One of London’s most iconic sights is the city’s network of vivid red double-decker buses, but where did they originate? You can discover the roots of this beloved transportation system at the London Transport Museum.

Train fanatics will be fascinated to explore the history of the oldest underground system in existence and see real exhibits from as far back as the 19th century.

It’s easy to purchase London Transport Museum tickets and the attraction is enthralling for children, and adults alike.

Here's all you need to know about London Transport Museum, one of the most popular museums in London.

How much do London Transport Museum tickets cost?

It is not possible to purchase a London Transport Museum day pass. Instead, visitors must obtain an annual ticket.

This benefits those who visit the city regularly as it gives the holder unlimited access to the museum at certain times for an entire year.

Unlimited annual pass

This London Transport Museum ticket entitles you to unlimited access to the London Transport Museum at any time of day for an entire calendar year.

Adults: £21
Children under 17: Free
Concessions: £20

Off-peak annual pass

Alternatively, you can purchase an off-peak annual pass, which is valid after 2 PM on weekdays only for an entire year. There is no concessionary rate for students, persons with disabilities or senior citizens with this ticket.

Adults: £18.50
Children under 17: Free

Annual pass plus

This pass is perfect for those who have a deep interest in all things transportation. Not only will you have unlimited access to the London Transport Museum for a year, but you’ll also qualify for free entry to the Depot Open Days that the museum holds in Acton, with up to two children.

Adults: £60
Children under 17: Free

Who is eligible for discounts?

Persons with disabilities can receive a reduced rate of £20 on their London Transport Museum entry fee. They can also bring a carer to accompany them who will gain access to the site for free.

Senior citizens aged 60 and over qualify for a concessionary rate of £20, as well as students with identification. Those on Universal or Pension Credit can enter the museum for just £1.

Residents of nine inner city districts are also eligible for a local rate of £15 on their London Transport Museum tickets.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including London Transport Museum and other attractions?

Combined London Transport Museum tickets allow you to save both money and time on your trip to the city.

You’ll save yourself valuable vacation time by purchasing tickets to attractions you wish to see together and these combination tours generally give you a sizeable discount versus purchasing passes separately.

● London Transport Museum plus guided underground walking tour: Discover the history behind London’s complex underground train system including secret stations and wartime stories, before visiting the London Transport Museum.

Should you book London Transport Museum tickets in advance?

You are not required to book your London Transport Museum tickets ahead of time, however, it is advisable to do so.

Like many other sites in the center of London, the museum can become especially busy at peak times and purchasing tickets in advance will enable you to waste less time queueing. You’ll also save money by buying your tickets online and it is very easy to do so.

What will you see inside the London Transport Museum?

Picking the London Transport Museum pass you'll see how the city has developed over the past 200 years via its public transportation systems.

From its famed red double-decker buses to its underground railway system, London is known for having one of the best transportation networks in the world.

See real-life exhibits of the vehicles used historically to transport visits from one side of London to the other, such as horse-drawn buses and steam engines.

Located inside a historic part of Covent Garden’s old produce market, London Transport Museum opened in 1980 and showcases a tremendous display of transportation exhibits from over the last 200 years.

Booking the London Transport Museum plus guided underground walking tour you'll start at Baker Street Station, you’ll begin your education on the oldest underground train system in the world.

You’ll make your way through London’s streets on foot, stopping at Oxford Circus station, which opened in the 1960s and provided greater flexibility for workers in the city.

Move on to Green Park Station, followed by Piccadilly Circus, Embankment and Westminster.

As you travel between these historic stations, you’ll learn how this intricate transportation web was constructed and continues to be developed.

You can see the trams, omnibuses and riverboats that the residents of London used to get around the city in the 19th century, as well as the earliest types of trains, which differ vastly from those you see today.

You can also see the origins of the Metropolitan Line — London’s first of 11 tube lines, which was incidentally the first underground railway line in the world.

Discover an abandoned tube station where you can learn about the part the underground played in wartime history. See the progress of the vehicles that lined London’s streets during the 20th century, from electric tramways to trolleybuses.

How to get to the London Transport Museum?

London Transport Museum is located in the heart of Covent Garden, which is an easy and popular spot to reach in the city.

The simplest way to reach the attraction is by using London’s underground train system and following the Piccadilly Line to Covent Garden Station, just 2 minutes from the museum by foot.

Alternatively, you can take the Circle or District Line to Temple Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the museum.

When is the best time to visit the London Transport Museum?

The London Transport Museum opening times are from 10 AM to 6 PM every day of the week.

While it may seem counter-intuitive, weekends are actually the best time to plan your London Transport Museum visit.

This is because many school groups head to the museum on weekdays, which can prohibit you from accessing many of the hands-on exhibits inside. Head to the site at opening time on a Saturday or Sunday for the best experience.

Which other museums can be visited in London?

Travel tips

The London Transport Museum is included in several city passes in London, such as the London Pass and the Go City London Explorer Pass.
Allocate 1-2 hours for your visit to the London Transport Museum. Those with young children may wish to set aside a little more time to allow their little ones to explore the play areas.
Avoid booking your London Transport Museum tickets during the annual school holidays that stretch from the middle of July until early September. These months coincide with the peak tourist season in the city, meaning there can be lots of crowds.

London Transport Museum: Tickets and Tours