Where is Stansted Airport?

London Stansted Airport, commonly referred to as simply Stansted or by its airport code STN, is a key hub for low-cost travel to and from London.

Located in northeast Essex, near the village of Stansted Mountfitchet, the airport lies around 42 miles (approximately 68 km) northeast of central London.

Although it’s situated further from the capital than Heathrow or Gatwick, Stansted remains one of the UK’s busiest airports, handling nearly 30 million passengers in 2024.

Popular Destinations You Can Fly to from Stansted Airport

From Stansted Airport you can fly to dozens of destinations in Europe, including Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Greece, Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Scandinavia and the Baltics, Ireland, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Malta and many others.

Although most flights are European, there are limited seasonal or charter long-haul services, including Morocco (Marrakech, Agadir, Fez), Egypt (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada), Turkey (Istanbul, Antalya, Dalaman), Occasional flights to UAE (Dubai) via certain carriers and more.

Stansted is a primary base for Ryanair, so many cities have direct connections to London through STN. This includes smaller European cities like Brno, Bratislava, Kaunas, Memmingen, Poznań, Girona, Bydgoszcz, Lviv, and many others.

Where Is Stansted Airport Located

Stansted Airport is easily accessible via the M11 motorway, located between junctions 8 and 8a. For navigating to Stansted, the address to enter is Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, CM24 1PP (it will guide you directly to the main terminal car parks).

It’s important to note that Stansted is firmly within Essex, not Greater London – something worth keeping in mind when researching travel distances or ticket pricing.

Getting to Stansted: Drop‑Off, Parking and Pick‑Up

If you’re dropping someone off, the most convenient option is the Express Set Down zone, located directly outside the terminal.

It’s quick and easy but it comes at a price: around £7 for up to 15 minutes, with charges increasing steeply the longer you stay.

To avoid unnecessary fees, help your passengers into the terminal swiftly and avoid lingering.

Looking for a free drop-off alternative? The Mid Stay car park allows up to 60 minutes of free parking, with a shuttle bus running every 7 to 10 minutes to and from the terminal. It’s an excellent budget-friendly option, especially if you’re not in a rush.

5 Stansted Airport Parking Options

Stansted offers a range of parking solutions to suit every type of traveller:

#1. Short Stay Parking (Zones Orange, Blue, Green): Located close to the terminal, ideal for short trips or pick-ups. Charges apply by the hour;

#2. Mid Stay Parking: Ideal for stays of a few days or for drop-off/pick-up with the added bonus of a free hour. Includes regular shuttle service;

#3. Long Stay Parking: Best suited for longer trips. Served by a shuttle service and generally more cost-effective for week-long holidays;

#4. Meet & Greet / Valet Parking: Offers premium convenience, allowing you to drop off your car right outside the terminal entrance;

#5. Turn Up & Park: If you haven’t pre-booked, you can still park on the day of your flight. However, spaces are limited and prices are typically higher, so pre-booking is strongly recommended for both savings and peace of mind.

Good to know: All official Stansted Airport car parks hold the Park Mark Safer Parking Award, ensuring they meet recognised security and management standards.

Picking Up Passengers

If you’re collecting arriving passengers, avoid using the Express Set Down zone – it’s for drop-offs only and not suitable for pick-ups.

Instead, use the Mid Stay car park, which offers the first hour free and a fast shuttle to the terminal.

Alternatively, you can use the Short Stay zones – they are closer to the arrivals area, though charges apply and can add up quickly if there are delays.

Where to Park at Stansted Airport

So, where to park at Stansted Airport? If dropping off, Express Set Down is the best option (£7 for 15 min, more if you linger). Alternatively, you can go for the Mid‑Stay free 1 hr shuttle option.

If picking up someone, Mid‑Stay or Short‑Stay parks give you ample time without heavy fees. If leaving your car during travel, Mid‑Stay covers shorter trips.

Long‑Stay is best for long holidays, and Meet & Greet adds convenience. Many travellers avoid the Express drop-off fees by parking free in Mid-Stay and taking the shuttle.

Escape Lounge: Where Is the Escape Lounge at Stansted Airport

Stansted Airport has a single lounge – the Escape Lounge, which is conveniently located in the main departure area, just after security and Duty Free, nestled between Coast to Coast and Pret a Manger.

Open daily from 04:00 to 20:30, the lounge welcomes Priority Pass and DragonPass members, as well as walk-in guests.

Advance bookings are recommended, with prices typically ranging from £34.99 to £39.99; walk-in rates can be higher, often around £49.

Inside, travellers will find comfortable seating, quiet zones for work, and a fresh buffet offering hot and cold dishes, along with barista-made coffee and a selection of alcoholic beverages.

Additional perks include high-speed Wi‑Fi, charging points, family-friendly spaces, and accessible facilities, all designed to offer a calm, comfortable space before your flight.

Though it’s the only lounge at Stansted, the Escape Lounge provides a peaceful and premium experience – an ideal retreat from the often hectic terminal atmosphere.

Beyond the Airport: Why Stansted Matters

Though Stansted may be less popular than Heathrow or Gatwick, it’s a crucial low-cost gateway serving over 180 European and North African destinations.

It’s Ryanair’s largest UK base, alongside other carriers like Jet2, TUI and British Airways (for selected routes) .

Although is has a single runway, is is known for being the third‑busiest UK airport, handling nearly 30 million passengers

Currently, £1.1 billion terminal expansion is underway to boost the capacity of the airport to ~43 million and add 200 flights a day.

London Stansted Airport may be London’s “low-cost gateway in Essex,” but it doesn’t skimp on service or capability.

Whether you’re budget-hopping across Europe, or appreciate the convenience of a quieter, more straightforward terminal, Stansted ticks the boxes – affordable flights, solid transport links (bus, train shuttles), accessible parking, and a peaceful Escape Lounge.

All these features make London Stansted Airport a superb choice for travellers seeking simplicity, value, and efficiency – all that just north of London.