Your First Tube Trip with a Buggy

The short version

Five things to know right now

✓ Yes, you can take a buggy on the tube. Single buggies are welcome on all trains, at all times. No exceptions.
✕ No, you don't need to fold it. That's a common myth. Keep your child strapped in and your buggy upright.
✓ Yes, you can ride escalators with it. Thousands of London parents do it every day. We'll show you how.
★ The Jubilee line is your best friend. Modern trains, platform doors, wide aisles, lifts at most stations.
✕ Avoid Bank station at all costs. The interchanges are a labyrinth. Even seasoned commuters hate it.

The escalator thing

Everyone's first worry. Here's the truth.

"Every London parent does this. The first time is terrifying. The second time is fine. By the third time, you won't even think about it."

⬇ Going Down

Face forwards with the buggy in front of you
Tilt it back slightly so the front wheels are off the step
Rest the back wheels on the step, keep a firm grip on the handle
Stand one step behind the buggy and ride down normally
At the bottom, push forward smoothly as you step off

⬆ Going Up

Face forwards, push the buggy onto the escalator
Tilt it back so only the back wheels touch the step
Hold the handle firmly and stand on the step behind
Let the escalator do the work -- just keep it steady
At the top, push forward confidently as the step flattens

⚠ Safety rules

Always strap your child in securely before getting on
Keep one hand on the handle, one on the handrail
Never attempt it with a double buggy -- use the lift
If you're not comfortable, ask staff for help. They'll guide you to the lift
Stand on the right. Other passengers will pass on the left

Stations

5 to love, 5 to avoid

Not all stations are created equal. These are the ones that'll make your life easy -- and the ones that'll ruin your morning.

💚 Stations to Love

Stratford Step-free throughout, wide gates, lifts everywhere
Westminster Dramatic lifts all the way down, fully accessible
Canada Water Modern, spacious, lifts to all platforms
Kew Gardens Overground station, flat access, straight to the park
Battersea Power Station Brand new, built with accessibility from the start

🔴 Stations to Avoid

Bank Confusing interchange, narrow corridors, massive gaps
Piccadilly Circus No lifts, long escalators, always packed
Covent Garden Lift-only station but the lift queue is absurd
Oxford Circus Crush-level crowds, narrow platforms, no lifts
Camden Town Weekends are chaos. One-way system, huge crowds

Lines

The best tube lines for buggies

Some lines were built in the 1860s. Others opened last year. The difference matters when you're pushing a buggy.

1

Jubilee Platform doors, wide trains, lifts at most stations

2

DLR Step-free by design, flat boarding, spacious

3

Northern (extension) The new bit -- Battersea to Nine Elms -- is excellent

4

Central Flat-floor trains, though some stations are old

5

Elizabeth Wide, modern, level boarding at Crossrail stations

6

Victoria Fast and frequent, decent lift provision

7

Circle / H&C / District Above-ground sections are easy, sub-surface trains are roomy

8

Piccadilly Narrow trains, deep stations. Functional but tight

9

Bakerloo The oldest stock on the network. Narrow doors, big gaps

Before you go

Your pre-trip checklist

Five minutes of prep saves thirty minutes of stress. Do these before you leave the house.

Check lift status at your station -- we do this live in the app
Travel between 9:30--11:30am or 1--3pm if you can
Strap your child in securely -- especially for escalators
Pack light -- you need one free hand at all times
Add Buggy Smart to your home screen