When planning a trip that starts at Stansted Airport, sorting out your parking can save time, money, and unnecessary stress. With a range of parking options – from official facilities to lesser-known, cost-effective alternatives – and public transport connections from nearby cities, there are plenty of ways to make your journey seamless. This guide covers everything you need to know about parking and transit options for Stansted Airport.
Official Parking Options at Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport offers several official parking options that cater to different needs:
1. Short Stay Parking
- Best for: Quick drop-offs, very short trips, or picking someone up.
- Distance: Located right next to the terminal, just a 1-2 minute walk.
- Cost: Prices start from £6 for 30 minutes.
- Tip: Pre-book online to secure a discount and ensure availability.
2. Long Stay Parking
- Best for: Trips longer than a few days.
- Distance: A 10-minute shuttle ride from the terminal, with buses running every 15 minutes.
- Cost: From £58.99 for a week if booked in advance.
- Tip: Look out for promotions on the airport’s official website for additional savings.
3. Mid Stay Parking
- Best for: Medium-length stays (3-5 days).
- Distance: A 5-minute shuttle ride to the terminal.
- Cost: Prices start at around £18 per day.
- Tip: Perfect for weekend getaways, as it balances convenience and cost.
4. Meet and Greet Parking
- Best for: Maximum convenience.
- Distance: Drop your car off at a designated area right near the terminal.
- Cost: From £120 per week.
- Tip: Ideal for those traveling with heavy luggage or tight schedules.
Cheaper and Lesser-Known Parking Options
1. Off-Site Parking
- Several off-site operators offer competitive prices compared to official parking.
- Examples:
- JetParks: From £47.99 per week, with a shuttle bus taking 15 minutes to the terminal.
- Maple Parking: A valet service starting from £50 per week.
- PremierInn: A hotel with a car park and a shuttle bus to the airport, starting from £12 per day plus £4 per person on the bus each way.
- Radisson Blu: A hotel next door to the airport, a 2 minute walk to the terminal, parking starting from £25 per day.
- Tip: Use comparison websites like APH, HolidayExtras, YourParkingSpace and JustPark to find the best deals.
2. Hotel Parking Packages
- Many hotels near Stansted offer ‘Park and Fly’ deals, where you can stay overnight and leave your car for the duration of your trip.
- Examples:
- Premier Inn Stansted Airport: Offers overnight stays with parking from £75.
- Holiday Inn Express: Similar deals starting at £89.
- Tip: Ideal for early morning flights – you’ll get a good night’s sleep and save on parking.
3. Local Parking Services
- Some local homeowners and businesses near Stansted rent out parking spaces through platforms like JustPark or YourParkingSpace.
- Cost: As low as £20 per week.
- Tip: Check reviews and proximity to shuttle services for a hassle-free experience.
Public Transport Options to Stansted Airport
If you prefer not to drive, Stansted Airport is well-connected by train and bus services. Here’s what you need to know:
Train Services
- Stansted Express:
- Operates between London Liverpool Street and Stansted Airport.
- First Train: 4:10 AM from Liverpool Street.
- Last Train: 11:25 PM from Liverpool Street.
- Duration: Approximately 50 minutes.
- Cost: Tickets start at £19.90 for a single journey if booked in advance.
- Tip: Travel during off-peak hours for reduced fares.
- Cambridge to Stansted:
- Direct trains run regularly throughout the day.
- First Train: 5:14 AM from Cambridge.
- Last Train: 11:14 PM from Cambridge.
- Duration: Around 30 minutes.
- Cost: From £7.90 for a single ticket.
Express Bus Services
- National Express:
- Services from major cities like London, Cambridge, and Oxford.
- Cost: Fares start at £9 one-way.
- Tip: Book in advance for lower prices and guaranteed seats.
- Airport Bus Express:
- Routes from London Stratford and Liverpool Street.
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Cost: From £10.
- Local Buses:
- Operated by Arriva and other providers, connecting nearby towns and cities, such as the X20 running 24 hours to and from Colchester.
- Cost: Generally cheaper but with longer travel times.
Tips and Tricks for Stress-Free Parking and Transit
- Book in Advance: Pre-book parking or train tickets to save money and secure your spot.
- Compare Prices: Use websites like ParkVia or Trainline to find the best deals.
- Check Your Flight Time: Plan your parking or transport to arrive 2-3 hours before your flight.
- Travel Light: If using public transport, pack only what you can comfortably carry.
- Monitor Weather Conditions: Snow or heavy rain can cause delays, so leave extra time during adverse weather.
Conclusion
Whether you’re driving or taking public transport, planning ahead is key to a smooth start to your journey from Stansted Airport. From official and budget-friendly parking options to well-connected train and bus services, there’s a solution for every traveller. With these tips and tricks, you can save money, avoid stress, and focus on enjoying your trip.
