Novotel London Stansted Airport: Shuttle & Parking Guide

The Novotel London Stansted Airport runs a dedicated shuttle bus that connects the hotel to the terminal every 30 minutes from 04:00 to 01:00, according to the airport’s official hotel page. This guide breaks down the shuttle’s real-world timing, costs, and guest feedback so you can judge whether this 4-star hotel suits your early‑morning or late‑night flight.

Last checked: 2026-09-11

Hotel name: Novotel London Stansted Airport · Location: Near London Stansted Airport, a short shuttle ride from the terminal · Star rating: 4 stars · Shuttle service: Dedicated airport shuttle every 30 minutes

Article by HotelQuest · Last updated September 2025

Is there a Novotel hotel at Stansted Airport?

Yes — the Novotel London Stansted Airport is a 4‑star hotel located on Round Coppice Road, a short shuttle ride from the terminal. It is operated by Accor under the Novotel brand and consistently earns aggregate ratings of 4–4.5 out of 5 on major booking platforms, according to the Accor official site.

Hotel overview

The property offers 132 rooms, a restaurant, bar, fitness centre, and on‑site parking. Because the hotel sits about a mile from the airport terminal, a dedicated shuttle bus – the NOVO service – is the primary connection for guests. The hotel does not have a direct walking path to the terminal; reviews consistently note that the shuttle is essential for getting to and from the airport.

Location description

Despite the “London” in its name, the hotel is actually in the village of Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, directly adjacent to London Stansted Airport. It is approximately a 6‑ to 10‑minute drive from the terminal, making it a practical choice for travellers who need a bed before an early departure or after a late arrival.

How do I get to Novotel from Stansted Airport?

Shuttle bus details

The dedicated NOVO shuttle runs between Stansted Airport coach station and the Novotel. It departs approximately every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 6 minutes according to the airport’s official details, though some booking sites and guest reviews report 7–10 minutes including boarding time.

Other transport options

Taxi from the terminal to the Novotel costs around £25 each way and takes 5–10 minutes, based on figures from Parking4Less. A private car or ride‑share is also possible; the hotel offers on‑site parking (paid). There is no direct public bus route between the terminal and the Novotel other than the hotel shuttle.

Step‑by‑step instructions

1. After arriving at Stansted Airport, follow signs to the coach station (located just outside the terminal building).
2. Locate the designated Novotel shuttle bay – often Bay 18 or a nearby bay marked “Novotel Shuttle”, as noted on BusTimes.org.
3. Board the NOVO shuttle. Pay the driver cash (typically £3–£4 per adult) or check if card payment is accepted – several reviews mention cash only, so carry small notes.
4. The shuttle departs on the half‑hour; journey time is about 6 minutes once moving.
5. Alight at the Novotel entrance.

Return to the airport: The same shuttle runs reverse from the hotel. Pick‑up is directly outside the hotel reception. Timetable mirrors the outbound schedule.

“We gladly took a shuttle for £4 each way for each person. Just 10 min ride and bus comes every 30 min.”

– Verified guest on Trip.com

How much does the shuttle cost from Novotel Stansted airport to the hotel?

Shuttle fare

The NOVO shuttle costs £3–£4 per adult per journey, with children under 16 travelling free at most operators’ discretion, according to StanstedAirport-Info.co.uk. Guest reviews consistently report paying £4 each way. The fare is not included in the hotel room rate – it is collected separately, usually cash to the driver.

Comparison with other transport costs

A taxi from the airport to the Novotel is typically quoted at £25 each way, making the shuttle significantly cheaper for solo travellers and especially for families (with free under‑16 fares). For two adults, the round‑trip shuttle cost is £12–£16 versus £50 for a taxi. The shuttle is the most economical airport‑to‑hotel transfer option, though some guests express frustration that any fee applies at all when the hotel already charges for accommodation.

What time does the shuttle bus start at Novotel Stansted?

First and last shuttle times

According to the official Stansted Airport page, the Novotel shuttle runs from 04:00 to 01:00 daily. Some third‑party sources, such as Holiday Extras, note that the first departure from the airport can occur around 03:15, while the last service from the airport is around 00:45. These minor discrepancies likely reflect seasonal adjustments. The standard pattern is a service that covers all early‑morning and late‑evening flights but leaves a gap in the small hours.

Frequency

The shuttle runs every 30 minutes throughout its operating window. Multiple sources – including the airport, Purple Parking, and guest reviews – confirm this interval consistently.

“The shuttle is the most early‑flight friendly of the three: it runs from 04:00 to 01:00 and takes about 6 minutes.”

– StanstedAirport-Info.co.uk guide author

Pros and cons of the Novotel Stansted shuttle

Pricing overview

Nightly rates at the Novotel London Stansted Airport typically start around £71 (€83) for a standard double room, though prices vary by season and how far in advance you book. The shuttle fare adds about £6–£8 per adult round trip. Parking packages and stay‑and‑fly deals are often available through booking partners such as Holiday Extras and Purple Parking, which bundle hotel night + parking + shuttle.

Location and getting there

The hotel is situated at Round Coppice Road, Stansted CM24 1SF, less than a mile from the terminal as the crow flies. Because there is no footpath between the hotel and the airport, the shuttle (or a taxi) is required. The nearest train station is Stansted Airport station, served by Stansted Express and other regional services – but the station is at the terminal, so you still need the shuttle to reach the hotel.

Alternatives to the Novotel Stansted

Other Stansted airport hotels offer different shuttle arrangements. The Hilton London Stansted Airport provides a free 24‑hour shuttle, but room rates are typically higher. The Radisson Blu also runs a paid shuttle with similar hours. The Novotel’s main advantage is its low shuttle fare and family‑friendly free‑child policy, making it a strong value option for budget‑conscious travellers who don’t mind a short paid transfer.

Frequently asked questions

Sources cited

• London Stansted Airport – Novotel hotel page
• Accor – Novotel London Stansted Airport official site
• StanstedAirport-Info.co.uk – hotel comparison guide
• Purple Parking – Novotel Stansted details
• Holiday Extras – Novotel Stansted
• TripAdvisor – Novotel London Stansted Airport reviews
• Trip.com – Novotel London Stansted Airport reviews
• Parking4Less – Novotel Stansted
• BusTimes.org – NOVO shuttle timetable