If your wallet cries at the words “Stansted Express,” Flibco might just be your new best mate. Forget £30 trains, late buses, and that one Uber driver who cancels when you’re already shivering outside. Flibco is quietly changing how Londoners get to the airport – starting with Stansted – and it’s doing it for the price of a Pret sandwich. Here’s why Flibco should be on your radar.
In This Post
What on Earth is Flibco?
Flibco’s been hustling around Europe for a while – shuttling savvy travellers between cities and airports like Brussels, Milan, and Luxembourg. Now? They’ve landed in London, offering direct, pre-booked shuttle buses from Central London to Stansted Airport.
No random stops in Zone 6. No train strikes ruining your vibe. Just comfy coaches booked online or bought on the spot for (almost) pennies.
Where You Catch It
Flibco picks up from proper central spots:
- Liverpool Street
- Stratford (Westfield)
- Paddington
- Victoria (recently added!)
And they only serve Stansted Airport for now – but the expansion wouldn’t be a shock with this lot.
Timings:
- Coaches run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the time of day
- First departures from about 03:00 (bless)
- Average journey time: 70–90 minutes (unless London traffic throws a wobbly)
Hot tip: Always book a coach arriving at Stansted at least two hours before your flight check-in time. Safety first, pint later.
How Much Are We Talking?
- From £13.99 when booked early online
- £16 if you rock up and buy a ticket at the airport or coach stop
Still wildly cheaper than:
- Stansted Express train = £23.40 one-way
- Uber from Central London = £80–£130, depending on how much London hates you that day
Can You Buy Tickets at the Airport?
Yes.
You can buy tickets at the Flibco stand at Stansted, or the coach stops in London.
BUT – you’ll pay more (£16 vs £13.99 online). Booking online also guarantees you a seat — no sad waiting around hoping for a spare spot.
What’s the Ride Like?
- Modern, comfy coaches – reclining seats, aircon, actual luggage space
- Free WiFi (perfect for sending that frantic “boarding now!” message)
- USB charging ports at most seats
- Professional drivers – none of that whiplash-at-every-turn energy
It’s not quite Emirates First Class, but it’s way better than a London night bus at 3am. Have a look at the video below on a full review:
Quick luggage note: Each passenger can bring one large suitcase and one small cabin bag, which are included in the fare. Got a surfboard or your gran’s antique wardrobe? You’ll need to pre-warn Flibco.
Who Should Flibco?
Perfect For | Maybe Not For |
---|---|
Ryanair warriors on a £13 mission | Business travellers cutting it fine |
Backpackers and solo adventurers | People who think “Stansted” is code for “Heathrow” |
Families needing an easy ride | Control freaks who need four backup plans |
Travelling with kids?
Flibco is family-friendly. Children under a certain height (about 4 years old and under 100cm) often ride at reduced rates — but always check the latest terms when booking.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Genuinely cheap – the rarest thing in London travel
- Reliable service that actually matches early flight schedules
- Central London pick-up points you can actually find
- Surprisingly comfy for a budget coach
Cons:
- Traffic roulette: if the M11’s having a meltdown, so are you
- Pre-booking smart – showing up late may cost you a seat
- Limited to Stansted for now
Booking Tips
- Book online early to lock in the £13.99 fare
- Flex tickets are worth it if you’re worried about delays
- Double-check your pick-up stop – some stations (like Stratford) are massive
- Expansion alert: Flibco is teasing services to Luton and Heathrow down the line – one to watch if you’re a serial traveller -check out our Review: Heathrow Express To Heathrow In Business Class.
Bottom Line
If you need a cheap, reliable, zero-faff way to get to Stansted Airport, Flibco is an absolute game-changer. It’s affordable and straightforward, and it feels like you’re beating the system (because you are).
Give it a whirl. Your wallet will thank you – and so will your sanity. You can find there website here.
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