In the earlier days, living in West London and booking Easyjet, the cheap rate airline, I thought it is more convenient to take a bus to Stansted. This was a 1.5 hour travel and when there was an accident and traffic jam it turned in to a nerve racking experience. However, from West London, I avoid getting on to the tube, carrying my luggage for miles and paying for a tube and expensive Stansted express ticket.
All perceptions I threw over board when using the Standsted Express, which leaves from Liverpool. This train leaves as frequently as every 15 minutes, but please note, as fast and convenient the train is, the journey time takes 46 minutes.
Please remember two point:
Ticket:
If possible, purchase your ticket in advance online but do not pick it up last minute. I almost missed my flight while queuing for 30 minutes to pick up my ordered tickets at the train station!!! (Fridays are the worst by the way.)
Nowadays I purchase my ticket a couple of days before hand online, as I get £2 discount and pick it up when passing Liverpool street station in advance.
An other word of warning - even Stansted Express can be delayed due to mechanical failure. Once me and more then 300 people were made to get out of the train and alternative transports such as taxis and buses were organised. Leave yourself enough travel time... read more