Stansted Airport Terminal
All the information featured on this page was compiled and written by David Enrich, a renowned expert in aviation and airport guides since 1999.
London Stansted Airport, located in Essex, is one of the UK’s busiest and most dynamic airports. Its story began during World War II, when the United States Air Force built the runway in 1942 as part of Stansted Mountfitchet Airfield. By D-Day in 1944, bombers from Stansted led over 600 aircraft in operations over occupied France. After the war, the airfield was repurposed for civilian use, and in 1966, the British Airports Authority took control, marking the start of its transformation into a major commercial hub. The airport’s modern era began in 1991, when Queen Elizabeth II opened the iconic terminal designed by Sir Norman Foster—a building that remains a benchmark in airport architecture and efficiency.
At Stansted Airport passengers will find an unique building where arrivals and departures are processed.
Terminal Layout and Zones
Stansted Airport operates from a single passenger terminal, which is divided into several interconnected areas. The terminal is designed for smooth passenger flow, with arrivals and departures processed in the same building. The main sections are:
- Check-in Hall and Domestic Arrivals: This area houses all check-in counters (A to J), security checkpoints, and the domestic arrivals hall with baggage carousels and information desks. Access to parking and the train station is available via escalators and lifts.
- International Arrivals: The international arrivals area features seven baggage carousels, including one for oversized baggage, and is located centrally for easy access to ground transportation.
- Departure Lounge: After security, passengers enter the departure lounge, where they’ll find retail stores, restaurants, and a large plaza before the gates. All shops and restaurants are airside, ensuring a pleasant waiting experience.
Arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights to avoid stress, especially during peak times. Prepare your liquids and electronics before security to speed up the process.
Access to Gates
Stansted’s terminal is served by three satellite buildings connected by walkways and a people mover. There are 93 gates in total, divided into several zones:
- Gates 1–39: Accessible via a special people mover from the departure lounge.
- Gates 40–59: A 5–8 minute walk from the lounge.
- Gates 81–88: 5 minutes walking.
- Gates 90–93: Located one level down, just 2 minutes walking.
Gate information is only updated 30–40 minutes before boarding, so relax in the departure lounge and keep an eye on the flight monitors.
Security check at Stansted Airport can take a lot of time. We strongly recommend you to arrive at the Airport with time and to do the security procedure easy: all liquids in a plastic bag and electronic devices out of your carry on luggage.
Departure Lounge
After clearing security check in the check-in hall, you can proceed to the Departure Lounge. In this section, find access to 1 to 99 boarding gates by either pier or via transit. In this section there is a plenty offer of retail stores and food and drink concessions, all centered in a big plaza prior to walking to gates.
Stansted has united all retails and restaurants just after security. Gate area is not updated to flight monitors until 30 or 40 minutes before embark so just wait for your information on the area.
When it is time to go to gates, there are 3 different areas:
There are several different areas for gates. A total of 93 gates are set at Stansted Airport.
Passengers can go walking everywhere excepting gates 1 to 39. For this gates, there is a special people mover available at the end of the Departures Lounge where all retailers and restaurants are located. To the right passengers will find gates 40 to 59. And a level down passengers will find gates 90 to 93.
Time to gates from the Departures Lounge:
To gates 40 to 59: from 5 to 8 minutes walking.
To gates 1 to 39: around 5 minutes with the people mover.
To gates 81 to 88: 5 minutes walking.
To gates 90 to 93: 2 minutes walking.
International Arrivals
In the central part of the hall, there are 7 baggage carousels, which one is for oversized baggage; also, find the international baggage reclaim hall.
Then passengers will find ground transportation options (bus station, train station, car rental counters and taxi ranks) some of them within a short distance from the terminal building. You can access to the car park and to the train station via escalators.
Taxi booths and bus information are already available on arrivals area.
Ground Transportation and Services
Outside the terminal, you’ll find bus and train stations, taxi ranks, and car rental counters. The airport is well-connected to London and Essex, making it easy to continue your journey. The terminal also offers a wide range of services:
- Currency exchange, ATMs, and accessible toilets
- Lost & found, left luggage, and luggage wrapping
- Baby care rooms, wheelchair rentals, and special assistance desks
- Duty-free shops, information booths, and free Wi-Fi
- Showers, prayer rooms, and public telephones
- Meeting rooms, tour operators, and repacking services
Use the free shuttle bus to the Car Rental Village for the best rates and vehicle selection. Book your car online in advance for the best deals.
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LOUNGES
Stansted Airport features the Escape Lounge in the main terminal, open from 04:00 to 20:30, offering food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating for a relaxing pre-flight experience.
London Stansted Airport combines a rich history with modern amenities, making it a practical and efficient choice for travelers heading to London and beyond. With its streamlined layout and comprehensive services, it’s designed to make your journey as smooth as possible