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Passengers travelling to and from London Stansted Airport will be able to use overnight Stansted Express services on Friday nights throughout the summer, following a new trial that began on Friday 3 July. The additional trains are intended to improve rail links for people arriving on late-night flights and those catching the first departures on Saturday mornings.

The trial will run until Friday 25 September 2026. During that period, overnight trains will operate approximately every 30 minutes between around 11.30 pm and 5.00 am on Friday nights into Saturday mornings. Greater Anglia, which operates the Stansted Express, said the trial is designed to give passengers an alternative to taxis during hours when public transport options are more limited.

Most of the additional services will run between Stansted Airport and Tottenham Hale. From there, passengers can connect directly with the Victoria line Night Tube, providing overnight access across much of London. A small number of early-morning services will also begin at or continue through to London Liverpool Street.

The journey between Stansted Airport and Tottenham Hale takes around 36 minutes, offering a fast link to the capital during hours when rail services have previously been unavailable.

Greater Anglia said the trial is intended to support passengers travelling during the busy summer holiday season. The operator will monitor demand over the three months before deciding whether to make overnight Friday services a permanent feature of the timetable.

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy welcomed the introduction of the overnight trains, saying they would “make a real difference to people arriving late or travelling for early flights, connecting them straight into London via the Night Tube.” He said the services formed part of wider improvements intended to make rail travel more convenient for passengers.

For communities along the West Anglia Main Line, including Stansted Mountfitchet and Bishop’s Stortford, the trial brings improved overnight rail connectivity linked to the airport. However, the overnight trains are primarily aimed at airport passengers rather than at providing a comprehensive overnight stopping service for every station on the route. Passengers are advised to check timetables before travelling, as not every overnight service will call at intermediate stations.

The additional trains have been made possible by planning work between Greater Anglia and Network Rail Anglia, which reviewed overnight engineering schedules while maintaining essential maintenance. The operator said the trial forms part of wider efforts to improve passenger journeys and assess future opportunities for overnight airport rail services.

Standard Stansted Express tickets can be used on the overnight services, with Railcards and other eligible discounts accepted as usual. Greater Anglia has advised customers to check journey planners before travelling while the trial is in operation. Passenger numbers will be monitored throughout the summer before any decision is made on whether the overnight Friday services become permanent.

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