London Stansted Airport sits in Essex, around 40 miles northeast of central London, just off the M11 at Junction 8 near Bishop's Stortford. With a single passenger terminal and a wide choice of car parks, planning your drive and parking in advance makes for a smooth start to your trip.
The M11 Route to Stansted
From London and the south, the M11 northbound is the main approach — leave at Junction 8 and follow the airport spur roads to the terminal. From the Midlands and north, the M11 connects via the A14 and A1(M). Clear signage directs you to the Short Stay, Mid Stay and Long Stay car parks as you arrive.
On-Airport Parking at the Terminal
Stansted's official car parks — Short Stay, Mid Stay and Long Stay — all serve the single terminal. Short Stay is within walking distance, while Mid Stay and Long Stay use free Park & Ride shuttle buses. Meet & Greet and Valet options drop your car right at the terminal forecourt.
Off-Airport Parking near the M11
Dozens of off-airport operators run secure compounds within a few miles of Junction 8, with free shuttle services directly to the Stansted terminal drop-off zone. These consistently undercut on-airport rates while offering comparable security.
Price Guide for Stansted Parking
Off-airport parking for a 7-day Stansted trip typically ranges from £38–£65 with advance booking. On-airport short-stay for the same period runs to £90–£130. Pre-booking via a comparison site always delivers the best available price.
Frequently Asked Questions
QWhich motorway junction is Stansted Airport?
London Stansted Airport is off the M11 at Junction 8, near Bishop's Stortford in Essex. From central London it's around 40 miles northeast, typically a 50–70 minute drive depending on traffic.
QDoes Stansted have more than one terminal?
No — Stansted has a single passenger terminal. All airlines, including Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2.com and TUI, use the same terminal, so there's no need to choose between terminals when booking parking.
QWhere can I park when driving to Stansted?
On-airport options include Short Stay, Mid Stay, Long Stay, Meet & Greet and Valet, all serving the single terminal. Off-airport operators near Junction 8 of the M11 offer free shuttle transfers and are usually cheaper for longer stays.
QHow much does parking at Stansted cost?
Off-airport Stansted parking starts from around £38 for a 7-day stay when booked in advance. On-airport short-stay parking for the same period costs £90–£130.
QHow do I get from off-airport parking to the Stansted terminal?
All off-airport operators provide a complimentary shuttle bus to the single Stansted terminal. Shuttle frequency varies by operator — most run every 10–20 minutes. Meet and greet operators drop you directly at the terminal entrance.
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