Stansted Airport (STN), officially London Stansted Airport, is in Essex, United Kingdom, and serves London. It has one main passenger terminal for domestic and international flights. Boarding areas include satellite facilities beyond the main building, so complete check-in and security before following the route to the departure area shown for your flight.

Stansted Airport terminal and airlines

The main terminal is the starting point for passenger check-in. Airlines at Stansted include AJet, Air Algérie, British Airways, Corendon Airlines, easyJet, Emirates, Fly One, HiSky, Jet2.com, Pegasus Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, Sun Express, Transavia, Turkish Airlines and TUI. Check your e-ticket and the airport displays for the check-in instructions and departure area for your particular flight.

The satellite boarding areas are parts of the airport's departure layout, rather than separate landside terminals to give your driver. After security, follow the displayed route to the area serving your flight. Keep track of the gate information while eating or resting, and allow time for the journey from the main terminal to the boarding point.

Trains from Stansted Airport to London

Stansted Express

The railway station is below the main terminal, with lifts and ramps for step-free access. Stansted Express runs directly to London Liverpool Street. The train journey is approximately 45 to 55 minutes, with additional time needed for the final connection to your address. Choose Liverpool Street as a rail destination rather than assuming the airport train will take you to every part of central London.

Train tickets and contactless travel

Contactless pay as you go is accepted for the Stansted Express journey. Use the same payment card or device to tap in and out. Oyster cards are not accepted at Stansted Airport. Conventional train tickets are also available, so check which option you intend to use before entering the station. Keep your chosen ticket or payment method available until you have finished the rail journey.

Coaches and parking at Stansted Airport

National Express to London

The bus and coach station is opposite the main terminal entrance. National Express serves London stops including Liverpool Street, Victoria and Stratford. Select the stop and coach service that match your destination, and confirm your booking's boarding arrangements before leaving the terminal. For travel back to the airport, plan the road journey around your flight's check-in requirements.

Choosing a car park

Stansted offers Short Stay, Mid Stay and Long Stay parking options. Short Stay is near the terminal, while Long Stay involves a transfer bus. Check your booked parking product and its instructions before driving, then allow time for the transfer if needed. Save the parking location so you can find the vehicle after your return flight.

Food and lounges at Stansted Airport

Restaurants and refreshments

Restaurants, cafés and refreshment options are available in the passenger terminal. Choose an outlet on the side of security you can access and consider the onward route to your departure area before stopping. Keep your boarding details to hand while waiting for a flight, particularly if the displayed gate requires travel to a satellite area.

Essence by Escape Lounges

Essence by Escape Lounges is after security in a departure satellite area reached by the Transit System. Access is restricted to eligible passengers flying from that area; Ryanair and easyJet passengers cannot use it. Confirm flight eligibility, admission conditions and availability before booking. The former Escape Lounges space in the main terminal is closed, so do not plan to visit that location.

Preparing for a Stansted Airport departure

The airport recommends arriving three hours before your flight. Follow your airline's specific check-in and baggage instructions as well, and account for the journey from your car park or public transport stop to the terminal. Prepare your e-ticket and the documents required for your itinerary before joining passenger checks.

When someone is collecting you, share the flight number and a meeting arrangement after arrival procedures and baggage collection. Tell them if the flight information changes. For a connecting trip, review the airport shown on every booking and ask the airline about baggage handling before committing to onward transport.

Flights and schedules at Stansted Airport

Compare the ticket options and schedule tables on this page by date, airline and scheduled departure or arrival time. Review baggage, change conditions and any connection in the booking details before selecting the journey. Keep the airport code STN in your travel plan so that train, coach and parking arrangements lead to London Stansted Airport.

Near the travel day, enter your flight number on the flight status page and follow updates from your airline. Find Stansted Airport flights on Traveloka and choose dates that fit your London trip.