Southampton to London Stansted Airport bus with National Express

Fri, Jun 12
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to London Stansted Airport

Showing times and prices for Jun 12

Cheapest price

$46

Average price

$80

Fastest journey

3 h 25 m

Average duration

3 h 44 m

Buses per day

13

Distance

159 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton to London Stansted Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Southampton to London Stansted Airport will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Southampton to London Stansted Airport without transferring at least once.

  • National ExpressNX032 · NXA8
    2:20 AM5h00
    Southampton, University
    7:20 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    $461One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX728
    5:20 AM3h35
    Southampton, University
    8:55 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    $781One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX727
    8:30 PM4h20
    Southampton, Coach Station
    12:50 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    $781One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX728
    5:05 AM3h50
    Southampton, Coach Station
    8:55 AMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    $781One-way
    1 transfer
  • National ExpressNX032 · NX727
    7:15 PM3h25
    Southampton, University
    10:40 PMStansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
    $781One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Southampton to London Stansted Airport

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Southampton to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $22.

Distance: 98 miles (159 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Train
Driving

$45

Average price

Cheapest

$51

Average price

$43

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 29m

Average total duration

3h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 0m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 22m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

National Express

Most popular bus company

South Western Railway

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Southampton to London Stansted Airport is a bus with an average price of $45 (€36).

This is compared to other travel options from Southampton to London Stansted Airport:

A bus is $7 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to London Stansted Airport costing on average $51 (€42).

The fastest way to travel from Southampton to London Stansted Airport is by train with an average journey time of 2h 30m.

Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:

Bus takes on average 3h 59m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and London Stansted Airport including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.

Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Southampton to London Stansted Airport Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:05AM
Arrival Time
06:20AM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:05AM
Arrival Time
07:20AM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:20AM
Arrival Time
07:20AM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$39
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:15AM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:05AM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
3h50
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:20AM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
3h35
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:35AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$89
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$95
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:50AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$89
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:25AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
3h50
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$81
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:05AM
Arrival Time
12:25PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$80
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:05AM
Arrival Time
02:30PM
Duration
5h25
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:15AM
Arrival Time
02:25PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Mon, Sun
Cheapest price
$76
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:05AM
Arrival Time
02:30PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
10:45AM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Mon, Sun
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:05AM
Arrival Time
03:55PM
Duration
4h50
Departure days
Mon, Sun
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:15AM
Arrival Time
05:02PM
Duration
5h47
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:15PM
Arrival Time
06:02PM
Duration
5h47
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:35PM
Arrival Time
06:25PM
Duration
5h50
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
5h35
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:35PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
5h30
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:50PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:30PM
Arrival Time
07:05PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45PM
Arrival Time
06:40PM
Duration
3h55
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$67
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:20PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:40PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Mon, Fri
Cheapest price
$64
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:05PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Sun
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:30PM
Arrival Time
08:40PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$66
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
3h55
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$65
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:00PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
3h40
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
10:40PM
Duration
3h25
Departure days
Mon, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$78
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30PM
Arrival Time
12:50AM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun
Cheapest price
$65

Live departures

Southampton to London Stansted Airport bus times

The table below shows live departures for Southampton to London Stansted Airport buses for today, Thursday, June 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
National ExpressNX032 · NXA8
Delayed
3:15 AM 2:05 AMSouthampton, Coach Station
5h15
7:20 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NXA8
Delayed
11:35 AM 2:20 AMSouthampton, University
5h00
7:20 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX728
On time
4:15 AM Southampton, Coach Station
4h40
8:55 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX728
On time
5:35 AM Southampton, Coach Station
5h00
10:35 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX728
Delayed
11:35 AM 5:50 AMSouthampton, University
4h45
10:35 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
7:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station
5h25
12:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
Delayed
11:35 AM 9:05 AMSouthampton, University
5h25
2:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
10:05 AM Southampton, Coach Station
4h25
2:30 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NXA8
On time
12:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station
6h10
6:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NXA8
On time
12:35 PM Southampton, University
5h50
6:25 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
1:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
5h35
7:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
1:50 PM Southampton, University
5h15
7:05 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
3:20 PM Southampton, University
5h20
8:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
4:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
4h10
8:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
6:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
4h10
10:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
6:45 PM Southampton, University
3h55
10:40 PM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer
National ExpressNX032 · NX727
On time
8:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station
4h20
12:50 AM Stansted, London Stansted Airport Coach Station
1 transfer

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Southampton to London Stansted Airport by bus or train

Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
Jun 12
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Wed
Jun 17
Thu
Jun 18
Fri
Jun 19
Sat
Jun 20
Sun
Jun 21
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Jun 23
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Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25

Why should you book Southampton to London Stansted Airport buses with Omio?

National Express operates all buses services from Southampton to London Stansted Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Southampton to London Stansted Airport.

Why book with Omio vs National Express?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to London Stansted Airport.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to London Stansted Airport.

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Southampton to London Stansted Airport run on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€24) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by train.

The earliest bus runs at 01:05, the last at 18:00. The fastest bus covers the 98 miles (159 km) distance in 3h 40m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $22 (€18)
Distance
98 miles (159 km)
Average bus duration
3h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
$29 (€24)
Buses per day
19
Fastest bus
3h 40m
First bus
1:05 AM
Last bus
6:00 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Wed
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $22 (€18)

Bus providers: National Express from Southampton to London Stansted AirportYou can travel by bus between Southampton to London Stansted Airport with National Express for as low as $22 (€18). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

National Express

About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€24)
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.

Complete guide to London Stansted Airport

Things to do in London Stansted Airport

Discover the best of London Stansted Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London Stansted Airport trip today.

  • Recommended

House on the Hill Toy Museum

A family-run museum in Stansted Mountfitchet with one of the largest toy collections in Europe, featuring dolls, model railways, and vintage games.

  • Recommended

Fry Art Gallery

A well-regarded gallery in Saffron Walden known for works by artists of the Great Bardfield group and rotating exhibitions.

  • Recommended

Henry Moore Foundation

A major sculpture destination at Perry Green with indoor galleries and outdoor works by Henry Moore in a rural setting.

Pound sterling

Airport prices are high. Meals, coffee, and convenience items usually cost more than in town.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-12 for snacks or fast food.
Mid-range
GBP 15-25 per person.
Fine dining
GBP 35+ per person.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included at airport restaurants. If not, 10-12.5% is typical for table service. No tip is expected for fast food or coffee. Round up taxi fares if you wish.

FAQs: Bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton to London Stansted Airport by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at London Stansted Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Southampton to London Stansted Airport can start from as little as $29 (€24) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Southampton to London Stansted Airport is $45 (€36) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport is 3h 40m to travel the 98 miles (159 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport leaves at 1:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport leaves at 6:00 PM.
There are 19 buses a day from Southampton to London Stansted Airport which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to London Stansted Airport. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Southampton and London Stansted Airport and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to London Stansted Airport from Southampton is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 40m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Southampton and London Stansted Airport including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Southampton to London Stansted Airport depends on the bus companies:
  • National Express
    • You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Southampton to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Southampton to London Stansted Airport:
  • National Express
    • 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Southampton to London Stansted Airport with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Southampton nor London Stansted Airport are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Southampton to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular bus stations

Popular bus stations from Southampton to London Stansted Airport

Southampton
London
Amenities at bus station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 06:00-22:00
carConnection
Car connection
Harbour Parade
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi
Dining
Dining
  • Café Express (in the station)
  • Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Taxis
Taxis
  • Available outside the station.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • Available near the entrance.
Public transit options for Southampton, Coach Station
  • Bus: U1, U2, U6, X4 Train: South Western Railway
Southampton, Burgess Rd (Library)
information
Southampton, University
information

Most popular buses to and from London Stansted Airport and Southampton

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