Family guide to London’s public transport

For families visiting London, few experiences are as iconic as hopping on a bright red double-decker bus or riding the Underground for the first time. London’s transport system is vast, efficient, and surprisingly family-friendly – but with so many ticket options, finding the best family travel card for London or the right family travel pass can feel confusing. Should you order a Visitor Oyster card? Or pick up a Day Travelcard? The answer depends on your family’s ages, and travel plans.

Why do family-specific travel tickets matter?

Standard options like contactless cards or single paper tickets often fall short for families. Teens don’t always have their own bank cards to use when they travel, and buying individual tickets for every journey quickly adds up, as these tickets tend to be priced much higher than journeys made with a contactless or Visitor Oyster card. For example, a single journey from London Victoria to Covent Garden costs just £1 for a child aged 11-15 using a Visitor Oyster card, but an individual paper ticket for this journey would cost £3.50 for the same child.

Visitor Oyster Card – Ideal for Longer Trips

If you’re visiting for several days and have children aged 11–15, the Visitor Oyster card is one of the best ways to travel around London as a family. This card can be used on most public transport services in London, including the Tube, buses, trams, DLR, London Overground, Elizabeth line, and most National Rail services within the city. 

It unlocks a 50% youth discount for those aged 11-15 that isn’t available with contactless bank card or mobile payments, making it the most cost-effective choice for families with teens. To get this youth discount, simply ask a TfL staff member at any Tube station to apply the Young Visitor Discount to your child’s card – they may ask to see an ID or passport to confirm your child’s age. 

London Day Travelcard – Unlimited Travel for Shorter Trips

Planning a jam-packed few days of sightseeing? The London Day Travelcard is a popular choice for families travelling in London, and gives you unlimited travel across most public transport services in London for one, two, or three consecutive days – ideal if you want a simple, all-in-one pass. It’s ideal for families who prefer paper tickets or expect to make four or more journeys in outer zones. Bonus: this travelcard includes some National Rail services, which is handy if you’re arriving by train.

Top tip: London Day Travelcards are valid until 4:29am the morning after the date shown on the ticket, meaning you can use them for late night travel too. 

One of the top things to do in London with family is the London Eye, the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel, with glass pods that offer breathtaking views of the city. Kids love spotting landmarks like Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral, and the gentle rotation makes it a calm, enjoyable ride for all ages. A trip on the London Eye lasts around 30 minutes.

If you want to visit multiple Merlin attractions (including Madame Tussauds, Shrek’s Adventure, London Dungeon and SEA LIFE London Aquarium), check out the Merlin Magical 5-in-1 Pass to save money on admission.

Insider tip: Early mornings are quieter, while sunset offers incredible views. Also, bring binoculars – kids love spotting landmarks from above!

Get there with a Visitor Oyster card or a London Day Travelcard 
Nearest station: London Waterloo, Zone 1

Step into 1,000 years of history at this iconic fortress, a must-see for families visiting London. Grown-ups and kids alike will love marvelling at the Crown Jewels, meeting the Yeoman Warders, and exploring stories of kings, queens, and intrigue through interactive exhibits and self-led trails.

Insider tip: As the Tower of London is one of London’s most popular attractions, we recommend you pre-book tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment. Also, join a Yeoman Warder tour: they’re free with entry and packed with fascinating stories!

Get there with a Visitor Oyster card or a London Day Travelcard 
Nearest station: Tower Hill, Zone 1 

For Harry Potter fans, this is one of the most fun family things to do in London. You can explore real film sets, see the original costumes, and discover the secrets and special effects behind the magic. Walk through the Great Hall, wander down Diagon Alley, and sip Butterbeer in the Backlot Café. It’s a short journey out of London, but this ticket includes branded coach transport from London Victoria – or choose this option for London Paddington transport.

Insider tip: Tickets for this experience sell out quickly, so book well in advance. Also, leave space in your bag: the gift shop is full of exclusive Harry Potter merchandise!

Get there from London with a Visitor Oyster card 
Nearest station: Watford, Zone 7 (get a shuttle bus from Watford)
OR purchase your ticket with return coach travel from London Victoria or return coach travel from London Paddington included

Dive into an underwater world in the heart of the city at this famously family-friendly attraction. From sharks to penguins, SEA LIFE is perfect for younger children and makes a great break from outdoor sightseeing – especially if the weather is poor.

If you want to visit multiple Merlin attractions (including Madame Tussauds, Shrek’s Adventure, London Dungeon and The London Eye), check out the Merlin Magical 5-in-1 Pass to save money on admission.

Insider tip: Check the schedule online for shark or penguin feeds and visit during feeding times – kids love it.

Get there with a Visitor Oyster card or a London Day Travelcard 
Nearest station: Tower Hill, Zone 1 

Step into a world of lifelike wax figures and interactive sets. Teens love posing with their favourite celebrities, sports stars, and even superheroes. Waxworks on show include Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Marvel characters including the Hulk, and British Royals of past and present! It’s a fun, photo-ready experience that feels part museum, part immersive attraction.

Insider tip: Look out for interactive zones, they’re great for younger kids.

If you want to visit multiple Merlin attractions (including Shrek’s Adventure, London Dungeon, The London Eye and SEA LIFE London Aquarium), check out the Merlin Magical 5-in-1 Pass to save money on admission.

Get there with a Visitor Oyster card or a London Day Travelcard 
Nearest station: Baker Street, Zone 1

A classic family day out in Regent’s Park since 1847, London Zoo is home to hundreds of species – from lions and tigers to playful penguins. Kids can enjoy interactive exhibits like the walk-through butterfly house, as well as exciting animal feeding sessions.

Insider tip: In the warmer months, save money on lunch and pack a picnic. There are some lovely spots inside the zoo to enjoy lunch outdoors.

Get there with a Visitor Oyster card or a London Day Travelcard 
Nearest station: Camden Town, Zone 2

Perfect for younger children and adults who are young at heart, this immersive experience brings the world of Shrek to life through live actors, storytelling, and interactive sets – and is one of the more unusual things to do in London with the family. Located on the South Bank, it’s easy to combine with other attractions nearby.

Insider tip: Combine with a visit to the nearby London Eye for a full day of fun.

If you want to visit multiple Merlin attractions (including Madame Tussauds, London Eye, London Dungeon and SEA LIFE London Aquarium), check out the Merlin Magical 5-in-1 Pass to save money on admission.

Get there with a Visitor Oyster card or a London Day Travelcard 
Nearest station: London Waterloo, Zone 1

Some of the best free things to do in London are its museums, and many of them have something for the kids as well as the adults. Better yet, many are also very close to each other, so you can explore several in one day!

• Natural History Museum: A favourite for kids, with dinosaur skeletons, an earthquake simulator, and hands-on science zones.
  • Nearest station: South Kensington, Zone 1
• Science Museum: Packed with fun interactive exhibits, from space exploration to cutting-edge technology.
  • Nearest station: South Kensington, Zone 1
• Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A): While known for art and design, its family-friendly trails and creative workshops make it a hit with older children.
  • Nearest station: South Kensington, Zone 1
• Tate Modern: Inspires creativity with bold, modern art and family activity guides.
  • Nearest station: Southwark, Zone 1

Insider tip: These spots are popular with visitors and locals alike, so arrive early for less crowds, especially during school holidays.

Green spaces offer the perfect break from sightseeing, and of course, they’re free to enter!

• Hyde Park: Stroll by the Serpentine, feed the ducks, or let kids run free in the open lawns.
  • Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Marble Arch and Lancaster Gate, Zone 1
• Regent’s Park: Home to beautiful gardens and a boating lake.
  • Nearest station: Regent’s Park Station, Zone 1
• Diana Memorial Playground: Inspired by Peter Pan, this Kensington Gardens spot is a must for younger children, with a giant wooden pirate ship and sensory play areas.
  • Nearest station: Queensway, Zone 1
• Richmond Park: Explore London’s largest Royal Park – a vast, wild landscape where you can spot over 600 free‑roaming deer and enjoy sweeping views from King Henry’s Mound.
  • Nearest station: Richmond, Zone 4

Insider tip: Pack a picnic – many parks have designated areas for outdoor dining.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace: A tradition full of pomp and ceremony that kids love. Arrive early for the best view and watch the soldiers in their famous red uniforms and bearskin hats. For those who want a more in-depth experience, check out this Changing of the Guard tour, which includes a tour guide plus a premium spot to view the ceremony from.
Nearest station: Victoria, Zone 1

Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross: A must for Harry Potter fans! Snap a photo with the trolley disappearing into the wall and browse the themed shop for magical souvenirs.
Nearest station: King’s Cross Station, Zone 1

Sky Garden: Enjoy panoramic views of London from a lush indoor garden high above the city. Tickets are free but must be booked online in advance.
Nearest station: Monument, Zone 1

Covent Garden: Watch street performers juggle, dance, and play music in this lively square. There’s always something happening to entertain the kids at Covent Garden. Nearest station: Covent Garden, Zone 1

Camden Market: A feast for the senses with colourful stalls, quirky shops, and plenty of places to grab a snack. Great for teens who love browsing unique finds. 
Nearest station: Camden Town, Zone 2

Greenwich Park & Observatory Grounds: Stand on the Prime Meridian line and enjoy sweeping views of London from one of the city’s most beautiful parks. If you want to soak up some knowledge, the Greenwich Royal Museums Pass also grants you entry to the Royal Observatory and the Cutty Sark. Afterward, hit up Greenwich market for lunch and some local shopping!
Nearest station: Maze Hill, Zone 3

Insider tip: Plan these stops around your main attractions – they’re perfect for filling gaps in your day and make London feel truly alive.