Trains From Cambridge to Stansted Airport

Save money when you travel to Stansted Airport by train

Railcards offer great value for money if you travel by train, saving you up to 1/3 on most rail fares. You can find out more about our range of Railcards on the Railcard website(external link, opens in a new tab).

If you plan ahead and buy Advance tickets you can also get great deals on rail fares.

Find out more ways to save money on your train ticket.

Getting to Stansted Airport by train

The Stansted Express runs directly from London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport every 15 minutes, taking about 48 minutes. Trains also stop at Tottenham Hale and Stratford, so you can connect to the London Underground.

The first train from Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport departs at 03:40 on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 04:10 on Sundays, and 04:40 on other days. The last train leaves at 23:25 every day. From the airport to London, the first train departs at 05:30 Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 06:00 on other days, while the last train is at 00:30.

Oyster and contactless payments are not currently accepted on the Stansted Express. You’ll need to buy a valid ticket in advance or at the station.

CrossCountry trains connect Stansted to Cambridge, Peterborough, Leicester, and Birmingham. Greater Anglia services also provide connections to various destinations across the region.

Stansted Airport station is located directly beneath the terminal, just a 2-minute walk from check-in, with lifts and escalators for easy access.

Food and drink at Stansted Airport

Whether you’re after a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Stansted Airport offers a wide variety of options. Most are located after security (airside), but you will find the likes of Burger King, Costa Coffee and LEON before security.

Once you are in the departure lounge, there are lots of choices for food, including James Martin Kitchen, Itsu, Comptoir Libanais, Terracotta Italian Kitchen and Sunny Side Cafe. Pubs and bars include The Camden Bar & Kitchen, The Windmill (Wetherspoons), Cabin Bar and Halo Fizz Barr.

Shopping at Stansted Airport

For travel essentials, snacks, and books, there are WHSmith and Boots stores located both before and after security.

Duty-free shopping is available after security. The World Duty Free store offers everything from luxury fragrances and cosmetics to spirits and designer accessories. You’ll find brands like Chanel, Jo Malone, Swarovski, and Dior.

Beyond duty-free, there’s Hamleys, LEGO and Miniso for kids, and fashion stores like Accessorize, Boss, Mulberry and Superdry.

Many stores offer a Shop Now & Collect on Return service, allowing you to buy before you fly, and pick up your purchases when you return from your trip.

Children and families at Stansted Airport

Stansted is well-equipped for families travelling with children. Baby changing facilities can be found throughout both departures and arrivals, and there is a dedicated Family Room in the departure lounge. FastTrack Security options are available for families, plus the airport is generally pushchair-friendly with lifts and wide corridors.

The Little Flyers Club offers downloadable activity packs and an online hub with games and puzzles to keep kids entertained, and there are high chairs and kids menus at many restaurants. You can also pre-order baby milk for collection at Boots.

Hotels at Stansted Airport

If you’re catching an early flight or arriving late at night, Stansted offers several hotels within walking distance or a short shuttle ride. The Radisson Blu and Hampton by Hilton Hotel are both just a 5-minute walk from the terminal. Other options, like the Novotel, Premier Inn and Holiday Inn Express, are accessible via shuttle bus in under 15 minutes.