Transport to London
Train
The Stansted Express is the chosen method to get to London. There is a regular service, every 15 minutes or so, and it does get very busy both ways.
Finding the station from the terminal is very easy. It’s hard to miss, just follow the crowds. The trains are basic, let’s say. Journey time can be 50 minutes, but can be much more. It’s not a great service.
Even though it is an ‘express’ service, it does have intermediate stops, sometimes at Harlow Town and usually at Tottenham Hale (great for the Victoria tube line or trains to Stratford). The service itself usually goes to Liverpool Street station in the east of London, with the usual taxi and bus services, and Central, District, Circle and Metropolitan lines, plus The Elizabeth Line from there.
Make sure you know where your final destination is and choose the best end point for you.
You can book tickets in advance. The fare varies but is about £18 at present.
Also be aware that this service is often either delayed, cancelled or diverted, often at weekends for engineering works.
Also be aware of this: on many websites you will find people saying that the Stansted Express is a scam. Why? Well, you cannot use Oyster card (obviously) or any contactless method. You have to buy a ticket, preferably a paper ticket, before you travel.
If you use a wrong ticket, or have no ticket, you will be in big trouble.
They do have signs up, but the ones in Liverpool Street are very unclear and you can still get on without one. Then, at the end, the rude and aggressive staff will catch you and you could be up for a fine of creeping up to £100 or more.