Fast and efficient but don't cut it fine. (Stansted Express)

Member Name: alexela

Product:	Stansted Express
Date:	02/06/09 (191 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fastest and most comfortable method of public transport to stansted.

Disadvantages: Not cheap at all! Busy during commuting times

The Stansted Express is not just the fastest way to get to Stansted Airport, but also to Bishop's Stortford and Harlow Town, with trains stopping at one of these intermediate stations alternately and Tottenham Hale, leaving London Liverpool Street every 15 minutes.

The journey takes approximately 47 minutes from Liverpool Street and 35 minutes from Tottenham Hale, with current fares being £19 single, £28.80 return or £17 single and £26.20 respectively. Those with a railcard can save a third on these ticket prices - definitely worth considering if you are a regular user.

It is, without question, the fastest way of getting to Stansted, being at least half an hour (off peak) to an hour (peak) faster than getting the coach. Though the particular line the Stansted Express runs on does suffer from incidents and delays on occasion, especially during the winter months. So it is strongly advisable to leave maybe an extra hour in case of any delays to your journey, so that should any problem occur, you should still be able to make your flight on time!

In peak commuting times, Stansted Express trains do often end up very busy with many commuters getting off at the intermediate stops, so if travelling as part of a large group or family, you may wish to leave plenty of time to board the train and find seats together.

Drinks and refreshments are available as there is a drinks trolley that works its way through the train at moderate prices if you get peckish, though with it being a relatively short journey time, you may prefer to wait until you reach the airport.

Overall, I would say this is the easiest and most efficient way of getting to the airport, but you do pay for it and if something goes wrong, there is no alternative route for the train potentially causing long delays. The best way to avoid this - always leave plenty of time for your journey!

Summary: Easiest way of getting to the airport, but expensive.