London Stansted Airport Guide

Stansted is a medium sized airport with a huge number of flights departing daily, which means the list of destinations you can reach is absolutely incredible. Excitingly, there are also plans to expand the airport in the near future! And here’s something truly exciting: British Airways now offers a direct flight to the Maldives during high season!

Travelling to London Stansted Airport

The Stansted Express is the quickest way to get from Central London to Stansted Airport

• Trains run every 15 mins from Central London from London Liverpool Street
• Prices start from £9.90 for a one way ticket
• The journey takes 47 minutes
• You arrive in the terminal

National Express Coaches run from all over the country and from other airports to London Stansted, prices start at £7.50pp.

Parking Options at London Stansted Airport

There are a number of parking options at Stansted, providing flexibility in price.

Some options where you do not need to get a shuttle bus are:

• Meet and Greet ( drop your key and the office and walk straight in to the terminal)

• Official Short Stay Green Multi-Storey – 6 min walk to terminal

• Official Short Stay Blue Zone – 9 min walk to terminal

Check out your Parking options and prices here. We have a fantastic discount that often makes this link the best value option.

Tips for Travelling with Young Children at London Stansted Airport

• If you’re taking a car seat, you’ll need to drop it off at oversized luggage. This is a great way to bring a bit more luggage with you, as you can strap a large pack of nappies or a bundle of clothes into the car seat. I don’t know anyone who’s ever had their car seat bag opened and checked – just don’t make it too heavy!
• If you have young children in a buggy, do not pay for fast track. There’s an access lane marked with a buggy where you’ll be let through passport control and directed straight to the fast track lanes, making the security queues a bit easier for you, hopefully!
• You no longer need to remove liquids or electronics from your hand luggage, except for baby milk, food pouches over 100ml, and baby water or juice. You can carry all of these through security until your child turns 3, and it makes life much easier to have exactly what they need.
• Beyond security, there’s a well-stocked Boots where you can collect preordered nappies, milk, etc and carry them onboard. This is especially handy if you’re short on luggage space, as these items can be brought onto the plane with you.
• If you or your children have food allergies, bring your own meals. This airport, and most short-haul flights, do not cater well to specific dietary needs.
• Water stations are available if you’d rather fill up bottles instead of buying water.

Food Outlets and Shops at London Stansted Airport

There is a great selection of food outlets to choose from:

• Leon
• Camden Food Bar and Kitchen
• Burger King
• Itsu
• And of course an airport Wetherspoons

You can grab a coffee from:

• Pret
• Harris and Hoole
• Joe and The Juice

Last minute essentials from

• Boots
• WH Smiths

Holiday shopping from

• A good sized and well stocked duty free
• Accessorize
• Sunglass Boutique

And there is even a Prosecco bar for you and Hamley’s for the children!

Hotels near London Stansted Airport

Hampton By Hilton

This 3* hotel is very convenient as it is located only a few minutes walk form the terminal. There are family rooms available and interconnecting rooms for larger families.

Prices start at £100 per night for two people, breakfast is included.

Onsite parking is available for £25 per night.

Radisson Blu Hotel

This 4* hotel is very convenient as it is located close to the terminal. There are family rooms available, a pool and a choice of three restaurants.

Prices start at £100 per night for two people. Breakfast is charged at £18 per person.

Onsite parking is available for £20 per night.

Holiday Inn Express

This 3* hotel is located close to the terminal and they provide a shuttle to the terminal for a small surcharge. There are family rooms available, a restaurant and bar.

Prices start at £90 per night for two people. A continental breakfast is included.

Onsite parking is available for £14 per night.

Final thoughts…

Stansted Airport is an easy airport to navigate through, with all the amenities you will need. If you are travelling in peak times or with children, allow yourself plenty of time to get through security as it does get busy.