Compare cheap car hire at London Stansted Airport with practical information on rental desk locations, vehicles, driving routes and prices.
London Stansted Airport (STN) is one of the major airports serving London and the south-east of England. Located around 65km northeast of central London, the airport is widely used by low-cost airlines and provides access to destinations across the UK including Cambridge, Essex, East Anglia and the Midlands.
Many travellers collect a rental car directly at the airport to explore the surrounding countryside or continue their journey beyond London. From Stansted it is easy to reach historic towns, coastal areas and national parks across southern England.
Direct Flights from Ireland
London Stansted Airport has frequent direct flights from Ireland throughout the year.
- Dublin → London Stansted (Ryanair)
- Cork → London Stansted (Ryanair)
- Knock → London Stansted (Ryanair)
The flight from Dublin to Stansted typically takes around 1 hour 15 minutes.
Where to Collect Your Rental Car
Car hire desks at Stansted Airport are located inside the Car Rental Village, which is separate from the passenger terminal.
After arriving at the airport, travellers take the free airport shuttle bus from the terminal forecourt to the Car Rental Village. The journey usually takes about 5 minutes.
Rental counters are located inside the Car Rental Village building, while vehicles are collected from the adjacent parking area.
Airport maps and passenger facilities can be found on the official London Stansted Airport website.
Rental Companies Operating at Stansted
The Car Rental Village hosts several major international car hire providers.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
Vehicles are normally collected directly outside the rental centre building.
Typical Rental Prices at Stansted Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £25 – £45 per day | £45 – £75 per day | £75 – £130 per day |
| April – June | £30 – £60 per day | £60 – £95 per day | £95 – £160 per day |
| July – August | £40 – £85 per day | £85 – £140 per day | £140 – £220 per day |
| September – October | £30 – £65 per day | £65 – £110 per day | £110 – £180 per day |
| November – December | £25 – £50 per day | £50 – £85 per day | £85 – £150 per day |
Choosing the Right Rental Car
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are ideal for short city visits and travelling between towns in south-east England.
Family Vehicles
Mid-size cars or estates are popular for longer journeys or travellers with luggage.
SUVs
SUVs provide additional comfort for road trips across the countryside or coastal regions.
Driving from Stansted Airport
The airport connects directly to the UK motorway network via the M11 motorway.
- Central London – about 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cambridge – around 40 minutes
- Oxford – roughly 2 hours
- Norwich – about 1 hour 45 minutes
The M11 links the airport with London and Cambridge, while the M25 motorway provides connections to destinations around the capital.
Travellers flying into the London region sometimes compare rental options at nearby airports such as Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport or Luton Airport.
Driving in the UK
Vehicles in the United Kingdom drive on the left-hand side of the road. Motorways are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
Most UK motorways are toll-free, although some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Further travel information can be found on the official VisitBritain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Stansted
Hiring a car at Stansted Airport makes it easy to explore the surrounding region.
- Cambridge – historic university city
- Colchester – one of the oldest recorded towns in Britain
- Norfolk Coast – coastal scenery and nature reserves
- Oxford – famous university city
These destinations are easily reached by car from the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Stansted Airport?
The rental counters are located in the airport’s Car Rental Village which is reached by a free shuttle bus from the terminal.
Which companies operate car hire at Stansted Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Stansted Airport from central London?
The airport is located about 65km northeast of central London.
Is driving in the UK easy for visitors?
Yes, although drivers should remember that vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road.
Do UK motorways charge tolls?
Most motorways are toll-free, although some bridges and tunnels require payment.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Stansted Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain more common in the UK.
Should I book Stansted Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Stansted Airport to Cambridge?
The journey usually takes around 40 minutes depending on traffic.
What motorway connects Stansted Airport to London?
The M11 motorway provides the main connection between Stansted Airport and London.
