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We visited the London Transport Museum (LTM) when we had The London Pass and planned it into our 2-day itinerary. Because of this, we didn’t pay an entry fee, which begs the question of whether it is worth it, which we’ll discuss later.
London Transport Museum
We love the London Underground with its iconic sights, smells, and sounds, and the Tube has undoubtedly been a catalyst for our desire to visit the LTM ever since we moved to London.
The capital has a long, rich and fascinating history, and one thing that has played a significant role in shaping the city we know and love today is its transport system. London’s transport infrastructure contributes heavily to the city’s identity, from the iconic red double-decker buses and hackney carriages to the iconic underground network, which is also the oldest in the world.
What is the London Transport Museum?
Tucked in a corner of Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum is a testament to the city’s rich transport heritage. The museum’s mission is to preserve and show the history of London’s transport system, providing you with a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness the evolution of one of the world’s most renowned urban transport networks.
The London Transport Museum shouldn’t be confused with the London Transport Museum Depot. The Depot is in Action is home to most of LTM’s collections that are not on display in Covent Garden, and it’s only open for special events throughout the year. If you’d like to know more about the Depot, we have a post all about the London Transport Museum Depot. In our opinion, the Depot is the bigger and better option of the two LTM locations. Sadly, it’s not open very often, but if you get the chance to visit, we highly recommend you take it.
There are a staggering 370,000+ items between the two sites, from vehicles, signs, models, uniforms, artworks and drawings. Collectively, the LTM holds one of the most comprehensive records of urban transport on the globe.
What’s in the London Transport Museum?
The journey through London’s transport history begins with the era of horse-drawn carriages, where you can see some of the sights and sounds of 19th-century London, where these carriages ruled the streets, and learn about the challenges faced during this time and the gradual shift towards more efficient modes of transport.
An exploration of London’s transport history can only be complete with a closer look at the iconic vehicles that have become synonymous with the city. From the famous Routemaster to the hackney carriage and Underground trains, the museum showcases the evolution of the vehicles that have shaped London’s identity.
The museum offers a range of vehicles you can get aboard. Watch out for the weird mannequins, though. Ha! You can board some old tube carriages and get on the top deck of one of the famous Routemasters.
You’ll also learn about the challenges of London’s transport system during World War II and see the innovative solutions that emerged during this period and the pivotal role of transport in supporting the war effort.
The London Transport Museum Shop
One of our favourite parts of the LTM is the shop, which is a treasure trove of London Transport stuff. It’s remarkable that a city’s transport system has become so iconic that it has developed into a brand—a brand that people want in their own homes. For example, you can buy seats and cushions with the fabrics used on the Underground trains or even the posters you’ve seen around the tube network to hang on your walls.
You’ll be glad to know that entry to the shop is free, so you can browse the goodies even if you don’t want to enter the museum. Don’t forget to check out the online shop, where you can get original signs and other memorabilia in the vintage section.
The London Transport Museum Cafe
There’s also a cafe at the LTM, which is another excellent reason to visit. It’s a cafe under the radar of most, and we’d been into the shop countless times before we even realised it was there. Head into the shop and go straight up the stairs on your right. You’ll also find some cool posters up there in the corner. Again, you can get in without paying the entry fee to the museum.
Visiting the London Transport Museum
To visit the London Transport Museum, you need an annual pass and timed entry. If you already have an annual pass, just book your timed entry. Not everyone has to pay to enter, such as those who are 17 and under and Transport for London staff. There are also discounts available for Blue Light Card holders and Armed Forces personnel, so check the tickets page for the latest pricing information.
LTM Location and Useful Info
📍 LTM, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 7BB
💷 Adults £22 – £24, 17 and under are free
🕙 Daily 10 am – 6 pm
📞 0343 222 5000
The London Pass
You can visit the LTM with the London Pass, which is how we did. It’s a great way to see it and a few other tourist attractions, all included in the Pass.
If you’d like to buy a Pass, you can do so through our London Pass affiliate link, where you’ll find the latest prices. Or, if you’d like to know more about the Pass, read our London Pass review, where we answer the question – is The London Pass worth it?
London Transport Museum FAQs
Is the London Transport Museum good?
Yes, the museum is good. It’s not huge, but there are some really cool exhibits, such as old tube carriages and the famous red London buses. There’s also a great gift shop worth wandering around.
Is the London Transport Museum free?
No, it’s not. There is an entry fee to the museum, but you can enter the museum shop and cafe for free. You can also enter the museum if you have The London Pass.
Is the London Transport Museum worth it?
This depends on your level of enthusiasm for London transport. The museum is relatively expensive to get into for what isn’t a huge museum. We think the entry fee is high, but it’s in a prime location with some great stuff inside. If cost is a concern for you, it may be worth considering The London Pass and tying in other attractions.
How long do I need at the London Transport Museum?
The museum isn’t that big, but you should allocate 1.5 hours or so to it, including a look around the gift shop. Add a little extra if you intend to stop for some refreshments, too.
How do I get to the London Transport Museum?
The London Transport Museum is conveniently located in Covent Garden in Central London, making it easily accessible by public transport. Take the Underground to Covent Garden station; a short walk will lead you to the museum’s doorstep.
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