If you’re looking to make the most of your time off without spending hours in transit, Stansted Airport is your gateway to some of the best weekend escapes in Europe. Located just under 40 miles from Central London, Stansted offers budget-friendly flights, fast connections, and access to hidden gems and iconic cities — perfect for a quick yet memorable getaway.
Here are our top picks for weekend escapes via Stansted Airport, along with essential travel tips and transfer hacks to help you get there stress-free.
1. Amsterdam, Netherlands
A classic weekend favourite, Amsterdam is less than 1.5 hours from Stansted. It’s a walkable city packed with art, canals, museums, and charming cafes.
- Flight time: 1h 15m
- Perfect for: Art lovers, cyclists, foodies
- Must-do: Visit the Van Gogh Museum, cruise the canals, explore Jordaan
✈️ Tip: Take an early Friday flight and return late Sunday to make the most of your time.
2. Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen mixes Scandinavian cool with laid-back charm. With direct flights from Stansted, it’s ideal for travellers seeking culture and modern design.
- Flight time: 1h 45m
- Perfect for: Architecture buffs, couples, hygge fans
- Must-do: Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn, cycling city tour
🚖 Travel Hack: Use a pre-booked Stansted transfer to get to the airport stress-free and on time — no parking, no delays.
3. Budapest, Hungary
Want a mix of thermal spas, historic architecture, and lively nightlife? Budapest delivers, and Stansted offers regular low-cost flights.
- Flight time: 2h 30m
- Perfect for: Friends’ trips, solo adventures, budget travellers
- Must-do: Széchenyi Baths, ruin pubs, Buda Castle
💼 Pack light: Most airlines from Stansted charge extra for checked bags — a carry-on is ideal for a 2-3 day escape.
4. Porto, Portugal
Charming, colourful, and rich in wine and food culture, Porto is a slightly longer flight — but well worth the journey for a weekend break.
- Flight time: 2h 30m
- Perfect for: Foodies, couples, photographers
- Must-do: Port wine tasting, Ribeira District, boat ride on the Douro
🌤️ Insider Tip: May to September is perfect for a warm-weather weekend break with fewer crowds than Lisbon.
5. Kraków, Poland
Kraków blends medieval beauty with a modern, vibrant energy. It’s budget-friendly, packed with history, and easy to explore in a short time.
- Flight time: 2h 20m
- Perfect for: History lovers, couples, culture seekers
- Must-do: Wawel Castle, Main Market Square, day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau
✨ Make Your Journey Easier: Use a Stansted Airport Transfer
To truly enjoy a stress-free weekend escape, don’t overlook your airport transfer. Stansted can be a long and costly journey from some parts of London — especially with public transport delays or late-night flights.
That’s where 24/7 Stansted Airport Transfer comes in.
Why pre-book your Stansted transfer?
- ✅ Fixed prices (no surprises)
- ✅ Reliable, 24/7 availability
- ✅ Door-to-door pickup from home, hotel, or office
- ✅ Professional, courteous drivers
- ✅ Comfortable vehicles for solo or group travel
🕒 Time-saver tip: Booking in advance saves time and avoids stress, especially for early flights or late arrivals.
🎯 Summary: Quick Weekend, Big Adventure
With so many exciting cities just a short flight from London Stansted, there’s no reason not to turn your weekend into a mini-holiday. Whether you’re craving culture, sunshine, or good food, the journey is half the fun, especially when you start with a stress-free airport transfer.
