London Stansted sits on the M11 in Essex, serving East London, Essex and East Anglia from a single terminal — see our guides for Ipswich and Felixstowe, Norwich, Peterborough and Chelmsford and Colchester. Two things catch drivers out here: the express drop-off charge right outside departures, and M11 traffic at peak times — both worth planning around before you set off. From north-east London, see which airport to use from Hackney, Walthamstow and Leyton, including the Stansted Express stop at Tottenham Hale.
Prices below are estimates and may vary by traffic, time of day and vehicle; we confirm the final fare when you book.
Stansted's drop-off and pickup zones
- Express drop-off zone — directly outside departures. Charges start at £10 for up to 15 minutes, billed by number-plate camera (see our full guide to UK airport drop-off charges for how the payment and penalty process works).
- Mid-stay car park — up to 60 minutes free, with a short shuttle to the terminal — a better option if you're not in a rush.
- Arrivals meet-and-greet — the practical choice for a pre-booked pickup, since it avoids the express zone's time pressure entirely.
Minicab vs the Stansted Express
| Factor | Pre-booked private hire | Stansted Express (train) |
|---|---|---|
| Destination | Door-to-door | Terminates at Liverpool Street — a further leg needed for most of London |
| Group of 3+ | Often more cost-effective than several train tickets | Individual fares add up per passenger |
| Luggage | Dedicated boot space | Manual handling, can be tight at busy times |
| Early/late flights | Available whenever you book it | Runs to a timetable, thinner overnight |
For a fast, short hop like Stansted to Cambridge up the M11, a minicab is often quicker door-to-door than public transport; the central-London run is the longer haul where the Express can suit solo travellers well. The Cambridge minicab guide covers the college-street access restrictions at the far end.
Booking tips for Stansted
- Give us your flight number. It lets your driver track real-time arrival delays rather than working off the scheduled time. Coming from south London or Surrey? Our Luton and Stansted from south London guide covers that longer run.
- Build in a buffer. Plan pickup for 45–60 minutes after landing to allow for passport control and baggage at busier periods.
- Confirm the meeting point. At a single-terminal airport like Stansted this is simple, but always worth double-checking in your booking confirmation.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How much is the drop-off charge at Stansted? A: The express drop-off zone directly outside departures starts at £10 for up to 15 minutes, billed by number-plate camera. The mid-stay car park offers up to 60 minutes free with a short shuttle to the terminal.
Q: Is a minicab or the Stansted Express better? A: For a solo traveller heading to Liverpool Street, the Express often suits well. For a group of three or more, for anyone with checked luggage, or for early and late flights outside the timetable, a door-to-door car is usually the more practical option.
Q: How far is Stansted from Cambridge by minicab? A: Around 30 miles straight up the M11, and one of the quickest airport transfers in the country for the distance — often faster door-to-door than public transport.
Q: How long should I allow between landing and my pickup at Stansted? A: Plan the pickup for 45–60 minutes after landing to allow for passport control and baggage at busier periods, and give your flight number so the driver can track real-time delays.
Q: Does Stansted have more than one terminal? A: No — a single terminal, which makes the meeting point simple compared with Heathrow or Gatwick. It is still worth double-checking the meeting point in your booking confirmation.
Q: Where should I wait if I'm collecting someone from Stansted? A: The mid-stay car park, not the express drop-off zone. The express zone is time-charged, so a delayed flight or a slow bag keeps the clock running.
Get an estimated fare for your Stansted transfer, whether you're headed into central London or up to Cambridge.