Parking Fee and Reservation for London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport (STN) is one of the UK's busiest airports and a major base for low-cost carriers, particularly Ryanair and EasyJet.

The airport serves as a crucial gateway for leisure travellers from across the UK heading to European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as for business travellers accessing London, Cambridge, and the wider East of England M11 corridor.

Millions of passengers, including those on package holidays to Spain, Italy, or Greece, city breakers to Dublin or Berlin, and professionals connecting to European business centres, rely on Stansted's parking.

Given its high traffic, pre-booking parking is almost always essential for the best rates and guaranteed availability.

London Stansted Airport (STN) Information

• Full Name: London Stansted Airport
• IATA Code: STN
• ICAO Code: EGSS
• Operator: Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
• Location: Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, approximately 42 miles (68 km) northeast of Central London.
• Terminals: Stansted operates with one main passenger terminal building where all check-in desks, security, and departure gates are located. All official on-site car parks serve this single terminal.

How to Make Reservations and Book Parking at Stansted Airport

Pre-booking your parking at London Stansted Airport is strongly recommended and often mandatory for the best rates and to secure a space, especially for Mid Stay, Long Stay, and JetParks options.

Drive-up rates for Short Stay are significantly higher.

Steps to Pre-Book STN Parking Online

1. Access Official Portal: Navigate to the official London Stansted Airport parking booking page: www.stanstedairport.com/parking/.
2. Enter Travel Dates & Times: Input your accurate flight arrival and departure dates and times. The system will suggest appropriate parking entry and exit times.
3. Compare Options: The system will display available parking products (e.g., Short Stay, Mid Stay, Long Stay, JetParks, Meet & Greet) with their respective prices for your dates. Consider transfer times and proximity.
4. Select Product: Choose the parking option that best suits your needs and budget.
5. Provide Details: Enter your personal information and vehicle registration number. The ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system uses this for entry and exit.
6. Make Payment: Complete the secure online payment using accepted credit/debit cards or other listed methods (e.g., PayPal).
7. Receive Confirmation: You will receive an email confirmation with your booking details, a reference number, and instructions (often including a QR code as a backup to ANPR). Keep this accessible.

Parking Fees and Rates at London Stansted Airport (STN)

Parking prices at Stansted Airport are highly dynamic. They fluctuate based on demand, how far in advance you book, the length of your stay, and the specific parking product chosen.

The rates below are illustrative "guide prices" and you should always obtain a real-time quote from the official Stansted Airport parking website for your specific dates.

Important Notes on Fees:

• Pre-booking is crucial: Drive-up rates are substantially more expensive.
• Non-Flex/Flex Bookings: Cheaper non-flexible bookings cannot be amended or cancelled. Flexible options offer more leeway for a higher price.
• Overstays: If you overstay your pre-booked period, additional charges will apply at the car park's standard daily rate.

Steps to Pay for Stansted Airport Parking

For Pre-Booked Parking:

1. Payment is completed online during the booking process.
2. Entry and exit are typically seamless via ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition). The barrier should lift automatically upon recognizing your vehicle's number plate.
3. If ANPR fails, scan the QR code from your booking confirmation at the barrier, or press the intercom button for assistance, quoting your booking reference.

For Drive-Up/Turn-Up Parking (Mainly Short Stay Zones):

1. Entry: Approach the entry barrier of a Short Stay car park. Press the button to take a ticket (unless ANPR logs your entry automatically).
2. Park Vehicle: Find a space.
3. Payment (Before Returning to Car): Before returning to your vehicle, locate a Pay-on-Foot station within the car park or near the terminal exits.
4. Insert Ticket/Enter Plate: Insert your entry ticket or follow prompts if it's a ticketless ANPR system.
5. Pay Amount: The machine will display the fee. Pay using a credit or debit card. Some machines may accept cash, but card is preferred.
6. Exit: Retrieve your validated ticket (if applicable). Drive to the exit barrier and insert the ticket or allow ANPR to recognize your paid status. Exit within the short grace period (usually 10-15 minutes).

Accepted Payment Methods for Stansted Airport Parking

Online Pre-Booking:

• Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
• Debit Cards: Most major UK debit cards.
• PayPal: Often an available option.

On-Site Pay Stations (for drive-up):

• Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express.
• Debit Cards: Most major UK debit cards.
• Cash: Limited availability, card payment is encouraged. Contactless payments are widely accepted.

Official Stansted Airport Parking Website & Booking Portals

For the most accurate information, guaranteed official parking products, and often the best available rates (especially with advance booking), always use the official channels:

• Main Stansted Airport Parking Page: https://www.stanstedairport.com/parking/
  This is the primary portal for exploring options, getting live quotes, and making secure bookings directly with the airport. Be cautious of unofficial third-party sites that may not offer the same level of security or customer service.

Arrivals & Pick-Up Parking at Stansted Airport (STN)

Picking up passengers arriving on Ryanair flights from Dublin, EasyJet flights from Amsterdam, or other international/domestic services requires specific parking:

• Recommended Pick-Up Zone: The Short Stay car parks (Orange Zone is closest for International Arrivals A, Yellow and Red for International Arrivals B & Domestic) are designated for pick-ups.
• Cost: A specific pick-up tariff applies, e.g., £10.00 for up to 30 minutes in the Orange Zone. This can change, so verify on site.
• Free Pick-Up Option (Mid Stay Car Park): Stansted usually offers up to 1 hour of FREE parking in the Mid Stay car park for passenger pick-ups.
• Process: Drivers park in Mid Stay, and passengers take the free shuttle bus from the terminal (Bus Stop Bay 22 from the terminal forecourt) to the Mid Stay car park upon arrival. This is ideal for avoiding Short Stay charges if you don't mind the short bus transfer.
• Express Set Down Zone is NOT for Pick-Ups: This area is for drop-offs only. Waiting or picking up here incurs high charges (£25 penalty if vehicle is left unattended, plus the standard tariff).

Departures & Drop-Off Parking at Stansted Airport (STN)

For dropping off passengers flying out of Stansted:

• Express Set Down (Terminal Forecourt): This is the closest and quickest option for dropping passengers directly outside the terminal doors.
• Cost: £7.00 for up to 15 minutes. Staying longer than 15 minutes incurs a further £25 charge. This zone is strictly for rapid drop-offs. No waiting. Fines apply for vehicles left unattended.
• Short Stay Car Parks: If you wish to accompany passengers into the terminal or need more time, use the Short Stay car parks. Standard Short Stay hourly rates apply.
• Free Drop-Off Option (Mid Stay Car Park): Stansted usually offers up to 1 hour of FREE parking in the Mid Stay car park for passenger drop-offs.
• Process: Passengers and their luggage can be dropped here, and they then take the free shuttle bus (every 10 minutes, 7-minute journey) to the terminal. This is the most economical way to drop off if you have time.
• Long Stay / JetParks: While possible to drop off here and have passengers take the shuttle, these are less convenient for quick drop-offs due to longer transfer times.

Stansted Airport (STN) Parking Map & Car Park Locations

Stansted has one main terminal. The on-site car parks are colour-coded and well-signposted from the main approach roads (A120, M11).

• Short Stay (Orange, Yellow, Red, Blue, Green Zones): Located closest to the terminal.
• Orange: Premium, 1-4 minute walk.
• Yellow, Red, Blue: 5-10 minute walk.
• Green: Furthest Short Stay, still walkable.
• Mid Stay: Located a short distance from the terminal, served by a free, regular shuttle bus (approx. 5-7 minute journey). Follow signs for "Mid Stay."
• Long Stay: Situated further from the terminal, connected by a free shuttle bus (approx. 10-15 minute journey). Follow signs for "Long Stay."
• JetParks: Also located further afield, served by a free shuttle bus (approx. 10-15minute journey). Often the most budget-friendly long-duration option. Follow signs for "JetParks."
• Meet & Greet / Valet Parking: Follow specific instructions on your booking confirmation for designated drop-off points, usually directly on the terminal forecourt or in a dedicated Short Stay area.

The official Stansted Airport website has maps detailing car park locations in relation to the terminal building. Road signage is generally very clear, guiding you to your pre-booked or chosen car park.