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Trains from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport

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Greater Anglia
South Western Railway

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport

Trains to Stansted Airport from London Waterloo East

First train

02:31

Last train

01:26

Departure stationLondon Waterloo East
Arrival stationStansted Airport
Journey time

From 1h 41m

Distance

31 miles (50 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink

What are the train times from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport?

Check out the next trains departing from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport for Tuesday 17th November 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
, 3 changes
, 2 changes
, 2 changes
, 3 changes
, 2 changes
, 3 changes
, 2 changes
, 3 changes
, 2 changes
, 2 changes

Plan your journey from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport

Considering a trip to Stansted Airport and need more information on how to take the train from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport? Start your search with us today!

Usually, the train from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport takes around 2 hours 53 minutes. Every day, there are around 3 trains running on this popular route.

There will be 2 changes on your journey from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport, as there are no direct trains.

Trains on this route are operated by Greater Anglia, South Western Railway, Southeastern and Thameslink.

Booking tickets in advance can be cheaper than buying on the day of travel.

Use our Journey Planner to pick the dates and times you want to travel, and we’ll give you all the options.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport?

Want to know more about your journey from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do you travel to Stansted Airport from London Waterloo East?

To get to Stansted Airport from London Waterloo East, why not take the train? With 3 trains per day and an average journey time of 2 hours and 53 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport by train?

On average, it takes around 2 hours and 53 minutes to travel from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport by train, although you can get there in 1 hour and 41 minutes on the fastest services. With 3 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport?

The fastest time a train can travel the 31 miles (50 km) from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport is 1 hour and 41 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport?

There are no direct trains that run between London Waterloo East and Stansted Airport. You’ll need to make at least 2 changes along the way.

How do I find cheap train tickets from London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport?

As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

2. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

5. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for London Waterloo East to Stansted Airport is right for you.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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