Stansted (STN): the best way to central London for four people

The train takes about 48 minutes to Liverpool Street and 35 minutes to Tottenham Hale, where you can change to the Victoria line. The Anytime standard single is 25 pounds, bought on the day at the ticket machines or online. Advance singles start from 9.90 pounds, with the cheapest fares released well ahead and limited by date and train. Two adults travelling together can book a Duo fare from 18.75 pounds each. Contactless is accepted on the route but Oyster is not. First train from Stansted is around 05:30 on Mondays, Fridays and weekends and about 05:55 Tuesday to Thursday, and the last is 00:30.

Fares start from 7 pounds one way including a 1.50 pound booking fee, which is waived if you are logged in to an account. The fastest coach to Liverpool Street takes 1 hour 10 minutes, and traffic on the A12 and A406 can add a lot. Coaches run round the clock, with the first departure just after midnight and the last scheduled in each cycle at about 23:45 to 23:55. Luggage is one large suitcase up to 20 kg in the hold and one soft hand bag. It suits anyone going to Victoria or Stratford who does not want to change.

Flibco lists fares from 6.99 pounds one way, with a hold suitcase of 25 kg and a hand bag included. It reaches Stratford in about 50 minutes and Liverpool Street in about 1 hour 30 minutes, so Stratford is the better stop if your hotel is east. A ticket is valid all day until 04:00 the next morning. Buy it online or through the Flibco app because the fare changes with demand. This is the cheapest ticket on the list, along with the National Express advance fare.

There is no fixed tariff for the 60 km trip to central London. Expect roughly 100 pounds by day and up to 150 pounds at night or in heavy traffic, which is an estimate rather than an official fare. Ask for a price before you set off. The airport recommends a local taxi firm with a desk in international arrivals. Most taxis take four passengers with luggage. Allow 60 to 75 minutes.

A standard saloon for up to three passengers starts from about 108 pounds for central London, with larger cars for five from about 153 pounds on the platform we checked. The fare is fixed when you book, so traffic and the time of day do not change it. The driver tracks your flight and waits if it is late. Allow around an hour, longer in the morning peak.