Depending on where you're coming from in London
Rail: First Capital Connect from Kings Cross Thameslink (and other stations), takes about 25 mins from Kings Cross, or Midland Mainline from St Pancras (fewer trains). Then free shuttle bus from the station up to the airport. A fully flexible return ticket is £22. There may be other, cheaper tickets, especially if you hold a railcard. Link: www.nationalrail.co.uk
Bus:
You have two options
Easybus- every 20 minutes to/from Gloucester Place/Baker Street, takes 1h to 1h 20, depending on time of day. They are claiming fares as low as £2, but I wouldn't necessarily expect to get them. www.easybus.co.uk
Green Line- Every 20 mins (daytime) to/from Victoria, it runs 24 h- less frequently at night. Takes 1 h - 1h45 depending on time of day. A return is £15. www.greenline.co.uk