Your Complete Guide to London Stansted Airport (STN)
Stansted is one of the famous airports in the UK. Not only it is one of the most famous airports, but it is also one of the busiest as well with a lot of passengers coming in from different parts of the world. So, here is a complete guide to help you get around the airport. Further, it also covers the routes and means of travelling for coming to and from Stansted to London. Also, we have included the protocols you have to follow during pandemics at the airport. So, whether your flight is landing at this airport or departing, we have provided everything you need to know.
- A Brief History of Stansted Airport
- Size, Location, and Area of Stansted Airport
- Making Your Stop at Stansted Airport
- Entertainment and Facilities
- Terminal and Satellite Buildings of Stansted Airport
- Parking
-
Travelling To and From Stansted Airport
A Brief History of Stansted Airport
There is a total of six airports in the vicinity of London. Among those airports, Stansted has made quite a name for itself for handling heavy passenger loads. In the pre-pandemic time, the airport was handling anywhere above 27 million annual passengers.
Besides its traffic, the airport is also known for its futuristic architecture and overall design. But before becoming a major handler of air traffic or even becoming the modern Stansted we see today, the airport started as an airfield and maintenance and supply depot during the second world war.
It was constructed in 1943 and its name used to be Stansted Mountfitchet. Yet, even then it was referred to as Stansted mostly in records and communication. There were further plans for Stansted being in military use. However, in 1966, joined Gatwick and Heathrow for commercial purposes. So, this was a bite-sized history of Stansted Airport.
Size, Location, and Area of Stansted London Airport
A lot of people ask "Is Stansted a small airport?" The answer is yes. When compared to UK's bigger airports like Heathrow and Gatwick, Stansted is a smaller airport covering a much lesser area. But it is bigger and more spacious than Luton London airport. In short, it is not too big or too small. As for its exact area, there are no officially provided numbers.
Stansted London airport only has one terminal that receives all the flights. That single terminal is responsible for flights to and from over 180 destinations in Asia, Europe, and Africa. Collectively, this airport takes approximately 16% of London's passenger load.
The location of Stansted London is in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, England. If we take Central London for reference, it is in the Northeast direction at a distance of 68 kilometres. In terms of the road approach, you can take the M11 motorway to reach the airport.
Making Your Stop at Stansted Airport
“It can hardly be a coincidence that no language on earth has ever produced the expression, 'As pretty as an airport.” ~ Douglas Adams
The first thing you will notice at Stansted London is its beautiful and futuristic architecture. The roof of the airport appears like it is supported by metal trees. Its design is often used as an example of one of the interiors of airports. But that's not the only aspect that is worthy of all the praise.
There are many airport facilities like free WiFi, shops, restaurants, restrooms, lounge, meeting rooms, information desks, smoking zones, and much more. So, there is so much you can do apart from only arrivals and departures from Stansted London. Again, since it's an international airport, there are immigration and passports, security checks, customs, and Covid regulations. Once you are through all these standard airport procedures, you can get to the fun part of the experience.
Checking-in
If you are travelling from Stansted to some location, the first step is to check in at the airport. It is advised to follow your airlines' instructions for the check-in process. But a standard rule for checking in at an airport is to arrive at least two hours before your flight.
During this time, you can clear all the security protocols regarding passport checking and baggage clearing. However, there's a faster way to get through these procedures by going through FastTrack Lane.
You can prebook at a nominal fee starting from £5 per person. Also, there are screens to help you get to the right desk for check-ins. Lastly, there is the option of online check-in that allows you to get the boarding passes from the nearest printer at your house, office, or anywhere else. The best part is that if you only have hand-carried baggage, you can make your way straight to the security control.
For people who need general assistance, you need to book assistance at Stansted London 48 hours before the time of flight. Also, there is a special Sunflower Lanyard program that allows the airport staff to recognize and help people with hidden disabilities. You can get this from immigration desks.
Passport Control
When you arrive at the airport, getting your passport checked is a necessary step. The only things you need at this step are a valid passport with supporting documents(if required) for your stay. Make sure the passport or any document do not have an expiration during the time of your stay.
Further, during the Covid restrictions time, passengers have to register to the UK government passenger locator. There's a form available on the UK government website before booking your flights. Besides the Covid regulations, now the passengers from the EU have to go through extra steps in the immigration and passport checking process.
The FastTrack Lane for passport checking is open from 7.00 to 1.00. Keep the timing in mind if you are prebooking FastTrack Lane. For passengers from EEA countries, there is a faster option of getting through the passport control via ePassport gates that work on facial recognition technology and match it to the photograph in the passport chip.
Customs and Immigration
Like passport checking, passing your luggage from customs clearing is another important step. The airport management has everything that enters the UK in check. They have even provided a list of products that you can not carry in your baggage. If your goods are above the value of £800, you may be subject to pay customs fees on them.
For products of personal use between the price range of £800 to £1800, duty fees are applicable. You can visit the UK government's official website for more information on the subject.
Also, since January 1st, 2021, the UK is no longer a member of the European Union. So, there are changes in policy for passengers flying in from the EU.
Security and Scanners
As Stansted is an International airport, security protocols like manual and full-body scanners are necessary. Depending on any security threats and the instances of higher security, the steps in the process may increase over time.
The full-body security scanners are the fastest and the simplest method of checking. They work on an algorithm to see the data for any irregularities. Once a passenger crosses the scanner, no personal data is saved according to the Stansted airport's official website. The manual checking may take place in a separate room with handheld scanners.
Pandemic Situation Control
Before going through everything, keeping a mask or some type of mouth covering is extremely important in the pandemic situation. You should be wearing a mask at all times during your stay at the airport. It applies to all passengers and staff to ensure everyone's health.
Following Heathrow London's advice of carrying a hand sanitiser with a volume below 100ml can also decrease the health risks. Depending on the location and flights, passengers may be asked to show a negative Covid test.
Getting vaccinated before booking a flight from Stansted London Airport, or at any airport now, is highly advisable. You can save yourself from a lot of hassle if you are fully vaccinated besides being safer from the virus.
If you are fully vaccinated, you need to book and take a day 2 lateral flow test. Also, you need to fill a passenger locator form. If you are not fully vaccinated, you need to take a Covid test before departure from your location. Further, you need to take a day 2 and day 8 PCR test. Also, signing up for the passenger locator form is mandatory. Lastly, a 10-day quarantine is also a must. It could be at a house or is there any other place. To stay at any Covid hotel, you have to book 10 days before the flight. It will cost you anywhere from £2250 to £2400 for 10 days stay. You can get further information from Government's official website about Covid hotels.
These rules may change in future once the whole situation is under better control.
Entertainment and Facilities
After clearing the standard airport procedures, you can get the real Stansted London experience. There are restaurants, shops, hotels, and a lounge. So, if you have time to spare, there is so much you can do at the airport. Even if you do not have much time for other entertainment, you can still enjoy free Wifi in the waiting lounge.
Restaurants at Stansted London
Whether you are about to get to your flight or just came out of one, getting good food is always a blessing. At Stansted London, you have plenty of options to choose from. Because of the better control of the Coronavirus issue, now many restaurants are open for both dine-in and takeaways. However, hours of operation are reduced currently. There is a total of twenty-three restaurants and coffee shops at the airport. These restaurants are following:
- Bar & Kitchen The Camden
- Burger King
- Cabin
- Coast to Coast
- Costa
- Giraffe
- Halo
- Harris + Hoole
- Itsu
- James Martin Kitchen
- Joe & The Juice
- Leon
So, there are so many options and different cuisine options present at Stansted London airport. But because of the pandemic, some restaurants and coffee shops are not serving the customers at the moment.
Shops
Stansted London Airport provides an excellent shopping experience with a variety of shops. The best part is that if you are yet to catch a plane, you can include a shopping bag as your handheld luggage. Currently, there are nineteen shops at the airport. But again, you may not find some of them open during the pandemic. Following are the shops at Stansted London Airport:
- Accessorize
- Boots
- Boss
- Dixons Travel
- Dune London
- Excess Baggage
- FatFace
- Giraffe
- Glorious Britain
- Hamleys
- Hema
- Glorious Britain
- JD Sports
In short, you can get a solid shopping experience at Stansted.
Hotels
If you just arrived in the UK or have a flight from Stansted in the upcoming day/days, resting comfortably at a hotel near the airport can be a great idea. There are ten 3 and 4-star hotel options at a quick approach from Stansted London. Following are the hotels near Stansted airport where you can get cosy, sleep, and get food ranging from three-course meals to breakfast buffets.
Following are the restaurants nearby Stansted London Airport:
- Days Inn Hotel
- De Salis
- Holiday Inn
- Novotel
- Premier Inn
- Radisson Blu
- Ramada
- Travelodge
- Airport Lodge
- Hampton by Hilton Hotel
Escape Lounge
If you are only staying at the airport briefly(before or after a flight), then staying at Stansted London's Escape Lounge can be the best option. The price for pre-booking starts at £23 per person. For infants and kids below the age of three years, the stay is free.
In the Escape Lounge, you can relax and enjoy complimentary food and drinks. There are many options on their menu. The best thing about this lounge is situated in the main departure lounge.
Terminals and Satellite Buildings of Stansted London
Stansted London only has one terminal. This terminal is connected to three passenger satellite buildings. One of the satellite buildings is connected to the terminal through a bridge which makes the terminal within a walking distance. For the approach to the terminal from the other two, you have to take the automated Stansted Airport Transit System.
This vehicle is fully electric and automated. Further, this mode of travelling is provided free of cost to all passengers. So, this covers the travelling within the airport premises. As for how to get in and out of the airport, there are a few options. But before that, let's get into the parking options provided at Stansted London.
Parking Options
Whether you need a parking spot for a long term or a short term, Stansted London has provided plenty of parking options. So, whether you want to park your car to start a trip, or someone is to pick you up from the airport, parking solutions are provided for all. For all these mentioned parking methods, it is best to prebook. Prices are considerably lower on prebooking, and also you can get updated about the status of availability in time.
Meet and Greet
Meet and Greet is the most hassle-free mode of parking at Stansted London Airport. To park a car, you just simply have to arrive and leave your car at the M&G parking area. From there, Stansted's parking drivers will take your car and park it for you. Don't worry about the security as all parking lots are under surveillance and lit with floodlights. It is only a 2 to 3-minute walk from the terminal.
JetParks
If you want to know which parking option is the most affordable, the answer would be JetParks. It is best when you are signing up for an extended period. A downside is that it is around 20 minutes far from the terminal. Stansted London has provided a free shuttle bus service for these passengers to reach the airport.
Long Stay
Long Stay parking is best suited if you are looking to park for over two weeks. All the latest security features from number plate scanning to floodlights and surveillance are provided in long-stay parking. Again, these are at a considerable distance from the airport terminal. Like JetParks, you are provided with a free shuttle to travel.
Mid Stay
Mid Stay is the perfect type of parking if you are to go on a 7-day trip. Like Long Stay and JetParks, you self park in this type of parking and keep your keys with you. However, the distance is shorter than both other categories. It only takes 7 minutes for travelling to the terminal and a free shuttle service bus arrives every 10 minutes.
Short Stay
Short Stay Parking at Stansted London is the ideal option for 1 to 2-day trips. There are five Short Stay parking levels near Stansted making it anywhere from a minute to ten minutes of walk to the terminal depending on the distance from the floor.
Turn Up & Park
If you have a to or from a visit to Stansted Airport, Turn Up & Park is the best option. These cars are parked in Blue and Orange Zones of Short Stay parks. This parking is especially good if you are picking someone up from the airport. Parking fees range from £10 to £60 from 30 minutes to 24 hours of stay.
Also, Mid Stay park has Turn Up and Park options with lesser pricing. The first hour is free and £5 are charged for the first two hours. For a whole day of stay, you will be charged £30.
Pick Up & Drop Off
For dropping family and friends at the airport, Pick Up and Drop Off method is the right one. The parking fees are £7 for the first 15 minutes and £25 for above 15 minutes. This method settles a lot of hassle for the passengers and drops them in close vicinity of the terminal. Also, the car is not be left alone at this parking.
Blue Badge Parking
Blue badge parking is for passengers with disabilities. It is near the check-in counter and staff is available 24/ to assist them in the airport.
Travelling To and From Stansted Airport
Now that we have covered everything else, it is time to answer the most important question: How to travel to and from Stansted London? There are several travelling mediums you can choose from. You can travel by own car, Uber, Mini-Cab or minicab, train, and bus. All means of travelling have their own pluses and minuses.
Travelling To Stansted London Airport by Own Car
London Stansted is off the M11 motorway. If you are coming from the London direction, then you need to take junction 8a. Otherwise, people coming from the Cambridge direction have to use junction 8. Once you take the junction, the road signs will lead you to the airport. So, this is how you get to Stansted London. If you are to travel from Stansted London to Central London, it will take you 1.5 hours of drive on taking M11.
The downside of travelling by own car to and from Central London is the fact that you must use one of the provided parking spaces. The parking prices get higher with lesser distance from the terminal. Although there are more affordable parking spots at distance with a free shuttle, your hassle increases greatly. Another thing to be kept in mind is that parking spots are only affordable on prebooking. Last-minute booking can cost you a lot more which is another negative.
Travelling To Stansted London Airport by Train
The train is one of the fastest ways to move to London. The Stansted station just below the airport makes it one of the most easily accessible means of travelling. If you are to travel to and from Stansted London by train, it will take you 1 hour and 10 minutes approximately.
However, you would need to change three trains and walk in-between stations to reach either side. Also, if you are carrying luggage, it will be more difficult to change trains. Still, compared to travelling by own car, the train is a more affordable option.
Travelling To Stansted London by Bus
A bus or coach will be much cheaper than a train. The bus stop at only a two-minute walk from Stansted London. There are many bus stops in London to help people travel to and from various places in London. Travelling from bus to Central London will cost you half as train.
The downside is that the bus will take double the time compared to train for travelling the same distance. Again, depending on the coach, you may have to walk between stations which can be a problem when carrying luggage.
Travelling To Stansted London by Mini-Cab
London's Mini-cabs are known around the world. With a Mini-Cab, you can travel to and from Stansted Airport just like your own car in terms of travelling time. The advantages are that you do not have to pay parking fees, unlike your own cards.
The first disadvantage of a Mini-Cab or minicab is that there is no designated space for these vehicles at Stansted London, unlike Heathrow. Secondly, no involvement of a trusted third party makes them relatively unsafe.
The Ultimate Hassle-free Travelling Solution
One method of travelling to and from Stansted London that sorts all these problems is by booking a Mini-Cab from Tikla Cars. Tikla Cars provides all types of cars including saloon cars, executive people cars, and minibuses. So, no matter you are alone, with luggage, on a business trip, or with family, all your needs are covered by this company.
Booking a Mini-Cab or a minicab from Tikla Cars solves the problem of availability. Also, our prices are affordable and competitive. So, you can save yourself from all the hassles travelling hassles to and from Stansted Airport.
The best part is that our Tikla partners will provide both pickups and drop-offs near the closest locations to the terminal. You can book a car today by a mobile app or our website.
Q1). How long does Stansted London Airport take to clear customs?
Answer: The clearance time depends on the type of luggage. However, it is better to reach the airport two hours before the flight.
Q2). How many terminals does Stansted London have?
Answer: Currently, Stansted London only has one terminal with three satellite buildings.
Q3). How do I book a minicab from London to Stansted airport?
Answer:Minicab to and from London to the Stansted airport can be planned because service providers are readily available via different methods. Fill in the basic details of your transfer, such as the drop-off and pickup postcodes, the number of luggage and passengers, the date and time of your scheduled departure from the airport, and your personal information to make the reservation.
Q4). How long does it take to get to Stansted Airport from London?
Answer:The average journey time between London and Stansted Airport is 50 to 60 minutes.
Q5). What is the best way to get to Stansted Airport?
Answer:Stansted Express is the most efficient method to reach Stansted airport. However, hiring minicab to London for Stansted Airport is a great method for having more luggage, family, or friends. you can reserve your minicab with us, and the price will be similar until 3 or 4 passengers for saloon cars.
Q6). How do you get to Stansted Airport from London?
Answer:Stansted Airport is 38 miles northeast of Central London with easy travel connections to the United Kingdom. Whatever destination you're travelling to, We'll take you there with ease and peace of mind. If you're thinking about hiring a car, Tiklacars offers the fastest method to get from London and Stansted Airport (STN).
