Question: How Do I Get to London From Stansted Airport?
Stansted Airport (STN) is located 35 miles (56km) to the north east of central London. London Stansted is London's third international gateway and one of the fastest growing airports in Europe. It is home to many of the UK's low-cost airlines, serving mostly European and Mediterranean destinations.
Answer:
Traveling by Train between Stansted Airport and Central London
Stansted Express is the quickest way into central London.
There are up to four trains an hour with a journey time of 45-50 minutes to Liverpool Street station. Fares are from £23.40 single. You can book tickets at the VisitBritain Shop (Buy Direct).
Greater Anglia operates an hourly off-peak service (Monday to Saturday only) to and from Stratford and Tottenham Hale for London Underground, London Overground and DLR connections. (tbc)
Coach Services between Stansted Airport and Central London
With all of the coach services, it is usually cheapest to buy your ticket online many weeks in advance. If you've not booked ahead ask the driver for the onboard fare and use the free wifi at Stansted Airport to check the online rate to compare.
National Express runs coaches to Victoria (via Baker Street and Marble Arch), departing every 15-30 minutes and taking about 90 minutes, and to Liverpool Street (via Stratford), departing every 30 minutes and taking about 80 minutes (50 minutes to Stratford). Of course, these times can vary wildly from day to day because of traffic, roadworks, etc.
A single costs from £6.50 to Victoria and from £5 to Liverpool Street or Stratford. You can book tickets at the VisitBritain Shop (Buy Direct). Do note, the "express" coach to Stansted Airport goes via Golders Green.
Terravision service A50 operates every 30 minutes to and from Victoria. Journey time is 75 minutes but always allow extra time because of traffic. Fares are from £6 single. The coaches are full size and quite comfortable. Do note, the coach does not leave from Victoria Coach Station. Check the map for bus stop locations.
easyBus operates from Gloucester Place to Stansted every 20 minutes and from Stansted to Baker Street every 20 minutes, 24 hours a day. Prices from £2 single (online price). Be aware, the general feedback from readers is not good for easyBus so know it can be cheap when booked in advance but also that the buses are small and possibly not the most comfortable ride you'll ever have. Also allow lots of extra time. Read my easyBus Review.
Private Shuttle between Stansted Airport and Central London
There are a choice of private shuttle options. If you need a larger vehicle, to be able to carry 6-8 passengers, this larger vehicle airport shuttle option is best. If you need a standard-size vehicle airport shuttle this company can offer a 24 hour service. If you would like to arrive in style, there are executive private transfers available. And if you'd like a set-price shared transfer from the airport to your hotel that's available too. All can be booked through Viator.