London Stansted Airport vs London Luton Airport

Overview

London's third airport and Ryanair's largest UK base — single-terminal design, Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, and Escape Lounge for Priority Pass holders.

Ryanair hub and low-cost operations

Stansted is Ryanair's largest UK base, handling the majority of Europe and Mediterranean leisure traffic from London's eastern corridor. easyJet and Jet2 also operate significant schedules. For UK travellers chasing lowest fares, STN often undercuts Gatwick and Luton on the same routes — but factor in Stansted Express rail costs and strict Ryanair baggage rules.

UK261 compensation applies to all flights departing Stansted regardless of fare paid. A 3+ hour arrival delay on a UK-regulated flight triggers £220–£520 per passenger if the delay was the airline's fault.

Getting to central London

Stansted Express runs to Liverpool Street every 15 minutes at peak, taking ~45 minutes. National Express coaches serve Victoria and other London terminals — often cheaper but slower in traffic. Uber/Bolt use signed ride-app zones landside.

Compare STN against Gatwick (/airports/gatwick) and Luton for your route — Stansted wins on Ryanair frequency; Gatwick wins on Virgin long-haul and lounge depth.

Overview

London's fourth airport and easyJet's primary London base — single-terminal design, Thameslink to St Pancras, and Clubrooms lounge for Priority Pass holders.

easyJet hub and low-cost operations

Luton is easyJet's largest London base, handling dense European and Mediterranean leisure traffic from London's northern corridor. Wizz Air also operates significant schedules. For UK travellers chasing lowest fares, LTN often undercuts Gatwick on the same routes — but factor in Thameslink rail costs and easyJet baggage fees.

UK261 compensation applies to all flights departing Luton regardless of fare paid. A 3+ hour arrival delay on a UK-regulated flight triggers £220–£520 per passenger if the delay was the airline's fault.

Getting to central London

Thameslink runs to St Pancras International every 10–15 minutes at peak, taking ~30 minutes. East Midlands Railway also serves Luton Airport Parkway. DART shuttle connects terminal to Parkway station in ~4 minutes.

Compare LTN against Stansted (/airports/stansted) and Gatwick (/airports/gatwick) for your route — Luton wins on easyJet frequency; Gatwick wins on Virgin long-haul and lounge depth.