London Stansted Airport parking, directions, transfers

Stansted airport is located 30 miles north east of London.  The impressive glass terminal building was designed by Sir Norman Foster to give a sense of space and openness.  Despite its grand design, it is now used mainly by low-cost airlines.

The Stansted Express train goes from Liverpool Street station and takes about 50 minutes.  There is a frequent service running between about 6 am and midnight, but the train is not an option if you need to arrive before 4.30 in the morning.  Bus services also run to and from Liverpool Street, taking about an hour, or Victoria, which can take about an hour and 40 minutes, and these run throughout the night, although not at frequent intervals.  There is also a taxi service at from the airport, and the journey in to central London will cost about £99.

For those arriving by car, the airport has parking facilities.  Long stay costs around £9 per day and is a 20 minute shuttle bus ride away from the terminal.  Short stay is around £12.50 per day and takes about 5-6 minutes to reach by shuttle bus.  Many nearby hotels also offer parking facilities, which might work out to be cheaper.

Top tip: Stansted Express train tickets are expensive, so if you’re travelling with a group it might be more cost effective to book a taxi.