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About STN
London Stansted Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in the UK, located 42 miles northeast of Central London in Essex. Designed by architect Norman Foster, its iconic single terminal building features a stunning roof structure. Stansted is the UK's largest base for Ryanair and serves as a major hub for low-cost carriers. The Stansted Express train connects to Liverpool Street station in Central London in 47 minutes.
Hub For
Terminals
Main Terminal
Norman Foster-designed terminal building with a distinctive white lattice roof. After security, passengers access the satellite building via an automated transit train. The main terminal and satellite together provide gates for all flights.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at STN
Ryanair
Main Terminal HubJet2
Main TerminalAir Algerie
AJet
Arkia
British Airways
Corendon Airlines
easyJet
Main TerminalShowing 8 of 20 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
$100-$140 to Central London
60-90 minutes to city center
Public Transport
$25 (Stansted Express), $12 (National Express bus)
47 minutes (Stansted Express) to city center
Parking at STN
Multiple options from short-stay near the terminal to budget long-stay with shuttle buses. Pre-booking essential for savings....
Short Stay Parking
Mid Stay Parking
Long Stay Parking
Airport Lounges
Escape Lounge
Main Terminal
Bright and modern lounge in the main terminal area with complimentary food, drinks, and WiFi. Serves hot and cold buffet. A peaceful retreat from the busy terminal.
Aer Lingus Lounge
Main Terminal
Small but comfortable airline lounge offering complimentary drinks, snacks, and WiFi. Available to Aer Lingus premium passengers.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Radisson Blu Hotel Stansted
Connected to the terminal via covered walkway
The only hotel connected directly to Stansted terminal. Modern rooms with soundproofing and runway views. Day rooms available from $65 for 6-hour blocks. Restaurant and bar on-site.
Nearby Hotels
Hampton by Hilton Stansted
5 minutes by shuttle from terminal
Budget-friendly Hilton brand hotel with free shuttle to the terminal. Clean, modern rooms with free breakfast included. Popular with early morning flyers.
Food & Dining
Pret A Manger
Sandwiches/Coffee
Main Terminal (Airside)
Popular UK chain offering freshly made sandwiches, salads, wraps, and excellent coffee. Quick and affordable option.
4:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Cabin Bar by BrewDog
British/Pub
Main Terminal (Airside)
Craft beer bar by the popular Scottish brewery BrewDog. Serves burgers, wings, and bar snacks alongside a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
4:00 AM - last departure
Giraffe Stop
International/World
Main Terminal (Airside)
Family-friendly restaurant serving world-inspired dishes including Mexican, Asian, and Mediterranean options. Good vegetarian menu.
5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Car Rental
Hertz
Stansted Airport Car Rental Village
Take the shuttle bus from outside the terminal to the rental village. All major companies are located together.
Avis
Stansted Airport Car Rental Village
Pre-book for faster pickup. Avis Preferred members can skip the queue and go straight to their car.
Sixt
Stansted Airport Car Rental Village
German rental company with a good premium vehicle selection. Competitive rates when booked in advance.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Terminal Architecture Tour
Explore Norman Foster's award-winning terminal design. The soaring roof structure with its distinctive tree-like support columns is an architectural landmark. Free to admire throughout the terminal.
Escape Lounge Day Pass
Relax in the Escape Lounge with unlimited food, drinks, and WiFi. A comfortable way to spend a layover away from the busy terminal.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Visit Cambridge
Take the bus to Cambridge (50 minutes) and explore the stunning university colleges, go punting on the River Cam, browse the market square, and enjoy cream tea at a traditional café.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Speed Rating: ●●●●○
- Power Outlets: UK Type G, USB
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: From $7/item for 2 hours, $13/item per day
- Showers: Available in lounges
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: GBP (British Pound Sterling)
- Exchange: ICE and Travelex in the main terminal, both landside and airside
- Hours: 4:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
- Tipping: Tipping is optional. 10% at restaurants, round up taxis.
Rates at airport are not competitive. Use ATMs or exchange in London for better rates.
Smoking Areas
Designated smoking area outside the terminal before security only
Lost & Found
- Phone: +44-344-335-1803
Visit the information desk in arrivals or submit a claim online at stanstedairport.com
Insider Tips
Stansted is primarily a low-cost carrier airport. Arrive early as security queues can be long during peak times. The terminal has a satellite building accessible by a transit train after security.
Facilities & Contact
Airport Facilities
Free WiFi, Shops, Restaurants, Lounges, Currency Exchange, Left Luggage, Prayer Room, Kids Play Area, Nursing Rooms
Official Website
Phone
+44-344-335-1803
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
See how STN compares to other major airports in the region.
London Stansted Airport
London, United Kingdom
London Heathrow Airport
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Birmingham Airport
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Manchester Airport
Manchester, United Kingdom
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