Stansted and Southend Airports Revolutionize Airport Transfers – The Ultimate Contactless Update You Need for Stress-Free Travel!

Published on February 26, 2026

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Travelers heading to London Stansted and Southend Airports from London Liverpool Street will experience a simpler, more convenient journey starting March 8, 2026. The introduction of contactless payment on select Greater Anglia routes will revolutionize the way passengers pay for their travel, offering them an easy way to tap in and out, all while avoiding the dreaded £100 fines that have plagued many commuters in the past.

This update, extending to 20 stations across Essex, comes as part of a wider initiative by Greater Anglia to simplify train ticketing and offer greater flexibility to both commuters and tourists alike.

Simplified Travel and Fare Systems at Your Fingertips

In the past, passengers traveling to Stansted or Southend Airport could tap in using their contactless cards at the start of their journey. However, due to a lack of contactless terminals at the airports, passengers were caught out when they attempted to tap out at the airport, triggering an automatic £100 fine. For unaware travelers, this penalty was a costly surprise, compounded by the need to buy an additional ticket.

With the new update, passengers will now be able to use contactless payment throughout their journey on select Greater Anglia services, including routes to and from London Liverpool Street Station. This means travelers can avoid paying extra for tickets and dodge hefty fines. The change is set to benefit both tourists and local commuters, providing a much-needed solution to an ongoing frustration for many.

Impact on Business Travelers and Tourists

For business travelers, the updated system provides a smooth, efficient way to get to the airport without worrying about cumbersome ticketing systems or hidden charges. Quick, tap-in, tap-out payments are ideal for those on a tight schedule, saving time and streamlining the entire airport transfer process. Similarly, this system offers convenience for tourists who often seek the simplest route to the airport without having to deal with complicated fare structures.

Tourists arriving for leisure will benefit significantly, as the new system provides an easy way to navigate Greater Anglia services and reach London Stansted or Southend Airport. With a reduced risk of fines, travelers will experience a more pleasant journey, giving them one less thing to worry about during their holiday or business trip.

Expanded Contactless Coverage Across Essex and London

As part of this update, 20 stations in Essex will be added to the contactless network, including key stops such as Southend Victoria, Chelmsford, Harlow Town, and Witham. For travelers heading to London Stansted or Southend Airports, this means more flexibility in choosing their starting station. The Stansted Express, which links London Liverpool Street with Stansted Airport in just 48 minutes, will be a key benefit for both commuters and tourists alike. The train service typically runs every 15 minutes, with fares starting from £9.90 per person.

Passengers traveling to Southend Airport, located approximately 50 minutes from London Liverpool Street, will also benefit from the expanded contactless payment system, offering a convenient and seamless journey.

What Travelers Need to Know

For tourists and regular commuters alike, this new development brings several benefits:

• No More Hidden Fees: With contactless payment, passengers can easily tap in and out without worrying about surprise fines.
• Flexibility in Payment: Travelers can pay as they go, choosing a single peak or off-peak fare depending on when they travel.
• Daily and Weekly Caps: To ensure affordability, Greater Anglia will apply daily and weekly caps, ensuring you don’t pay more than necessary for your journeys.
• Simplicity and Convenience: The new system streamlines travel, reducing confusion at stations and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
• Tourist-Friendly: Visitors from around the world can now navigate London’s train network with ease, eliminating the complexity of ticket purchasing and penalty risks.

Quick Travel Tips for Tourists Using Contactless

• Tap in and out: Ensure you tap in at the start of your journey and tap out when you reach your destination to avoid unnecessary penalties.
• Use a contactless card: Whether you’re using a debit/credit card or a contactless-enabled device, make sure it’s set up correctly to avoid any issues.
• Check your balance: Ensure there is enough credit on your contactless card before you start your journey.
• Plan ahead: While the system simplifies payment, always plan your journey to make sure you don’t miss the last train or cause delays.
• Avoid using Oyster Cards: The updated system does not accept Oyster cards, so make sure to use contactless-enabled devices for your payment.

A Step Forward in Modernizing UK Train Ticketing

The rollout of contactless payments across Greater Anglia’s network is just one step in a broader effort to modernize the UK’s rail services. With backing from both the Department for Transport and Transport for London, this initiative aims to simplify ticketing for passengers, improve accessibility, and foster a more sustainable and efficient transport system.

As businesses and tourists continue to travel to and from London Stansted and Southend airports, this update will make their journey much smoother, helping to attract more visitors and encourage easier access to these important transport hubs.

Key Points in Bullet Form:

• Contactless payment for London Stansted and Southend airports will be available from March 8, 2026.
• 20 stations in Essex, including Southend Victoria, Chelmsford, and Harlow Town, will be added to the contactless network.
• Passengers can tap-in and tap-out to avoid the £100 penalty previously imposed for non-compliance.
• Daily and weekly caps will apply to journeys, making it more affordable for both commuters and tourists.
• Stansted Express provides quick transport from London Liverpool Street to Stansted Airport in 48 minutes, starting at £9.90.
• The system offers greater flexibility and ease for both business travelers and tourists traveling to and from these airports.

With these changes, passengers will enjoy a simpler, faster, and cheaper journey to London’s major airports, benefiting from improved travel efficiency and reducing unnecessary fines. Whether you are a frequent business traveler or a first-time tourist visiting the UK, the new contactless payment update is a welcome change for all.