Written by the Sydenham Mini Cabs team. Last updated .
Fixed Price Cab to Stansted from Sydenham
We quote a fixed price cab to Stansted before you confirm. The fare is worked out from your pickup address, the vehicle size and the time of travel, and we tell you the figure on the phone or on the booking form.
That matters on a long run. With a price agreed in advance, a slow patch on the M11 is our problem and not something that pushes your fare up. Ask us what the quote covers, such as airport charges and tunnel charges, so you have the full picture.
We collect across SE26, from Sydenham Hill down to Bell Green, and from neighbouring areas too. If you live nearby in SE6, our Catford taxi page has local pickup details.
Early Morning and Late Night Taxi to Stansted
Stansted is known for flights at unsociable hours. Budget airlines send their first departures out around 6am, which means leaving Sydenham at about 2.30am to 3am. No train from SE26 will get you there for that.
An early morning taxi to Stansted is the practical answer. The roads are empty, the Blackwall Tunnel flows freely and the driver has you at the terminal with time for a coffee. We suggest booking the day before so a driver is allocated overnight.
Late arrivals are the mirror image. A late night taxi from Stansted means that when your flight lands at 11.50pm, you are not racing for the last coach. The driver tracks the flight and waits for you.
Stansted Airport Drop-Off and Pickup
Stansted has one terminal building. Everything, from check in to arrivals, is under the same roof, so there is no terminal to choose.
Drop-Off Zone
The drop-off zone is the Express Set Down area right outside the terminal. The airport charges vehicles to use it, and the fee depends on how long the car stays. Our drivers unload quickly. Ask us whether the charge is included in your quote.
Meet and Greet Pickup
For a meet and greet pickup, the driver parks in the short stay car park and walks to the arrivals hall with a name board. You come through the doors, find your name and follow the driver to the car. It is the easiest option with children or lots of bags.
If you would rather skip meet and greet, call us when you have your luggage and the driver will direct you to the pickup point.
Route via M11, Time and Distance
The usual route leaves Sydenham through Catford and Lewisham, joins the A2 and then the A102 through the Blackwall Tunnel. North of the river the A12 leads to the Redbridge roundabout and the start of the M11. Stansted is at junction 8, well signed.
The distance is about 45 miles. The typical journey time is 75 to 100 minutes. In the small hours it can be quicker. On a weekday at 8am, the approach to the tunnel can add half an hour by itself.
A few things are worth knowing.
- The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels now carry a user charge at most times of day
- The M11 has few alternatives, so an incident near Harlow affects everyone
- Drivers may use the Dartford Crossing and M25 if the tunnels are blocked
We recommend leaving Sydenham four hours before a short haul flight.
Pick Your Vehicle
Low cost airlines are strict on bag sizes, but families still travel heavy. Pick the car that fits everything without bags on laps.
Standard
A standard saloon seats up to four with two large cases and hand luggage. Ideal for one or two travellers.
Estate
The estate has the same four seats and a bigger boot. Good for three or four people who each have a case.
MPV
An MPV seats six or seven. Our 7 seater taxi page explains how seats and luggage balance out on longer trips.
Minibus Hire (8 Seater Taxi)
Minibus hire means an 8 seater taxi for groups, sports teams or two families heading for the same flight. Splitting one fare eight ways often beats the coach.
Stansted Minicab Booking and Phone Number
For a Stansted minicab booking, call 020 8778 8888 at any hour or use the online form at the top of this page. Either way you will get a quote before anything is confirmed.
Please have your flight number, travel date, pickup address and passenger numbers ready. Mention child seats when you book.
Stansted is not the only airport north of the river that we serve. Compare it with a Luton Airport taxi from Sydenham, or look at London City Airport cabs from Sydenham if a closer departure point would suit you. The Stansted Express runs from Liverpool Street, but if you are connecting by rail further north, our Sydenham to King's Cross Station taxi page may help.
FAQs
How long does it take to get from Sydenham to Stansted by car?
Typically 75 to 100 minutes. The first half of the trip, from Sydenham to the Blackwall Tunnel, is the part that varies. Once on the M11, it is normally a steady 35 to 40 minute drive.
What time should I leave Sydenham for a 6.30am flight?
We would suggest a pickup at about 2.45am. That gets you to the terminal around 4.15am, which leaves two hours for bag drop and security.
Does Stansted have more than one terminal?
No. Stansted has a single terminal. All airlines check in and arrive in the same building, so your driver always goes to the same place.
Is there a charge to drop passengers at Stansted?
Yes. The airport charges for the Express Set Down zone outside the terminal. Ask us at the time of booking whether it is included in your fare.
Will I pay extra for the Blackwall Tunnel?
The Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels have a user charge at most times of the day. When we quote, ask whether the tunnel charge is included so the figure you hear is the figure you pay.
Can you pick me up from Stansted if my flight is delayed?
Yes. We track the flight number you give us and send the driver for the real landing time. You do not need to call from the departure airport to tell us.
Do you take groups to Stansted?
Yes. We have 6 and 7 seater MPVs and an 8 seater minibus. For more than eight passengers we can send two vehicles that leave Sydenham together.