London Heathrow (LHR) London Stansted (STN)
Heathrow to Stansted is 90 km around the M25 orbital — the longest inter-airport London transfer. National Express runs a direct coach; taxi is faster but expensive.
Transfer options
Stay overnight in London?
If your connection is 8+ hours or overnight, a hotel between the two airports beats an airport chair.
Frequently asked questions
How long does LHR to STN take?
National Express coach: 90-120 minutes. Private car: 75-110 minutes. Public transport: 110-140 minutes with 2 transfers. M25 traffic is the wild card — avoid 07:00-09:30 and 16:00-19:00.
Is there a direct train from Heathrow to Stansted?
No direct train — all rail routes require a transfer via central London (Paddington + Liverpool Street). Total journey: 110-140 minutes. The National Express A6 coach at 90-120 minutes is faster + cheaper.
How much time between LHR and STN?
Minimum 4 hours between arrival and departure. Add an extra hour for visa nationalities requiring longer UK immigration processing.
Can I share a taxi to save money?
Yes — apps like SplitFare or coordinating on social media can halve the £140-220 taxi fare. National Express is cheaper for solo travellers.