I am flying MaxJet to STN. From there, I'm heading to Barcelona.

My dilemma is that the quickest way to get there is the whole train into the city, train to LGW, fly out of LGW to BCN.

OR I could hang out at STN for the day--maybe get a day room--and fly to BCN about 8 hours later.

OR get a connecting flight from STN around noon

OR fly STN to Valencia around noon and take a train to BCN.

In terms of overally time travelling, it's all within an hour or so. For those with experience, what makes the most sense (traveling alone and can deal with a little inconvenience.).

Don't transfer airport if possible. Very tiring.

Lodging choices around STN is limited.

Therefore, take the STN-BCN flight at around noon.

[Why fly to Valencia at noon, if there's a flight to BCN also at noon?]

Oh, you mean the flight from STN-BCN requires a connection?

In that case, try to get a day room at STN, even if choices are limited.

Try the Raddison SAS hotel, 3 minutes from thttp://www.stansted.radissonsas.com/?csref=adduk_google_stnzq_5000_1006_Airporthe terminal.

I presume you've checked Easyjet to Barcelona, Air Berlin to Barcelona, Ryanair to Reus & Ryanair to Girona. In the latter 2 cases there are bus services to Barcelona that connect with the flight

The Air Berlin flights require a flight to Palma and you'll end up taking about 5 hours to get to BCN

Mike,
You can get cheap flights direct to Barcelona from London Luton (LTN). The coach (National Express) costs £10.20 pp and takes about 1hr 30mins from STN.
Jane

I' ve look at the flights from Luton. My figuring, however, means I could have a tough time making a 1pm flight at Luton because for some reason there is no bus for about 1.5 hours mid-morning from STD and if I don't get through immigration/customs quick enough, I could be in trouble.

Thanks to all for your advice. It's been clarifying.