Train Transfer: Stansted Airport to/from London by Stansted Express

Stansted Express tickets: the airport train to London

Book Stansted Express tickets for the dedicated airport train between Stansted Airport and London. Trains run about every 15 minutes, so you can plan around flight times without relying on traffic. Choose a one-way or round-trip ticket to Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale or Stratford, then continue on the London Underground or local buses once you arrive.

Journey times are short: about 47 minutes to Liverpool Street, about 36 minutes to Tottenham Hale, and about 60 minutes to Stratford. On board you get air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, USB and power sockets at seats, and space for luggage, bikes and wheelchairs. The trains are wheelchair accessible.

Stations, journey times and frequency

Stansted Express links Stansted Airport with three London stations. Liverpool Street is the classic central option for the City and eastern London. Tottenham Hale is the quickest stop and connects well to the Victoria line. Stratford suits East London and the Olympic Park area; journeys to Stratford involve a change at Tottenham Hale, so allow a little extra time if you are catching a flight.

From Stansted Airport the first train is around 5:30am and the last around 12:30am, with departures about every 15 minutes. From Liverpool Street the first train is around 3:40am Monday to Saturday and 4:10am on Sunday, with the last around 11:25pm. From Tottenham Hale the first is around 4:52am and the last around 11:13pm. From Stratford the first is around 5:52am and the last around 10:46pm. Timetables can change, and your final ticket shows the exact departure for your booking.

What is included with your ticket

Your ticket covers the rail transfer between Stansted Airport and the London station you choose, for a one-way or round-trip journey. Round-trip tickets stay valid for one month from your chosen date, so you can spread arrival and departure across your trip. An optional London City audio guide upgrade is available on selected options if you want commentary and maps for a self-guided look at top landmarks after you arrive.

Luggage allowance is two medium suitcases (about 70 x 30 x 45 cm) or one large suitcase (about 75 x 50 x 32 cm), each up to 20 kg, plus a small piece of hand luggage. Extra bags may incur an additional charge. Seating on this public service is first come, first served, so board early at busy times.

How Stansted Express tickets work

Pick your direction, London station and date, then choose one-way or round-trip at checkout. Your voucher is emailed after booking. Show the mobile voucher with a valid photo ID when you travel, and keep a round-trip ticket for the return. Departure times on the booking step are approximate within about 20 minutes either side; the final ticket carries the exact time.

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled, so double-check your station and travel date before you pay. Suitable for all ages travelling between the airport and London.

After you arrive: London Underground and nearby tickets

From Liverpool Street, Tottenham Hale or Stratford you can hop on the London Underground and reach most of the city quickly. If you are building a London day after landing, browse London tickets and attractions, book Tower Bridge entry tickets, or head up for The View from The Shard tickets. Close to Westminster, Westminster Abbey tickets are another easy add-on once you are in central London.