London Stansted Airport Guide
London Stansted Airport is located in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, 50 km north-east of central London. It is the capital's third-busiest airport, handling 29.76 million passengers in 2024 — a record for the airport and its highest figure since opening the current terminal in 1991. The airport operates from a single runway (04/22, 3,049 m) and recorded 179,135 aircraft movements in 2024.
The terminal was designed by Foster and Partners and won the European Union Prize for Contemporary Architecture in 1990. Passengers reach departure gates via three satellite buildings connected by an automated transit system and walkways. Ryanair uses Stansted as its largest global base, serving over 150 destinations. Jet2, TUI Airways, easyJet, and Turkish Airlines also operate scheduled services from here.
MAG (Manchester Airports Group) has owned and operated Stansted since February 2013. A £600 million terminal expansion is underway, targeting 43 million annual passengers and scheduled for completion by 2028. The Stansted Express rail service connects the airport to London Liverpool Street in around 46 minutes.
Services
5 of 6 availableCompare 38 listed options at London Stansted Airport, spanning parking, car rentals, lounges, hotels and shuttles. Each guide sets out locations, distance from the airport, key features and links to book direct, so you can weigh cost against convenience before you fly. Select a service below to see every provider we track for London Stansted Airport.
Location
Key facts
- Size
- 30M passengers (2024)1 runwayopened 1991
- Location
- 51.885, 0.235
- Operator
- Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
Terminals
1 terminalLondon Stansted Airport has 1 passenger terminal — Main Terminal, handling both international and domestic flights for around 6 airlines. Check which terminal your airline uses before you travel, as check-in, security and boarding points differ between them, and moving from one to another can take time.
- Main TerminalMixed
Ryanair, Jet2, TUI Airways, easyJet, Turkish Airlines, British Airways
Concourses Satellite 1 · Satellite 2 · Satellite 3
Nearby cities
5 citiesLondon Stansted Airport is closest to Bishop's Stortford (11 km west), and also serves Harlow, Chelmsford and other nearby areas. With 5 towns and cities within reach, it is a practical gateway for the wider region. Distances shown are straight-line from the airport, so allow extra time for road transfers, traffic and parking.
- London60 km southwest
- Bishop's Stortford11 km west
- Cambridge40 km north
- Harlow21 km southwest
- Chelmsford29 km south
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the airport codes for London Stansted Airport?
What are the airport codes for London Stansted Airport?
Where is London Stansted Airport located?
Where is London Stansted Airport located?
What services are available at London Stansted Airport?
What services are available at London Stansted Airport?
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