London Stansted Airport is an international airport located in the green countryside of Essex, approximately 50 km from central London. Stansted Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the United Kingdom and Ryanair’s largest hub.
When you arrive in London, the rhythm of this city draws you in from the very first minute. This city, which combines history and modernity, has many places to visit. Walking along the banks of the Thames, seeing the magnificent Big Ben on one side and the revolving London Eye on the other is mesmerizing. If you want to feel the royal atmosphere, you should wander around Buckingham Palace and watch the changing of the guard. If you want to immerse yourself in history, you must see the Tower of London and the Tower Bridge right next to it. You will get your fill of art with a visit to the British Museum and the National Gallery. To feel the alternative spirit of the city, you should get lost in the streets of Camden and wander among the pastel houses of Notting Hill. London offers a wonderful experience not only with its sights but also with its street musicians, pub culture, and multicultural cuisine.
London Stansted Airport is an international airport located in the green countryside of Essex, away from the noise of London’s other airports. London Stansted Airport is approximately 50 km from central London. You can reach the airport directly from the 8th exit of the M11 motorway. London Stansted Airport is close to both London and surrounding cities such as Cambridge, Harlow, and Bishop’s Stortford. Stansted Airport is the fourth busiest airport in the United Kingdom.
There are direct flights from Stansted Airport to destinations in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and many other places. London Stansted is the hub for European low-cost airlines. It is Ryanair’s largest hub.
Stansted Airport train station is located in the terminal building. The most popular means of transportation to the airport is the Stansted Express train. This train, which departs every 15 minutes from London Liverpool Street Station, reaches the airport in approximately 50 minutes. Bus services such as National Express, Terravision, and FlixBus also operate to the airport from central London and surrounding cities. There are also taxi ranks at the terminal exit. Taxis operate 24 hours a day. There is only one terminal at Stansted Airport. The terminal building is divided into three separate sections.
Interactive London Stansted Airport Map
London Stansted Airport Terminals
There is only one terminal at Stansted Airport. All flights depart from the main terminal building. The main terminal building is divided into three main sections. The front section of the terminal has check-in counters and the main hall. The south side is reserved for departures, and the north side is for international arrivals. Inside the terminal, there are check-in areas from A to K, self-service kiosks, FastTrack security lanes, banks and currency exchange offices, cafes and restaurants, duty-free shops, baby care rooms, and disabled access points. There are open and covered parking areas in front of the terminal.
Pier 1
Pier 1 is directly connected to the main terminal by an air bridge. Accessible on foot, this section serves EasyJet flights and some Ryanair services. Here, you will find shops, food and drink outlets, and spacious waiting areas.
Pier 2 and Pier 3
The Stansted Airport Transit System is used to reach Pier 2 and Pier 3. These two sections serve many airlines, including Ryanair.
London Stansted Airport Car Hire
If you want to explore the university city of Cambridge or historic coastal towns instead of the hustle and bustle of London, you can rent a car from Stansted Airport. Cambridge is about a 40-minute drive from the airport. You won’t forget the historic streets of the university town and the “punting” experience on the river. Saffron Walden is only 25 minutes away. Hatfield Forest and Mountfitchet Castle are about a 10-minute drive away. If you want to go further afield, you can organize day trips to Norwich, the Essex coast, and even York.
All car rental companies at Stansted Airport are located in a central area called “Car Rental Village,” just outside the terminal building. When you exit the Arrivals hall, follow the “Car Rental Village” sign on the forecourt. From here, you can take a free shuttle bus to the car rental center. The shuttle runs every 10 minutes.
Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Alamo, National, Dollar, and Green Motion are the car rental companies operating in the Car Rental Village. Car rental companies offer options such as sedans, SUVs, minibuses, and electric vehicles. You can rent your car at a more affordable price by booking online. This way, your airport procedures will be shorter, and you can rent a car at a more affordable price.
London Stansted Airport VIP Lounge
There is one VIP Lounge in the post-security area at Stansted Airport. Essence by Escape Lounges is located in Pier 1. Only passengers flying from Pier 1 can use this lounge area. Cold appetizers, sandwiches, salads, soft drinks, wine, and beer are served.
If you have a DragonPass or Priority Pass card, you can book your lounge spot in advance. DragonPass, Priority Pass, Lounge Key, Lounge Club, Diners Club, Lounge Me, and TAV Passport membership cards are valid. If you are flying during a busy period, you should make your lounge reservation at least one week in advance, as capacity at Escape Lounge is limited.
The VIP Lounge offers complimentary drinks and snacks, fast Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. Business travelers have also been considered, with quiet work areas available.
Hotels in London Stansted International Airport
There are two hotels within walking distance of the terminal at Stansted Airport. There are also many hotels located 5-10 minutes away from the terminal. Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport, with its 500 rooms and suites, is the airport’s most prestigious accommodation. This hotel is only a 5-minute walk from the terminal. The hotel features the Collage Restaurant and the legendary Wine Tower Bar. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool, spa, sauna, and fully equipped PACE Health Club.
Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport is a more budget-friendly hotel. It is a 5-minute walk from the terminal. The hotel has a fitness center and offers free breakfast.
Novotel London Stansted Airport, Premier Inn Stansted Airport, and Holiday Inn Express Stansted Airport are 5-10 minutes away from the terminal. Most hotels offer a free shuttle service.
London Stansted International Airport Location
London Stansted International Airport Address: Bassingbourn Rd, Stansted CM24 1QW, United Kingdom.
London Stansted International Airport IATA: STN.
London Stansted International Airport ICAO: EGSS.
Satellite view of London Stansted Airport. Click to enlarge
London Stansted Airport destination map (February 2026). Click to enlarge