Planning a Heathrow to Stansted transfer? The National Express coach service offers the simplest and most direct public transport option between London’s two major airports. Whether you’re catching a connecting flight or travelling between these airports for any reason, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about making this journey efficiently and affordably.
Why National Express is Your Best Choice for Heathrow to Stansted Transfer
The National Express coach service is the only direct public transport link between Heathrow (LHR) and Stansted (STN) airports. This makes it the most straightforward option for passengers needing to transfer between these two airports without the complexity of multiple connections through central London.
Key Benefits of the Coach Service
Direct Route with No Changes: Unlike train alternatives that require multiple transfers through London, the National Express service takes you directly from one airport to the other. This eliminates the stress of navigating London’s transport network with luggage whilst trying to catch connecting flights.
Generous Luggage Allowance: You can bring one large suitcase (or two medium cases) plus one piece of hand luggage per person. This allowance is particularly beneficial for international travellers with substantial luggage, and importantly, drivers don’t weigh bags during loading.
Comfortable Travel Experience: Modern coaches feature leather seating, onboard toilets, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. With over 32,000 five-star reviews on Trustpilot, the service maintains consistently high standards.
Note: You will have to pay for any additional suitcases outside your allowance – the coach driver does count how many you put in the hold.
You can book extra bags in advance when buying tickets to avoid embarrassment.
Service Details and Timetables
Frequency and Operating Hours
Heathrow to Stansted: Services run from 07:35 to 23:30 daily, with up to 13 services per day. The frequency varies throughout the day, with services approximately every 1-2 hours.
Stansted to Heathrow: Services operate from 04:10 to 19:25 daily, with up to 12 services each day. The first departure gets you to Heathrow by 05:40, perfect for early morning flights.
Note that timetables are updated occasionally. Always check the National Express website before booking.
Journey Times and Pricing
Journey Time: The fastest services take 1 hour 20 minutes, though this can extend to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and which terminals are served.
Pricing: Fares start from £18 one-way when booked in advance. Prices can vary based on demand, with some services showing fares from £25. Booking through the National Express website or app whilst logged into your My Account saves the £1.50 booking fee.
Distance and Route
The journey covers approximately 100km (65 miles) and follows the M25 orbital motorway. Be aware that this route can experience significant congestion, particularly during peak hours (06:30-10:00 and 15:30-19:00 on weekdays).
Departure Points and Terminal Information
At Heathrow Airport
The National Express service operates from three different locations at Heathrow:
Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3
Coaches depart from the Heathrow Central Bus Station, which is a 10-minute walk from both terminals via covered walkways and lifts. This station offers comprehensive facilities including waiting areas, coffee shops, newsagents, and toilets.
If you are planning to stay at the airport overnight, we recommend the Hilton Garden Inn Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 for its excellent runway views (and the fact it is a very short walk from the coach station).
Heathrow Terminal 4
Coaches stop directly outside the terminal building at designated bus stops. If you’re staying overnight, the Holiday Inn Express and Crowne Plaza are within walking distance, with a dedicated covered walkway from the terminal. There is also a Hilton or a Premier Inn if you prefer.
We liked the Holiday Inn and would definitely recommend it.
Heathrow Terminal 5
Coaches stop outside the terminal at the dedicated coach station area on the lower level. The nearest hotel is the 5* Sofitel which looks lovely (but well out of our usual budget).
Alternatively, consider the Thistle Terminal 5 which is a short, free pod ride away (read our Thistle Terminal 5 Hotel Heathrow – Rating to learn why this should be your hotel of choice).
At Stansted Airport
At Stansted, all National Express coaches arrive and depart from the main Coach Station, located just a 2-minute walk from the airport terminal. The coach station features:
- Waiting facilities with coffee shop
- Newsagents and payphones
- Toilet facilities
- Clear signposting from the customs area
If you’re planning to stay at Stansted overnight, there are a few hotel options, but with the exception of the Radisson Blu, you’ll need a taxi from the coach station to reach them.
How to Book Your Heathrow to Stansted Transfer
Online Booking (Recommended)
The most convenient way to secure your Heathrow to Stansted transfer is through the National Express website or mobile app. Online booking offers several advantages:
- Advance purchase discounts with fares from £18
- No booking fee when logged into My Account
- Mobile tickets delivered straight to your phone
- Real-time coach tracking via Coach Tracker
Top tip: Sign up for a National Express account and you won’t pay booking fees on your coach trips
Alternative Booking Methods
You can also purchase tickets:
- At automated ticket machines at both airports
- On board the coach (subject to availability)
- At ticket desks in terminals
Flexible Ticket Options
Change and Go Add-On: For £5 per journey, this option allows you to board any available coach up to 12 hours before or after your original departure time. This flexibility is invaluable if your incoming flight is delayed.
Standard vs Fully Flexible Fares: Both fare types allow amendments, though excess fees may apply for changes.
Planning Your Journey: Important Considerations
Minimum Transfer Times
Allow a minimum of 5 hours between flights when transferring via coach. This accounts for:
- Disembarkation and customs clearance at your arrival airport
- Travel time between airports (1 hour 20 minutes minimum)
- Check-in and security procedures at your departure airport
- Potential traffic delays
Traffic Congestion Warnings
The M25 route between airports experiences regular congestion. Plan extra time during:
- Monday to Friday rush hour: 06:30-10:00 and 15:30-19:00
- Sunday evenings
- Any time incidents occur on the motorway
Terminal-Specific Considerations
If you’re using Terminal 4 or Terminal 5 at Heathrow, factor in additional time as these terminals are several miles apart from Terminals 2 & 3. The coach adds approximately 25-30 minutes to serve these terminals.
Alternative Route: Train Transfer
While the National Express coach is the direct option, train travel via central London is available for those preferring rail transport, though it requires multiple changes and takes longer.
Train Route Details
Heathrow to Stansted by Train:
- Take the Elizabeth Line from Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 to Liverpool Street (39 minutes)
- Change to the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport (47 minutes)
Total Journey Time: Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes plus connection time
Cost: Train fares start from approximately £35-53 when booked in advance, making it significantly more expensive than the coach service.
Train Service Limitations
No Direct Service: There is no direct train connection between the airports. All routes require at least one change in central London.
Higher Cost: Train travel costs roughly double the coach fare, even with advance booking.
Complex Connections: You must navigate London’s transport network with luggage, including potential walks between stations. The Underground network is not luggage friendly and finding lifts in stations is a serious problem.
Limited Oyster/Contactless Use: The Stansted Express goes beyond the Oyster/Contactless zone, requiring separate ticket purchases.
Alternative Train Routes
Via Tottenham Hale: Take the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow to Tottenham Hale, then the Stansted Express to Stansted. This step-free route takes similar time but may be more accessible for those with mobility limitations. It will also be much simpler to navigate stations and platforms with luggage.
What about Flixbus?
Flixbus is a relatively new entrant to the UK market, although it has been popular on the continent for years. Annoyingly, they do not offer direct transfers between Heathrow and Stansted – you would have to switch coaches at London Victoria Coach Station to complete the journey.
Making Your Choice: Coach vs Train
For most passengers, the National Express coach remains the superior choice for Heathrow to Stansted transfers:
Choose the Coach If:
- You want the simplest, most direct route
- You’re travelling with substantial luggage
- You prefer a more economical option
- You don’t mind slightly longer journey times
Choose the Train If:
- You prioritise speed over cost
- You’re comfortable navigating London transport connections
- You’re travelling during off-peak hours when connections are easier
- You won’t be travelling with a lot of luggage
In most countries, we would choose the train. However, British trains are insanely over-priced, inefficient and unpunctual. Our experience of National Express coaches on the other hand has always been positive.
For a Stansted – Heathrow transfer (or vice versa), we recommend the coach.
Top Tips for Your Heathrow to Stansted Transfer
- Book in Advance: Secure the best fares and guarantee your seat by booking online ahead of travel.
- Allow Extra Time: Factor in potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.
- Check Your Terminal: Ensure you know which Heathrow terminal your coach departs from, as they’re located in different areas.
- Use Coach Tracker: Monitor your coach’s real-time location through the National Express app. It will also show you exactly where to find your coach stop.
- Consider Change and Go: The £5 flexibility add-on provides peace of mind for flight connections.
- Pack Smart: Make use of the generous luggage allowance whilst staying within your airline’s limits.
The National Express coach service provides the most practical and cost-effective solution for your Heathrow to Stansted transfer. With direct routing, competitive pricing, and excellent facilities, it remains the preferred choice for thousands of passengers making this inter-airport journey each day. Book your tickets in advance, allow adequate time for your journey, and enjoy a comfortable transfer between London’s major airports.
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