How to get from Heathrow to Stansted Airport?

Unfortunately, transferring between any of London’s airports is never very easy; and going between Heathrow to Stansted airport is no exception.

Heathrow is located west of London city centre and Stansted is located northeast of the city. If you must transfer from Heathrow airport to Stansted airport, it is important to leave plenty of time.

The distance between the two airports is approximately 65 miles (105km) and the roads can be congested. Drive time between the two airports should be about 90 minutes in good conditions.

Heathrow Gatwick Cars would advise leaving a minimum of about 4 hours for a transfer between LHR airport and STN airport.

By Private Car or Chauffeur Service

The most convenient and stress-free way to travel from Heathrow to Stansted is by booking a private car or chauffeur service, such as those offered by Heathrow Gatwick Cars.

  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, depending on traffic.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Door-to-Door Service: Picked up from Heathrow and dropped off directly at Stansted.
    • Comfortable and Luxurious Vehicles: Travel in a clean, spacious car, SUV, or minibus (for groups).
    • Luggage Assistance: Chauffeurs will assist with loading and unloading your bags.
    • Flexibility: Available 24/7, regardless of your flight times.

You can pre-book this service online or via phone for peace of mind, especially if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage or under a tight schedule.

Coach Transfer

Another affordable and straightforward option is taking a National Express coach, which directly connects Heathrow to Stansted Airport. This service is provided by National Express, which runs about 15 coaches to and from each airport per day. The fare can range from £24 – £40 per person depending on if you are purchasing a one-way or return fare and depending on how far in advance you book.

The coach network has a luggage allowance of two bags, neither of which should weigh more than 20kg (44 lbs). This is often less than your flight luggage allowance. Large or odd-sized bags (such as bikes or skis) are allowed at the discretion of the driver and only if space available.

Also, no animals except guide dogs are allowed on coaches. You are also at the mercy of the bus schedule and route. The bus from Heathrow to Stansted stops at Heathrow terminals; the Central Bus Station and two coach stations at STN airport.

  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes, depending on the route.
  • Pickup Points:
    • Terminals 2 & 3: Heathrow Central Bus Station.
    • Terminals 4 & 5: Direct pickup locations at each terminal.
  • Booking: Tickets can be purchased online, at the airport, or via the National Express app.
  • Luggage Allowance: Each passenger is allowed two medium-sized suitcases and one small piece of hand luggage.

Getting from Heathrow to Stansted Airport By Train (via Central London)

Traveling by train involves going through Central London, making this option less direct but still efficient.

Image of a Bus Train and Airplane - how to get from heathrow to stansted airport

is not directly connected to the mainline rail network. However, there are four main options if you wish to make the journey by train.

The train does not offer time or cost benefits compared to coach transfers and involves at least 3 changes. For example, you could take the Heathrow Express into Paddington Station. Then, transfer to the tube and take the Hammersmith and City Line out to Liverpool Street Station; then take the Stansted Express to STN Airport. This would take about 108 minutes and cost approximately £40.50 in total.

Avoiding Heathrow express and using the Piccadilly Line will save you about £20.00; but involves an extra change of train and will take a little longer.
Step 1: Heathrow to London Paddington

  • Take the Heathrow Express: A fast and reliable train that gets you from Heathrow to Paddington Station in just 15–20 minutes.
  • Cost: Around £25–£37 per person (cheaper if booked in advance).

Step 2: Paddington to Liverpool Street Station

  • Take the Elizabeth Line or the London Underground (Hammersmith & City or Circle lines) to Liverpool Street Station. This journey takes around 15–25 minutes.

Step 3: Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport

  • Board the Stansted Express train, which takes you directly to Stansted Airport in about 45 minutes.
  • Cost: Around £19–£25 per person (cheaper when booked in advance).
  • Total Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes.
  • Key Tip: This option is best if you’re comfortable navigating trains and carrying your own luggage.

How to Connect Stansted Express Train

STN Station is situated at the base of the actual airport terminal property; exactly where facilities are accessible for buying tickets. All options take into consideration special requirements; even though you are unable to journey along with a bicycle on the particular Stansted Express.

  • “Stansted Express” are the Train from Stansted Station to Liverpool Street Station. One you arrival get on to the tube. Consider the Hammersmith and City Line to Paddington Station. Once in paddington come out and get in to Heathrow Express for cruise directly into LHR airport.Stansted to Paddington via Liverpool Street: apx from £23.40 (about 85 min’s)
    Heathrow Express: from fare £22, £27 (on train) journey (15-23 min’s)
    Overall Time: roughly 100 -108 minutes. Total price approximately £43.50
  • Just like previously mentioned; nevertheless go ahead and take Heathrow Connect as an alternative only that isn’t non-stop however will cost less.
    Heathrow Connect Price: £10.10 per adult
    Overall Time: roughly 108-113 min’s. Total price approximately £34.60
  • Train from Stansted Station to Liverpool Street. Change to underground train as well as consider the Central Line to Holborn Station. Change to Piccadilly Line for journey out to Heathrow airport.
    Stansted Express: £19.00 (apx 40 minutes)
    Underground cost: £6.00 per adult (£3.00 11-15 yrs) (apx 75 min’s)
    Overall Time: roughly 115 min’s. Total price from £26.80

Licensed Airport Taxi (Black Cab)

You can also hire a standard taxi from Heathrow to Stansted.

At LHR airport, London Black Taxi also known Black cabs can be found in ranks outside all terminals and will transport to Stansted. The cost could exceed £200 and more during peak times; as they use ‘Taxi Meter‘ and the wait for a cab could be long.

  • Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
  • Cost: Around £100–£150, depending on the taxi company and time of travel.
  • Executive Vehicle Fleet
  • Booking: Taxis can be booked in advance, hailed at Heathrow, or arranged through apps like Uber or Bolt.
  • Key Tip: Pre-booking is recommended to avoid higher costs and ensure availability.

Travel by Private Hire Vehicle

heathrow airport taxi licenced pco drivers - how to get from heathrow to stansted airport

A private hired car will be the fastest and most relaxing way of transferring between Heathrow to Stansted airport. Much cheaper than London tradition Black cab fare starts from £99.00 half price. Expect the journey to take 40-80 minutes – but it could take longer with congestion.

If your party consists of four or more people; chartering your own vehicle is going be competitively priced compared with other options. If you have a large or odd-sized bag, this might also be the best and most appropriate transport.

It is possible to book in advance. And this will leave you feeling more relaxed about your connection, rather than navigating through the other complicated options.

From Heathrow Airport TW6, United Kingdom To Stansted Airport, Bassingbourn Road, Stansted CM24 1QW, United Kingdom Private Hire Quote.

How to get from Heathrow to Stansted Airport? One-way Fixed Mini Cab Fare from £140.00

By Combination of Bus and Train (Budget Option)

If you’re on a tight budget, you can combine buses and trains:

Step 1: Heathrow to Victoria Coach Station

  • Take a bus (e.g., National Express or local transport) from Heathrow to Victoria Coach Station.
  • Executive Vehicle Fleet
  • Travel Time: Around 45 minutes.
  • Cost: Around £10–£15 per person.

Step 2: Victoria to Liverpool Street

  • Use the London Underground (Circle or District lines) to get to Liverpool Street Station.
  • Travel Time: Around 20–25 minutes.
  • Cost: Around £3–£5.

Step 3: Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport

  • Take the Stansted Express train to Stansted Airport.
  • Travel Time: 45 minutes.
  • Cost: Around £19–£25 per person.
  • Total Travel Time: Approximately 2.5–3 hours.
  • Key Tip: This is the most cost-effective option but involves multiple connections.

Recommendations

  • For Comfort and Convenience: Use a private car or chauffeur service for a hassle-free, door-to-door journey.
  • For Budget Travel: The National Express coach is a reliable and cost-effective option.
  • For Speed: Train travel via Central London is faster than a coach but requires navigating multiple transfers.