Last Updated on 07/02/2026 by Ting Dalton
Located in London’s bustling Covent Garden and housed in the famous Flower Market Building, the London Transport Museum is a must-see for anyone with an interest in the history of our capital city and its transport dating back to the early 1800s.
Having frequented Covent Garden over the years, I’ve always passed this unassuming museum in the corner of the Piazza. It’s only since having our son, who is obsessed with trains, cars, buses and vehicles of any description, that I think it would be worth a visit. And what better way to celebrate his birthday than to let him drive a real London bus and a tube train simulator!
Quick facts about the London Transport Museum
Ticket prices: Adults £24.50 (becomes an Annual Pass for 12 months) | Children under 18 FREE
Best for: Families with vehicle-obsessed children, transport enthusiasts, and anyone interested in London’s history
Time needed: 2-3 hours, including the family playzone
Location: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
Nearest tube: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line)
Highlights: Interactive bus and tube simulators, family playzone, historic vehicles, including the world’s first underground steam train
Is London Transport Museum free?
No, the London Transport Museum isn’t free for adults. Adult tickets cost £24.50 and automatically convert to an Annual Pass, giving you unlimited return visits for 12 months from your first visit.
However, children under 18 get in completely free, making it excellent value for families. When I visited with Monkey, I only paid for my own ticket while he explored everything for free.
The museum is open 362 days a year, so the Annual Pass becomes brilliant value if you’re planning multiple trips to London or live nearby, as we do.
What to see at the London Transport Museum
The London Transport Museum is split into several galleries – beginning with 19th-century London on the first floor. Monkey went straight up to all the interactive displays and, as we were given a free stamper trail, we could follow the story told throughout. A great way for the kids to get involved.
It was fascinating looking at all the horse-drawn cabs and horse buses. The capital’s first licensed public transport was the sedan chair, an example of which is on show, but the beautiful horse-drawn omnibus, from 1805, and its painted, flower-bordered designs is what caught our attention.
Monkey’s eyes lit up when we came to the steam underground trains – the first one ever built. We were able to board the different carriages and get up close to the exteriors. This is the world’s first underground steam locomotive, and it’s incredible to see it preserved here.
Meanwhile, I enjoyed looking at the posters of the era, which are on view throughout the museum from famous artists such as Abram Games, Graham Sutherland and Ivon Hitchens.
It is astonishing to think of Londoners moving out to the ‘suburbs’ back in 1915 and the development of the Metropolitan Railway. We took a seat in a wooden Metropolitan coach – and it was surprisingly comfortable.
The vehicles that bring it all to life
Heading downstairs, though, is where most of the action – as far as children are concerned – is. For Monkey, it was the huge range of vehicles from the first electric tram in 1901, the trolley buses of the 1930s and the more modern Routemasters which we see on London’s roads today, that got him giddy with excitement.
The highlight for Monkey was being able to sit in the cabin of the bus and pretend to drive it. But that wasn’t all for him. The museum also has a Northern Line simulator whereby children (and grown-ups!) can guide the train through the tunnels. On both occasions, it was difficult getting him to give up his turn as a queue steadily began to form…
Design exhibit
For us, it was the Design Exhibit that captivated. Frank Pick changed the face of London’s public transport through progressive design. He saw this as essential to being ‘fit for purpose’. The Underground’s design legacy includes London’s iconic bar and circle logo.
My favourite part was learning more about Harry Beck’s original tube map – and seeing how it developed over the century to what we use today.
London Transport Museum kids: The family playzone
But that’s not all. The London Transport Museum also has a family playzone which is open to children up the ages of 7, with a separate section dedicated to younger visitors that is filled with an interactive wall and building blocks.
For Monkey, though, he loved driving the black cab and repairing the Thames Nipper. He also joined in with other children in the ‘lost property’ area. There’s a whole host of mini-fleet vehicles which are available for children to drive and board, as well as dress up in uniforms.
For the parents, plenty of comfy seating to watch the children play.
Why this London Transport Museum review is positive
Not only did we have an entertaining afternoon learning about the history of London’s transport system, but this interactive museum is a huge amount of fun for vehicle enthusiasts of all ages.
Monkey was in vehicle heaven – the museum has made it enjoyable for little ones of all ages, from the playzones and displays, to the opportunities to go onboard several different modes of transport.
The museum wasn’t busy, either, and we visited on a weekend. We didn’t have to queue and had plenty of time and space to peruse each exhibit.
And, with step-free access throughout, buggy parking, a café and changing facilities, families are made to feel very welcome. The museum store also provides a great selection of toys and transport memorabilia. We couldn’t leave without buying Monkey a keepsake – and not surprisingly, he opted for a London bus!
Practical information for visiting
Address: Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 7BB
Nearest station: Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) – 2-minute walk
Opening times: Open 362 days a year, 10am-6pm (last entry 5pm)
Facilities: Café, museum shop (free to enter), baby changing, buggy parking, step-free access throughout
Annual Pass: Your ticket automatically becomes an Annual Pass for 12 months
What to bring: Comfortable shoes for walking, camera for photos with the vehicles
Nearby attractions: Covent Garden market, Royal Opera House, Somerset House
FAQs about the London Transport Museum
Is the London Transport Museum worth it?
Absolutely, especially for families with children who love vehicles. The combination of historic transport, interactive displays, and the excellent family playzone makes it brilliant value. Plus, your adult ticket becomes an Annual Pass, so you can return unlimited times for 12 months.
How long does it take to visit the London Transport Museum?
Plan for 2-3 hours to explore the galleries and enjoy the interactive elements. If you have young children who want to spend time in the family playzone, allow longer – we were there for nearly 4 hours!
Can you eat at the London Transport Museum?
Yes, there’s a café serving hot and cold drinks, sandwiches and snacks. The café is accessible even without a museum ticket. Alternatively, Covent Garden has hundreds of restaurants and cafés within a 5-minute walk.
Is the London Transport Museum buggy-friendly?
Yes, completely. There’s step-free access throughout the entire museum via lifts, plus dedicated buggy parking areas. We had no issues navigating with Monkey’s pushchair.
What age is best for London Transport Museum?
The museum works brilliantly for ages 2-12, though transport enthusiasts of any age will enjoy it. The family playzone is specifically designed for children up to age 7, but the main galleries and interactive displays engage older children and adults too.
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