Unfortunately, contactless cannot be used on Stansted Express services, including replacement coaches. You must buy a ticket before you travel.
When it comes to getting your ticket, things couldn’t be simpler when booking with Stansted Express. Whether you book in advance or get your tickets on the same day you travel, you can rest assured that your trip with us will be completely hassle-free.
You can book your Stansted Express tickets online up to six months in advance. Booking in advance through the Stansted Express website will normally give you the very best price. We'll send your ticket by email and you can choose how to use it.
Here’s a quick overview of how you can use your tickets if you book in advance online with us:
Apple & Google Wallet - download your ticket to your Google Pay or Apple Wallet app from the receipt page, email confirmation of your journey or from your account. Just have the app ready and waiting when ticket checks are completed onboard.
Show PDF On Your Email - once you have booked with us online, we will send an email confirmation of your journey. Attached to this email will be a PDF ticket that you’ll need to travel with us. Just be sure your phone is charged prior to getting on the train as you’ll need to show your ticket onboard.
Print the PDF - we understand that some people still prefer to have a physical copy of their ticket for peace of mind. After booking your ticket online you’ll receive a confirmation email from us with a PDF of your ticket attached. Simply print the PDF and bring this along with you when you travel with us.
Please note, tickets can no longer be purchased from the Stansted Express app.
If you haven’t pre-booked your ticket you will be able to purchase one from the station you are departing from. Please be sure to purchase your tickets prior to boarding the train.
There may be occasions where our train is full, especially at peak times; but fear not, as our service runs very regularly so you won’t have long to wait until the next service departs.
Please note: if you book your tickets using a Railcard, please do ensure that you bring it with you when travelling as your ticket will be invalid without proof of a Railcard.
If you’re travelling in a group of three or more, we’d recommend taking a look at our group ticket offers as you may well find a better deal than paying separately.
Find out more about the various ticket offers we have available on our website and save even more on your trip to and from Stansted Airport.
Unfortunately, contactless cannot be used on Stansted Express services, including replacement coaches. You must buy a ticket before you travel.
Can I use my Oyster card to get to Stansted Airport?
You can only use your Oyster Card on the Stansted Express on journeys between London Liverpool Street and Tottenham Hale. If you are travelling to or from Stansted Airport you will need to buy a ticket that covers you for the whole journey that you are making on the Stansted Express.
Why haven’t I received my e-ticket?
It should arrive in your inbox within 10 minutes. Check your junk or spam folder if you can’t see it. You may have used a different email address for your quick pay option (e.g. PayPal, Apple or Google Pay), so make sure to check your alternative email address too.
If you’re still unable to find it, email us at [email protected].
I haven’t got my confirmation email yet. What should I do?
It should arrive in your inbox within 10 minutes. Check your junk or spam folder if you can’t see it – and if it’s not there, call us on 0345 600 7245 (option 8).
Can I use my tickets to travel in either direction?
No, your ticket is only valid for the direction you booked online.
Can I buy a train ticket at Stansted Airport?
There is a train ticket machine located in Stansted Airport Station, or you can purchase tickets from the Rail Information desk. The cheapest way to buy tickets for the Stansted Express service is online.
Can you post my tickets to me?
No - online tickets are designed to be used on your mobile phone or tablet. If you prefer, you can download and print your ticket yourself.
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