Flying out of London Stansted in 2025 and unsure where to park? Stansted Airport offers a wide selection of official and off-airport parking options designed for short trips, business travel, family holidays and long-stay getaways. Choosing the right parking option can save you money, reduce stress and ensure a smoother start to your journey.
For broader London airport support, explore our London Airport Transfers Guide:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/london-airport-transfers-2025-guide
Short Stay Parking Close to the Terminal
Short Stay parking is ideal for quick trips, business travel, or picking up and dropping off passengers who want to walk directly to the terminal without relying on shuttle buses. Stansted’s Short Stay car parks are divided into different colour zones.
Green Zone Short Stay
- Approximately 5 to 8 minutes’ walk to the terminal
- Bright, secure, multi-storey design
- Ideal for travellers flying during early morning or late at night
Blue Zone Short Stay
- About a 10 to 12 minute walk
- More affordable than Green Zone
- Good option for travellers with a bit more time, seeking savings
Prices
- From £7 to £10 per day when booked in advance
- Higher rates apply for turn-up parking
- Not recommended for extended holidays due to cost
Short Stay is comparable to Gatwick’s Short Stay system. For reference, see our Gatwick Parking Guide:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-airport-parking-prices-2025
Mid Stay Parking A Balanced Choice
Stansted’s Mid Stay car park is ideal for travellers who want a good balance between cost and convenience.
Key Features
- One hour of free parking, making it perfect for pick-ups and drop-offs
- Frequent shuttle buses running every 5 to 10 minutes
- Travel time to the terminal approximately 5 to 10 minutes
- Suitable for stays of 1 to 3 days
Pricing
- Starts from around £15 per day
- Cheaper than Short Stay, especially when pre-booked
Mid Stay functions similarly to Gatwick’s free Long Stay waiting system.
For travellers looking at multiple airports, compare with our Gatwick Pick-Up Guide:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-pick-up-rules-free-wait-zones-2025
Long Stay Parking Best for Holidays and Extended Trips
For holidays, family trips or multi-week getaways, Long Stay is the most cost-effective official parking option at Stansted.
What Long Stay Includes
- Minimum stay usually 6 days
- Free shuttle service every 10 minutes
- Travel time to the terminal about 10 minutes
- Full CCTV, fencing and secure entry
- EV charging in selected areas
Typical Pricing
- Around £35 for 4 days (pre-booked)
- Per-day cost decreases for longer trips
- Booking in advance is strongly recommended
Long Stay pricing is similar to Heathrow’s long-term parking model.
For comparison, visit our Heathrow Parking Guide:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/heathrow-parking-guide-2025
Meet and Greet and Valet Parking Maximum Convenience
Meet and Greet is Stansted’s premium parking option for travellers who want to save time and avoid shuttle buses. Perfect for families, business travellers or anyone carrying heavy luggage.
How It Works
- Drive directly to the terminal drop-off point
- Hand your keys to a uniformed attendant
- Your car is parked in a secure compound
- On return, your car is ready on arrival
Pricing
- Typically from £50 to £60 for the first day or two
- Higher than other car parks but offers maximum convenience
Ideal for early flights, tight schedules or those prioritising comfort.
Free Parking and Drop-Off Zones
Stansted provides more flexible free parking than many other London airports.
Free Set Down Area (Mid Stay)
- One hour free parking
- Located in the Mid Stay car park
- Free shuttle buses to the terminal
This is the best option for picking up or dropping off passengers without paying forecourt fees.
Express Set Down Zone
- Located near the terminal
- Allows up to 15 minutes of parking
- Prices start from £7
Best for ultra-quick drop-offs when timing is tight.
For detailed drop-off comparisons, see Gatwick’s equivalent charges:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/gatwick-drop-off-charges-2025
Summary Table of Stansted Parking Options
Parking Type | Approx Price Per Day | Shuttle or Walk | Best For |
Short Stay Green | £7 to £10+ | 5–8 min walk | Quick trips, pick-ups, drop-offs |
Short Stay Blue | £7 to £10+ | 10–12 min walk | Budget-friendly short stays |
Mid Stay | Free 1 hour, then £15 | 5–10 min shuttle | Medium trips, free pick-ups and drop-offs |
Long Stay | From £35 for 4 days | 10 min shuttle | Holidays, long-term travel |
Meet and Greet | £50+ | Terminal drop-off | Maximum convenience, families, business |
Tips for Booking Stansted Airport Parking in 2025
- Always pre-book. Advance prices can be up to 75 percent cheaper than turn-up rates.
- Avoid Short Stay for multi-day trips, as costs increase quickly.
- Use the one-hour free Mid Stay zone for cost-free pick-ups or drop-offs.
- Check for EV charging availability if travelling with an electric vehicle.
- Look at Meet and Greet if you want to avoid shuttles or are travelling with children.
- Compare airport options if flying into another London airport on your return.
Planning onward travel? Review our Heathrow vs Gatwick Transfers guide:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/heathrow-vs-gatwick-transfers
Conclusion
Stansted Airport offers a range of parking options in 2025 tailored to different travel needs, from premium Meet and Greet services to budget-friendly Long Stay choices. With smart planning and advance booking, you can save money, reduce stress and enjoy a smooth start to your journey.
For more London airport insights, see our full Travel Connections content hub:
https://www.weknowlondon.com/blog/london-airport-transfers-2025-guide