Stansted Airport (STN) is one of the main airports serving the city of London, known for its large number of European and low-cost flights.
Although it does not have a direct connection to the London Underground, you can easily reach it using a combination of the Tube, trains, and buses.
Below, we explain all the ways to get to Stansted from London, both day and night.
How to Use the Tube to Get to Stansted?
The Tube does not directly reach Stansted Airport, but you can take advantage of the London Underground network to get to the main train stations that connect to the airport. Here are the best combinations of Tube and train to get to Stansted:
1. Tube to Liverpool Street and Stansted Express
The fastest way to get to Stansted is by taking the Stansted Express, which departs from Liverpool Street station. To reach this train station, you can use the following Tube lines:
- Central Line (red): Ideal if you are in central or east London.
- Circle Line and Hammersmith & City Line (yellow and pink): Useful if you are coming from the west or northwest of the city.
- Metropolitan Line (purple): Recommended for those in north London.
Once at Liverpool Street, follow these instructions to board the Stansted Express:
- Train travel time: 45-50 minutes.
- Cost: From £19.90 per journey if booked in advance. Oyster and contactless cards are not valid for this service.
- Frequency: Trains every 15 minutes during the day.
- Schedule: From 4:30 a.m. to 11:25 p.m.
The Stansted Express is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Stansted from central London. If you plan to use this service, we recommend booking in advance to get the best prices.
2. Tube to Tottenham Hale and Stansted Express
Another option is to take the Stansted Express from Tottenham Hale. To reach this station, use the Victoria Line (light blue), which runs through north and central London.
- Train travel time: Approximately 36 minutes.
- Cost: The same as from Liverpool Street, starting from £19.90 per journey.
- Frequency: Trains every 15 minutes.
- Schedule: Service available from 4:30 a.m. to 11:25 p.m.
This option is convenient if you are in north London or near the Victoria Line. Additionally, Tottenham Hale tends to be less crowded than Liverpool Street.
3. Affordable Alternative: Tube to Stratford and Greater Anglia Train
If you want to save on ticket prices, consider using the Greater Anglia train from London Liverpool Street station, which makes additional stops and takes a little longer to reach Stansted.
- Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
- Cost: From £14 per journey.
- Frequency: Trains every 30 minutes.
- Schedule: From 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
This service is ideal if you prefer a more economical option and don’t mind a longer travel time. From Liverpool Street, you can reach Stratford using the Central Line or the Jubilee Line on the Tube.
Night Options for Getting to Stansted
If you are traveling at night and the London Underground is closed, bus services operated by National Express and Terravision connect London with Stansted throughout the night. Buses depart from various central locations, such as Victoria Coach Station and Liverpool Street.
- Travel time: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: From £10 to £12 per journey.
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes.
- Schedule: Service available 24 hours a day.
These night buses are ideal if you need to get to the airport for an early flight or if you arrive in London in the early hours of the morning. For added convenience, buy your tickets online and plan ahead.
Additional Tips for Traveling to Stansted
- Use an Oyster card or a credit/debit card with contactless technology to pay for the Tube to Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale, or Stratford stations. However, keep in mind that the Stansted Express does not accept Oyster or contactless.
- If you are traveling in a group or with a lot of luggage, book your Stansted Express tickets in advance to secure a seat and avoid crowds.
- Check train and bus schedules before traveling, especially if you are traveling at night, to avoid delays.
In Summary
Although you cannot reach Stansted Airport directly using the Tube, combining the London Underground with the Stansted Express or the Greater Anglia train services makes the journey easier. For those looking for convenience and speed, the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street or Tottenham Hale is the best option, while the Greater Anglia trains offer a more affordable alternative.
Explore the different options and choose the one that best suits your budget and location. Have a great trip to Stansted!