In Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum traces the capital’s public transport from horse-drawn vehicles to modern buses and Tube trains. Its collection includes vintage buses, trams and carriages, with some vehicles open to explore. Posters, maps and signs show how the network changed alongside London life. Children can try interactive displays and driving controls, while adults can follow the story of the city’s transport system across several floors. There’s also a café, a shop and a free cloakroom for bags and coats.
Inside the former market building
The museum is in Covent Garden, in a building that was part of the area’s former flower and produce market. Across several floors, its displays follow London transport from the 19th century to the present. The collection brings together vehicles, posters, photographs, maps and everyday items such as tickets and station signs.
The arrangement moves through different periods of travel. Early horse-drawn transport gives way to trains, trams, buses and the Underground. Information panels explain the objects and the network’s development, so you can browse at your own pace or follow the story from one floor to the next.
Climb aboard London’s transport history
Some historic vehicles can be entered, including buses and Tube carriages. Looking inside gives a sense of how passengers travelled in earlier periods, beyond what you can learn from an object label. Other vehicles can be viewed from outside.
The exhibits cover more than the vehicles themselves. Vintage advertising posters and transport artwork show how the network communicated with passengers, while old maps and signs chart changes to the system. The displays also connect transport with London’s social history, including the way rail links contributed to the growth of suburbs to the northwest of the city.
Interactive exhibits for children
Children can try hands-on displays alongside the historic vehicles. A Tube driving simulator is among the activities, and there are controls and driver’s seats to explore. The museum also has a play area for young children, with transport-themed activities.
Popular games can involve a wait at busy times. The train driver activity takes about seven minutes, so a queue can build. A stamp trail gives children a way to follow the galleries; if a particular activity matters to your visit, leave time for it rather than assuming you can go straight on.
Planning a visit
The museum has a café, a gift shop, toilets and a free cloakroom for bags and coats. It is accessible by stairs and elevator, and the site lists accessible entrances and facilities. Children are admitted free, and adult admission is described as a year-long ticket, so it can suit a return visit if you will be back in London within the year.
The museum is in Covent Garden, close to the area’s market and shops. You can spend time with the displays, pause at the café and return to the galleries during your visit. If you would rather skip the shop, ask staff at the exit about leaving without going through it.
FAQ
Where is the London Transport Museum?
It is in Covent Garden, London, at WC2E 7BB.
Can you go inside the historic vehicles?
Yes. Some vintage buses and Tube carriages are open to explore.
Is the museum suitable for children?
Yes. It has interactive displays, a play area for young children and activities such as a Tube driving simulator. Children are admitted free.
How long should you spend at the museum?
Allow about two to three hours to explore the galleries and try activities.
