London Stansted Layover Guide (STN)

What are you looking for in STN?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

London Stansted Airport (STN) is an international airport located in Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex. It’s located about 48 km (30 miles) from central London. The airport first opened officially in 1991. London is the capital and largest city of the United Kingdom and it is considered one of the best cities to live and work. It’s also known for its historic landmarks and for its vibrant, diverse cultural and culinary scene.

Can you leave London Airport (STN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
You can leave London Stansted Airport (STN) during a layover by clearing UK immigration. Most travellers need a Standard Visitor visa or qualify for visa-free entry under UK visitor rules. Airside transit without a visa is only allowed for eligible nationalities with confirmed onward tickets. Always verify current visa requirements (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Tower of London Explore this historic medieval fortress housing the Crown Jewels, ravens, and Yeoman Warders. Uncover centuries of royal intrigue, executions and architectural wonders. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Piccadilly line to Tower Hill, ~60 min.)
• British Museum Marvel at an expansive collection of art and antiquities from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. Admission is free. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Piccadilly line to Russell Square, ~55 min.)
• Buckingham Palace Witness the iconic royal residence and, if timed right, the Changing of the Guard ceremony on the forecourt. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Piccadilly line to Green Park then 10-min walk, ~50 min.)
• London Eye Enjoy panoramic views of London’s skyline from this giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Piccadilly line to Piccadilly Circus, then Bakerloo to Waterloo, ~50 min.)
• Westminster Abbey Explore this Gothic masterpiece, site of royal coronations, weddings and burials of notable figures like Dickens and Darwin. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Piccadilly line to Green Park then District to Westminster, ~55 min.)
• Tate Modern Discover cutting-edge contemporary art exhibits in a former power station on the Thames, featuring works by Picasso and Warhol. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Piccadilly line to Green Park then Jubilee to Southwark, ~55 min.)
• Covent Garden Stroll through vibrant piazza filled with street performers, boutiques and the historic Apple Market offering crafts and antiques. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Piccadilly line to Covent Garden, ~55 min.)
• Borough Market Sample gourmet street food, fresh produce and artisanal treats at London’s oldest food market beneath the railway arches. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Piccadilly line to Green Park then Jubilee to London Bridge, ~55 min.)

Things to Do in London Airport (STN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
London Stansted Airport’s Escape Lounge offers travellers a peaceful retreat before flights. Guests enjoy cosy seating, complimentary hot and cold snacks, alcoholic and soft drinks, and fast complimentary Wi-Fi. Access is available via Priority Pass or DragonPass, and spaces can be reserved online from £38.99 per person for two-hour sessions. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Adjacent to the terminal, the Radisson Blu Hotel and Travelodge offer comfortable rooms minutes from departures. Rooms start from £19.50 per person, with optional breakfast and dinner add-ons. Many include free parking bundles and easy access via covered walkways. Early reservations online can secure discounted rates and flexible cancellation policies. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
London Stansted Airport is open 24/7 but has no dedicated sleep zones or nap pods. Seating in departure lounges provides limited comfort for short rests. Passengers planning overnight stays should book nearby airport hotels. Alternatively, quiet landside seating areas are available early mornings, though sleeping in the terminal is discouraged.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Stansted Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal and in lounges. Simply select the “STN Free Wi-Fi” network and accept the terms to connect your device. There is no time limit or data cap, allowing passengers to browse, stream, or work without charge while waiting for their flights seamlessly online.

SIM/eSIM Card: Passengers can purchase physical SIM cards and eSIM plans from kiosks and shops landside. Major UK providers offer data, calls, and texts packages, with eSIM activation via QR code for instant connectivity. Dual-SIM support lets travellers use their home SIM alongside a local eSIM, avoiding roaming charges at competitive rates. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: London Stansted Airport taxis can be pre-booked online or hired at the dedicated arrivals desk. Quotes from licensed local firms show estimated journey times of around 45 minutes to central London. All vehicles are fully insured and accommodate standard luggage. Advance booking often secures fixed fares and priority pickup slots.

Train: Stansted Express trains depart every 15 minutes, connecting the airport to London Liverpool Street in 47 minutes. Services run seven days a week with dedicated platforms directly beneath the terminal. Tickets must be purchased in advance online or at station kiosks, as Oyster and contactless payments are not accepted for fares. (more info)

Bus: Coach and bus services operate 24 hours a day, with over 200 daily routes linking Stansted to London and major UK cities like Cambridge, Birmingham, and Norwich. Operators such as National Express provide onboard Wi-Fi and luggage included in fares. Bus stops are located directly outside the terminal building conveniently. (more info)

Shuttle: Stansted Airport Transfers offers shared and private shuttle minivans, operating 24/7 to London and surrounding areas. Vehicles feature comfortable seating and luggage space, with both door-to-door and meet-and-greet options. Fares are fixed per person or group, bookable online in advance for priority service, ensuring seamless connectivity for early or late flights and convenient journeys.

Car rentals: Car hire desks for major providers like Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and Enterprise are located in the arrivals hall. Services run 24/7 with free shuttle transfers to off-site car parks. Drivers must be 21+ and present a valid licence and credit card. Online bookings offer discounted rates and flexible pick-up times. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Stansted Airport offers short-stay, mid-stay, long-stay, and meet-and-greet parking options. Rates start from £3.80 per day, with significant discounts for advance online bookings. All car parks feature CCTV, regular patrols, and electric vehicle charging points. Transfer buses run frequently between car parks and the terminal building, ensuring seamless airport access.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Stansted Airport does not offer in-terminal lockers. Instead, the Excess Baggage Company provides a left luggage service landside, open daily from 05:00 to 23:00. Prices are charged per item, per day, with options for short-term and multi-day storage. Bookings can be made online for guaranteed availability and security. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- London Airport (STN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks