Getting around London with kids can feel overwhelming at first—but once you understand your options, it becomes surprisingly manageable. The city is packed with easy, efficient, and family-friendly ways to get from one attraction to the next. Here are the best ways to explore London with kids in tow, plus practical tips to make your journey smooth.
1. The London Underground (aka the Tube)
The Underground is the fastest and most efficient way to get around London. Kids under 11 ride free with a paying adult, and strollers are generally allowed (although not all stations have elevators). Look for step-free access signs if you’re bringing a pram or need wheelchair accessibility.
Tips:
- Grab an Oyster Card or use a contactless credit card to tap in and out.
- Each adult must use their own contactless card or Oyster card—one card cannot be used to tap in multiple adults.
- However, you can work around this by using the physical card for one person and the phone-based version (e.g., Apple Pay or Google Pay) of the same card for another.
- Avoid rush hour (typically 7:30–9:30 AM and 5–7 PM) when it can get crowded.
- Most central stations are well-marked and easy to navigate with older kids.
2. London Buses
Bright red double-decker buses are not only iconic, they’re also a scenic way to get around. The top deck is always a hit with little ones.
Tips:
- Buses are stroller-friendly and kids under 11 ride free.
- Use Google Maps or Citymapper to track bus routes and timings.
- Buses don’t accept cash, so use your Oyster or contactless card.
3. The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers
This is one of the most underrated ways to travel with kids in London. Uber Boats run along the Thames and offer a fun, scenic alternative to buses or trains.
Tips:
- Great for traveling between popular spots like Westminster, London Eye, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich.
- Indoor and outdoor seating available.
- Kids will love the views from the water.
4. Taxis and Uber
Black cabs are an iconic part of London, but they can get pricey. Uber and UberXL are available throughout the city and often more affordable.
Tips:
- Uber can be a lifesaver when kids are too tired to walk or public transport is too packed.
- Toward the end of our trip, we used UberXL frequently since my mom was traveling with us and needed to conserve energy. It was nice to take a quick nap during the longer rides.
- Expect a 10–15 minute wait for an UberXL in busy or central areas.
- Traffic can be heavy—especially near tourist attractions—so plan for potential delays.
5. Walking
London is an incredibly walkable city, and many attractions are closer to each other than you’d expect.
Tips:
- Bring a lightweight stroller if you have a toddler.
- Wear comfortable shoes—cobblestones and long days are no joke!
- Take advantage of the beautiful parks to break up the walking (St. James’s Park and Kensington Gardens are family favorites).
Bonus Tip: Download apps like Citymapper, Google Maps, and the official TfL (Transport for London) app to help plan the fastest and easiest routes.
Whether you’re hopping on the Tube or cruising down the Thames, London offers plenty of transportation options that are convenient for families. A little planning goes a long way in keeping everyone happy and tantrum-free!
London’s Underground makes family travel a breeze—stations like St. James's Park (for Buckingham Palace), Charing Cross (for Trafalgar Square), Westminster (for Big Ben and the Abbey), South Kensington (for the museums), and Tower Hill (for the Tower of London) put you steps from the city's top attractions.
