Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport general information
Flying from London Stansted Airport? Our guide covers essential passenger information, including check-in, security procedures, shops, restaurants, free WiFi, accessibility, family facilities and transport options.
Find useful information to help you plan your journey and enjoy a smoother start to your trip.
Stansted Airport parking
If you're driving to London Stansted Airport, APH offers a choice of parking options to suit different budgets and travel requirements.
Compare Park & Ride, Meet & Greet and other available parking services based on location, transfer arrangements, security features and price.
Family-owned since 1980, APH helps travellers find convenient airport parking options.
Visit our dedicated Stansted Airport parking page to compare availability and book online.
View airport parkingStansted Airport hotel and parking packages
Staying near London Stansted Airport before an early flight can make your departure day more convenient.
APH offers hotel and parking packages that combine an overnight stay with parking for the duration of your trip.
Accommodation options include hotels close to the terminal and properties offering airport transport connections.
Visit our dedicated Stansted Airport hotel and parking page to compare available packages, parking arrangements and transfer options.
View airport hotels & parkingAll about Stansted Airport
London Stansted Airport (STN) is located in Essex, approximately 40 miles northeast of central London.
The airport is one of the UK's major international airports and serves passengers travelling from London, the East of England and surrounding regions.
Stansted operates from a single passenger terminal, offering flights to destinations across the UK, Europe and further afield.
The airport is a major base for Ryanair and also serves other airlines operating scheduled and seasonal routes.
Passenger facilities include check-in desks, security screening, shops, restaurants, cafés, free WiFi and accessible travel services.
Stansted Airport has its own railway station beneath the terminal, providing direct connections to London and other destinations.
Our guide brings together useful information about the airport's facilities, services and transport connections to help you prepare for your journey.
Getting There
London Stansted Airport is located in Essex and can be reached by train, coach, bus, car and taxi.
By train: Stansted Airport railway station is located directly beneath the terminal. Stansted Express provides direct connections to London Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale, with additional rail connections available across the region.
By car: The airport is accessible from the M11 motorway, using Junction 8 or 8a depending on your direction of travel and destination.
By coach: National Express and other coach operators provide services connecting Stansted with London and destinations across the UK.
By bus: Local and regional bus services connect the airport with surrounding towns and communities.
By taxi: Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles provide transport to and from the terminal.
Check current transport timetables, road conditions and your chosen parking or drop-off location before travelling.
Airport Map
London Stansted Airport operates from a single passenger terminal.
The airport's terminal maps help passengers locate check-in desks, security screening, departure gates, shops, restaurants, toilets and other passenger facilities.
The terminal is connected to the departure gates by pedestrian routes and the airport's automated transit system, depending on the gate location.
Check Stansted Airport's official terminal maps before travelling to familiarise yourself with the airport layout.
Check-in information
Check-in times at London Stansted Airport vary depending on your airline, destination and whether you're travelling with checked luggage.
As a general guide, allow around two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before longer international journeys, unless your airline advises otherwise.
Many airlines offer online check-in and digital boarding passes, although baggage drop-off arrangements vary.
Check your airline's recommended arrival time, check-in opening hours and baggage drop-off deadlines before travelling.
Allow additional time during busy travel periods and follow the airport's latest security guidance.
Mobile check-in information
Many airlines operating from London Stansted Airport offer online or mobile check-in, allowing passengers to complete the process before arriving at the terminal.
Depending on your airline, you may be able to select seats, download a digital boarding pass and manage your booking through a mobile app.
If you're travelling with checked luggage, you'll still need to follow your airline's baggage drop-off instructions.
Online check-in opening times and deadlines vary by airline, so check your carrier's latest requirements before travelling.
Destinations
London Stansted Airport offers flights to a wide range of destinations across the UK, Europe and further afield.
The airport is particularly well connected to European cities and holiday destinations, with scheduled and seasonal services operated by several airlines.
Routes and flight schedules vary throughout the year.
Visit Stansted Airport's official destination directory for the latest routes, airlines and flight information.
Disabled Passenger Details
London Stansted Airport provides Assisted Travel services for passengers with reduced mobility, disabilities and additional accessibility requirements.
Passengers requiring assistance should contact their airline or travel provider at least 48 hours before departure, where possible.
Assistance may include help with check-in, security screening, moving through the terminal and boarding the aircraft.
A designated assistance lane is available at security, with a purple line guiding passengers to the appropriate entrance.
The airport also supports passengers with hidden disabilities through the Sunflower Lanyard scheme.
Accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities and assistance dog relief areas are available.
Visit Stansted Airport's official Assisted Travel pages for the latest information.
Fast-Track security lane
London Stansted Airport offers Security FastTrack services for passengers who want to use a dedicated route through airport security.
Passengers can book FastTrack in advance, subject to availability and the airport's booking conditions.
FastTrack may help reduce waiting times during busy periods, although all passengers must complete the required security screening procedures.
Check Stansted Airport's official website for current prices, service options and booking availability before travelling.
Security and hand luggage
London Stansted Airport has introduced upgraded security scanners across its passenger screening area.
Passengers can leave laptops, tablets and other permitted electronic devices inside their hand luggage during security screening.
Liquids, aerosols and gels can also remain inside hand luggage, but individual containers must not exceed 100ml.
Containers larger than 100ml are not permitted through security, even if they are only partially full, unless an exemption applies.
Essential medicines, baby milk and baby food may be carried in larger quantities, subject to the airport's screening requirements.
Security staff may request additional checks, so always follow their instructions.
Remember that security rules at your return airport may be different.
Check Stansted Airport's official security guidance before travelling.
Family Assisted Lanes
Families travelling with babies and young children should allow sufficient time to pass through security at London Stansted Airport.
Passengers travelling with pushchairs should speak to security staff, who can direct them to the appropriate screening lane. An assisted lane may be available depending on operational conditions.
Baby milk, baby food and sterilised water required for the journey may be carried through security in quantities exceeding the standard 100ml restriction, subject to additional screening.
Check your airline's arrangements for taking pushchairs to the boarding gate before travelling.
Shopping
London Stansted Airport offers a wide selection of shops selling travel essentials, fashion, beauty products, electronics, gifts and duty-free items.
Retailers include World Duty Free and Boots, alongside other shops throughout the terminal.
World Duty Free offers a range of fragrances, cosmetics and gifts, while Boots provides toiletries, healthcare products, snacks and travel essentials.
Shop locations and opening hours vary.
Check Stansted Airport's official shopping directory for the latest information before travelling.
Where to Eat
London Stansted Airport offers a selection of cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaway outlets before and after security.
Options include Burger King and Sunny Side Café, alongside other restaurants serving breakfast, snacks, meals and refreshments.
Passengers can find vegetarian, vegan and other dietary options at selected outlets.
Restaurant locations and opening hours vary according to flight schedules.
Check Stansted Airport's official food and drink directory for the latest information. Here’s a full list of what’s on offer.
Area for Kids
London Stansted Airport provides family facilities to help passengers travelling with babies and young children.
The airport's Family Room includes baby changing facilities, feeding cubicles with rocking chairs and a toilet suitable for adults and children.
The Family Room is located in the main departure lounge, next to the prayer room.
The airport also offers family-focused activities through its Little Flyers Club.
Check Stansted Airport's official family travel information for the latest facilities and activities.
Wi-Fi access
London Stansted Airport provides up to two hours of free WiFi within a 24-hour period.
The service is available throughout the passenger terminal and in airport lounges.
Passengers can connect using a WiFi-enabled phone, tablet or laptop and follow the on-screen instructions.
Additional paid connectivity options may be available once the free allowance has been used.
Check Stansted Airport's official WiFi information for current connection details.
Mobile Devices
Passengers travelling through London Stansted Airport can charge mobile phones and other electronic devices at selected charging points within the terminal.
Power sockets may also be available in certain seating areas, cafés and restaurants.
Bring a suitable charging cable or portable power bank and check your airline's rules for carrying spare lithium batteries.
Ask airport staff for information about the nearest available charging facilities.
Baby Changing
London Stansted Airport provides baby changing facilities before and after security, including within selected toilet areas and family rooms.
Dedicated breastfeeding facilities are available in the Family Room in the main departure lounge, next to the prayer room.
Parents and carers can also feed their babies throughout the airport.
Follow airport signage or ask staff for directions to the nearest available facilities.
Luggage Trolleys
Luggage trolleys are available at London Stansted Airport to help passengers transport their bags.
Trolleys require a £1 deposit, which is refundable when the trolley is returned to a designated collection point.
Follow airport signage to locate the nearest trolley collection area, find the essential information here.
Luggage Lockers
London Stansted Airport provides baggage services through Excess Baggage Company.
The service desk is located in the Arrivals Hall, before security.
Services include luggage storage and baggage wrapping, subject to availability.
The desk is currently listed as open daily from 06:00 to 22:00.
Storage prices and booking arrangements may change, so check Excess Baggage Company's current information before travelling.
Pharmacies
London Stansted Airport has Boots stores offering health and beauty products, toiletries, food and travel essentials.
Boots is located in the Departure Lounge and Arrivals Hall.
Selected products can be ordered in advance using Boots Click & Collect, subject to the retailer's terms and availability.
Passengers requiring prescription medication should arrange this before travelling rather than assuming a dispensing pharmacy service is available.
Check the airport's official Boots listing for current store locations and services.
Showers
London Stansted Airport does not currently provide public shower facilities within the passenger terminal.
Changing Places facilities include washing facilities for passengers using the airport's Assisted Travel services.
Shower facilities may be available within selected airline lounges, subject to eligibility and access arrangements.
Check with your airline or the airport before travelling if shower facilities are essential to your journey.
Chapel
London Stansted Airport provides two multi-faith prayer rooms for passengers, visitors and airport staff.
Before security, a prayer room is located opposite Check-In Zone A.
After security, another prayer room is located near the Escape Lounge in the main departure area.
Both rooms are open 24 hours a day and welcome people of all faiths and none.
Ritual washing facilities are available next to both prayer rooms.
The airport also has a Chaplaincy Team providing support and guidance.
Viewing Areas
Passengers travelling through London Stansted Airport may be able to watch aircraft movements from selected areas of the terminal.
Views of the runway and aircraft stands vary depending on the location and terminal facilities.
Aviation enthusiasts visiting areas around the airport should follow local access restrictions and airport guidance.
For information about aircraft viewing opportunities, contact London Stansted Airport directly.
Airport map
Bassingbourn Rd, Stansted, CM24 1QW