New era for airport rail travel: contactless payments rolling out
Stansted and Southend airport railway stations are set to accept contactless payments for rail journeys starting next month, marking a significant upgrade in how travelers board services to and from these popular hubs. The move aims to streamline the passenger experience, reduce queuing at automated barriers, and keep pace with modern ticketing technology increasingly used across the UK rail network.
What changes travellers can expect
From the rollout date, passengers will be able to use contactless debit or credit cards, as well as mobile wallets, to tap in and tap out at the station barriers. This tap-in tap-out ticketing system means there will be no need to purchase a paper ticket or top up a travel card for most journeys. Instead, the fare will be calculated automatically based on the journey made, with the amount charged to the card used to enter and exit the railway system.
For many commuters and visitors, this simplifies travel to and from Stansted and Southend airports. It also aligns these stations with other major gateways across the country where contactless payments are now common, reducing friction for tourists who may be unfamiliar with the traditional ticketing models used at some airports.
Details of the service and exceptions
The new system will cover most rail services operating from Stansted and Southend airports. However, there is a notable exception for services running between Cambridge and Stansted, which will not support the tap-in tap-out method under the initial rollout. Passengers traveling on those services may still need to use traditional ticketing methods or alternative contactless options where available.
Rail operators emphasize that the changes are designed to be intuitive. Travelers can simply approach the barrier, tap their contactless card or device, and proceed through the gate. On exit, passengers again tap to ensure the system correctly records the distance traveled and calculates the fare automatically. There is no need to collect a paper ticket at the point of entry in most cases.
Why contactless is becoming the preferred option
Contactless payments offer several benefits for airport rail users. First, the system speeds up entry and exit, reducing bottlenecks during busy periods such as early mornings, late evenings, and holiday travel spikes. Second, it minimizes the risk of misfiring ticket machines or incorrect fare calculation, as the payment method is tied directly to the passenger’s card or digital wallet. Third, it provides a more seamless experience for international travelers who may be unfamiliar with local paper ticket formats or top-up requirements.
What travellers should know before they travel
Before using the new tap-in tap-out system, travellers should ensure their contactless method is ready to scan at the barriers. This could be a debit or credit card, a mobile wallet, or another supported device. It’s also wise to check recent travel advisories or operator notices, particularly if you are planning a journey that includes the Cambridge-Stansted route, where the exception applies.
Looking ahead for UK rail
The adoption of contactless payments at Stansted and Southend airports reflects a broader trend across UK railways toward more convenient, user-friendly ticketing. By removing many of the barriers associated with traditional paper tickets, the rail network hopes to attract more travelers, including occasional flyers who may otherwise opt for car travel. Passengers should keep an eye on official notices from the airport and rail operators for precise rollout dates and any service-specific guidance.
Bottom line
As Stansted and Southend airports embrace tap-in tap-out contactless payments, travelers can expect quicker access to rail services, simpler fare management, and a more streamlined airport-to-city journey. The change aligns these stations with the evolving standards of modern transit systems, making rail travel to and from the airports faster and more convenient for everyone.
