$158 Cheap Flights to Stansted

Flights to Stansted at a glance

Traveling to London Stansted is easy; you can select from both full-service and low-cost airlines. Compare journey times and airfares to London STN to find the option that best aligns with your budget and schedule while planning your adventure to explore the city’s renowned attractions and neighborhoods.

• Major airports near Stansted: Stansted Airport (STN), Luton Airport (LTN), London City Airport (LCY)
• Closest airport to Stansted: Stansted Airport, STN (around 3 miles)
• Flights per week: 1,050+ flights arriving across Stansted airports
• Number of airlines that fly to Stansted: around 20+ carriers

Popular airports near Stansted

Stansted is a vibrant city ideal for family getaways, urban exploration, and business trips. Visitors are drawn to its rich culture, family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and urban experiences. The city is conveniently served by three major airports, including London Stansted Airport, making travel easy for all.

• Stansted Airport (STN): Situated in the Uttlesford District of Essex, England, approximately 3 miles from Stansted. This airport caters to both domestic and international flights, linking around 3 domestic cities and over 80 international destinations. Travelers have the option to upgrade to premium economy or business class seating for enhanced comfort, depending on their chosen airline and route. Key airlines operating here include Ryanair, Jet2, and easyJet.
• Luton Airport (LTN): Located in Bedfordshire, England, about 25 miles from Stansted. It provides services for both domestic and international travel, connecting roughly 4 domestic cities and more than 30 international locations. Passengers can opt for a business class upgrade for greater comfort, based on the airline and route. Some of the prominent airlines serving this airport are easyJet, Ryanair, and Wizz Air UK.
• London City Airport (LCY): Found in Greater London, England, around 28 miles from Stansted. This airport accommodates both domestic and international flights, connecting approximately 3 domestic cities and over 20 international destinations. Travelers may choose to upgrade to business class for a more comfortable experience, depending on the routes and airlines. Notable carriers at this airport include British Airways, ITA Airways, and Swiss International Air Lines.

Top routes to Stansted

• Dublin (DUB) to Stansted (LCY/LTN/STN), with one-way flights starting at around $25
• Edinburgh (EDI) to Stansted (LCY/LTN/STN), with one-way flights starting at around $25
• Amsterdam (AMS) to Stansted (LCY/LTN/STN), with one-way airfare from around $70
• Barcelona (BCN) to Stansted (LCY/LTN/STN), with one-way flight options from around $25
• Madrid (MAD) to Stansted (LCY/LTN/STN), with one-way fares starting at around $25

Cheapest routes to Stansted

• Milan (LIN/MXP) to Stansted (LCY/LTN/STN), with affordable one-way prices from around $20
• Venice (VCE) to Stansted (STN), with budget one-way fares from around $20
• Tirana (TIA) to Stansted (LTN/STN), with affordable one-way prices from around $20
• Shannon (SNN) to Stansted (STN), with cheap one-way fares from around $20
• Dublin (DUB) to Stansted (LCY/LTN/STN), with affordable one-way prices from around $25

*Flight times and fares vary by season and availability and are based on one-way routes

Top airlines with flights to Stansted

• Ryanair: This airline offers flights to Luton Airport (LTN) and Stansted Airport (STN), representing approximately 52% of arrivals at Stansted. The typical one-way fare is around $80.
• British Airways: Operating flights to London City Airport (LCY) and Stansted Airport (STN), British Airways contributes about 15% of arrivals at Stansted. The average one-way fare is roughly $230, with business class service available on certain routes.
• easyJet: Providing service to Luton Airport (LTN) and Stansted Airport (STN), easyJet accounts for close to 13% of arrivals at Stansted. Expect an average one-way fare of about $130.
• Jet2: This airline flies to both Luton Airport (LTN) and Stansted Airport (STN), making up around 3% of arrivals at Stansted. The average fare for a one-way ticket is approximately $110.
• ITA Airways: Flying into London City Airport (LCY), ITA Airways represents roughly 3% of arrivals at Stansted. The average one-way fare is about $250, with business class options available depending on the route.

Best time to fly to Stansted

The most popular months for travelers to fly to Stansted are March, April, and July, when peak temperatures in Stansted can reach up to 63.1°F in July. If you prefer quieter travel, consider November, the least busy and relatively cheaper time to visit with fewer crowds and temperatures around 45.9°F. For better deals, March usually offers the lowest average one-way fare around $123, roughly 16% cheaper than the yearly average. Looking for additional cheaper months to fly? November and May offer average one-way fares of around $131, making them good options for flexible travelers.

*Average one-way fare is based on Expedia flight booking data from January 2025 to April 2026 for the specified route and travel class and may change depending on availability, dates, and demand.

How to save money on a flight to Stansted

Getting some of the best deals on flights to Stansted is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:

1. Compare flight options—use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
2. Set up price alerts—as an Expedia member you can use Price Tracking to receive notifications when flight prices change.
3. Bundle and save—book a flight and unlock a hotel deal on Expedia*, or explore our Stansted hotel and flight deals.
4. Think about luggage-nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your baggage allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
5. Earn miles—you can earn airline miles when you book your Stansted flight with Expedia. Just select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number when confirming your booking.

*For members. Select hotels.

Arriving in Stansted

Stansted welcomes travelers through its range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. Here's how to reach Stansted efficiently:

• Public transportation: From Stansted Airport, Stansted Airport Station, a train station, is located about 0.1 miles away by walking, while Stansted Seaport, a seaport, is situated approximately 6.7 miles from the airport and typically reached by car.
• Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Stansted, with options including free hotel shuttles and private rides, which can be arranged in advance.
• Car rental: Renting a car in Stansted is a good option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals in Stansted on Expedia.
• Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.

Where to stay around Stansted

• Rayne: Rayne is a quaint village located 19 miles drive away from Stansted, offering a delightful mix of adventure and sports experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in history at Leez Priory and Hylands House and Park, both of which showcase the cultural heritage of the area. For those seeking outdoor fun, Great Notley Country Park is a fantastic urban park perfect for family outings and enjoying nature.
• Royston: Royston is a vibrant city located 15 miles drive away from Stansted, ideal for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. The area boasts scenic hiking trails and golf courses for the active traveler. Noteworthy attractions include the Imperial War Museum Duxford, a fascinating military museum, and Wimpole Estate, a stunning historic house. Additionally, the prestigious University of Cambridge adds a touch of academic allure to your visit.
• Bishop's Stortford: Bishop's Stortford is a lively city located 3 miles drive away from Stansted, perfect for family outings and city experiences. Enjoy shopping at the local area and shopping center, or catch a show at the theater. Historical sites like Audley End House and Mountfitchet Castle offer glimpses into the past, while Southern Parkland Country Park provides a beautiful urban park setting for outdoor activities with the family.

Tips for short-haul flights to Stansted

For quick getaways, efficiency is key. Here is how to make your short-haul journey smoother:

• Pack light and skip checked bags—with budget airlines, traveling with just a carry-on is often more economical. Maximize your space by using mini toiletries, wearing your bulkiest clothing, and planning your outfits wisely. This strategy also helps you avoid the wait at baggage claim upon arrival.
• Bring your own entertainment—many short-haul flights may not provide in-flight entertainment. To keep yourself entertained, download TV shows, movies, music, or podcasts beforehand, and consider bringing a book. Be sure to fully charge your devices before you board.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—even for short or domestic flights, it’s advisable to arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your departure, taking into account traffic and security lines.
• Bring your own snacks and water—pack snacks and a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and save money while at the airport.

Tips for long-haul flights to Stansted

Flying long-haul sometimes requires extra planning to ensure a comfortable journey:

• Select your seat in advance—for longer flights, choosing your seat is essential for comfort. Full-service airlines typically allow seat selection at no extra cost once online check-in opens, which is generally 24–48 hours before your flight. Some airlines may offer early seat selection options.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time—plan to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours prior to departure for international flights to ensure you have enough time for check-in, security, and immigration processes.
• Relax at the airport—if you have some extra time, take the opportunity to browse the shops, find a coffee shop, or unwind at the gate or in a departure lounge if you have access. Airport Wi-Fi is typically free and accessible.
• Adjust to the new time zone mid-flight—begin syncing your body clock by changing your watch and adjusting your sleep schedule to align with your destination's time zone. Aim to sleep or stay awake during the flight according to the local time at your destination to help minimize jet lag.

Tips to find the cheapest flights to Stansted

The cheapest day to fly

Get started finding a cheap flight to Stansted on Expedia by either choosing a deal on this page or entering into the search bar your travel dates, origin airport, and whether you want roundtrip or one-way airfare. You can filter for flexibility, number of stops, airline, and departure/arrival times to find the best flight for you.

The cheapest month to fly

December is the cheapest month to fly to Stansted. This coincides with the low season when fewer people travel. Whichever month you travel in, though, be sure to book at least a month in advance if you want to score cheap tickets to Stansted. ARC's data shows that domestic flights booked 28 days or more before departure are typically 24% cheaper than those booked last minute.

The most affordable time to book a flight

Typically, a Sunday can be the cheapest time to book a flight to Stansted, according to ARC’s data. On average, you could save between 6% and 13% by booking on a Sunday instead of a Friday, which is the most expensive day to make a reservation.

The cheapest round-trip tickets to Stansted

The lowest price for round-trip flights to Stansted in 2026 starts from $409, while one-way tickets start from from $158. Expedia's effective search tool is one of the best ways to find a budget airfare. Simply enter your dates, and within seconds, it'll show you a vast selection of the cheapest flights to Stansted. If you have a preferred departure time or airline, you can use the handy filters to customize your search.

The cheapest airlines flying to Stansted

Norse Atlantic UK, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, United, Air Canada, Lufthansa are just some of the airlines that can typically offer cheap tickets to Stansted. You can find their most affordable flights by using the “airline” search filter and then sorting prices from low to high. As a trusted partner of the world's leading airlines, Expedia offers you some of the best airfare deals to Stansted and countless more destinations worldwide.

The most affordable airports to fly into

To view the cheapest airports to fly into for Stansted, simply order your search results from lowest to highest price. Expedia's search tool compares flight prices for all airports close to your destination, so you don't have to manually search them one by one to find the cheapest flight to Stansted. If you have a preferred place to fly into, take advantage of the “arrival airport” filter to narrow down your search on Expedia.

Save with a package

With Expedia's amazing package deals, you could save hundreds of dollars by booking your Stansted plane tickets together with your accommodations, car rental, or activities. Just select the search wizard's “package” option to view some of the cheapest deals. Look out for the green savings label to see how much you're saving.

Date flexibility for the cheapest flights to Stansted

If you can be flexible with your travel dates, it's a good idea to broaden your search by comparing prices on different days. This will open up more options, meaning you could uncover a less expensive flight to Stansted.

Stopover savings

The cheapest tickets to Stansted are sometimes those with a stopover. Book one of these flights, and you'll change planes at an airport en route to Stansted. While the overall travel time might be longer than a non-stop flight, you may decide it's worth it for the money saved.

Get Expedia's Price Drop Protection

Price Drop Protection means that if your flight gets cheaper after booking, you'll be credited the difference*. This gives you peace of mind that you're getting one of the cheapest flights to Stansted for your chosen departure. Expedia's Price Drop Protection is available for a small fee but is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.

*Terms apply.

Use our Price Tracking feature

Expedia's Price Tracking feature is another great tool that removes the guesswork from finding cheap flights to Stansted. Simply download the free Expedia app to your smart device and activate Stansted flight price alerts for your travel dates. There's even a price predictor tool that uses historical data to indicate the best time to book, giving you peace of mind that you'll nab the lowest prices.

Book with Expedia

As well as Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking, Expedia's close partnership with a vast selection of the world's leading airlines means you're sure to find cheap flights to Stansted. Plus, the One Key rewards program lets you earn real cash rewards on most bookings that you can use to save money on future trips. Best of all, it's free to join, and members often unlock exclusive discounts, too.

Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.