London Stansted Airport
STNThe UK's leading low-cost airport, serving over 200 European and international destinations from a single iconic terminal.
London Stansted Airport (STN) is the UK's fourth-busiest airport, handling around 28 million passengers a year. Located 35 miles north-east of central London in Essex, it operates a single terminal designed by Sir Norman Foster — one of the most architecturally celebrated airport buildings in the world. Stansted is the primary hub for Ryanair in the UK and a major base for easyJet, making it the go-to airport for budget travel across Europe.
The Terminal
Stansted's single terminal is a landmark building — a vast, light-filled space with a distinctive roof structure. It is straightforward to navigate, with check-in on the ground floor and the airside departure lounge reached by a short underground transit to the satellite building.
Check-in & Departures
Check-in desks and bag-drop are on the ground floor of the main terminal building. After security, passengers take a short underground transit to the satellite departure lounge, which houses all the gates, shops, and restaurants.
Arrivals
Arrivals are on the ground floor of the main terminal. Baggage reclaim is well signposted. The Stansted Express train station, bus stops, and taxi rank are all within a short walk of the arrivals exit.
Airlines serving this airport
Getting to Stansted Airport
Stansted is well connected to London by rail, with the Stansted Express providing a fast direct service to Liverpool Street.
Stansted Express
The fastest rail link to London, running non-stop to Liverpool Street in 47 minutes. Trains run every 15–30 minutes throughout the day and into the night. The station is directly beneath the terminal building. Book in advance online for the best fares — walk-up prices are high.
47 min to Liverpool Street · Every 15–30 min · From ~£10 advance
Greater Anglia (Stopping Service)
A slower but cheaper rail option calling at Tottenham Hale (for the Victoria line) and other stations. Journey time to Liverpool Street is around 60–70 minutes. Useful if you are heading to north or east London.
~60–70 min to Liverpool Street · Cheaper than Express
National Express & Terravision Coach
National Express and Terravision operate coach services from Stansted to London Victoria and other destinations. Cheaper than the train but journey times are longer and subject to traffic. Good value for passengers heading to west London.
~90 min to Victoria (off-peak) · From ~£6 advance
Driving & Drop-off
Stansted is accessed via the M11 (Junction 8). Drop-off charges apply at the terminal. A free set-down area is available on the approach road. The airport is well signposted from the M11 and A120.
M11 J8 · Drop-off charges apply · Well signposted from M11
Parking at Stansted Airport
Stansted offers a range of parking options from terminal-adjacent short stay to budget long-stay parks. Pre-booking is essential.
Short Stay
Multi-storey car park directly connected to the terminal. Ideal for quick drop-offs and pick-ups. The most expensive option per day.
Long Stay
A short shuttle bus ride from the terminal. Significantly cheaper for trips of more than a day. Pre-book well in advance online.
Meet & Greet
Drive to the terminal, hand your keys to a valet, and collect your car on return. Convenient for families and those with heavy luggage.
Facilities & Lounges
Stansted's airside satellite building has a good range of dining, retail, and lounge options, with recent investment improving the overall offer.
Airport Lounges
The Escape Lounge and No1 Lounge are both available airside in the satellite building. Priority Pass is accepted. Access can be purchased online in advance. Both lounges offer complimentary food, drinks, and Wi-Fi.
Dining & Bars
The satellite building has a wide range of airside dining including Wetherspoons, Pret, Wagamama, and a range of grab-and-go options. The selection is strong for a single-terminal airport.
Shopping
World Duty Free is the main retail anchor in the satellite building, alongside Boots, WHSmith, and a range of fashion and accessories stores. The retail offer is well developed for a low-cost airport.
Families & Accessibility
Family security lanes are available. Baby changing facilities and a children's play area are located in the satellite building. Assisted travel services can be arranged in advance.
Tips for Travelling Through Stansted
After clearing security, you take a short underground transit to the satellite departure building where all the gates, shops, and restaurants are located. Factor this into your timing — it adds around 5–10 minutes to the process.
The Stansted Express is the most reliable way to reach the airport from London. Book in advance online — walk-up fares are expensive. If you are heading to north or east London, the stopping service via Tottenham Hale may be more convenient.
Security queues at Stansted can be very long during peak summer departures and school holidays. Allow at least two hours for short-haul flights. The airport publishes live security wait times on its website.
Pre-book parking as far in advance as possible. Stansted's parking prices rise sharply close to travel dates. Book through the official Stansted Airport website for the best rates.
Travelling to a different airport?
Browse all UK airports