From Stansted to London – Transfer guide for London Stansted Airport
How to get from Stansted to London?
Here you can find out everything you need to know about the best way to go from Stansted airport to London. See our comparison of private transfers, trains, buses and cabs, including money-saving tips!
Stansted Airport is the third-largest airport in London after Heathrow and Gatwick. It’s also one of the fastest-growing airports in the whole of Europe. Continue reading to find out the best, fastest and cheapest way of getting to Central London from Stansted Airport.
Ticket info for you
Show TicketLondon Stansted Airport is situated about 34 miles (ca. 55 km) north-east of London. This airport is mainly served by the budget airline Ryanair, which flies to over 100 destinations from here. If you need help with finding your bearings, take a look at the map of all terminals.
London Stansted Airport
- Private transfers definitely need to be booked in advance. You’ll be taken directly to the place where you’re staying. This is the most convenient way of travelling and costs much less than we expected.
- The train is more expensive than the bus but avoids traffic jams. The Stansted Express only calls at three stations in London.
- Travelling by bus is a cheap way of getting from Stansted to London. However, it’s important to bear in mind – especially on the return journey – that the speed at which the buses travel is heavily dependent on the amount of traffic in and around London. So it’s a good idea to take an earlier bus if you want to be sure of catching your flight.
- Taking a cab is one of the most expensive options. You should definitely agree on a fixed price with the driver before getting in.
The Stansted Express to London
- Price: starting at £21
- Journey time: approx. 47 minutes
The train journey from Stansted to London is fast and convenient. The Stansted Express is the fastest way of getting from Stansted to Central London. It takes around 47 minutes to reach Liverpool Street Station. The express train stops en-route at Tottenham Hale subway station. Trains from the airport to Central London run from 5:30 a.m. to 0:30 a.m. Trains from London to the airport run from 4.10 a.m. to 11.25 p.m.
The Stansted Express runs every 15 minutes during the day, but a little less often in the morning and at night. A one-way ticket costs around £17 (approx. 20 €), depending on how long in advance you book. If you’re flying home from Stansted Airport as well, it’s best to book a two-way train ticket. This costs a total of £29 (approx. 33 €), which will save you a few pounds. The Stansted Express to Liverpool Street is twice as fast as a cab and four times cheaper!
BUY TICKETS FOR THE STANSTED EXPRESS
Our tip: Buy your ticket online in advance and save yourself a long wait at the airport.
Bus transfer from Stansted to London
- Price: starting at £17 (approx. 20 €)
- Journey time: approx. 75 minutes
One of the cheapest ways of getting to London is to take the bus. I would recommend the National Express service. At peak times, buses run every 20 minutes. The journey takes around 75 minutes, depending on the traffic. Buses run up to 100 times per day in both directions and take the following routes:
- A6 to Paddington Station via Baker Street
- A7 to Victoria Coach Station via Southwark, Waterloo, Victoria Rail Station
- A8 to Liverpool Street Station via Whitechapel
- A9 to Stratford Station
If you buy bus tickets online in advance, you’ll save yourself a long wait at the ticket counter. The lines can be quite long, especially when several planes land in close succession.
BUY TICKETS ONLINE FOR THE NATIONAL EXPRESS
Private transfer from Stansted to London – low-price travel with added comfort
Did you know that you can book a car transfer online in advance and that this is a reliable, fast and even low-cost way of getting to your hotel? Private transfers are becoming increasingly popular for obvious reasons:
- Bookable in advance
- No waiting
- Fixed price
- Transfer to overnight accommodation/hotel
- Door-to-door service – no need to hump heavy bags around
We’ve taken a look at a number of Stansted to London transfers on your behalf.
1. Shared London Arrival transport
This Transfer for £50 (51€) per person will drive you to your accommodation and welcome you in the arrivals hall of Stansted. The ride will take approximately 1 – 1.5 hours, depends on the traffic.
2. 1-Way private London pickup
In this case, a professional chauffeur picks you up at the airport at the agreed time for an unbeatable price. The door-to-door service costs as little as £36 per person (as a group of 3) and covers virtually all areas of London. For further details of the precise destinations, see our overview. If you wish, you can also book the return transfer from the hotel to the airport at the same time.
3. Round-trip transfer Two-way journey with a private chauffeur
A chauffeur will pick you up at Stansted Airport and drive you to your accommodation. He/she will track your flight arrival time and take any delays into account. At the end of your trip to London, the chauffeur will drive you back to the airport. This means you can enjoy your stay in London without having to worry about how you’re going to get to and from the airport. However, luxury comes at a price: the two-way journey will set you back £170. It’s best to book this transfer online in advance.
Want to feel like royalty while you’re in London? If so, I can recommend a luxury ride with the wow factor:
4. Transfer from Stansted to London by luxury car
Enjoy a comfortable private transfer from Stansted Airport to Central London by luxurious car. Your private multilingual driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall and give you a warm welcome. This transfer should definitely be booked online in advance.
From Stansted Airport to London by cab
- Price: starting at £50 (approx. 58 €)
- Journey time: approx. 75 minutes
Taking a cab is probably one of the most convenient ways of getting to Central London, especially if you’re carrying a lot of luggage. However, a cab ride to Central London can cost anything up to £50 (approx. 58 €). The cab drivers use taximeters, but don’t be put off by this. It’s best to negotiate a fixed price with the driver before getting in. Otherwise, the journey can turn out very expensive, depending on the traffic situation. If you negotiate a fixed price, you’ll know what to expect and can sit back and enjoy the journey.
Don’t be conned into taking a “cheap” cab at the airport. Caution should be exercised here, as you’re likely to pay far more than you would for a licensed cab.
FAQ about arriving and moving around London
What's the best way to get around London?
The Tube offers quickest transport between landmarks. But buses, black cabs, Santander Cycles, and River Buses also shuttle visitors efficiently. For romance, rent a pedicab!
Smooth visit tips?
Book top sights ahead. Get proper travel insurance. Confirm visa rules. Carry important documentation. Brush up on customs and etiquette. Consider an Oyster travel card. Stay vigilant on safety.
Do I need an Oyster Card?
The Oyster London pass makes public transport around the city smooth and effortless, and it’s well recommended instead of having to faff around with tickets. It’s a reloadable contactless card that caps daily and weekly fares for discounted rates. Alternatively, contactless credit cards also tap to ride.
These articles might also be of interest to you:
