The airport has 3 terminals or concourses (Satellite 1 (gates 1-19), Satellite 2 (gates 20-39, 81-88), Satellite 3 (gates 40-59)).
Connecting passengers go through a transfer security screening.
How connections work at STN
Connection time calculator
Is your layover at STN long enough? Pick your connection and get an estimate with the times of this airport.
Terminals / concourses: Satellite 1 (gates 1-19), Satellite 2 (gates 20-39, 81-88), Satellite 3 (gates 40-59)
Getting between them: Free transit train to Satellites 1 (about 4 minutes) and 2 (about 7 minutes, or 10 minutes on foot); Satellite 3 has no train, about 15 minutes on foot
One main terminal with all departure gates in three satellites beyond security. Stansted has no airside transit: connecting passengers clear UK immigration, collect any checked bags and check in again. Most routes are point to point, with no through ticketing.
There is no airside transit: every connecting passenger clears UK immigration.
- A self-arranged connection needs at least 3 hours (4 is better): landing, UK immigration, bags, check-in and security again.
- Most visa-free nationals need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) even for a short connection.
- Satellite 3 boarding can start about 40 minutes before departure and it is a 15-minute walk: count back from your gate.
Estimate based on typical times at this airport, not your airline's official minimum connection time. Immigration and security lines change with the time of day and season. On a single ticket, the airline must rebook you if you miss the connection; on separate tickets, it does not.
Sources: layoverindex.com.
Times are estimates: always check with your airline.