EN
No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals
Road Genius makes it easy to find great hire car offers at London Stansted Airport (STN). Compare prices and make bookings in one place. Simple. Browse on-airport and off-airport car hire from major brands, with a free shuttle to the Car Rental Village about every 10 minutes. Filter for automatics, child seats and one-way hire across the UK and return after-hours with key drop if your provider offers it.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| On-Airport Rental Village | • Short 5-10 minute shuttle ride from terminal • Major brands available • Convenient for immediate departure |
• Airport surcharge included in rates • Long waits during busy periods • Shuttle required to reach the hire office |
| Off-Airport Providers | • Generally lower rates • Same vehicle types available • Budget-friendly options |
• Longer wait for shuttle service • May require calling for pickup • Limited hours compared to on-site providers |
Practical Tip: If your flight is delayed and you will arrive near closing time, call your hire company. Some can stay open later if you give them advance notice.
On average, car rentals at London Stansted Airport cost around €52 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €17 per day.
Compare on-airport vs off-airport: Off-airport providers near STN often price lower. Factor in shuttle wait times and opening hours when comparing totals.
Book by season, not habit: For STN summer, Easter and Christmas, book 2-3 months ahead. In autumn or January, prices are softer and 3-4 weeks out often wins.
Pick-up timing matters: Midweek collections can be cheaper. Align flight times with desk hours to avoid after-hours fees.
Choose the right car: Compact and manual cars are cheaper and easier to park. Automatics at STN typically add £10-15 per day, so only pick if you need it.
Skip unneeded city days: If you’re staying in London first, take the Stansted Express or coach, then hire when leaving the city to avoid Congestion Charge and pricey parking.
Compare total cost, not headline rate: Look for full-to-full fuel, note location surcharges, one-way fees and potential Dartford Crossing tolls. There’s a petrol station on the A120 near STN for easy refuelling before return.
| Parking Type | Location | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Short Stay | Adjacent to terminal | Meeting arriving passengers or brief stops |
| Mid Stay | 5-minute shuttle | Trips of 3-5 days |
| Long Stay | 15-minute shuttle | Extended trips over 5 days |
| Meet & Greet | Terminal drop-off | Convenience and speed |
Local Driving Tips: When leaving Stansted Airport, watch for the clearly marked 40mph zone on airport approach roads. Speed cameras are in operation and fines are issued for exceeding limits.
London Congestion Charge: If driving into central London, prepare to pay the daily congestion charge (operates Monday-Friday 7am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-6pm)
ULEZ Zone: All of Greater London is now within the Ultra Low Emission Zone. Most modern rental cars meet the emissions standards and are exempt
Get a car to drive to:
Cambridge – colleges, Botanic Garden
Essex coast – Southend, Clacton-on-Sea
Norfolk – Norwich, Broads, coast
Audley End House & Gardens
Imperial War Museum Duxford
Constable Country (Dedham Vale)
What are the opening hours for car hire desks at Stansted Airport? Most major hire companies are open from around 6:00am to 11:00pm or midnight each day. Some can stay open 24 hours if you arrange it beforehand for late arrivals.
How long does it take to collect a hire car at Stansted Airport? It usually takes 30-45 minutes from when your aeroplane lands to when you drive away. This includes about 15-20 minutes for border control and baggage, 10 minutes for the shuttle and 10-15 minutes to do the hire paperwork.
Can I return my hire car outside office hours? Yes, most companies let you return cars after hours using a key drop box. You just need to park in the marked area, fill out the return form and put the keys in the secure drop box. A staff member will check the car the next day.
Is there a petrol station near Stansted Airport for refuelling before return? Yes, you'll find a petrol station on Thremhall Avenue, which is the main road into the airport. It's just before the entrance, so you can easily fill up your tank before you return the car.
Can I pick up a car at Stansted Airport and return it elsewhere in the UK? Yes, you can book one-way hire in the UK, but they usually cost extra depending on the distance. You need to arrange this when you hire the car.
What happens if my flight is delayed and the hire desk is closed? You should contact your hire company as soon as you can. Many companies watch the flight arrival times and might wait for you if your flight is late. Some also let you pick up the car after hours for an extra fee.
Are there electric vehicle charging points at Stansted Airport? Yes, you can find EV charging stations in a few of the car parks at Stansted Airport. If you hire an electric car, you should ask your hire company how they want you to return it and what the charging rules are.
Do I need to pay for the shuttle bus to the Car Rental Village? No, the shuttle bus between the terminal and the Car Rental Village is free. It runs about every 10 minutes.
Can I hire a car at Stansted Airport with a debit card? It depends on the company. Some accept debit cards, but they might ask you for extra ID or proof of your flight home. They may also hold a larger security deposit. Most companies prefer credit cards as they have fewer rules.
Is it better to hire a car at Stansted Airport or in London if I'm staying in London first? If you're staying in London first, it's cheaper to get public transport into the city. Then you can hire a car when you're ready to leave London. This way you avoid paying for extra hire days, the Congestion Charge and expensive parking in London.
Popular Countries
24/7 Support