Fastest way from London to London Stansted Airport: Train, about 0h 46min (from €28). Cheapest: Coach, from €11 (about 1h 15min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): Flibco, Stansted Express; main departure point: Liverpool Street Station.
There are 2 ways to get from London to London Stansted Airport
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 | Liverpool Street Station | €28 | 7 |
| Flibco | Bus | Liverpool Street Station | €11 | 22 |
Activate an eSIM before you go: internet the moment you land, no SIM to swap, zero roaming fees.
Practical tips
Walk-up train fares are usually the priciest option. Buy online before the day of travel, compare the ticket types shown at checkout and choose an advance fare when your flight time is fixed.
London has many stations and coach stops, so confirm the exact departure point on your e-ticket before leaving. Going to the wrong one is the most common mistake, and it can cost you your connection.
Road traffic can slow coaches, especially at rush hour and on bank holidays. For an early or international flight, take an earlier departure than you think you need so you are not racing check-in.
If you land late or leave very early, check the first and last services in advance. Late-night and early-morning departures are fewer, and missing the last one can leave you with a costly taxi.
Coaches have luggage holds, but space and rules vary by operator. Keep your passport, boarding pass and e-ticket in your hand luggage, and label your bag so it is easy to spot when unloading.
The journey experience
Getting from London to Stansted is simple once you know your options: there are two realistic ways to do it, and the right one depends on whether you value your budget or your time. Check the comparison table on this page to see durations and price ranges side by side, so you can decide in seconds.
The train is the faster choice. It runs on a dedicated airport line from central London, with luggage racks, comfortable seats and a straightforward ride to the terminal. The coach is the budget pick: services run from several points in the city, including Victoria Coach Station, and drop you right at the airport. Coaches are a good fit if you are travelling with a big backpack and want the lowest fare. National Express and Terravision are well-known names on airport coach routes, and the Stansted Express operates the train.
British fares change with the day, the hour and how early you book, and walk-up train tickets are usually the most expensive. Book ahead online, pick your departure point carefully and leave a safety margin before an early flight or a bank holiday. If you book in advance, you get an instant e-ticket and no stress at the station.
Frequently asked questions — London → London Stansted Airport
It depends on your priorities. The train is the faster option, taking about 45 to 50 minutes, while the coach is cheaper, taking about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 25. If you are on a budget and have time to spare, take the coach. If your flight is tight, choose the train.
The coach starts from around €11, with typical fares up to about €12. The train starts from around €28, with typical fares up to about €29. Prices change with the day, the time and how early you book, so booking ahead online is the best way to get a good fare.
By train, the journey takes about 45 to 50 minutes. By coach, it takes about 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 25, depending on traffic. Add extra time to reach your departure station or stop in London, and allow a margin before your flight.
Departure points depend on the service you choose. Trains normally leave from a central London station, while coaches can leave from several points, including Victoria Coach Station. Always check the departure point on your e-ticket before you travel, as London has many stations close to each other.
Yes. You can compare coach and train options on this page and book online through a trusted platform. You receive an instant e-ticket, which you can show on your phone. Booking early usually gives you the best choice of times and prices, especially around holidays.
Why visit London Stansted Airport?
- ✓ Take the Stansted Express train to London Liverpool Street in about 45 minutes for quick access to the capital
- ✓ Explore the medieval streets and Tudor timber-framed houses of Bishop's Stortford, just 10 minutes away
- ✓ Visit Audley End House and Gardens near Saffron Walden, a grand Jacobean mansion with Capability Brown landscapes
- ✓ Stroll through Cambridge, with its historic colleges, punting on the River Cam and King's College Chapel, reachable in about 50 minutes
- ✓ Discover the charming market town of Saffron Walden with its turf maze, Elizabethan heritage and independent shops
When to visit London Stansted Airport?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild, longest days and the best conditions for visiting gardens, villages and Cambridge
What to do in London Stansted Airport?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit London Stansted Airport?
Stansted is a transit airport, not a destination: plan 1 day at most around the airport itself. With a few hours, take the Stansted Express to London Liverpool Street (about 50 minutes) or visit nearby Bishop's Stortford or Saffron Walden. With 2 to 3 days, use it as a base for Cambridge (about 30 minutes by train) and central London. Book train tickets online in advance and allow at least 3 hours before departure for security and queues.
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