We are staying in Bayswater/Paddington area in Sept. We have a flight to Ireland at 8:30 am Sept. 25th from Stansted. What is the easiest and fastest way to get to Stansted without using a taxi? Do we need to arrive at airport two hours early? Thanks, Sandy
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
What airline are you flying, Sandy?
Stansted in general, but to Ireland specifically can be a mad house in the morning. I'd give yourself lots of time.
At least the shopping there isn't too outrageous.
Here's the options from the airport: http://www.stanstedairport.com/portal/page/Stansted%5EGeneral%5ETo+and+from+Stansted%5ETrains/a024e37e8077d110VgnVCM10000036821c0a____/448c6a4c7f1b0010VgnVCM200000357e120a____/
Getting from Paddington to London Liverpool is a bit of a pain with luggage on the underground (If you take the Express). I might recommend taxi to the station, then train direct.
Lots of people like the shuttles and had good experiences. I haven't done one yet though. We did it once from Colchester-Stansted. Wasn't an experience I'd repeat.
Posted by
OP
Visalia, Ca, usa
6 posts
Thanks Chris,
We are flying on Ryanair from Stansted to Shannon, Ireland. Looks like we'll have to leave our hotel around 4:30 am to make an 8:30 flight, not my idea of fun. Oh well............
Posted by
Puyallup, WA, USA
881 posts
Yeah, sorry about that. That's why I asked. Everyone here knows I'm a huge Ryanair fan (which is why I asked), but in the morning, their area of Stansted can be a mad house! On the plus side, cheap flights, new planes - and the 5 Eur sandwich wasn't bad. It balances out. ;)
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
Yes, you should try to be at Stansted two hours before your flight's scheduled departure time.
If you take the Stansted Express from Liverpool Street, I agree with Chris that you should take a taxi from your hotel to the station. The Tube won't be running at the time you'll need to leave your hotel.
Here are two more options. Take either the easyBus or a National Express coach (highway bus) from Gloucester Place to Stansted. The pickup point is a few blocks west of the Baker Street Tube station. Take a short taxi ride from your hotel to the pickup point.