About London Stansted Airport
London Stansted (STN) is a major low-cost hub serving Essex, Cambridgeshire, and north-east London. It is the largest base for Ryanair in the UK and handles millions of European business and holiday passengers annually.
Built on a former US Air Force base, Stansted was developed as London's third airport in the late 20th century with a distinctive Foster-designed terminal.
Airport facts
- IATA / ICAO
- STN / EGSS
- Location
- Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 1QW
- Annual passengers
- 29.7 million (2024)
- Runways
- Single runway; primary UK base for Ryanair.
Terminals
Main Terminal
Single modern terminal building serving all flights.
Airlines & destinations
Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2, Pegasus, and European leisure and business carriers.
Getting to and from the airport
Stansted is 42 miles north-east of London, reached via the M11, A120, Stansted Express from Liverpool Street, and National Express coaches.
Meet drivers at the designated private hire collection area outside the main terminal arrivals hall.
Facilities
Retail, food courts, lounges, currency, car hire, and on-site hotels. Rail station is directly below the terminal.
Frequently asked questions
- How long from Stansted to central London?
- Typically 55–90 minutes by road. Stansted Express takes about 45–50 minutes to Liverpool Street.