333 cleared for take-off in partnership with London Stansted Airport

Central Connect, a leading bus operator in Essex, has announced a major upgrade to its 333 service, with a new enhanced timetable which launched on 1st June 2025, in partnership with Stansted Airport.

Supported by funding from the airport’s Sustainable Transport Levy – which supports public transport initiatives that improve access to the airport and reduce private car use – the route will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing vital connections for airport staff, holidaymakers and local communities along the route.

This new service operates around the clock, with hourly daytime journeys between 05:00 and 19:00, and services every two hours overnight. Passengers will benefit from journey times of under an hour, and fares will be capped at £3 for a single journey until 31st December 2025. The introduction of new day and season ticket options will allow regular travellers to use their passes across routes 305, 333 and 335, giving greater flexibility.

Airport Travelcards for Zones 1-4 will be accepted on the service, alongside English National Concessionary Travel Scheme passes. Tickets can be purchased on board or in advance, with mobile ticketing available via the myTrip app.

In a passenger-focused enhancement, buses from Braintree towards Stansted will also serve Braintree Station, improving connections to Greater Anglia rail services.
Brand new high specification buses will be introduced on the route in early 2026, delivering improved comfort, accessibility and environmental performance.

Peter Nathanail, Managing Director at Central Connect, said: “We know how important this bus link is, not just for staff and holidaymakers but also for the local communities it serves. We’re proud to be stepping in to maintain a vital service for residents of Rayne, Felsted and Little Dunmow, providing convenient access to jobs, education and shopping at both ends of the route.”