Getting the train to Stansted Airport - A Complete Guide
The Stansted Express is one of the most popular ways to get to Stansted Airport. This fast, efficient train service from the centre of London takes just over half an hour to reach its destination, making it an excellent choice for travellers using the airport for business or pleasure. But when did the train from London to Stansted Airport start? And is it still the best way to travel today?
In this blog, we'll examine in depth one of London's most popular airport services: the London to Stansted train. We'll also look at its history, the route it takes, and what you can expect when you hop onboard.
We’ll also look at any alternative ways to get to Stansted Airport, including bus links, driving and taxi options. Keep reading for our top tips on how to choose the best way to get to Stansted Airport.
The history of the Stansted Express London to Stansted Airport train
The massive growth in popularity of the once-tiny Stansted Airport quickly led to it being regarded as London's 'Third Airport' after Heathrow and Gatwick. Within a few years, Stansted had become one of the busiest airports in the UK, and the Stansted Express was brought online in 1991 to cope with the rise in the number of travellers using the airport.
In 1996, control of the service was handed over to the West Anglia Great Northern franchise. After a new tender was issued in 2004, the Stansted Express service went from strength to strength, establishing a fast, efficient and affordable London to Stansted train service.
The Stansted Express Route
The train from London to Stansted Airportdelivers a fast, reliable service from the heart of the city to Stansted. The route allows passengers to connect with the service at three points in London – London Liverpool Street and then additional stops at Tottenham Hale and Stratford.
If you pick up the Stansted Express at Stratford, you have to change at Tottenham Hale to connect to the main service, as the Stratford ‘spur’ is not a direct service to Stansted Airport.
Once the train leaves Stratford, it stops at Harlow Town, Bishops Stortford and the village of Stansted Mountfitchet before arriving at Stansted Airport. According to the Stansted Express website, the journey time is around 45-50 minutes. However, this can be affected by things such as industrial action, weather conditions, and the availability of rolling stock.
Where does the train from London to Stansted Airport terminate?
When the new terminal at Stansted Airport was opened in 1991, it integrated the Stansted Express service into its plans by locating the train terminus directly underneath the main terminal building. That makes it one of the most convenient ways to get directly to the airport without hopping onto airport buses, hailing a taxi, or a long walk across the car park!
Stansted Airport's location in relation to London
Stansted Airport is 50km north of central London, putting it within easy reach of both business travellers and those who are looking for a quick escape to the sun in destinations such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and Turkey. Despite its relatively close location to the capital, it is not connected to any of the London Underground or Overground network. So currently, the only way of getting to Stansted Airport from London is via the train service, by bus, or by car or taxi.
How much does it cost?
There are a variety of choices when it comes to tickets for the train from London to Stansted Airport.
Standard tickets—these can be booked up to six months in advance or bought on the day. They are flexible, so you can take any train from London on the date of travel. If you buy on the day of travel, your ticket will cost around £23 from London Liverpool Street or Stratford and £22.40 from Tottenham Hale.
Advance Tickets – If you book in advance, you can save on your ticket price. By booking a month ahead, you could pay significantly less. However, there are some restrictions, including the fact that the tickets are not exchangeable if your plans change.
Other alternatives include Group Offers, which can result in a 33% saving, WebDuo offers for two people travelling together, weekly, monthly, or annual Season tickets for regular travellers, and Family Tickets, which can half the cost of your travel.
Book ahead or buy on the day?
Our Top Tip: If you know well in advance when you’re planning to use the London to Stansted Airport train, book as far ahead as you can. This will cut your costs down considerably. But do make sure you read the small print!
Facilities onboard the train
As the journey is only a short one, there are no buffet services on the Stansted Express. However, the carriages are spacious and comfortable, with no limit on luggage. This, though, can be a bit of a problem when the train is busy, as most people onboard are travelling to the airport and will have plenty of luggage with them. That’s a lot of suitcases to negotiate when you’re trying to get on and off!
The train has free Wi-Fi (subject to terms and conditions) and USB charging points so you can top your phone up.
The trains are wheelchair accessible and have onboard toilets that include a baby changing unit.
Sounds great, but are there any cons to taking the train?
While the train is comfortable and quick, there are a few issues when it comes to taking the train from London to Stansted Airport.
- The price of the Stansted Express is expensive in comparison to the bus and savings such as group or family bookings must be arranged well to make the most of any discounts.
- The UK’s rail service is in dire need of upgrading and while the rolling stock for the Stansted Express is modern and comfortable, the lines the train runs on are prone to delays due to engineering works and the effects of the weather. There is also the issue of disruption due to frequent rail strikes.
- During peak times, such as morning and evening rush hours and high-volume holiday seasons, the crowds on the train can be daunting. And as there is no guarantee you'll get a seat even if you have booked in advance, you could start your holiday standing in the corridor all the way from London.
Are there any alternatives to the train?
If you don’t want to take the train and you don’t want to tackle the queues on the M25 by driving, there is a practical and cheap alternative to catching the train from London to Stansted Airport, and that’s the bus.
Today’s modern fleets contain top-of-the-range coaches with comfortable seats, loads of legroom, plenty of luggage space, and air-conditioned interiors.
Get the bus to Stansted Airport from only £9*
If you take the Airport Bus Express service from Stratford, you can also avoid traffic congestion as the Stratford terminal is just a few minutes from the start of the M11 motorway, the most direct route to Stansted Airport. The journey time is almost the same as taking the train at around 35-40 minutes. And there are very few chances of your journey being delayed by industrial action, the weather, or holiday crowds.
Cost-wise, it's also considerably cheaper. A standard single ticket bought on the day is around £16, approximately £7 cheaper than the train. If you book 30 days in advance, that cost is slashed to around £9.
You are also guaranteed a seat, which is not always the case on the London to Stansted train.
Our top tips for getting to Stansted - How to choose the train or bus
- Starting point—The introduction of the Crossrail service (now known as the Elizabeth Line) has made crossing London significantly easier. If you live a couple of stops from Tottenham Hale, for example, then the train may be your best and easiest option. However, if you're travelling from west London, Liverpool Street Station or Stratford may be more convenient.
- Cost – The Airport Bus Express service represents the best value for money, and even on-the-day tickets are cheaper. If you book online for both the train and bus you can cut your costs down, but each time the bus comes out on top for price.
- Convenience – The train is super-convenient, delivering you right into the terminal at Stansted Airport. However, the bus also stops outside the terminal doors, with no escalators to negotiate to get to the Departure hall.
- Comfort – Both the bus and the train are comfortable ways to travel. Bear in mind, though, that your seat is not guaranteed on the train, and the Stansted Express can get very crowded during peak times. With the bus, your seat is guaranteed and there aren’t any crowds of passengers.
- Regularity – The Stansted Express runs every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes during the rest of the day. It starts operations at 04:30 am, though, so if you have a very early flight, you may not make your check-in time. The coach service from Stratford runs 24/7 every 30 minutes, so you can be sure you'll arrive on time.
The train from London to Stansted Airport is a fast, comfortable and affordable way to travel - but it does have its limitations. You can find out more about the alternative bus routes by browsing our timetable page **insert link**. You’ll find details on all of our services, handy guides on the best way to travel across London, and useful tips to make the start of your journey one to remember for all the right reasons.
*Price for a standard single ticket booked online 30 days in advance. Prices are subject to change.
Ricky