Stansted is the furthest of London's main airports from the city center, sitting about 40 miles to the northeast. That distance means transport costs vary widely depending on what you choose.
Stansted Express train
The fastest route into London. The train reaches Liverpool Street in 47 minutes. Fares depend on how far ahead you book, with cheaper prices available online in advance and a separate first-class option for a quieter carriage — check stanstedexpress.com for current pricing before you travel. From Liverpool Street, an onward taxi or Tube ride adds a few pounds more to your final destination.
Fixed-price private transfer
STN Wembley
From€125for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €187 per vehicle, about €47 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Coach services
National Express and other operators run frequent coaches to London Victoria, Stratford, and Liverpool Street. Advance fares are cheaper than on-the-day tickets, and this is generally the cheapest way into London — check nationalexpress.com for the current price. Journey time is 90-120 minutes depending on traffic. Night services run when trains do not.
Private transfer
A pre-booked sedan to central London costs see the current price in our search. MPVs for families or groups run £110-£170. Larger minibuses for groups of 6-8 cost see the current price in our search. The price is fixed at booking and includes meet-and-greet, luggage handling, and flight tracking. The journey takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic on the M11 and London roads.
Taxi
A metered minicab or black cab's fare depends on traffic, time of day, and your exact destination — ask the driver or operator for an estimate before you ride. Stansted is far enough from London that a metered fare can add up quickly; for this distance a pre-booked transfer at a fixed price is often the more predictable option.
Rideshare
Uber's app shows an upfront fare estimate before you book. This can be a good deal during off-peak hours, but surge pricing during busy periods or late nights can push it up sharply. The variability makes it hard to budget in advance.
Other destinations
Not everyone flying into Stansted is headed to central London. Here are approximate private transfer costs to other common destinations:
- Cambridge: £60-£90 (30 miles, 40-50 min)
- Chelmsford: £50-£75 (30 miles, 40 min)
- Colchester: £70-£100 (40 miles, 50-60 min)
- Bishops Stortford: £20-£35 (5 miles, 10 min)
- Canary Wharf: £90-£130 (40 miles, 60-80 min)
The cost calculation most people miss
The Stansted Express looks cheap on its own, but add a taxi or Tube fare from Liverpool Street to your actual hotel and the total climbs. For a couple carrying bags, a private transfer see the current price in our search covering both people door to door can end up comparable to train tickets plus the onward leg at the other end — worth comparing the total journey cost, not just the headline train fare.
When a private transfer from STN is the right choice
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Wembley is from €187, about €47 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
- Going to a specific address rather than the main station: the car goes to the door, so the public-transport fare is not the whole cost of the trip.
- Arriving tired or late: the driver waits at arrivals with your name, included for 60 minutes after landing.
STN → Wembley from €125Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.