Travelling into London Stansted Airport for Christmas

Before you leave London Stansted Airport, you’ll pass through Customs and Immigration and Passport Control. Just follow the relevant signs for the EU or non-EU lanes when you get off your plane. You won’t need to queue if your passport has the biometric symbol on the front cover because you can use the eGates.

Our UK Border Force officers are there to keep everyone safe all year round. If you’re carrying gifts in your hand luggage, it’s better to leave them unwrapped - just in case they need to be checked. Once you’re through Passport Control, information screens will let you know which carousel you’ll need at the Baggage Reclaim hall to collect your checked-in luggage.

Christmas is a time for giving and receiving presents - and you can find some wonderful and unique gifts at World Duty Free. With our handy Reserve and Collect service, you can shop online up to 30 days before you fly. Once you’ve chosen your items, they’ll be waiting for you at the World Duty Free collection point when you land. All you need to do is simply pay for and pick up your shopping before going through customs.

You could save money on travel exclusives from big name brands and scoop up products you won’t find anywhere else. How’s that for easy Christmas shopping?

Stansted Airport is 42 miles northeast of Central London and has easy travel links to the rest of Britain. If you’re travelling by train, the station is directly under the airport with services to all major destinations across the UK. It only takes 48 minutes to get to Liverpool Street station.

The bus/coach station is a 2-minute walk from the terminal and regular services run to the larger UK cities. Many also stop at key London train stations, including Paddington, Victoria, Liverpool Street and Stratford. Save money by pre-booking your ticket online. But remember to plan around reduced services on public transport over key dates during the holiday period.

If you’re visiting friends and family but prefer the flexibility of having your own space then book a stay at one of our excellent airport hotels. Many have great family rooms and even offer park and stay deals which are handy if you’ve decided to hire a car.

Relax in your comfortable and stylish room, watch a Christmas movie, wander down to the restaurant for dinner, and enjoy a great night’s sleep. Booking couldn't be easier, simply click here to see our list of recommended hotels and choose the one you'd like to book. Remember to book your accommodation as early as you can to secure the best available price.

You’ll need to be able to stay connected to make plans while you’re here. An eSIM, or digital SIM card, lets you access multiple networks from one device. Switching between networks and countries is straightforward as your device will automatically connect you wherever you are.

eSIMs are digitally activated by scanning a QR code or entering an activation code, and you can switch between networks easily without having to commit to a contract. Click here for more information and to order an eSIM.

If you would like to have some ready cash, you can pre-order your currency and pick it up at London Stansted Airport. ChangeGroup is a world leader in currency exchange, with 60+ currencies to choose from at conveniently located exchange bureaus across the UK. ChangeGroup offers speedy foreign currency exchange services for busy travellers and is open from 03:00-01:00 in various locations throughout the airport.