London Stansted Airport (STN) Guide

The Stansted Express is the fastest rail link between the airport and London, running every 15–30 minutes to London Liverpool Street with a journey time of around 45 minutes. The train station is located directly below the terminal building. 

National Express coaches run from the on-site coach station to London Victoria, Heathrow and a range of regional cities including Cambridge and Ipswich. Local buses also connect the airport with surrounding towns. 

Taxis and private hire vehicles are available from the pick-up area outside arrivals. Ride-share services can be pre-booked and collected from designated areas. 

London Stansted Airport is a single-terminal airport with three pier sections connected by moving walkways, so there’s no need for separate vehicle transfers. Everything is under one roof – just follow the signs to your gate. 

Greater Anglia also operates train services from Stansted to Cambridge and other nearby towns, providing useful connections for passengers heading north of London. 

London Stansted Airport offers a range of parking options including short-stay, mid-stay, long-stay and valet parking. The multi-storey car park is adjacent to the terminal for maximum convenience. Pre-booking online is recommended for the best rates. 

Car rental companies are available at London Stansted Airport. Talk to your Travel Expert about organising car hire for your trip or book it yourself online before you leave. 

London Stansted Airport does not currently have any public airport lounges. The Escape Lounge, which was previously located in the departures area, closed permanently in February 2026. There are no airline-branded lounges at Stansted at present. 

A number of airlines fly into and out of London Stansted Airport, including Ryanair, Jet2.com, easyJet, Wizz Air, TUI Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Air India Express and Pegasus Airlines. As the largest Ryanair hub in the UK, Stansted offers flights to over 180 destinations across Europe, North Africa and Asia. 

As a general rule, you should aim to arrive at London Stansted Airport at least two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before long-haul departures. Some airlines, such as Ryanair, recommend arriving a full three hours before departure. This should give you plenty of time to complete check-in, drop your bags and pass through security. Check with the airport, airline or your Travel Expert directly for more information on recommended arrival times. 

There are plenty of transport options available from London Stansted Airport, including the Stansted Express train to Liverpool Street station, Greater Anglia trains to Cambridge, National Express coaches, local buses, taxis, ride-share and car rental. The Stansted Express is the quickest option, reaching central London in around 45 minutes. 

London Stansted Airport does not currently have any public airport lounges, following the closure of the Escape Lounge in February 2026. There are no airline-branded lounges at the airport at present. 

While there are no hotels within the terminal itself, there are several hotels located close to London Stansted Airport, many of which offer parking and stay packages. The airport is open 24 hours, so passengers with early morning flights can wait in the terminal, though seating areas can get busy during peak periods. 

You may be able to earn loyalty points or rewards on eligible flights to or from Acapulco Airport booked with us. When booking online, you’ll see a place to add your loyalty program or frequent flyer membership details if this is available, or you can ask your Travel Expert for help when booking in-store. If the booking meets your program’s requirements, you’ll earn points! For more information, check with your specific loyalty program and see our Booking Terms and Conditions. Keen for even more travel perks? Subscribe to our email list for birthday surprises, competition entries, exclusive deals and VIP pre-sale access to the hottest holiday savings around.  

Check-in times and baggage rules for flights departing from London Stansted Airport will vary depending on your ticket, so make sure you confirm with your airline in advance. Remember, it’s often possible to check in online or via your airline’s app, which can help save time at the airport. For more information or help finding your check-in times and baggage limits, talk to your Travel Expert. 

London Stansted Airport has a single terminal with three pier sections, so you won’t need to worry about choosing the right terminal. All airlines operate from the same building – just check which check-in zone your airline uses when you arrive. 

Yes, London Stansted Airport offers a range of parking options including short-stay, mid-stay, long-stay and valet parking. Rates vary by car park and duration, and you can often save by pre-booking online through the airport’s website. 

London Stansted Airport offers baby changing rooms in all areas of the terminal, along with Changing Places toilets for passengers who need additional facilities. The single-terminal layout makes it straightforward to navigate with young children. 

Keen to do a little retail therapy at London Stansted Airport? You’ll find a range of shops and eateries in the departures area, including duty-free stores, high-street brands and a variety of dining options from sit-down restaurants to quick grab-and-go spots. Check the airport’s website for an up-to-date list of stores and their opening information. 

While last-minute sale fares to and from London Stansted Airport may become available, you’ll generally find it pays to plan ahead, especially if you’re booking international flights. As a rough guide, we recommend booking domestic flights three to six months in advance and international flights six to nine months before you plan to fly. When it comes to balancing flexible travel dates with the biggest savings, this should give you the best of both worlds!