Roberta Aguirre
London Stansted Airport is a single-terminal airport located in Essex, UK, and is open 24/7. The airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, but there are informal spots with benches and padded seats available. Sleeping in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone, and it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. If you are not prepared to sleep on the floor, there are two hotels within walking distance of the airport, including the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport and the Hampton by Hilton London Stansted Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping at Stansted Airport | Possible, but not comfortable. Travellers have reported sleeping on the floor in the arrivals/departures area, with some using sleeping bags and eye masks. |
| Security | Closed for a few hours in the middle of the night (e.g., 12 am-2 am). Security personnel may wake people up to check passes. |
| Amenities | Toilets, vending machines, 24-hour food options (e.g., Burger King, Caffe Nero, Pret, WHSmith, Boots), mobile charging points, lockers, and WiFi are available. |
| Safety | Travellers generally feel safe, but there are risks of petty theft and pickpocketing. It's recommended to stay near other travellers or close to security and keep valuables hidden. |
| Alternative Options | There are hotels within walking distance, such as Radisson Blu and Hampton by Hilton, which offer more comfort and quiet. Nearby hotels also offer airport shuttles for a fee. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport vs. staying in a hotel
Sleeping in the airport might be a good option for those who are on a tight budget and don't mind sacrificing comfort for a night. London Stansted Airport is open 24 hours, so you can arrive at any time and stay in the arrivals/departures area before going through security. There is plenty of floor space, but not many seats, and some people bring sleeping bags and eye masks. However, the airport is reportedly cold, dirty, and noisy, with tannoy announcements starting early in the morning. If you plan to sleep in the airport, it is recommended to take certain precautions for your safety and the security of your valuables, such as knowing where the security office is located and hiding your valuables.
On the other hand, staying in a hotel near the airport can provide a more comfortable and quiet environment. There are two hotels connected to the airport by covered walkways: the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Hampton by Hilton. Day rooms at the Radisson Blu can be booked in four and eight-hour blocks between 8:00 am and 6:00 pm. The Hampton by Hilton is also just a five-minute walk from the terminal. Family rooms at these hotels typically cost around £150 per night. Several other nearby hotels offer airport shuttles for a fee, such as the Holiday Inn Express London Stansted Airport, which offers a shuttle for £4 per person. Additionally, there are various lounges within the airport that can be accessed through different methods, such as pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, or lounge membership programs.
Ultimately, the decision between sleeping in the airport or staying in a hotel depends on your financial situation and your tolerance for sacrificing comfort. While sleeping in the airport can save you money, it may come at the cost of a good night's sleep due to the lack of comfortable spaces and early morning noise. Staying in a hotel will provide you with a bed and a quieter environment but will incur additional costs.
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Safety precautions
Spending the night at Stansted Airport is possible, but it may not be the most comfortable option. The airport is open 24/7, but there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Travellers are often left to sleep in the arrivals/departures area, where there is plenty of floor space but not much seating.
- Know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep.
- Ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
- If you're travelling alone, stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help deter potential thieves.
- Keep your valuables hidden and out of plain view.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your personal belongings, as petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in busy areas like airports.
- Consider bringing a small sleeping bag or pillow to make your stay more comfortable.
- If you want to avoid sleeping on the floor, there are hotels within walking distance of the terminal, including the Radisson Blu and Hampton by Hilton. These options can provide a quieter and more comfortable night's rest.
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Food and drink options
London Stansted Airport has 19 different restaurants, bars, coffee shops, fast-food outlets, and stands. For a sit-down meal, you can visit Frankie and Benny's, Ponti's, Terracotta Italian Kitchen, or the Camden Bar & Kitchen. Ponti's offers Italian dishes such as freshly baked pizzas, pasta, antipasti, and bread, alongside desserts like tiramisu and gelato. The Camden Bar & Kitchen serves pub classics like beef burgers, salads, sausage and mash, and kebabs, along with craft beer, wine, and smoothies.
If you're in the mood for something quick and easy, you can choose from Burger King, Pret, or Caffè Nero. Burger King and Pret offer familiar options for a pre or post-flight snack, while Caffè Nero provides hot and cold sandwiches and snacks. For a caffeine fix, head to Harris + Hoole, Costa Coffee, or Joe's Coffee House, which also offers takeaway snacks and meals.
For a more unique experience, explore the Venetian-inspired bar and café, where you can sip on fizz and enjoy Mediterranean nibbles prepared by Venetian-trained chefs. If you prefer Lebanese cuisine, Comptoir Libanais serves dishes like tagines, flatbread, hummus, and baba ghanoush. You can also find global dining options at Giraffe, including burgers, salads, juices, smoothies, and coffees.
For a pre-flight drink, Wetherspoon Express offers a range of draught beers, wines, and cheap snacks. Alternatively, Halo provides a luxurious setting for cocktails, fizz, and light bites like bacon sandwiches and scrambled eggs.
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Transport to and from the airport
London Stansted Airport is easily accessible by car, coach, or train.
By Car
Stansted Airport offers several parking options, including a priority lane at security and passport control.
By Coach
National Express offers over 200 daily services to London on four routes. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office upon arrival. Coaches are equipped with leather seats, toilets, power sockets, and air conditioning. Tickets start at £7.50, and the Change & Go Add On allows passengers to board any available coach 12 hours before or after their original departure time for just £5.
By Bus
London Stansted Airport offers daily and frequent bus services to and from London. Tickets can be pre-booked with two bus providers, and many services provide access to the London Underground and key London train stations.
By Train
The train from London Stratford to London Stansted Airport takes around 50 minutes, while the journey from Liverpool Street Station usually takes about 90 minutes.
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Facilities and amenities
London Stansted Airport is open 24 hours a day, but it does not have many facilities for passengers staying overnight. The airport is small, crowded, and brightly lit, so it is recommended that travellers bring sleeping masks, earplugs, and even pillows for comfort. While there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, there are informal spots with benches and padded seats available. Some travellers have reported being able to sleep in the waiting room of the coach station, which has plenty of seating, toilets, and vending machines.
There are a couple of options for food and drinks open during the night, and ATMs, chapels, and baby-changing facilities are also available around the clock. Free Wi-Fi is available for up to 4 hours.
For those who prefer more comfort and privacy, there are a couple of hotels connected to the terminal via covered walkways, including the Radisson Blu Hotel London Stansted Airport and the Hampton By Hilton London Stansted Airport. These hotels typically charge around £100-[£150] per night for a room. Several other nearby hotels offer airport shuttles for a fee.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at Stansted Airport. The airport is open 24 hours a day, but it does not have many facilities for passengers who choose to stay overnight. There are some seats inside the terminal, but they are insufficient, and in some cases, sleeping in certain areas is forbidden.
It is recommended that you bring a pillow, a sleeping bag, an eye mask, and headphones or earplugs. You should also be aware that the airport floor is uncomfortable, so you may want to find a comfortable corner to sleep in.
Yes, there are a few hotels connected to the airport terminal, including the Radisson Blu Hotel and the Hampton by Hilton. These hotels are within walking distance and offer day rooms for four and eight-hour blocks.
Yes, you could try spending the night in the waiting room of the coach station, which has plenty of seating, toilets, and vending machines. Alternatively, you could look into nearby hotels that offer airport shuttles for a fee.
While there are no dedicated sleeping areas, Stansted Airport is generally considered safe. However, it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables, such as knowing where the security office is located and hiding your valuables.
