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.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.