Woolwich to Stansted Airport - Public Transport Guide
The leafy south London suburb of Woolwich is a popular residential area well-served by road, rail, and public transport, making it easy to get around. In this guide, we'll explain the different ways to get from Woolwich to Stansted Airport. Whether you’re flying out on business to Europe or that well-deserved holiday in the sun, our public transport guide will get you off to a flying start.
Location of Woolwich to Stansted Airport
Woolwich is located on the south side of the River Thames, opposite Beckton and the East End boroughs of East Ham and the affluent Docklands area. It is approximately 9.5km from Woolwich to the main Stratford bus station in East London and a further 50km to Stansted, giving you a journey distance of just under 60km.
Your total journey time should take around 1.5 hours, depending on the route you choose, the time of day, and any factors such as traffic congestion, rail delays, etc.
The best way to get from Woolwich to Stansted Airport – your public transport options
To avoid delays and congestion charges, the best way to get from Woolwich to Stansted Airport is to leave the car at home and take public transport. There are two ways to make the journey as hassle-free as possible.
Route 1 – Woolwich Arsenal DLR Station – Stratford City Bus Station – Stansted Airport
This is the most direct route to get to Stansted from Woolwich and only involves one change. Pick up the Docklands Light Railway line from Woolwich Arsenal, which will take you under the river Thames and into East London. The DLR stops at Canning Town and West Ham before arriving at Stratford Station.
From here, it is a two-minute walk from the DLR station to Airport Bus Express' departure bay at Bus Stop 20. Your driver will help you load your luggage, and you can settle into your guaranteed, pre-booked seat or buy a ticket on the day if your travel arrangements are a little more last-minute.
ABE luxury Mercedes coaches leave Stratford Station every half hour, 24/7, and take you straight up the M11 motorway to Stansted Airport. Journey time from Stratford is around 45 minutes, so your entire journey should take around an hour and 15 minutes from door to door. The coach station at Stansted is right next to the main terminal building.
Why take Route 1?
If you use your Oyster Card to get from Woolwich to Stratford, the rest of your journey could cost you as little as £6.50 if you book your Airport Bus Express seat 28 days in advance. If you buy your ticket on the day, a standard one-way ticket will still only cost you £16, making it the cheapest, most comfortable, and easiest option.
Our buses run all year round, 24 hours a day, so no matter when you travel, you’ll be able to catch a comfortable, hassle-free coach service to Stansted that cuts out all the stress of London congestion.
All of the lines at Stratford Station are on the surface, so there are no stairs or escalators to negotiate – a big plus when you have heavy luggage and the kids with you! And if you want to stop off for a coffee before travelling on to Stansted, there are plenty of cafés open all day and night.
Route 2 - Woolwich Station - Liverpool Street Station – Stansted Airport
From Woolwich Station, take the Elizabeth Line to Liverpool Street. There are a few stops along the way, including Custom House, Royal Victoria Docks, Canary Wharf, Whitechapel, and Aldgate East. This can be a very busy route during rush hours.
When you arrive at London Liverpool Street, there is a four-minute walk from the Elizabeth Line to Liverpool Street Station Platform 4, where you can catch the Stansted Express train for your onward trip to the airport. There are two stops along the way at Tottenham Hale and Bishop’s Stortford. The entire journey should take around one hour and 15 minutes.
Why take Route 2?
The Stansted Express train service takes you right into the heart of Stansted Airport, as the station is underneath the main terminal building. The door-to-door journey time is roughly the same as the bus service. However, tickets are much more expensive, at around £23 for a standard one-way ticket bought on the day.
Our Top Tip: The Airport Bus Express route is not only cheaper but also avoids the congestion of central London by starting from London Stratford.
Ricky