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.
It’s not a place I would go there at first, but it seems like a lot of fun ! 🙂
What fun for little ones, and I suspect older people would enjoy it too.
Dads and grandpas were all over it!
Love the idea of driving a tube train simulator!! I wouldn’t want to give up my turn either.
The queue was getting so long though 🙂
I always think this is a gem of a place, which all kids seem to like – and it’s pretty interesting for adults too. Lots of interactive stuff, and we loved it when we went and there were some actors in the carriages who asked us questions about our journey too! Actually, I’d quite like to go back, now I think about it. We haven’t been for a couple of years….
Time to go back!
What a great museum! Thanks for the ‘tour!’ I really wanted to go there when we lived in England but it was closed for renovations. Looks like I really missed out!
Next time Susan when you come for a visit 🙂
I ‘ve only been to the depot on one of the open days rather than the main museum but I think my daughter would love this too now. And great first video! #mondayescapes
Thanks Cathy – it took me ages! Ha ha
That is certainly cool! I might have to let my boyfriend run free here next time we’re in London! haha #MondayEscapes
Ha ha! It’s good fun
I can’t believe I haven’t yet visit London Transport Museum! Don’t know why. It seems like a great museum everyone would enjoyed. Glad to hear you and Monkey had fun visiting. 🙂
#MondayEscapes
It’s taken me all these years ha ha!
Little boys and transport museums is always gong to be a winner, but this has the added benfit of teaching them some history as well – love it.
It’s a match made in Heaven! 🙂
I’m not into cars nor trains but this looks incredibly interesting! How did you manage to take Monkey out of the simulator? :p #MondayEscapes
With great difficulty! Ha ha!
Kids and transport are a match made in heaven: my children would love this! When my son was tiny, a driver got my son to pretend drive the bus and he still talks about this – this would be the highlight of a trip to London for him
My son still talks about driving the bus too! 🙂
I reckon I would enjoy myself in this museum too! Looks very interesting…and I like your video 🙂 #MondayEscapes
Thanks Kat 🙂
What a brilliant day out! I love how they’ve made it so interactive and so much fun for children of all ages. I can think of a couple of grandpas who’d love a visit here!
Ha ha, there were a lot of grandpas in there too, joining in!
This was our absolute favorite stop with the boys when we were in London this summer. I’m so glad your family enjoyed it. It seems like it was busier during our visit but we still managed to have a great time. The kids got lots of play time on all the vehicles.
It was a little busy, but not to spoil it. It’s fab isn’t it?
I would have loved that as a kid too. We’ve been to the National Railway museum in York, but not this one, strangely enough. It looks fab.
It really was a fab day out – the interaction was the best thing – kids really get to go for it!
Never thought about going here, but it does look interesting! Think my kids would enjoy it a lot, something to remember when we are in London next 🙂 #mondayescapes
It really is good fun
You look like you had a fantastic day, we love Covent Garden but have never been to the Transport Museum. Why? I have no idea as the boys would love it x
Yes go next time you’re in town! Hope you and the family have a wonderful Christmas. See you in the new year – exciting times for you in 2016! xx
Kids just love all methods of transportation don’t they?! Looks fab, and it’s a great idea for a day out. We’ve been to the tram museum here in Lisbon which is really cool too, and of course, Charlie loved!
Boys and their vehicles! I enjoyed it too, and I didn’t expect to! Have a lovely xmas Maria
I think places like this are fabulous to learn more about a city. Here in Los Angeles we have a museum on the base floor of the Water Department. It is full of very interesting displays and you learn a lot about how the city grew up.
I think we take for granted what we travel on, so you’re right, it was really interesting for both adults and ids!
I have wandered past this many times too but never actually ventured in! My daughter would love it! Actually, I would – the Northern Line simulator sounds brill and I’d love to learn more about the history of London’s transport network. #mondayescapes
I never thought I’d be bothered, but it really is interesting – seeing as I travel on it daily 🙂
Sounds like a fun experience, although I wouldn’t have said should someone asked me if I want to visit this museum. Do you think they let adults on that Northern Line simulator? 😉
Yes! You can try too 🙂
It seems like a fun place to visit while in London?
Definitely!
I am not huge fan of museum, but I would definitely visit with my daughter!
It’s very fun for kids!
This looks great – and I’m sure MOH would love this too! I’ve not been here, but it’s somewhere I think we could have a fab time too, love it 🙂 #mondayescapes
It really is interesting even for adults!
This looks like a very enjoyable day out Ting, especially for vehicle mad youngsters! Great first video:) #MondayEscapes
Thanks Lisa! It was quite difficult for someone who’s never dabbled with video!
It looked old like you had a lot of fun. Tin Box Tot loves buses and trains. I think she would be in heaven here! #MondayEscapes
She definitely would enjoy it!
Love the pics, your little monkey looks like he’s had a great time. I have read a few reviews of the attraction and would love to go, my bov adventurers would love it. Added it to the list for a visit to London for 2016!
That looks so fun! I want to go!! I love interactive museums.
Looks great, we too walked past it so many times and never went in! Knowing under 17’s are free though and adults get an annual pass, definitely an attractive option for anyone with transportation freaks like I do near London!!
We love clambering on and off all the busses and trains at the LTM!
#culturedkids
Ah, I really should take the kids back here. The last time we went they were 1 and 3 – they enjoyed it, but I’m sure they’d get even more out of it now. Still, I do remember my son being as transfixed by the Northern Line simulation as Monkey was! Thanks for joining in with #CulturedKids x
I love the LTM but I do find it very hard to get my children out of the play areas! They too are fascinated by transport and it is just such a brilliant, child-friendly place! #Culturedkids