Canary Wharf to Stansted Airport - Transport Guide
London is one of the most important financial capitals in the world, and Canary Wharf is the new heart of commerce in the capital. If you're heading off to that important business meeting in Paris or Luxembourg, signing a deal in Denmark or clinching a contract in Cologne, Stansted Airport is your direct route to the continent. And if you're seeking some sunshine in Spain for a holiday, Stansted Airport is a family-friendly airport less than an hour and a half from the capital.
On this page, we'll explain the best ways to get from Canary Wharf to Stansted Airport, whether by bus or train and offer a few tips along the way to make your trip one you'll remember for all the right reasons.
Where is Canary Wharf?
Just 54km (34 miles) and less than an hour by coach or train, it’s quick and easy to get to Stansted Airport from Canary Wharf whether you’re flying for business or pleasure. Canary Wharf sits on the north bank of the Thames and has always been a centre for commerce and trade. Today, the docks are lined with exclusive apartments rather than cranes and warehouses, and the skyscrapers have redefined the London skyline.
Canary Wharf has a world-beating public transport network that includes the new Crossrail service, the Jubilee Line, the Docklands Light Railway, and the Elizabeth Line. The Wharf's ultra-sleek hub has set a new standard for public transport, making it easy to get anywhere in the capital and beyond quickly and easily.
If you want to get from Canary Wharf to Stansted Airport, the Wharf hub is your starting point. But which is better – bus or train? Let’s take a look at the options.
Route 1 – A bus service straight to the airport
The first route is via nearby Stratford, which is only a few minutes away by train on the DLR. Just seven short stops take you from Canary Wharf to the main Stratford transport centre and the Airport Bus Express pick-up point. The DLR Stratford terminal is just a few minutes walk from Bus Stop 20, where the Airport Bus Express luxury coaches depart every half-hour, day and night.
The journey from Stratford takes around 35 minutes, avoiding the congestion of London traffic and travelling directly up the M11 to the airport. With tickets on the day costing just £16 for a standard single, this is also one of the cheapest ways to get from London to Stansted. And if you book your seat 30 days in advance, it could be as little as £9*. This route is one of most affordable ways to get from Canary Wharf to Stansted Airport.
Route 2 – Travel by train from Liverpool Street
The new Elizabeth line takes you from Canary Wharf Station to Liverpool Street Station, with just two stops along the way at West India Quay and Whitechapel. Once you arrive at Liverpool Street, it’s just a short walk to the platform to catch the Stansted Express train for your onward trip to the airport. If you need to get an early-morning flight, it's worth noting that the service doesn't start running until 04:30 a.m.
How much does the Stansted Express cost? For a train service that takes just 35 minutes to get to Stansted, you'll pay £23.00 (you can also catch the Stansted Express from Tottenham Hale and Stratford). Bear in mind that the Elizabeth Line can get very busy during the rush hour.
Which is best - train or bus?
Both services offer an excellent way of getting from Canary Wharf to Stansted Airport. However, there are advantages to taking the bus, especially the cost if you book ahead. Stratford station lines are all on the surface, so when you transfer from the tube to the bus, there are no tricky escalators to deal with (a real bonus if you have lots of luggage, children in tow, or reduced mobility). The station is just two minutes from the bus departure point, where your driver will be happy to help you with your luggage.
Your seat is guaranteed on the bus; if the first bus is full, you can always catch the next one. You don't have to wait too long either – Airport Bus Express coaches run every half hour, 24/7.
Journey times are comparable between the two, with both bus and train taking around 35-45 minutes to reach Stansted Airport.
*Price for a standard single ticket booked online 30 days in advance. Prices are subject to change.
Ricky