Stansted Express is launching a trial overnight service on Fridays this summer, providing night trains to Stansted Airport for the first time. Starting Friday July 3, trains will run every 30 minutes between Stansted Airport and Tottenham Hale on Friday nights until 5am Saturday morning, with a journey time of just 36 minutes. The service connects conveniently with the Victoria line Night Tube. A handful of early morning trains will continue to or depart from Liverpool Street.
Trial period and schedule
The new night-time service will operate until Friday September 25 2026, offering holidaymakers more travel options during the busy summer season. According to the Rail Minister Peter Hendy, the new services 'will make a real difference to people arriving late or travelling for early flights – connecting them straight into London via the Night Tube.'
Recent improvements at Stansted Airport
This night train trial is part of a broader upgrade of services at Stansted Airport (STN). Contactless rail travel was extended to the airport in March, and in April tickets were launched for a new coach service from Finsbury Park to the Essex airport, costing as little as £6.32. Additionally, the airport recently announced a change to its e-gates, allowing children aged eight and nine who are at least 120cm tall and accompanied by an adult to use them from Wednesday July 8. Previously, children had to be 10 years old to use the gates.
Future of the night service
The night train is not yet a permanent measure. Stansted Express will evaluate passenger numbers during the trial before deciding whether to keep the late-night services. The trial runs from July 3 to September 25, 2026, giving travellers a new option for late-night arrivals and early departures.
