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# Stansted Airport

A major low-cost and European airport northeast of London, especially associated with budget carriers and short-haul routes.

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## Role

Stansted is one of London's main low-cost airports, dominated by European point-to-point flying but with selected longer routes. See [Airlines and routes](page:62927) and [History](page:62928).

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## Location

In Essex, northeast of London.

> [!MAP]
> 51.8850, 0.2350
> Stansted Airport (STN), northeast of London in Essex.

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## Codes

- **IATA:** STN
- **ICAO:** EGSS

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## Ground transport

Stansted Express and frequent coaches link the airport with London. See [Getting there](page:62926) for the best interchange by destination.

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## Terminal layout

Stansted uses one main passenger terminal, so there is less terminal-choice complexity than at Heathrow or Gatwick. The rail station and coach station are both integrated into the airport complex, which makes public-transport arrival comparatively straightforward.

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## Best for

- Low-cost European flights
- Northeast London, Essex, and Cambridge access
- Budget-conscious travellers

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## Watch-outs

Farther from central London than the branding may suggest. Early or late flights may require careful planning around rail and coach schedules.

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## Links here

- [London Airports](/smee-again/530-london-airports/en)
- [Airport-to-airport transfers](page:62885)
- [Apps and live services](page:62907)
- [Best airport by London area](page:62887)
- [Choosing the Right Airport](page:539)
- [Early and late flights](page:62886)
- [Ground Transport](page:538)
- [History of London's airports](page:62999)
- [Tickets and payment](page:62884)