London Transport Museum
Explore London’s rich transport history through iconic vehicles, design marvels, and interactive exhibits in the heart of Covent Garden.
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, the London Transport Museum showcases over 200 years of the city’s transport history. It features historic vehicles, original maps, iconic posters, and interactive exhibits that explore the evolution of London’s transport system from horse-drawn coaches to modern Tube trains. Visitors can engage with hands-on displays, explore design heritage, and discover the social and cultural impact of transport on London’s development.
A brief summary to London Transport Museum
- London, WC2E 7BB, GB
- +443432225000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Purchase an Annual Pass for unlimited visits throughout the year, which also grants access to special events and Depot Open Days.
- Visit in the afternoon for a quieter experience, especially on weekdays.
- Take part in the Stamper Trail to engage children and make the visit more interactive and fun.
- Check the schedule for Depot Open Days to explore the extensive collection not usually on public display.
- Use accessible entrances and facilities if traveling with pushchairs or wheelchairs; assistance dogs are welcome.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Underground
The nearest Tube stations are Covent Garden (Piccadilly Line) about a 3-minute walk and Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly Lines) about 6 minutes away. Both stations are well connected to central London and provide frequent services throughout the day. The museum is fully accessible from these stations.
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Bus
Multiple London bus routes serve the Covent Garden area, including routes 9, 15, 24, and 29. Buses run frequently with typical journey times from central London locations ranging from 10 to 25 minutes. Bus stops are within a short walk of the museum.
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Walking
If you are staying nearby in central London, the museum is easily reachable on foot. Walking from Leicester Square or Trafalgar Square takes about 10 to 15 minutes on mostly flat, paved streets suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs.
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Taxi / Ride Share
Taxis and ride-share services can drop visitors directly at the museum entrance. Travel times vary depending on traffic but typically range from 10 to 30 minutes from central London. Note that parking is limited in Covent Garden.
London Transport Museum location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about London Transport Museum
A Journey Through London's Transport Heritage
The London Transport Museum, situated in the historic former London Flower Market building in Covent Garden, offers a comprehensive exploration of London’s transport evolution spanning more than two centuries. The museum's collection includes authentic historic vehicles such as horse-drawn omnibuses, double-decker trams, steam trains, and modern buses, alongside original maps, signage, and advertising posters that narrate the story of how transport shaped the city’s growth and identity.Immersive Exhibits and Interactive Experiences
Visitors can experience the past firsthand by climbing aboard vintage buses and trains, trying out a Tube driving simulator, and following the engaging Stamper Trail—an interactive activity that lets visitors stamp a card at various stations throughout the museum, echoing the days when paper tickets were stamped on public transport. The museum is designed to be family-friendly, with dedicated play zones for children and free activity packs that encourage creativity and learning.Design and Innovation on Display
The museum celebrates London’s pioneering transport design heritage, featuring the iconic roundel logo, Harry Beck’s original London Underground map, and a gallery of groundbreaking posters and artworks. Exhibitions also highlight the role of civil engineers in developing sustainable transport solutions to meet modern challenges like climate change, connecting historical achievements with contemporary innovation.Behind the Scenes and Special Access
Beyond the Covent Garden galleries, the Museum Depot in Acton houses an extensive collection of over 320,000 objects, including rare vehicles and memorabilia. Though usually closed to the public, it opens for special guided tours and Depot Open Days several times a year, offering a unique glimpse into the depth of the museum’s archives and restoration projects.Facilities and Accessibility
The museum provides excellent visitor amenities including a café, a gift shop with vintage-themed souvenirs, and ample seating areas. Accessibility is a priority, with level access routes, accessible toilets, lifts, and facilities welcoming visitors with disabilities and families with pushchairs. Assistance dogs are also welcome.Location and Visitor Experience
Nestled at the edge of Covent Garden Piazza, the museum is surrounded by the vibrant atmosphere of one of London’s most popular cultural districts. Its central location makes it an ideal stop for tourists and locals alike, offering a rich cultural experience that connects London’s past, present, and future through the lens of transport.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Plaque: David Garrick
0.1 km
Honoring David Garrick, the 18th-century actor and theatre innovator, with a commemorative plaque in London’s historic theatre district.
Strand
0.2 km
Historic London thoroughfare linking Westminster and the City, famed for grand hotels, cultural landmarks, and hidden historical treasures.
Bow St
0.2 km
Bow Street, a historic London street famed for pioneering policing, vibrant theatre, and rich cultural heritage in Covent Garden.
John Adam St & Adam St
0.3 km
Explore John Adam Street & Adam Street, heart of the Adam brothers’ neoclassical Adelphi development, blending Georgian elegance with modern London vibrancy.
Richard D’Oyly Carte Monument
0.3 km
A sculptural homage to Richard D’Oyly Carte’s theatrical and hospitality legacy, nestled in the serene Victoria Embankment Gardens.
Henry Fawcett Monument
0.3 km
A serene Victorian fountain memorializing Henry Fawcett’s pioneering spirit in social reform and women’s suffrage, nestled in tranquil Embankment Gardens.
Major-General Lord Cheylesmore Monument
0.4 km
A serene stone tribute in Victoria Embankment Gardens honoring Major-General Lord Cheylesmore’s military and civic legacy.
Cleopatra's Needle
0.4 km
An ancient Egyptian obelisk on London's Thames Embankment, bridging millennia of history and mystery in the heart of the city.
The Old Watch House
0.4 km
A quaint early 18th-century parish watch house on London’s Strand, offering a rare glimpse into pre-Metropolitan Police community policing.
Agatha Christie memorial
0.4 km
A captivating bronze tribute to Agatha Christie, celebrating her literary genius and theatrical legacy in London's vibrant theatre district.
Hidden London - Aldwych Station
0.4 km
Discover Aldwych Station, a hidden gem in London that unveils the city’s rich transport history through guided tours and captivating stories.
Seven Dials
0.4 km
A star-shaped Georgian quarter blending historic charm with contemporary culture, boutiques, and dining.
York Watergate
0.4 km
Discover the York Watergate, a rare 17th-century gateway marking the old Thames riverside and London's vanished aristocratic waterfront.
Historic Seven Dials
0.4 km
Discover Seven Dials, a historic London quarter where seven streets meet at a unique sundial pillar, blending rich heritage with vibrant culture.
Neal’s Yard (Courtyard)
0.4 km
Discover Neal’s Yard, a colorful hidden courtyard in Covent Garden transformed from dereliction into a thriving hub of community, sustainability, and alternative culture.
Unmissable attractions to see
Jubilee Market
0.0 km
Historic Covent Garden market with antiques, crafts, and vibrant food stalls in a lively, iconic London setting.
Music at Covent Garden
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant live music and rich cultural heritage at Covent Garden, London's iconic West End soundscape.
London Film Museum
0.1 km
Explore the largest official collection of original James Bond vehicles in London’s vibrant Covent Garden hub.
Covent Garden
0.1 km
Historic market piazza and cultural hotspot blending world-class theatre, vibrant street life, luxury shopping, and diverse dining in London’s West End.
Punch & Judy
0.1 km
Historic Covent Garden pub named after iconic puppet shows, blending lively atmosphere, traditional fare, and vibrant street views.
Huntfun Covent Garden
0.1 km
Explore Covent Garden through an engaging self-guided treasure hunt blending history, artisan markets, and lively street performances.
Lyceum Theatre
0.1 km
Experience world-class West End theatre in the historic Lyceum Theatre, home to The Lion King and a jewel of London’s cultural scene.
Royal Ballet and Opera
0.1 km
Experience world-class ballet and opera in the historic and stunning Royal Opera House at London’s vibrant Covent Garden.
Covent Garden, street shows
0.1 km
Experience the vibrant legacy of Covent Garden’s world-famous street performers, bringing daily magic and artistry to London’s historic piazza.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane
0.1 km
Experience London's oldest theatre site, where 350 years of theatrical history come alive in a stunning 1812 West End landmark.
Duchess Theatre
0.1 km
Discover the intimate charm and rich history of the Duchess Theatre, a West End treasure since 1929 with iconic productions and timeless elegance.
St Paul’s Church Covent Garden
0.2 km
Experience the tranquility of St Paul’s Church in Covent Garden, a historical sanctuary for the arts in the heart of London.
Bow Street Police Museum
0.2 km
Explore London’s pioneering policing history and iconic court cases at the Bow Street Museum of Crime and Justice in Covent Garden.
Fortune Theatre
0.2 km
Experience intimate West End theatre magic at the historic Fortune Theatre, London’s charming post-WWI gem with a rich cultural legacy.
Novello Theatre
0.2 km
A classic West End theatre on Aldwych, home to Mamma Mia! and a refined Edwardian auditorium with excellent sightlines and intimate charm.
Essential places to dine
Balthazar
0.1 km
Experience the lively charm of a Parisian brasserie with classic French cuisine in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Cicchetti by San Carlo - London Covent Garden
0.1 km
Experience authentic Venetian small plates and seasonal Italian flavors in a stylish, lively Covent Garden setting.
Chez Antoinette
0.1 km
Authentic Lyon-inspired French bistro serving classic tartines and cozy café fare in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Frog by Adam Handling Restaurant Covent Garden
0.1 km
Experience Michelin-starred modern British cuisine with theatrical flair and sustainable luxury in the heart of Covent Garden.
Cora Pearl Covent Garden
0.2 km
Elegant modern British dining in Covent Garden with iconic chips, soulful vibes, and a nod to a glamorous past.
Rules
0.2 km
London’s oldest restaurant since 1798, Rules serves timeless British classics in an elegant, historic Covent Garden setting.
Palm Court Brasserie
0.2 km
Experience authentic Parisian charm and classic French cuisine in the vibrant heart of Covent Garden at Palm Court Brasserie.
Inamo Covent Garden
0.2 km
A futuristic Pan-Asian restaurant in Covent Garden where interactive tables meet bold Asian flavours in a sleek, tech-forward space.
Flat Iron Covent Garden
0.2 km
Savor expertly crafted flat iron steaks in a historic Covent Garden setting, complete with rustic charm and a signature ice cream treat.
Clos Maggiore
0.2 km
Experience London’s most romantic French restaurant with enchanting blossom-filled conservatory and an award-winning wine cellar in Covent Garden.
Sarastro
0.2 km
Experience vibrant Mediterranean flavors and live musical theatre in the heart of Covent Garden’s most theatrical restaurant.
Margot
0.3 km
Sophisticated Italian dining with classic charm and an extensive wine list in the heart of Covent Garden, London.
Hawksmoor Seven Dials
0.3 km
Savor expertly grilled British steaks and vibrant seafood in a historic Covent Garden brewery setting with atmospheric charm and refined cocktails.
Circus
0.4 km
Experience Covent Garden’s vibrant Asian fusion dinner theatre where culinary artistry meets captivating live performances.
Flesh & Buns Covent Garden
0.4 km
Lively Japanese izakaya in Covent Garden famed for its signature bao buns, vibrant atmosphere, and innovative pan-Asian small plates.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
London Transport Museum - Shop
0.0 km
Discover unique transport-themed gifts and iconic London memorabilia at the London Transport Museum Shop in Covent Garden.
Sass & Belle Covent Garden Market
0.1 km
Quirky gifts and whimsical homeware in Covent Garden's lively market—permanently closed in-store, thriving online with cute finds for every home.
The Moomin Shop London
0.1 km
Step into the enchanting world of Moominvalley at The Moomin Shop in Covent Garden, London’s magical haven for fans of Tove Jansson’s beloved characters.
MUJI Covent Garden Store
0.2 km
Discover Japanese minimalism in Covent Garden: timeless clothing, sustainable homewares, and functional stationery for clutter-free, mindful living.
Brandy Melville - Covent Garden
0.3 km
Trendy Italian-LA fusion on Neal Street: one-size-fits-most chic for the effortless Covent Garden style seeker.
Rokit Covent Garden
0.3 km
Dive into retro treasures at Rokit Covent Garden, where sustainable vintage fashion meets London's vibrant street style heritage on Shelton Street.
Urban Outfitters
0.3 km
Dive into Urban Outfitters' warehouse wonderland in Seven Dials, where eclectic fashion, cult beauty, and quirky homewares fuel London's youth culture vibe.
Good
0.4 km
Discover sustainable style with curated preloved vintage and designer fashion at Good London’s Seven Dials shop.
Pop Boutique
0.4 km
Discover authentic vintage fashion treasures from the 50s to 90s in a colorful, retro boutique at London’s vibrant Seven Dials.
Neal's Yard Dairy (Covent Garden Shop)
0.4 km
Discover the finest British and Irish farmhouse cheeses matured to perfection in the heart of Covent Garden’s vibrant Neal’s Yard.
Blackout II - Vintage Clothing London
0.4 km
Discover timeless vintage fashion treasures from the 1920s to the 1980s in Covent Garden’s iconic Blackout II boutique.
Alice Through The Looking Glass
0.4 km
Step into a whimsical world of antiques, art, and literary treasures inspired by Alice in Wonderland in the heart of London’s Cecil Court.
The Old Curiosity Shop
0.5 km
Step into a Tudor-era timbered cottage steeped in Dickensian lore, nestled amidst the vibrant heart of modern London.
The Store X
0.5 km
A visionary space where London’s fashion, art, and culture converge in an immersive, innovative experience.
Henry Pordes Books Ltd
0.5 km
London's legendary independent rare bookshop preserving literary treasures on historic Charing Cross Road.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Dirty Martini - Covent Garden
0.0 km
Glamorous Covent Garden cocktail haven pulsing with martini magic, bottomless brunches, and late-night DJ vibes under sparkling chandeliers.
Crusting Pipe
0.0 km
Covent Garden wine bar pouring Davy’s finest ports amid live music, British classics and cosy nooks—perfect for pre-theatre indulgence or market rendezvous.
Plume Wine Bar
0.1 km
Covent Garden speakeasy in Dickens' old offices: sparkling wines from afar, cheesy sharing plates, and note-passing to strangers in candlelit luxury.
Be At One - Covent Garden Lyceum
0.1 km
Shake up your night in Covent Garden with 100+ cocktails, 2-for-1 happy hours, and masterclasses in a historic spot pulsing with theater-district energy.
Eve Bar Covent Garden
0.1 km
Subterranean Covent Garden cocktail bar tempting with zero-waste elixirs, decadent snacks, and Eden-inspired glamour beneath a Michelin-starred haven.
Be At One - Russell Street
0.1 km
Covent Garden’s vibrant cocktail bar with 100+ drinks, late-night parties, and unbeatable 2-for-1 happy hours in a stylish basement setting.
Mrs Riot
0.2 km
Covent Garden's technicolor riot: punk-pop cocktails, drag brunches, live DJs, and Kitty Clive's rebellious legacy in one explosive venue.
Upstairs At Rules
0.2 km
Discover Upstairs At Rules, a refined cocktail bar above London’s oldest restaurant, where Edwardian elegance meets expertly crafted drinks in Covent Garden.
Beaufort Bar
0.2 km
Step into the Beaufort Bar’s jet-black and gold Art Deco glamour for exquisite cocktails, live sultry music, and a timeless London night out.
American Bar
0.2 km
Step into London’s oldest cocktail bar, where over a century of mixology mastery meets elegant Art Deco charm at The Savoy.
All Bar One Covent Garden
0.2 km
Stylish Covent Garden wine bar serving shareable plates, extensive wines, and cocktails in a lively West End setting—ideal for pre-theatre drinks or group gatherings.
Blame Gloria - Cocktail Bar in Covent Garden
0.3 km
Dive into Blame Gloria’s neon-lit retro cocktail haven in Covent Garden, where legendary rock vibes and wild themed brunches electrify your night.
Mr Fogg's Society of Exploration
0.3 km
Step into a Victorian explorer’s world with inventive cocktails, immersive storytelling, and a mechanical mixologist in Covent Garden’s unique speakeasy.
Oriole
0.3 km
Oriole invites you on a captivating global cocktail journey in Covent Garden, blending exotic flavours, elegant ambiance, and live music.
The Alchemist St Martin's Lane
0.4 km
Experience theatrical cocktails and vibrant dining in the heart of Covent Garden’s iconic theatre district.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Proud Late
0.3 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
Bunga Bunga Covent Garden
0.4 km
A neon-soaked, pizza-and-karaoke supper club under Drury Lane — 90s nostalgia, stage shows and shareable Italian feasts.
Whatdafunk Presents West End Urban Disco
0.4 km
Dive into London's grooviest urban disco beats at Whatdafunk, where Covent Garden's streets pulse with funk, soul, and non-stop dance energy in the heart of the West End.
Carwash Nightclub
0.4 km
Experience Europe’s longest-running disco club in London’s West End, where retro beats, vibrant crowds, and themed parties create unforgettable nights.
The Roxy
0.4 km
Soho's unbeatable happy hour cocktail bar by day, pulsing nightclub with live music and DJ nights till 3am—affordable vibes in London's nightlife heart.
The Ivy Club
0.5 km
Art-Deco‑tinged members’ club above The Ivy — piano bars, discreet private dining and polished West End glamour.
Heaven
0.5 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Zoo Bar & Club
0.5 km
Dive into Leicester Square's edgy nightlife hub: two floors of R&B beats, sports screens, and wild energy until 3am at Zoo Bar & Club.
The Penthouse London
0.6 km
A compact, rooftop nightclub above Leicester Square — reached by a side lift, built for late‑night private parties and skyline glimpses.
Club49Soho
0.7 km
Soho's stylish cocktail haven with DJ-fueled dancefloor energy, blending upscale drinks and classy nightlife vibes until 3am.
La Capannina Club
0.7 km
Discover Soho's discreet gentlemen's club: seductive stage shows, cosy vibes, and late-night allure in London's nightlife heart.
TSQ Club
0.8 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
Luxe Club
0.8 km
Experience London's vibrant nightlife at Luxe Club, a central hotspot for music, dancing, and late-night entertainment.
Tiger Tiger London
0.8 km
Experience London’s iconic Haymarket nightclub with six vibrant rooms, lively DJs, and a dynamic party atmosphere just moments from Piccadilly Circus.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
0.8 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Family Friendly
- Educational
- Interactive
- Cultural Heritage
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Retro Vibes
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Family Friendly
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
