PlanMyFlight

What time should I leave for Stansted Airport?

Live flight + live traffic from your postcode.

Try or .

Don’t have the flight?

We’ll give you a leave time. We don’t send a car.

England · STN

Stansted Airport

Every figure here was read on the airport’s own website or a named official source.

Read on Stansted’s own site · 31 Oct 2026

Independent guide, not run by or connected to London Stansted Airport. Not a taxi or booking site.

Facts below from stanstedairport.com and other official sites, checked 6 Oct – 2 Nov · How we check ›

Quick answers

How early should you get there?
“Get to the airport at least two hours before a short haul and three hours before a long haul flight.”
How much is drop-off?
Express: £10 for 15 minutes. Short Stay Green or Blue: from £13.
Is there a bus?
“The bus/coach station is just a 2-minute walk from the airport terminal.”
Can you take liquids through security?
Each liquid must be under 100ml, and can stay in your hand luggage.
Where is it?
“The sat-nav postcode for London Stansted Airport is CM24 1RW.”
Can you sleep overnight?
“The terminal has no overnight sleeping facilities, but hotels next to the airport offer courtesy transport.”
How long are the queues?
Not found on the London Stansted Airport pages read so far.

Each answer links to its source below.

Also asked: parking prices (below) › · trains (its pages differ) › · fines (its pages differ) ›

Need assistance? Booking · Blue Badge · Changing Places

Before you go to London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport departures today

London Stansted Airport’s live departures board

Our planner: we build your leave time from the scheduled departure. If the flight is running late we show it, but we don’t move your leave time.

London Stansted Airport · Departures page · 6 Oct 2026

Where can you fly to from London Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport’s pages give different answers on airlines and destinations. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

3 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026
3 more: before you go

Is it open 24 hours?

London Stansted Airport’s pages give different answers on opening hours.

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

London Stansted Airport · FAQs · and 2 more pages · 7 Oct 2026

What’s changing, and is anything closed?

In November, no Blue Badge spaces in the Blue or Green car parks.

London Stansted Airport · Blue badge parking page · and 5 more pages · 6–31 Oct 2026

Can you sleep at London Stansted Airport overnight?

“The terminal has no overnight sleeping facilities, but hotels next to the airport offer courtesy transport.”

London Stansted Airport · Connecting flights page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

How to get to London Stansted Airport

Is there a bus to London Stansted Airport?

“The bus/coach station is just a 2-minute walk from the airport terminal.”

See also: Can you get there by train? ›

London Stansted Airport · By bus and coach page · 6 Oct 2026

Can you get to London Stansted Airport by train?

“The train station is directly under the airport terminal - it takes just 2 minutes to walk between them.” Pages differ

  • “The bus/coach station is just a 2-minute walk from the airport terminal.”
Where the pages differ and more detail
  • “Stansted Airport railway station is staffed daily throughout the year, except Christmas Day.”

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ on 2 details:

See also: Is there a bus? ›

3 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026

How far is London Stansted Airport from the city centre?

“London Stansted is located just off the M11 motorway, 40 miles from central London.” Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

3 London Stansted Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026

Where is London Stansted Airport, and what’s the postcode?

“The sat-nav postcode for London Stansted Airport is CM24 1RW.”

2 London Stansted Airport pages · 6 Oct 2026
6 more: getting there

Is there a taxi rank at London Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport’s pages give different answers on the taxi rank.

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

London Stansted Airport · By taxi page · and 2 more pages · 6 Oct 2026

Can you get an Uber at London Stansted Airport?

“Free 45-minutes waiting time for airport pickups”

London Stansted Airport · Accessible transport page · and 1 more page · 8 Oct 2026

Where are the car hire desks?

“You can reach the Car Rental Village via a free bus transfer that departs from the terminal forecourt every 10 minutes.”

London Stansted Airport · Car rental page · 6 Oct 2026

Is there a height limit at London Stansted Airport?

“A height restriction of 2.0 metres (6 ft. 6 inches) applies to all Meet & Greet car parks”

London Stansted Airport · Car parking FAQs page · and 2 more pages · 6–11 Oct 2026

When do the first and last trains and buses run?

“From Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport, the first train departs between 03:40am and 04:40am depending on the day, with the last train at 23:21.”

London Stansted Airport · By train page · and 4 more pages · 8 Oct 2026

How do you get from London Stansted Airport to another airport?

“National Express operates a direct service between the two airports that runs every two hours.”

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

London Stansted Airport · Travel between airports page · and 1 more page · 8 Oct 2026

Parking at London Stansted Airport

How much is parking at London Stansted Airport?

Turn-up, for a day: Mid Stay £48, Short Stay Blue or Green £70.

Turn-up prices. Pre-booked shows only as a “from” figure.

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ on 2 details:

13 London Stansted Airport pages · 6 Oct – 2 Nov 2026

Can you change or cancel parking at London Stansted Airport?

“Free cancellation up to 72 hours before your booking when you book directly with London Stansted Airport.”

2 London Stansted Airport pages · 11 Oct 2026
2 more: parking

How do you pay for parking at London Stansted Airport?

If you turn up: pay at a machine, or take a barrier ticket.

London Stansted Airport · Turn up and park page · and 5 more pages · 6–11 Oct 2026

Where can you park a motorbike or bicycle at London Stansted Airport?

“Motorcyclists receive a massive 50% discount when they pre-book either short or long stay parking at London Stansted Airport.”

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

London Stansted Airport · Motorcycle parking page · and 4 more pages · 6–11 Oct 2026

Dropping someone off at London Stansted Airport

How much is drop-off at London Stansted Airport?

Express: £10 for 15 minutes. Short Stay Green or Blue: from £13.

  • “There is a £28 charge for re-entering within 30 minutes of first entering the car park.”
The full price list and more detail
  • “Up to 15 minutes £10 Over 15 minutes £28 Maximum stay is 30 minutes.”

More on Picking someone up at London Stansted Airport: Where to pick up ›

6 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–31 Oct 2026

What happens if you don't pay or overstay at London Stansted Airport?

“Unattended vehicles will be towed away by the police and a fine must be paid in order to retrieve such vehicles.” Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

4 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026

Where do you drop off at London Stansted Airport?

“Collection and drop-off areas can be found outside Departures.” Pages differ

Blue Badge holders: “Dedicated Blue Badge drop-off spaces are located in Zone C, the closest area to the Assistance Desk.”

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ on 5 details:

  • “Drop off only This option is best for a quick drop-off.” or “Our barrierless Express Set Down has been designed to streamline the drop-off and pick-up process, reducing wait times and improving traffic flow.” Pick-up and drop-off page · 6 Oct 2026 or “The Express Set Down is for dropping-off friends or loved ones;” FAQs · 6 Oct 2026 See also 3 more of the airport’s pages.
  • The airport’s pages give different answers on this.
  • 3 more differences are on the pages linked below.

More on Picking someone up at London Stansted Airport: Where to pick up ›

10 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026

How do you pay the drop-off charge at London Stansted Airport?

Express Set Down: pay online or by phone by midnight the next day. Pages differ

  • “To avoid a parking charge, please ensure that you make your payment by midnight the day after your visit.”
Where the pages differ and more detail
  • “There are no payment barriers or machines around our Express Set Down area, and payments can’t be made using cash or cheques.”

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

7 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026
1 more: dropping off

How long can you stop at London Stansted Airport drop-off?

London Stansted Airport’s pages give different answers on the drop-off time limit.

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

  • “Maximum stay is 30 minutes.” or “However, if you require longer than the allocated 15-minute period, please speak to one of our traffic marshals on site” Pick-up and drop-off page · 6 Oct 2026 See also 3 more of the airport’s pages.

London Stansted Airport · Pick-up and drop-off page · and 4 more pages · 6–11 Oct 2026

Collecting someone? It works differently here ›

Check-in and bags at London Stansted Airport

How early should you get to London Stansted Airport?

“Get to the airport at least two hours before a short haul and three hours before a long haul flight.”

  • “We strongly suggest you allow at least 4 hours prior to your departure flight time if you are travelling from London to Stansted Airport.”
More detail
  • “we recommend validating your boarding pass at security at least two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.”

Our planner: we aim to have you inside the terminal before a short-haul flight, 2 hours (2 hours 20 min with a checked bag); before long-haul, 3 hours. Where Stansted Airport's own website asks for longer than we usually allow, these use its figure. Its 2 hours is to security, already checked in, so with a checked bag we add 20 minutes to drop it. A planning figure, not a live queue; your airline’s own deadlines come first.

5 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026
2 more: check-in and bags

What ID do you need to fly from London Stansted Airport?

“You'll still need to show appropriate photo identification - check with your airline which forms they accept.”

London Stansted Airport · Checking in page · 6 Oct 2026

Are there trolleys and bag wrapping at London Stansted Airport?

“Yes - trolleys cost £1, refundable with the return of the trolley.”

London Stansted Airport · FAQs · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

Security at London Stansted Airport

Can you take liquids through security at London Stansted Airport?

Each liquid must be under 100ml, and can stay in your hand luggage.

2 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026

How long are the security queues?

Not found on the London Stansted Airport pages read so far.

1 of its pages read on this, latest 6 Oct 2026.

London Stansted Airport · Checking in page · 6 Oct 2026

Is there Fast Track security at London Stansted Airport?

“Security FastTrack - book up to 1 hour prior to departure.” Pages differ

  • “Security FastTrack at Stansted Airport is located at the main security checkpoint for Departures and Passport Control FastTrack is located at Arrivals.”
Where the pages differ and more detail
  • “Please note that FastTrack is not available for passengers arriving from Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man, or the Channel Islands.”

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ on 2 details:

5 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026
1 more: security

How do gates and boarding work at London Stansted Airport?

“Once passengers have travelled to Gates 1-19, they will not be able to return to the main terminal.”

London Stansted Airport · Escape lounge page · and 1 more page · 6–7 Oct 2026

Inside London Stansted Airport: food, shops and facilities

What food and shops are there at London Stansted Airport?

“Restaurants and bars at the airport”

  • “Unfortunately, our restaurants don’t take reservations”
40 London Stansted Airport pages · 8 Oct 2026

Does London Stansted Airport have a lounge?

“Guests will have access to the lounge 3 hours before their scheduled flight departure time.”

  • “Due to the lounge’s location, Ryanair and easyJet passengers will not be able to access the space.”

London Stansted Airport · Escape lounge page · 6 Oct 2026

8 more: food, shops and facilities

Is there free wifi at London Stansted Airport?

“We offer 2 hour FREE Wi-Fi access at London Stansted Airport”

London Stansted Airport · Free wifi page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

Can you get cash or change money at London Stansted Airport?

“We have a number of cash machines available located before and after Security, offering GBP, Euros and US Dollars.”

London Stansted Airport · Airport facilities page · and 2 more pages · 6 Oct 2026

Is there a smoking area?

“There are no smoking areas inside the terminal, including after Security. This applies to all forms of smoking, including e-cigarettes and vapes.”

London Stansted Airport · Airport facilities page · 6 Oct 2026

Are there showers and water fountains at London Stansted Airport?

“We don’t currently offer shower facilities.”

London Stansted Airport · FAQs · 6 Oct 2026

Is there baby changing or a play area at London Stansted Airport?

“Main Arrivals Greeting Area Baby change cubicles in both ladies’ and gents’ toilets.”

London Stansted Airport · Airport facilities page · and 1 more page · 6–7 Oct 2026

Is there a prayer room or quiet room at London Stansted Airport?

“There is a prayer room located opposite Check-In Zone A.”

London Stansted Airport · Faith and worship page · 6 Oct 2026

Can you take a dog into London Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport’s pages give different answers on dogs and pets.

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

London Stansted Airport · FAQs · and 2 more pages · 6 Oct 2026

How do you change planes at London Stansted Airport?

“All passengers arriving on international flights must pass through Passport Control, whether connecting domestically or internationally.”

London Stansted Airport · Connecting flights page · 8 Oct 2026

Special assistance and accessibility at London Stansted Airport

How do you book special assistance at London Stansted Airport?

“We work with ABM Aviation to provide assistance services at London Stansted Airport.” Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

5 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026
2 more: assistance

Blue Badge drop-off and parking at London Stansted Airport

“Blue Badge spaces are located at the front of the Express Set Down. Vehicles cannot be left unattended in this area.”

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ on 2 details:

  • “please speak to a Marshall in the area who can extend your stay for 15 minutes at no additional charge” Top tips page · 6 Oct 2026 See also one more of the airport’s pages.
  • One more difference is on the pages linked below.

London Stansted Airport · Blue badge parking page · and 5 more pages · 6–31 Oct 2026

Is there a Changing Places toilet at London Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport’s pages give different answers on the Changing Places toilet.

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ:

London Stansted Airport · Airport facilities page · and 1 more page · 6 Oct 2026

Contact and lost property at London Stansted Airport

How do you contact London Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport’s pages give different answers on contact details. Pages differ

Where the pages differ

Pages differLondon Stansted Airport’s pages differ on 3 details:

  • “To book or amend car parking, lounges or FastTrack, call our Sales or After Sales team on 02081 638001.” or “You can call a member of the team on 02081 638001.” or “You can call a member of the team on 08081 697031.” Contact details page · 7 Oct 2026 See also the airport’s FAQs. See also the airport’s Car parking FAQs page.
  • “Visit our airport information desk in the international arrivals area, open 24 hours a day.” Airport facilities page · 6 Oct 2026 See also the airport’s FAQs.
  • One more difference is on the pages linked below.
6 London Stansted Airport pages · 6–7 Oct 2026

Hand luggage and liquids at Stansted: the container size, whether you still need the clear bag, and what comes out of your bag, from Stansted’s own pages.

How Stansted compares on drop-off charges: what every airport we cover publishes about stopping at the terminal, every charge read from the airport’s own page and dated.