Visitors strolling through Covent Garden, weaving past street performers and catching the scent of fresh croissants, might notice the London Transport Museum standing proudly among the bustling streets. This isn’t a dusty hall filled with forgotten relics—it’s a vibrant celebration of how London evolved from horse-drawn carts to the sleek Elizabeth line, backed by a collection of over 500,000 objects. Whether visitors bring children, harbor a love for history, or admire the engineering of a well-crafted machine, the transport museum London captivates with its rich offerings. Through weeks of in-depth research, including expert reviews and unique historical details, this guide compiles everything needed to plan a visit to the London Transport Museum that will leave a lasting impression.
The Museum’s Roots
The London Transport Museum didn’t come into existence overnight. In the 1920s, a thoughtful group at the London General Omnibus Company made the decision to preserve a few horse-drawn buses and an early motorbus, sensing their future significance with the foresight of, “These might hold value one day.” Their instinct proved correct, igniting the creation of a world-class collection. The museum first opened its doors in 1963 as the Museum of British Transport, housed in a rugged bus garage in Clapham. It relocated to Syon Park in 1973, before finding its permanent home in Covent Garden in 1980. The building itself, a breathtaking Grade II-listed structure of iron and glass from 1871, once served as part of the flower market, adding to its historical charm.
A £22 million renovation between 2005 and 2007 transformed the transport of London museum into the bright, welcoming space it is today. In July 2024, a fresh branding effort incorporated all of Transport for London’s (TfL) transport mode colors—such as red for buses, blue for the Underground, and purple for the Elizabeth line—demonstrating the museum transport London’s commitment to representing every aspect of the city’s transport history. The museum operates two distinct sites: the main Covent Garden location, open nearly every day, and the Acton Depot, a 6,000-square-meter warehouse containing over 320,000 items, accessible through guided tours. Exploring the Depot feels like uncovering London’s hidden treasures at this renowned British Transport Museum.
What Visitors Will Find Inside
The London Transport Museum boasts a massive collection—over half a million objects that embody the city’s transport legacy. From early omnibuses with their creaky wooden frames to the polished red buses of today, the exhibits at this transport museum London blend nostalgia with innovation. Here’s a look at what stands out.
Can’t-Miss Exhibits
| Exhibit | Description | Historical Significance |
| Shillibeer Omnibus (Replica) | A 1929 replica of the 1829 horse-drawn bus that pioneered public transport in London. | This was London’s first public transport, envisioned by George Shillibeer. |
| Metropolitan Railway Steam Locomotive No. 23 | A steam engine that powered early Underground lines for 80 years. | Marks the launch of the world’s first underground railway in 1863. |
| 1954 AEC Regent III RT Bus | The classic red double-decker bus familiar from countless postcards. | Captures the essence of 1950s London. |
| 1890 Electric Tube Train | One of the first electric trains used in the Underground. | Highlights the transition from steam to electric power, a major milestone. |
| New Routemaster Bus | A modern red bus with a retro design and eco-friendly technology. | Combines classic style with sustainable innovation. |
Many of these vehicles are accessible for visitors to board, which delights children and adults alike at the London Transport Museum. The All Aboard play zone, designed for children under 7, offers mini buses and a Baby DLR for young ones to play as conductors or drivers. For older visitors, tube simulators provide the opportunity to “drive” a Northern Line train, complete with tunnels and stations, creating an experience that feels like a real-life video game.
Beyond the Big Stuff
The Global Poster Gallery at the transport museum London offers a stunning display, featuring over 5,000 posters that are as much art as they are advertisements. Designs by artists like Abram Games, alongside the 1987 “Tate Gallery by Tube” poster by David Booth, reflect the visual spirit of London through the years. Visitors can also discover smaller treasures, such as vintage tickets, conductor hats, and even samples of Tube seat fabric, known as moquette, which has become iconic in its own right. These items create a tactile connection to the city’s transport history.
Hidden London: The Coolest Part
For those seeking adventure, the Hidden London tours at the London Transport Museum offer a glimpse into the Underground’s most secretive spaces—abandoned stations, concealed platforms, and wartime bunkers. Tours might lead through Aldwych, a ghost station frozen in time, or Down Street, where Winston Churchill sought shelter during the Blitz. Recent additions to the tour lineup include:
- Baker Street (2023): Exploring 160 years of the station’s history.
- Holborn: The Secret Platforms (2024): Hidden areas that most commuters would never notice.
- Dover Street: Alight here for Green Park (January 2025): A new tour delving into Green Park’s early history.
A TripAdvisor reviewer described these tours as “like walking through a lost world,” capturing their haunting yet captivating nature.
What’s Happening Now
The transport museum London keeps its offerings dynamic with new exhibits and events, all included in the ticket price. As of June 2025, visitors can experience:
- Music in the Museum (June 2025 – October 2025): Free jazz and classical performances by young musicians, set against vintage buses.
- Guided Tours (June 2025 – May 2026): Expert-led sessions sharing the most compelling stories of transport history.
- How to Make a Poster: A Global Poster Gallery exhibit exploring the creation of iconic transport posters.
- Legacies: London Transport’s Caribbean Workforce: A touching tribute to Caribbean workers who shaped London’s transport and culture.
- Underground Stations During War: A powerful exhibit combining Blitz-era photos with recent images from Ukraine, illustrating how transport hubs become lifelines in times of crisis.
The Acton Depot hosts open weekends three times a year and monthly Depot Discovery tours, where visitors can see rare items like vintage Tube maps, a working miniature railway, and objects too large for the main museum. While it requires some travel, the stories shared at the Depot make the journey worthwhile for those exploring the museum transport London.
More Than Just Exhibits
The London Transport Museum serves as a vital hub for learning and community engagement. It connects with over 100,000 young people annually through workshops, tours, and programs that bring history to life. The TfL Travel for Life initiative has taught over 3 million children how to navigate London safely, while schools receive awards for promoting walking, biking, or public transport over car use. The museum also runs specialized STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) workshops for students, encouraging them to explore careers in transport and engineering through hands-on activities like designing future vehicles or learning about sustainable transport solutions.
Inclusion is a core value at the transport of London museum. The Community Access Scheme provides free tickets to groups who might not otherwise visit, such as low-income families or refugee support organizations. Explorer Evenings are designed for adults with additional needs, offering a quieter, more accessible environment to enjoy the museum. Beyond these, the museum partners with local charities to host outreach events, such as transport safety workshops for schools and community groups, further solidifying its role as a community cornerstone.
The Bigger Story: London’s Transport Journey
To understand the significance of the London Transport Museum, consider the broader history of London’s transport system. It began in 1829 with George Shillibeer’s omnibus, a horse-drawn vehicle that anyone could hail—a revolutionary idea at the time. By 1863, the Metropolitan Railway launched the world’s first underground railway, a smoky but transformative innovation. The 20th century introduced trams, trolleybuses, and the Underground, all unified in 1933 under the London Passenger Transport Board.
In 2000, Transport for London (TfL) took over, bringing order to the city’s complex network. Key milestones include:
| Year | Milestone | Impact |
| 2003 | Oyster card launched | Simplified ticketing across buses, Tubes, and trains. |
| 2012 | Contactless payments | Introduced tap-and-go fares, eliminating the need for cards. |
| 2022 | Elizabeth line opened | Increased rail capacity by 10%, connecting east and west London. |
| 2023 | Ultra Low Emission Zone expanded | Improved air quality across all boroughs. |
The transport museum London weaves these milestones into a narrative of how transport shaped modern London, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the city’s growth and resilience.
What People Are Saying
Experts and visitors alike praise the London Transport Museum for its ability to make history accessible and engaging. Condé Nast Traveler describes it as “surprisingly fun,” noting its appeal for children who can climb on exhibits and tech enthusiasts who admire the vintage machinery. A TripAdvisor reviewer highlighted their guide, David, who “made history feel like a story you’re living,” sharing anecdotes about how Londoners adapted to the early Underground’s smoky conditions. Another visitor likened the Hidden London tours to “sneaking into a secret club,” a fitting description of their unique allure. A family review on the museum’s website mentioned, “Our kids loved the play zone, and we learned so much about London’s history—it’s a perfect day out for everyone.” These testimonials reflect the museum’s talent for bringing London’s transport past to life, appealing to a wide range of interests and ages, from young children to history buffs and engineering enthusiasts.
How to Visit
- Location: The London Transport Museum address is Covent Garden, London WC2E 7BB.
- Hours: Open 362 days a year, closed over Christmas. Specific times can be found at ltmuseum.co.uk.
- Tickets: Transport museum tickets cost £24 for adults (Annual Pass for unlimited visits); free for children under 18 (a free ticket must be booked). Purchase at Tickets.
- Getting There: Accessible via Covent Garden Tube station (Piccadilly line), bus, or bike. Nearby stations like Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines) or Charing Cross (Bakerloo and Northern lines) are also within a 5-10 minute walk.
- Amenities: Fully wheelchair-accessible with lifts, restrooms, baby-changing facilities, a café, and a shop offering transport-themed souvenirs like posters and model buses. The café serves light meals, snacks, and drinks, while the shop stocks unique items like miniature Tube trains and reprints of vintage posters.
- Tips: Hidden London tours at the London Transport Museum are highly popular and should be booked early, as spots fill up fast. Visiting in the morning helps avoid crowds, especially during summer or holidays. For those planning a full day, the museum’s café offers a range of snacks and drinks, while the nearby Covent Garden Market provides additional dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. Families might also want to check the museum’s website for upcoming family-friendly events, such as storytelling sessions or craft workshops, often held during school holidays.
Final Thoughts
The London Transport Museum is more than a place to view old buses—it’s a celebration of how London continues to move, from its first omnibus to the Elizabeth line. Visitors can board vintage vehicles, explore forgotten Tube stations, and learn about the Caribbean workers who kept the city running. The transport museum London feels alive, human, and deeply tied to London’s spirit. A visit here offers a fresh perspective on the city, making it an essential stop for anyone eager to explore its past and present. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, the museum transport London promises an experience that educates, entertains, and inspires.