Stansted is one of London's busiest airports, and the main UK base for several low-cost airlines. It is also the furthest of the main London airports from the West End, in Essex about 40 miles to the north-east. How you get into town depends on where you are staying, when you land and how much you are carrying.
- DistanceAbout 40 miles to the West End
- By carAbout 1¼ to 1¾ hours
- Stansted ExpressAbout 50 minutes to Liverpool Street
- Meet & GreetOptional at Stansted
Option 1: Stansted Express
The Stansted Express runs from the station below the terminal to London Liverpool Street in about 50 minutes, calling at Tottenham Hale for the Victoria line. Trains run every 15 to 30 minutes for most of the day. It is fast and good value if you are staying near Liverpool Street, the City or Shoreditch. For the West End, Kensington or Westminster, you then need the Underground or a taxi, with your luggage, for the last part of the journey.
Option 2: Coach
Coaches run from Stansted to several Central London stops, including Liverpool Street, Stratford and Victoria. They are the cheapest option but usually take 75 to 90 minutes or more, depending on traffic.
Option 3: A private transfer
A pre-booked car takes you from the terminal to your hotel or home without changes. It makes the most sense when:
- you are staying outside the City, for example in the West End, Kensington, Chelsea or North London;
- you land late at night, when trains are less frequent and the last ones leave around midnight;
- you are a family or group, or have more luggage than you would want to carry through stations;
- you are travelling on from London, for example to Cambridge, which is about 30 miles from Stansted.
Arriving at Stansted: what to expect
All flights use the single terminal. After passport control and baggage reclaim you come out into the arrivals hall. With Meet & Greet, your driver waits there with a name board; without it, we will send you clear instructions to the pickup area. Give us your flight number when you book and we will track the flight, so a delay does not leave you waiting or paying more.
Our tips
- Keep your phone switched on when you land so your driver can reach you.
- Passport control at Stansted can be slow when several flights land together. Your driver tracks the flight, so you will not be rushed.
- Tell us your luggage and any child seats when you book.
Flying out of Stansted? Read when to leave London for Stansted, Luton and London City, and our Stansted pickup guide.
Questions we are often asked
How long does it take to drive from Stansted to Central London?
Usually 1¼ to 1¾ hours to the West End, depending on traffic. Late evenings are usually quicker.
Is the Stansted Express quicker than a car?
To Liverpool Street, often yes: it takes about 50 minutes. If you are staying in the West End or further west, the extra journey from Liverpool Street with luggage usually makes a direct car similar or quicker door to door.
Is Meet & Greet included at Stansted?
Meet & Greet is optional at Stansted. Without it, we send you instructions for meeting your driver at the designated pickup area.
What if my flight lands late at night?
We track your flight and adjust the pickup time. A pre-booked car is especially useful after the last trains have left.
Is the price per person?
No. Our transfer prices are per vehicle, agreed before you travel.