Stansted Airport is finally introducing contactless ticketing at its rail station, aligning with other London airports. Starting March 8, Stansted Express passengers can tap in and out using contactless payments, which will help those who have been fined for failing to pre-purchase tickets. Previously, thousands of travelers faced fines up to £100 for incorrect ticketing assumptions. Although the initiative was delayed due to software issues, it’s ready for launch, benefiting stations in Hertfordshire and Essex, including Southend Airport.
While contactless payments offer convenience, they aren’t the cheapest option. The fare remains around £21.90, equivalent to same-day ticket prices. Pre-booking tickets in advance can be significantly cheaper, and railcard discounts make traditional tickets more economical. It’s important to note that contactless systems won’t work with Oyster cards and are applicable only for trips from London, excluding journeys from Cambridge.
In other travel news, London Gatwick Airport is set to introduce 12 new holiday routes with eight airlines this summer, and free rides are available on three London bus routes for three months. Stay informed with the latest updates, events, and trends in London by subscribing to the Time Out London newsletter.