Key facts

• Where: Essex, about 55 km north-east of central London
• Terminal: one, designed by Norman Foster, with the railway station directly underneath
• Fastest into London: Stansted Express to Liverpool Street in about 47 to 50 minutes, every 15 minutes in the daytime
• Train fares: from £9.90 in advance; about £20 for a walk-up single
• Cheapest: National Express coaches from about £7, but they take 70 minutes to two hours
• Drop-off: £10 since March 2026; free drop-off at the Mid Stay car park
• Liquids: the 100 ml rule still applies; check the airport website before you pack

Terminals and security

• One terminal: easy to understand, but satellite gates are reached by a short train ride, and Ryanair gates can be a long walk. Go to the gate when your gate is shown, not later.
• Security: queues can be long at the morning peak when dozens of low-cost flights leave at once. Allow two hours, more in the holidays.
• Bag sizes: low-cost airlines are strict about cabin bag size, and fees at the gate are high.

Honest verdict

Stansted is efficient for what it is: a low-cost airport. But it is far from London, and the train fare can cost more than your flight. Add up the whole journey before you choose a cheap ticket from Stansted over a slightly dearer one from Gatwick or Heathrow. For Cambridge or East Anglia, though, it is the most convenient airport.

Tours from London

Tours and experiences

London sightseeing, plus day trips to Cambridge, Oxford and the Cotswolds. Entrance fees are included in the tour price; tips are not included but are always welcome.