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Stanstead Airport Transportation

Being the third-largest airport in London is a proud honour for those working at London Stansted Airport. This major hub located northeast of Central London is a popular airport used to get into UK's capital and other major European cities.

London Stansted Airport History

Once used as a Royal Air Force station in World War II, London Stansted Airport was once called RAF Stansted Mountfitchet. Nicknamed just Stansted, it was also used by the United States Army Air Force as a bomber airfield and maintenance centre. It is recognized for receiving the 344th Bombardment Group, who would lead the commands on D-Day.

At the conclusion of the War, it housed prisoners of war from Germany. The Ministry of Civil Aviation would later take control and allow the US to use it for some time. It would end up being taken over by BAA in 1966.

The New Stansted Airport

The main goal for the new Standsted airport was to relieve air congestion from Heathrow and Gatwick airport in the near future as they continued to grow in ridership. The first terminal opened in 1969 and would expand a year later.

In the 1980s, £100 million were placed to change its design and increase capacity to 15 million passengers a year. Designed by Lord Foster, it was at that time, the most modern airport complex in the world.

London Stansted Airport Information

London Stansted Airport is currently the third-largest London airport and the fourth-busiest. It has one main passenger terminal with three passenger satellite for departure gates. In 2012, 18.6 million passengers went through London Stansted Airport.

Airport Hours

London Stansted Airport operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.

Location

London Stansted Airport is only 48km northeast of Central London in Uttlesford, Essex.

By car, London Stansted Airport is conveniently located on the M11 motorway. You can take Junction 8a or 8 if you're coming from the Cambridge side. The journey from central London to the airport should be just over an hour.

Getting Out by Taxi

Taking a costly is a safe and efficient way to get into Central London, but it will be costly. You can find black cabs outside of the airport. Expect to pay around £120.

Getting Out by Train

The quickest way to get into Central London is taking the Stansted Express. This is a direct and fast rail into the heart of the city.

Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hours, 30 minutes during early and late hours. The journey takes 46 minutes to Liverpool Street station.

Getting out by Bus

There are a few coach options between London Stansted Airport and Central London. The National Express operates two coach services into Central London. The A6 runs 24 hours a day to London Victoria station through London and ultimately to the airport. There are four coaches per hour and the journey time is 90 minutes.

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Stanstead Airport Transportation