- Recommended
House on the Hill Toy Museum
Large toy museum in Stansted Mountfitchet with dolls, model railways, teddy bears, and vintage games. A good nearby family-friendly museum close to the airport area.
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$86
Fastest journey
5 h 3 m
Average duration
5 h 3 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
237 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport to London Stansted Airport will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Of the 2 trains that leave Manchester Airport for London Stansted Airport on Tue, May 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct trains cover the 237 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 3 m .
On Tue, May 19 the slowest trains will take 5 h 3 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport to London Stansted Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $41, and a train costs an average of $65.
Distance: 147 miles (237 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$107 Average price | $62 Average price Cheapest | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Airport to London Stansted Airport:
A bus is $45 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Airport to London Stansted Airport costing on average $107 (€86).
Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 35m.
Tickets start at around $107 (€86) compared to roughly $81 (€66) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.79 (€-20.80). The journey takes 3h 20m versus 3h 14m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to London Stansted Airport trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:17 AM Manchester Airport | 5h03 | 1:20 PM London Stansted Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:17 AM Manchester Airport | 5h03 | 2:20 PM London Stansted Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Manchester Airport to London Stansted Airport run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $65 (€52) but you can travel from only $41 (€33) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:17, the last at 15:44. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (237 km) distance in 3h 55m.
Distance 147 miles (237 km) |
Average train duration 3h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $65 (€52) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 55m |
First train 7:17 AM |
Last train 3:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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.
Large toy museum in Stansted Mountfitchet with dolls, model railways, teddy bears, and vintage games. A good nearby family-friendly museum close to the airport area.
Major sculpture destination in Perry Green with indoor galleries and an outdoor sculpture landscape. Best for modern art lovers willing to travel a little farther from Stansted.
Local arts venue and gallery in Bishop's Stortford hosting changing exhibitions, performances, and community arts events. Useful for visitors seeking a smaller regional cultural stop.
National Trust ancient forest with walking trails, lakes, and open landscapes right beside the airport. One of the best outdoor escapes for a layover with time.
Historic village center with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and a traditional Essex feel. Ideal for a short local wander near the airport.
Charming central square in one of Essex's most attractive market towns, surrounded by historic buildings and shops. Popular for photos and relaxed strolling.
A hearty breakfast of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, grilled tomato, mushrooms, and toast. It is a classic English staple widely associated with local café culture.
Battered fried fish with chips, usually served with mushy peas or tartar sauce. It is one of the most iconic and widely loved dishes in England.
A traditional London working-class meal of savory meat pie with mashed potatoes, often topped with parsley liquor. It is strongly tied to East London food heritage.
A well-known traditional pub in Stansted serving British classics and cask ales in a historic, relaxed setting close to the airport.
A popular established airport branch of the well-known chain, serving reliable Japanese-inspired noodle and rice dishes in a casual setting.
A casual airport restaurant offering an international menu, breakfasts, and cocktails. It is a practical option for varied tastes before a flight.
Airport food and drinks cost more than in town. Cards are widely accepted, but dining is pricey for most travelers.
Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Tipping is not expected at fast food or coffee counters; round up taxis if desired.
Official public transport app
London Stansted Airport -> Liverpool Street Station, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport to London Stansted Airport by train. 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 train, 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.

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