate frequently to and from Stansted, making it a popular pick for domestic and short-haul international flights.
  • London Heathrow (LHR) is a good choice for international travellers flying in from long-haul destinations. It’s around 1.5 hours from the festival site by car. Heathrow connects with most global hubs and offers more full-service airline options.
  • London Gatwick (LGW) also works well for international visitors. The airport is just over an hour away by car and serves a mix of budget and long-haul airlines.

Stansted is the most practical for UK travellers and nearby European flights. Heathrow and Gatwick are better suited to those coming from further afield.

Flight options for Creamfields 2025

Flying in from the UK or abroad? Here’s what you need to know to get to Creamfields North or South.

Ryanair plane at Stansted

Domestic flights 🛬

Manchester Airport is ideal for Creamfields North. It’s well connected to UK cities with quick and frequent flights.

  • Airlines flying into Manchester: easyJet, British Airways, Ryanair, Jet2 and Loganair
  • Popular routes: London, Edinburgh, Belfast, Glasgow, Southampton and Bristol
  • Liverpool John Lennon Airport is another option, with similar UK connections and around 40 minutes from the festival site

For Creamfields South, Stansted is the closest airport, with strong coverage for domestic travellers.

  • Airlines flying into Stansted: Ryanair, easyJet and Jet2
  • Stansted is around 35 minutes by car to Hylands Park
  • Heathrow and Gatwick offer more options, especially from regional UK airports
Emirates plane taking off

International flights 🌍

Manchester Airport serves Creamfields North with direct routes from major cities across Europe, the US, Asia and the Middle East.

For Creamfields South, international visitors can fly into Heathrow or Gatwick. Both airports handle global traffic and offer onward travel to Chelmsford.

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Fly to Creamfields and pay later

Booking flights to Creamfields doesn’t have to drain your budget in one go. With Alternative Airlines, you can spread the cost and still lock in the best fares.

Here are a few of the Buy Now Pay Later options we offer at checkout:

  • Klarna - Pay in 30 days or split into 3 monthly payments
  • Clearpay - Pay in 4 interest-free instalments over 6 weeks
  • PayPal Credit - 0% interest for 4 months on purchases over £99
  • Affirm - Pay over time from 3-24 months
  • Snap Finance - Spread the cost for up to 24 months
  • Humm - Pay in 3, 6, 9 or 12 months

Choose the payment plan that suits you best when you reach the checkout. Most are interest-free and give you more flexibility to plan your trip without delay. BNPL is available on all routes to Manchester, Stansted, Heathrow, Gatwick and Liverpool.

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A coach waiting outside an airport terminal

Getting from the airport to Creamfields

Transport from Manchester Airport to Creamfields North 🚌

Manchester Airport is around 20 miles from the Daresbury Estate. There are several travel options to get you to Creamfields North:

  • Taxi or ride-share: A direct car journey takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Train and bus: Take the train from Manchester Airport to Warrington Central, then switch to a local bus or taxi. The total journey can take up to 2 hours.
  • Festival shuttles: Creamfields usually operates shuttle buses from key locations, including Manchester city centre. Check the festival site closer to the date for updates.

Booking your transport in advance is a good idea, especially during peak arrival times.

Stansted Airport terminal

Transport from London Airports to Creamfields South 🚄

Creamfields South takes place at Hylands Park in Chelmsford. These are the most common ways to get there from London airports:

  • From London Stansted: About 35 minutes by taxi. Trains run from Stansted Airport to Chelmsford with one change, taking around 1.5 hours.
  • From London Heathrow: Travel by train from Heathrow to Chelmsford via London Liverpool Street. Journey time is about 2 hours. A taxi can take around 90 minutes, traffic depending.
  • From London Gatwick: Train services to Chelmsford run via London Victoria or London Liverpool Street. Travel time can be up to 2.5 hours. By car, expect a 1-hour drive.

Festival shuttle buses may run from central London locations. Confirm availability on the Creamfields site before booking.

Manchester, UK

Where to stay near Creamfields

Creamfields North - Daresbury, Cheshire

  • Staying near Warrington or Runcorn gives you easy access to the festival site.
  • Manchester is close too, with a wider choice of hotels and food options.
  • Local B&Bs and budget chains near the M56 are ideal for shorter stays.

Creamfields South - Chelmsford, Essex

  • Chelmsford offers plenty of hotels, pubs and supermarkets.
  • Brentwood and Billericay are also nearby with good transport links.
  • London is within reach, especially East London, with a journey time of up to 30 minutes.

💡Top tip: Book early for better rates. Festival weekends fill fast, especially in smaller towns.

A group of people enjoying themselves at a music festival

Tips for travelling to Creamfields

Booking early saves money 🕐

Flight prices often rise closer to departure. Try to book as early as possible for better fares. Use our flight search tool to compare over 600 airlines and find the best deals in one place. Flying mid-week or outside of peak hours can also help reduce costs.


Travel greener 🍃

Creamfields is making steps toward being more sustainable. Choose direct flights when possible to cut down on emissions. Public transport or shared shuttles from the airport to the festival can also help lower your impact.


Other ways to get there 🚌

Flying isn’t the only option. Coach travel is available from major UK cities directly to Creamfields. Car hire is another alternative, especially for groups. Just be sure to book in advance, as demand goes up around the festival dates.

FAQs

Can I pay later for flights to Creamfields?

Yes, you can pay later for flights to Creamfields. At Alternative Airlines, we offer flexible payment options including Klarna, Clearpay, Humm, PayPal Credit and more.

Choose to split the cost into manageable instalments, with weekly, bi-weekly and monthly plans available, depending on the provider. This gives you more freedom to book your flights now and sort the payments in a way that works for you.

Select your preferred payment option at checkout - it's available for any route to Manchester, Stansted and London airports.

Which airport is closest to Creamfields North?

Manchester Airport is the closest airport to Creamfields North. It’s about 18 miles from the Daresbury Estate and takes roughly 20 minutes by car or taxi. Public transport is also available, with journey times of up to 2 hours. The airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it the most practical choice for both UK and overseas travellers.

Liverpool John Lennon Airport is another nearby option, around 35 minutes away by car. Both airports offer plenty of onward travel options, including car hire, buses and trains.

Which airport is closest to Creamfields South?

London Stansted Airport is the closest to Creamfields South, located around 22 miles from Hylands Park in Chelmsford. The drive takes roughly 35 minutes by car or taxi. Public transport is also available, with coach and rail options connecting the airport to Chelmsford.

If you’re flying in from further afield, London Heathrow and London Gatwick are also practical options, with slightly longer travel times. All three airports offer plenty of domestic and international routes, making it easy to reach the festival from across the UK and abroad.

Are there shuttle buses from the airport to Creamfields?

Shuttle buses to Creamfields are usually available and run from nearby transport hubs rather than directly from the airport.

  • For Creamfields North, services often leave from Warrington and Liverpool city centres.
  • For Creamfields South, shuttles typically depart from Chelmsford Station.
  • You’ll need to make your way from the airport to one of these pick-up points.

Full details, including booking links, are shared on the official Creamfields website closer to the event. It's best to plan ahead, as these services can fill up quickly during peak arrival times.

Do I need a visa to travel to the UK for Creamfields?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Many travellers from the EU, US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can enter the UK as visitors without a visa.

If you're from a country that requires a visa, you'll need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling. This allows you to stay in the UK for up to six months.

Always check the latest entry rules on the official UK government website before booking. Give yourself enough time for processing, especially during busy travel periods.

How much luggage can I bring?

The amount of luggage you can bring depends on the airline and ticket type you choose. Most airlines include a small cabin bag, but checked baggage may cost extra. You’ll see what’s included during the booking process, with the option to add more if needed.

Budget airlines often charge separately for everything, while full-service carriers may include both cabin and checked bags. If you’re bringing a tent or large bag, make sure to check the airline’s size and weight limits before flying. All baggage options will be clearly shown before you pay.

Can I fly domestically to Creamfields?

Yes, you can fly to both Creamfields North and South from within the UK.

  • For Creamfields North, Manchester Airport offers domestic routes from cities like London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Bristol.
  • Creamfields South is easily reached via London Stansted, which also connects to multiple UK airports.

Flights are frequent and usually short, making them a convenient option if you’re travelling from further afield. Once you land, both venues are within easy reach by taxi, car hire or public transport. Booking early is recommended, especially around bank holiday weekends when prices can rise.

Are airport transfers included in my flight booking?

Airport transfers aren’t included with your flight booking by default, and we don't currently offer this service at Alternative Airlines. If you need transport to Creamfields, you’ll need to arrange this separately.

Shuttle services are usually available for both Creamfields North and South and can be booked directly through the festival’s website. Taxis and public transport are also available from nearby airports like Manchester, Liverpool, Stansted and Heathrow.

You can check transfer options during booking or closer to your travel date. Booking early is recommended, especially during busy festival weekends when demand is high.

What’s the best time to book flights for Creamfields?

The best time to book flights for Creamfields is as early as possible. Prices tend to rise closer to the festival, especially during peak summer travel. Booking early gives you more choice on flight times, seats and payment options.

If you’re flying with friends, booking together can help keep costs down. For 2025, aim to book several months in advance, especially if you're flying over the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Flexible payment options like Klarna or PayPal Credit let you secure your flight now and pay later, so you don’t have to wait to lock it in.

Can I cancel or change my flight later?

You can cancel or change your flight, but it depends on the fare type and airline policy. Some tickets are non-refundable or have change fees, while others offer more flexibility. During booking, you’ll see the rules for each option.

For extra peace of mind, you can add Cancellation Protection at checkout. This helps cover you if plans change unexpectedly. If you need help, our Customer Service team is always available to guide you through your options.