- Recommended
House on the Hill Toy Museum
Large toy museum at Mountfitchet Castle with extensive displays of dolls, model railways, and vintage toys; a family-friendly local favorite near Stansted.
Cheapest price
$92
Average price
$119
Fastest journey
4 h 7 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 $119 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
Of the 2 trains that leave Manchester Airport for London Stansted Airport on Sat, Jul 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 04 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 4 h 7 m .
On Sat, Jul 04 the slowest trains will take 5 h 58 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 $64.
Distance: 147 miles (237 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$105 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $80 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 $44 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Airport to London Stansted Airport costing on average $105 (€86).
Other travel options to London Stansted Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 35m.
Tickets start at around $105 (€86) compared to roughly $80 (€66) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-25.37 (€-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 today, Friday, July 3. 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 | |
![]() | 3:44 PM Manchester Airport | 4h56 | 8:40 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 $64 (€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 $64 (€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 at Mountfitchet Castle with extensive displays of dolls, model railways, and vintage toys; a family-friendly local favorite near Stansted.
Sculpture museum and artist estate in Perry Green showcasing Henry Moore's works in studios and landscaped grounds; one of the region's standout cultural visits.
Well-regarded gallery in Saffron Walden focused on north-west Essex artists, including works linked to the Great Bardfield group.
National Trust forest with lakes, ancient woodland, and easy walking trails directly beside Stansted Airport; ideal for a short nature break before or after a flight.
Vast ancient woodland stretching across Essex and Greater London, valued for scenic walking, cycling, and a strong sense of escape from urban areas.
Historic village area with timber-framed buildings, independent shops, and a traditional Essex atmosphere close to the airport.
Britain’s classic takeaway of battered white fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and tartar sauce.
A traditional hearty breakfast with eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, grilled tomato, and toast.
A traditional pub meal of cheese, bread, pickle, salad, and often chutney; simple and distinctly English.
A well-known traditional pub in Stansted Mountfitchet serving British pub classics in a relaxed historic setting.
An established local pub near Stansted known for classic British dishes, beers, and a casual village atmosphere.
A popular airport dining option offering all-day meals in a lively casual setting within Stansted Airport.
Airport prices are higher than nearby towns. Snacks and coffee are costly, while sit-down meals are notably expensive for most travellers.
Service is often included or optional. Round up for cafes, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is good, and round up taxi fares.
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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need