Closest Airport to Stansted: Nearest Airports & How to Get There

London Luton Airport (LTN) is the closest airport to Stansted Airport, located about 27 miles away. It takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach by road. London City Airport (LCY) is another nearby option at 28 miles, followed by London Southend Airport (SEN) at 29 miles. If your flight is cancelled, delayed, or you need another airport for a connecting flight, this guide explains the nearest airports to Stansted, travel options, journey times, and estimated transfer costs.

Why Would You Need an Airport Near Stansted?

There are several reasons why you might need another airport near Stansted. Your flight may be cancelled or delayed, and your airline could rebook you from a different airport. You may also be looking for a cheaper flight, a better route, or a connecting flight from another London airport.

Knowing the actual travel distance, journey time, and available transport options can help you plan your trip more effectively and avoid missing your flight.

Nearest Airport to Stansted: London Luton Airport (LTN)

London Luton Airport (LTN) is the closest airport to Stansted, making it a good alternative if your Stansted flight is cancelled or changed. It is also a popular airport for low-cost airlines.

Distance: 27 miles
Drive Time: Around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic.

How to Travel from Stansted to Luton

• By Car/Taxi: Takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• By Train: There is no direct train. You’ll need to change trains in central London.
• By Coach: National Express and other coach services operate between the two airports, but services are less frequent.

Why Choose Luton?

• Good choice for budget and low-cost airlines
• Easy to find alternative flights if your Stansted flight is cancelled
• Good transport links to London through the Luton DART and rail services

Things to Keep in Mind

• No direct train between Stansted and Luton
• Coach services are less frequent than some other airport routes
• Traffic on the M25 and M1 can cause delays, especially during busy hours

Also read: 10 Best Things to Do in Leicester in Summer Holidays

London City Airport (LCY)

London City Airport (LCY) is another airport close to Stansted, located about 28 miles away. It is a smaller airport that mainly serves business travellers and offers flights to UK and European destinations.

Distance: 28 miles
Drive Time: Around 1 hour

Best For

• Short-haul UK and European flights
• Business travellers
• Fast airport check-in and shorter queues

Things to Know

• Smaller airport with fewer airlines and destinations
• Not the best option for budget or long-haul flights
• A good choice if you’re travelling for business or on a short European trip

Other Airports Near Stansted

Airport	Distance from Stansted	Approx. Drive Time
London Luton (LTN)	27 miles	45 min–1 hour
London City (LCY)	28 miles	~1 hour
London Southend (SEN)	29 miles	~1 hour
London Heathrow (LHR)	42 miles	1–1.5 hours
London Gatwick (LGW)	54 miles	1.5–2 hours
Birmingham (BHX)	93 miles	~2 hours
East Midlands (EMA)	93 miles	~2 hours
Leicester Airport (General Aviation)	~75 miles	1.5–2 hours

London Southend Airport (SEN) is another good airport near Stansted. It is almost as close as Luton and London City Airport, making it a great alternative if your Stansted flight is cancelled or if you’re travelling on a UK or short-haul European budget flight.

Note: Leicester Airport is a general aviation airport and does not operate scheduled commercial passenger flights. If you’re looking for commercial flights near Leicester, East Midlands Airport is the nearest major airport.

If you’re based in Leicester and considering Stansted as your departure airport, a pre-booked Leicester-to-Stansted Airport taxi offers a comfortable, direct transfer straight to the terminal.

How to Get Between Stansted and Luton

There are several ways to travel between these two airports. Here’s a simple comparison of the main options:

Transport Mode	Journey Time	Approx. Cost	Notes
Private taxi/transfer	45 min–1 hour	£70–£110	Direct, door-to-door, no transfers
Coach (via National Express/other operators)	1.5–2 hours	£15–£30	Limited frequency, often requires a change
Train (via London)	1.5–2 hours	£25–£40	Requires travelling into and back out of London
Self-drive	45 min–1 hour	Fuel + parking	Most flexible but adds parking costs at both ends

If you’re travelling with heavy luggage, have a short connection time, or are travelling early in the morning or late at night, a private taxi is the most convenient option. It takes you directly to the airport without worrying about coach schedules or changing trains in central London.

Which Airport Should You Choose Near Stansted?

The best airport depends on your travel plans.

• Flight cancelled or changed? Choose London Luton Airport (LTN). It is the closest airport to Stansted and has many budget airlines, making it easier to find another flight.
• Taking a short UK or European trip? London Southend Airport (SEN) is a good option. It is close to Stansted and usually has fewer crowds.
• Travelling for business? London City Airport (LCY) is ideal for business travellers and short-haul flights.
• Need an international or long-haul flight? London Heathrow Airport (LHR) offers the largest number of airlines and destinations.
• Want the quickest transfer? Luton, London City, and Southend are the closest airports to Stansted and are the easiest to reach.

For most travellers, London Luton Airport is the best alternative to Stansted because it is nearby, easy to reach, and has plenty of low-cost flight options.

Also read: 10 Best Things to Do Near Leicester Airport

Which Airport Is Cheapest for Stansted Airport Transfers?

The distance between airports doesn’t always decide the cost. Your total transfer price also depends on whether you travel by train, coach, or taxi. Here’s a comparison of the average transfer costs from Stansted Airport:

Airport	Distance from Stansted	Cheapest Transfer Option	Approx. Cost
London Luton (LTN)	27 miles	Coach + Train	£15–£30
London City (LCY)	28 miles	Train	£20–£30
London Southend (SEN)	29 miles	Train	£15–£25
London Heathrow (LHR)	42 miles	Coach	£20–£35
London Gatwick (LGW)	54 miles	Train + Coach	£30–£45

London Southend and London Luton usually offer the lowest transfer costs because they are the closest airports to Stansted. However, neither airport has a fast direct connection, so you may need to change trains or take a coach.

If you’re travelling with heavy luggage, have a tight flight connection, or want a stress-free journey, a private taxi transfer is the most convenient option, even though it costs more.

Tips Before Booking Flights To or From Stansted

• Check your airport carefully. If your flight has been changed, make sure you know which airport you’re flying from, as it may no longer be Stansted.
• Leave enough time for transfers. Most nearby airports don’t have direct train connections with Stansted, so allow 2 to 2.5 hours if you’re changing airports.
• Look at the total travel cost. A cheaper flight isn’t always the best deal if you also have to pay for extra transport or accommodation.
• Book your transfer in advance. Book your transfer in advance. During weekends, holidays, and busy travel seasons, trains and coaches can fill up quickly; the same applies to pre-booking a Leicester to Stansted Airport taxi if you’re departing from Stansted.
• Confirm your flight before booking transport. If your airline is changing your booking, wait until your new flight details are confirmed before arranging a taxi or coach.
• Consider your luggage. Coaches often have baggage limits. If you’re travelling with several bags or oversized luggage, a private taxi can be a more comfortable and convenient choice.

Closest Airport to Stansted Airport (Summary)

• Closest airport: London Luton Airport (LTN) – 27 miles away and about 45 minutes to 1 hour by road. It’s the best alternative for budget airline flights.
• Second closest: London City Airport (LCY) – 28 miles away. A good choice for business travellers and short-haul UK or European flights.
• Another nearby option: London Southend Airport (SEN) – 29 miles away. Ideal for some budget and short-haul routes.
• Other alternatives: London Heathrow (LHR) is about 42 miles away and offers the widest range of international flights, while London Gatwick (LGW) is around 54 miles away with many domestic and holiday destinations.
• Transport: There are no direct train services from Stansted to most nearby airports, so you may need to change trains or take a coach.
• Best overall choice: For most travellers, London Luton Airport is the best alternative because it is the closest and has similar low-cost airlines. If you want a direct and hassle-free journey, a private taxi transfer is the most convenient option.

Also read: 27 Best Places to Visit in Leicester

FAQs about the closest airport to Stansted

1. What is the closest airport to Stansted?

London Luton Airport (LTN) is the closest airport to Stansted, located about 27 miles (43 km) away. The journey takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour by road.

2. Is there a direct train between Stansted and Luton?

No. There is no direct train between Stansted and Luton. Most journeys require changing trains in London or travelling by coach.

3. How long does it take to get from Stansted to Luton?

By road, it usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. Public transport journeys generally take 1.5 to 2 hours.

4. Which airport is best if my Stansted flight is cancelled?

London Luton Airport is usually the best alternative because it is the closest airport and serves many of the same low-cost airlines.

5. What is the cheapest way to travel from Stansted to Luton?

A coach is usually the cheapest option. Depending on the route and booking time, tickets generally cost £15 to £30.

6. Which airport near Stansted has the most international flights?

London Heathrow Airport (LHR) offers the most international and long-haul flights, although it is farther from Stansted than either Luton or London City.

7. Is London City Airport a good alternative to Stansted?

Yes. London City Airport (LCY) is a good option for business travellers and short-haul UK and European flights, but it has fewer airlines and destinations than Stansted.

8. Is London Southend Airport close to Stansted?

Yes. London Southend Airport (SEN) is about 29 miles from Stansted and is a good option for some domestic and European budget flights.

9. Can I take a taxi from Stansted to Luton?

Yes. Private taxis are available 24/7 and provide a direct transfer between the two airports. The journey usually takes 45 minutes to 1 hour.

12. Which airport is best for budget airlines near Stansted?

London Luton Airport is the best choice for budget airlines, followed by London Southend Airport.

13. Are there hotels near Stansted Airport?

Yes. Stansted has many nearby hotels, including budget, mid-range, and premium options for overnight stays.

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