Stansted Airport to Central London: Train, Coach and Taxi

Stansted is 40 miles from the London most visitors want, which makes the transfer choice worth two minutes of thought: the train is fast, the coach is cheap and never sleeps, and the taxi is for groups and odd hours.

Stansted Express: the fast option

The Stansted Express runs from the station beneath the terminal to London Liverpool Street in about 48 minutes, calling at Tottenham Hale for the Victoria line. Trains run frequently through the day; the station is an escalator ride from arrivals, and 350 metres from the Radisson Blu at the end of the covered walkway. Book ahead for the cheapest fares.

National Express: the 24-hour option

National Express coaches run from the bus station beside the terminal around the clock, with up to four departures an hour at busy times and fares from about £7. Routes serve Liverpool Street, Victoria, Stratford and points between; the run takes about 70 to 110 minutes depending on route and traffic. Between roughly midnight and the first trains, the coach is the only public transport into London, which makes it the backbone of Stansted’s famously early mornings; more on that in the early flights guide.

Taxi and ride apps

Taxis and app cars are the door-to-door option, at about an hour or more to central London and a fare that only makes sense shared. For hotel nights near the airport, every hotel in this guide lists its own access on its page; the Hampton and Radisson Blu skip transport entirely, on foot from the doors.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast is the Stansted Express?

About 48 minutes non-stop-pattern to London Liverpool Street, via Tottenham Hale for Victoria line connections. The rail station is directly below the terminal, and at the Radisson Blu end of the covered walkway the platforms are 350 metres from the hotel.

Is there a cheap way into London at night?

Yes: National Express coaches run around the clock, with up to four departures an hour at peak times and fares from about £7. The coach takes 70 minutes or more against the train's 48, but it is the only public transport in the small hours.

How long is a taxi to central London?

Stansted is about 40 miles out; count on an hour or more to the centre depending on traffic, and a fare far above the train. For one or two travellers the Express wins on every axis except a 3:00 am arrival.

Information last verified: August 21, 2026