Getting around London with children
Use the Tube for long distances, but prioritize the upper deck of a red bus for shorter trips to keep kids entertained. Always use a contactless payment card or phone to pay, as it automatically caps your daily spending and is free for children under 11.
- Set up contactless payment. Don't buy paper tickets. Use a contactless bank card or a phone with Apple/Google Pay. You just tap in and out at yellow readers. The system automatically calculates the cheapest daily fare.
- Use buses for sightseeing. Buses are much easier for strollers than the Tube. Aim for the front seats on the top deck. It’s essentially a cheap, hour-long tour of the city.
- Check accessibility maps. Not all Tube stations have elevators (lifts). Download the 'Step-free Tube map' from the TfL website before you leave your accommodation to avoid carrying a stroller up flights of stairs.
- Time your travel. Avoid the morning rush (7:30 AM – 9:00 AM) and evening rush (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM). Trains are packed, making it stressful to manage kids and bags.
- Can I take a double stroller on the bus?
- Yes, but be aware there is only one designated space for strollers. If a wheelchair user boards, you must fold the stroller and hold the children.
- Do I need a separate ticket for my child?
- Children under 11 travel free on buses and the Tube when accompanied by a paying adult. Children aged 11-15 need a Young Visitor discount applied to an Oyster card.
- Are there toilets on the Tube?
- Rarely. Always use the toilets at museums or cafes before you descend into a station.