Cheap flights from Vancouver International to London Stansted

Cheap Flights from Vancouver International to London Stansted Airport

If you're thinking about winging your way to the more rural parts of London, Skyscanner can help. Find the cheapest air tickets from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to London Stansted Airport (STN). Use the online search engine to sort out the best air routes at the cheapest rate, to book your hotel and, if needed, that car rental. Before you know it, you'll be enjoying English teas and the local favourite--fish and chips.

Best Time to Book a Flight to London Stansted Airport

Two of the most popular times to visit London are April through May and during the Christmas holiday season. Things also get crowded during the summer, especially in August when many Europeans decide to take their vacations. To find the cheapest airfare, book as early as you can, try to fly midweek and be flexible with your travel dates. Advancing or delaying your departure by a day or two can save you money. Use the Skyscanner Whole Month Search program to compare available fares in an entire month. If you find a cheap rate, don't delay. Book that ticket, before that deal disappears.

Airlines That Fly to London Stansted Airport

London Stansted Airport is one of the smaller airports in the London area, handy for visiting both Central London and the more northerly areas. Vancouver International has one flight daily, a codeshare using Air Canada, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. That means your ticket is booked on one airline, but you'll be flying on more than one carrier for the different legs. Other options include flying into London Gatwick or London Heathrow Airports, both of which have fewer connections, shorter travel times and usually more wallet-friendly prices. Air Canada, British Air and Lufthansa are some of the carriers that fly into these two alternate airports. International flights from Vancouver to London depart from Level, Section C and D in the main terminal. Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport.

At only 15 kilometres from downtown Vancouver, driving is an option but parking is expensive. Depending on the lot, your daily rate can run from $22.00 to $32.00 CAD, per day. A taxi will cost between $21.00 and $45.00 CAD from the downtown area. The Canada Line, part of Vancouver's Link Transit System, can get you from downtown to the airport for about $7.50 CAD.

What to Expect When Arriving at the London Stansted Airport

Stansted is the newest of the main airports in the London area. The single terminal, framed in glass, has a main concourse with arrivals and departures on opposite sides. Planes actually arrive, and depart, from satellite buildings that are connected to the main terminal by an optional transit system. Arrivals from Vancouver are usually at Satellite 1 or 2. Baggage claim and customs are in the ground floor of the main terminal.

Car rental desks are available near baggage claim. Cars are great for exploring the more rural areas but parking and driving in Central London can be challenging. Don't forget, in England you drive on the left. Manual shift cars are also the norm; if you need an automatic be sure and book your car well in advance. If you're headed for downtown London, try the Stansted Express Train. Tickets from the airport start at $12.00 CAD for the 48-kilometre trip. National Express Coaches, the local bus service, charges $9.00 CAD for the same trip.

What to See and Do in Stansted and London England

• The Stansted area is more laid back and embraces the country lifestyle. It's not without its tourist attractions. Visit Mountfitchet Castle, located only three kilometres from the airport. Perched on a hill, it has everything but a moat. Ringed stone walls enclose the main buildings. Explore the grounds, buy food for the various animals, have tea at the on-site tea room and check out the gift shop. Nearby is the House on the Hill Toy Museum, which specializes in vintage and famous movie toy collections, including Star Wars pieces. About 10 kilometres from the airport is Pets' Corner, a farm-sized petting zoo that's a favourite with children.
• London is the place to go for non-stop entertainment. Hop on the London Eye, a 135-metre tall Ferris wheel on the banks of the Thames River. It's the perfect place to get a panoramic view of the city and scope out where you want to go next. Buckingham Palace is a must, especially to see the changing of the guard. Look toward the roofline, if the Queen is home, her flag is flying. Join a tour to get a glimpse inside. Visit the Tower of London, once an ominous place, but now the keeper of the Crown Jewels. Step into St Paul's Cathedral, the site of Royal Weddings, and marvel at the ceilings that seem to go on forever. Check your watch against Big Ben, considered one of the most accurate timepieces in the world. Shakespeare lovers, check out the Globe Theatre where the Bard's plays had their first run. Head for the British Museum and get a look at the Egyptian mummies and other artefacts.