London Stansted Airport (LTN) is the third-busiest airport serving London, England. It's roughly 42 miles northeast of central London, near the village of Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex. London Stansted Airport serves over 160 destinations across Europe, Asia and Africa, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.
The airport is a major hub for several European low-cost carriers, including Ryanair, its largest carrier. It features one main passenger terminal with 3 departure satellites.
After you arrive at London Stansted Airport, you'll want to pick the best transportation method to get you from the airport to your final destination.
Trains
The fastest and most convenient way to reach central London from Stansted Airport is by train. The Stansted Express train departs every 15 minutes, with the journey to London Liverpool Street Station taking around 50 minutes.
Buses
There are several bus companies, such as National Express and Airport Bus Express, that offer frequent services to destinations across London and the rest of the UK, from Stansted Airport. The main coach station is a two-minute walk from the terminal.
Taxis
The famous London black cabs will be readily available outside Stansted's terminal. You can also use Uber taxis to get you to your destination.
Car
If you've hired a rental car or booked a private car service, you can easily reach your destination as Stansted is connected by major motorways (M11 and M25).
At London Stansted Airport, all departing passengers must go through security checks. This involves screening both carry-on luggage and passengers themselves. It's important to follow the standard regulations for liquids and gels in carry-on baggage - containers must not exceed 100ml and must be placed inside a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag no larger than 20 x 20 cm.
If you'd like tips on how to get through airport security smoothly, check out our blog - Guide to Airport Security.
Follow the signs that direct you to the "Baggage Reclaim" hall. Once inside the hall, check the information screens to find your flight number and the corresponding carousel number where your luggage will be delivered. If you need to use a baggage trolley, you will need to use a £1 coin as a deposit.
London Stansted Airport only has one main passenger terminal with three departure satellites. This terminal serves around 27 million passengers annually and is a major hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair.
The terminal offers a variety of shops that cater to various needs, from travel essentials and souvenirs to clothing and electronics. There's also a good selection of restaurants and cafes that serve quick bites and sit-down meals.
If you require currency exchange services, these will be available within the terminal. You can also store your luggage for a few hours if you'd like to explore the airport without any hassle. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, executive lounges and prayer rooms.
London Stansted Airport has one lounge - The Escape Lounge. It is located in the main departure lounge between Coast to Coast and Pret a Manger, after you proceed through security checks and the duty-free area.
Inside the lounge, there is a selection of hot and cold food, unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee. There's also a selection of alcoholic beverages, including prosecco. Free Wi-Fi is also available, as well as business facilities like printers and scanners. If you're travelling with children, free entrance is available to children aged 0-35 months.
Did you know? You can add access to airport lounges when booking flights through Alternative Airlines! Take a look at our handy guide on how to add lounges to your booking right here.
Major international airlines:
Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways
European airlines:
Air Europa, Eurowings, Icelandair, Norwegian Air, Ryanair, TAP Air Portugal and Vueling
Regional airlines:
Air Lingus, Blue Air and Eastern Airways
If you or a passenger on your booking require a special service to make the journey easier (such as wheelchair assistance or special medical equipment), we're here to help. Contact us today to discuss adding special services to your booking.
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London Stansted Airport (STN) is situated near the village of Stansted Mountfitchet in Essex, England. It is 42 miles (68 km) away from Central London. It's not as central as London Gatwick or London Heathrow, but offers more budget-friendly routes with a focus on low-cost airlines.
The fastest option is by the Stansted Express Train, taking around 50 minutes to get from London Liverpool Street Station to London Stansted Airport. This train departs every 15 minutes.
Another option is the National Express coach which offers frequent and affordable routes to Stansted Airport from various locations in London. Taxis are also readily available in London that can take you directly to London Stansted Airport.
London Stansted Airport is approximately 65 miles (105 km) away from Heathrow Airport. If you're driving between the two airports, it can take just over 1 hour under normal traffic conditions. National Express coaches offer direct coach services between the two airports, with a journey time of around 1 hour 20 minutes.
There are no direct trains between the two airports, however, you can take the Stansted Express Train to London Liverpool Street, then transfer to the Heathrow Express train to reach Heathrow Airport. This journey is longer, taking around 2 hours.
