Fastest way from London Stansted Airport to London: Train, about 0h 51min (from €28). Cheapest: Coach, from €11 (about 1h 20min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): Flibco, Stansted Express; main departure point: London Stansted Airport Bus.
There are 2 ways to get from London Stansted Airport to London
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stansted Express | Train | London Stansted Airport | €28 | 6 |
| Flibco | Bus | London Stansted Airport Bus | €11 | 22 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Buying a train ticket at the station on the day is usually the priciest option. Book online beforehand to lock in a lower fare and receive an instant e-ticket, so you never overpay out of panic after landing.
If budget matters most, the coach is the cheaper way into London. If you are tired, arriving late or short on time, the train is the smarter pick. Use the table on this page to decide.
Trains and coaches from Stansted do not all stop at the same place in London. Before you book, check where your service ends and how that connects to your accommodation, so you do not end up at the wrong station.
London has several airports, and similar names cause mix-ups. Double-check that your ticket says Stansted as the departure point, and follow the signs for the train station or coach stops from the arrivals hall.
If you have a connecting train, coach or flight after reaching London, do not book the tightest option. Allow a comfortable buffer for delays, queues and baggage, especially on bank holidays and summer weekends when services get busy.
The journey experience
Getting from Stansted into London is straightforward once you know your options. You have two main choices: the train and the coach. The question is simply which one suits your budget, your arrival time and your luggage. The comparison table on this page puts both side by side so you can decide in seconds.
The train is the fast, frequent option. Services run direct from the airport to central London, and the station sits right beside the terminal, so you walk from arrivals with minimal fuss. It suits you if you land late in the day, are short on time or have a connection to catch. The coach is the budget pick. It is a comfortable, no-frills ride with space for large bags, and it is popular with students and long-stay travellers. Coaches usually drop you at a central London stop, so check the exact drop-off point before you set off.
The key to avoiding overpaying is to book ahead. UK fares vary with the day, the hour and how early you buy, and a walk-up ticket bought at the machine is usually the most expensive way to travel. Reserve your seat online in advance and you will get an instant e-ticket on your phone. Always check your terminal and your London arrival point before leaving, and allow a safety margin if you have an onward train or a flight to catch. You will be fine.
Frequently asked questions — London Stansted Airport → London
It depends on your priorities. The train is the faster, more frequent choice and suits late arrivals or tight connections. The coach is the cheapest option and works well if you are on a budget and travelling with luggage. Compare both in the table on this page and book ahead for the best price.
By coach, tickets start from about €11 and typically go up to around €12. By train, fares start from about €28 and typically reach around €29. Prices can change depending on the day and how early you book, so reserve online in advance to get the best fare.
The train takes around 50 to 55 minutes, making it the quicker choice. The coach takes about 1 hour 20 to 1 hour 25 minutes. Actual times depend on traffic for the coach and on your final destination in London, so allow some extra margin.
Both leave from the airport itself. The railway station is located right by the terminal building, and the coach stops are a short walk from the arrivals area. Follow the signs for trains or coaches once you have collected your bags, and check your ticket for the exact departure point.
Yes, it is a good idea. Booking online ahead of time usually gives you a lower fare than buying on the day, and you receive an instant e-ticket. It also reduces the risk of missing out when services are busy, such as on bank holidays and summer weekends.
Why visit London?
- ✓ Explore the British Museum and its Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and Parthenon sculptures, all with free entry
- ✓ Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, then stroll through St James's Park
- ✓ Ride the London Eye or climb The Shard for panoramic views over the Thames and Tower Bridge
- ✓ Wander through Borough Market, Camden Market and Portobello Road for street food and vintage finds
- ✓ Catch a West End show in Covent Garden or Shaftesbury Avenue, then enjoy a pint in a historic pub
When to visit London?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild temperatures, long daylight hours and the best chance of dry weather for sightseeing
What to do in London?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit London?
Allow 4 to 5 days to cover London properly. In 2 days, focus on the essentials: Westminster, the Tower of London, the British Museum and a Thames walk. With 4 to 5 days, add Greenwich, Camden, Kew Gardens and a West End show. Buy an Oyster card or use contactless payment, and book major attractions online in advance to skip the queues.
Related searches