How to Get from Stansted Airport to London: Best Ways in 2024

Stansted Airport, located just outside of London, is a bustling international hub known for its unique architectural design and efficient service. It's smaller and less congested compared to Heathrow and Gatwick, making it a preferred choice for many seeking a more relaxed start or end to their journey. It primarily serves European and a few long-haul destinations, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers. 

Connected to London by fast and efficient transport links, it is an appealing alternative to London's other airports, particularly for those traveling to or from the northeast of the city. However, as London is very large and busy, it can be difficult to navigate its streets and roads as you make your way between your hotel and Stansted Airport.

And because we want your trip to go as smooth as possible, we’ve come up with this guide on how to best travel between Stansted and London. We’ve got you covered — whether you plan to take on public transportation or go for ease and comfort aboard private airport transfers.

An integral part of travel in London (both for locals and tourists alike,) you’ll likely be traveling on the city’s extensive rail network more often than not. Encompassing the iconic London Underground (or the tube,) the Overground, and national rail services that connects London to the rest of the UK and Europe, so it can get pretty confusing even for the most seasoned of travelers.

A dedicated rail service between Stansted Airport and central London, the Stansted Express offers a swift and convenient connection between the two locations. This dedicated rail service runs directly from the airport to London Liverpool Street Station, a major transport hub in the heart of the city, with a journey time of just about 50 minutes. Trains depart every 15 to 30 minutes, ensuring that passengers have a reliable and timely option regardless of their flight schedule.

The Stansted Express is famed for its comfort, with spacious carriages, ample luggage space, and free Wi-Fi, allowing travelers to relax or catch up on work during the journey. This service is an ideal choice for those looking for a seamless, stress-free transfer to central London, providing a quick escape from the airport and a smooth introduction to the bustling city life. Once you alight at Liverpool Street Station, you can take the tube or a taxi to reach your accommodation.

*Some departures are available on select dates only. Please check the timetable on the official website for more information, as well as details on changes or planned disruptions on your travel date.

Traveling between Stansted Airport and London Liverpool Street Station with National Express coaches offers a practical and budget-friendly alternative to train travel. These coaches are equipped with essential amenities for a comfortable journey, including luggage storage areas, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. 

The journey typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, with departures every 15 to 30 minutes. For those looking for a balance between cost, comfort, and convenience, the National Express coach service is an excellent choice for the journey from Stansted to London Liverpool Street Station. Since operating hours are from 06:00-02:00, it’s a convenient choice no matter the time of arrival at Stansted.

A door-to-door service between Stansted Airport and your accommodation in London, a private airport transfer eliminates the need to navigate public transport or waiting in queues. Unlike public transport, which may require transfers or stops, a private transfer delivers passengers straight to their hotel or chosen address, providing unparalleled convenience (especially if you're laden with luggage or traveling in a group.)

While private transfers offer the advantage of a more relaxed and private environment, it is a tad bit more expensive compared to the Stansted Express, and the journey time can be unpredictable due to traffic conditions, particularly during peak hours or in case of roadworks and diversions. Nevertheless, the stress of navigating through traffic is handled by your experienced driver, allowing you to relax, work, or enjoy the views as you enter the city. Like the National Express Coach, travel time to Central London typically takes 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions

Choose from the various vehicle options available — we recommend the Toyota Fortuner or similar for parties of 6 or less. Prices for private airport transfers start from GBP90 for economy class 5-seaters.

Taxis and Uber provide the ultimate convenience of picking you up directly from the airport and dropping you off at your exact destination in London. Similar to a private airport transfer, this door-to-door service eliminates the hassle of navigating public transport with luggage or making multiple transfers, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a stress-free and comfortable journey, especially after a long flight.

However, this convenience comes at a higher cost compared to other modes of transport. Taxi fares from Stansted to central London can be significantly expensive (expect a one way trip to cost around GBP100 or more,) and while Uber might offer slightly more competitive rates, they are still subject to surge pricing during peak times. The cost can also increase with unexpected delays or detours due to traffic, which is a common occurrence in London, especially during rush hours. The journey time, while typically around an hour to an hour and a half, can vary greatly depending on the traffic conditions.

If you already have plans to drive around London and to drive to surrounding areas like Manchester, Bath, and Oxford, we recommend booking your car rental on Klook so you can freely drive around during your entire stay in London. Just select your pick up and drop off dates and locations accordingly, and everything else should be good to go. 

Check out some recommendations of places to visit during your drives outside of London:

The fastest way to get from Stansted Airport to Central London is with the Stansted Express, which can take you to London Liverpool Station in just 50 minutes (compared to other transportation options that typically take 60-90 minutes!) 

The Stansted Express stops operation around midnight. If you’re arriving after the last departure times for the Stansted Express, you can either take the National Express Coaches, book a private airport transfer, or take a taxi instead.

For door-to-door service, the best way to get from Stansted Airport to your hotel in Central London is with a private airport transfer. This will allow you to avoid having to carry your luggage up and down stairs and navigate the train stations and even take a nap as you’re driven to your destination. Pre-booking your airport transfer will prove to be much cheaper than hailing a taxi or a ride-sharing service on-the-spot, especially if it’s during peak hours.

This would depend on the transportation method you choose — the cheapest options are taking the Stansted Express or the National Express coaches. The most expensive options will be booking a taxi or a ride-sharing service on-the-spot.