London Transport Museum
Allow 1.5-2 hours. Families with young children often spend longer · Covent Garden (1 min walk) / Leicester Square (5 min walk) · Suitable for all ages. Particularly engaging for children aged 3-12. Children under 18 go free
Tickets available nowPrice from£25
About London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is one of the best things to do in London for families, design lovers and anyone fascinated by the city's remarkable history. Located in the heart of Covent Garden and housed in a beautiful Victorian iron and glass building that was formerly the famous flower market, the museum brings over 200 years of London transport history to life through a stunning collection of historic vehicles, interactive exhibits and world-class design treasures. It's the kind of place that surprises everyone — children are captivated and adults are genuinely fascinated.
From the world's first underground railway to the iconic Routemaster bus, from horse-drawn omnibuses to the Elizabeth Line, the museum charts the remarkable evolution of London's transport network and shows how it shaped the city we know today. Children can climb aboard vintage buses and Tube trains, operate a simulated train on the Northern Line, and explore hands-on galleries designed to keep them engaged for hours. For design enthusiasts, the museum's collection of original transport posters is world-class — featuring works by Man Ray, Edward McKnight Kauffer and other pioneering graphic artists who helped define London's visual identity.
The nearest tube station is Covent Garden, literally a one-minute walk away, or Leicester Square which is around five minutes on foot. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit, though families with young children often stay much longer thanks to the dedicated play zones and interactive areas for under-7s. Entry is free for under 18s, making this one of the best-value family attractions in London. The museum sits right in the heart of London's West End — after your visit, take in a show on nearby Drury Lane or explore the Madame Tussauds waxwork museum, a short hop away on the Piccadilly line. For another family-friendly London experience, the Paddington Bear Experience and SEA LIFE London Aquarium are both within easy reach on the tube.
Book your London Transport Museum tickets in advance to guarantee entry, particularly during school holidays and weekends when it gets busy. The gift shop is one of the best museum shops in London, packed with vintage poster prints, model buses and unique transport-themed souvenirs that make perfect London keepsakes.
Why you'll love it
- ✓Climb aboard beautifully preserved historic buses, trams and Tube trains
- ✓Interactive galleries with simulated train driving experiences
- ✓World-class collection of iconic London transport posters and design
- ✓The story of how transport shaped London — fascinating for all ages
- ✓Housed in the stunning former Covent Garden flower market building
Good to know
Nearest tube
Covent Garden (1 min walk) / Leicester Square (5 min walk)
Duration
Allow 1.5-2 hours. Families with young children often spend longer
Accessibility
Fully wheelchair accessible with lifts to all levels. Large print guides and sensory resources available. Accessible toilets throughout
Age
Suitable for all ages. Particularly engaging for children aged 3-12. Children under 18 go free
Audience reviews
Jonathan R.
February 2025
“My transport-obsessed 5-year-old was in heaven. He drove a simulated Tube train, climbed on vintage buses and didn't want to leave. Free for kids too — brilliant value.”
Paula M.
January 2025
“Surprisingly fascinating even for adults. The design collection is extraordinary — those vintage posters are works of art. The building itself is beautiful.”
Tariq H.
December 2024
“A hidden gem in Covent Garden. The kids loved climbing on the old buses and the train simulator. We spent nearly 3 hours here. Great gift shop too.”
Frequently asked questions
Is it free for children?
Yes — under 18s get free entry, making this one of the best-value family attractions in London. There's a small charge for adults.
Can children climb on the vehicles?
Yes — many of the historic vehicles are open for visitors to climb aboard and explore. Children can sit in the driver's seat of vintage buses and Tube trains.
Is there a play area for young children?
Yes, there are dedicated play zones and interactive areas for under-7s, plus regular family events and workshops at weekends and during school holidays.
How long should I allow?
Adults without children typically spend 1-1.5 hours. Families with young children often stay for 2-3 hours due to the interactive play areas and activities.
Is the gift shop good?
The gift shop is excellent — packed with London transport themed gifts, vintage poster prints, model buses and unique souvenirs. It's one of the best museum shops in London.
From
£25