London’s public transport network is where a pushchair’s size, weight and fold are tested most often, and Transport for London (TfL) publishes both binding rules and buying advice for buggy users. This guide summarises what TfL says about buses, the Tube and rail, escalators and lifts, and what it recommends looking for when choosing a buggy for the network. It applies to TfL services in London; other operators elsewhere have their own rules.
Buses: the 70 by 120 cm rule
TfL’s Conditions of Carriage, in the version dated 22 October 2025, state that all its bus services are accessible for passengers with buggies up to an unfolded width of 70 cm and a length of 120 cm. Wheelchair and mobility scooter users have priority over everyone else for the wheelchair space, and a buggy user may be asked to fold up to allow them to use it. TfL reserves the right to refuse travel if the driver considers that the buggy exceeds those dimensions, or that the bus is so crowded that there is no room to travel safely with a buggy. It adds that refusal will happen only when absolutely necessary and that no one already travelling will be asked to get off (Transport for London, “Conditions of Carriage for Bus, Tube, Tram, DLR, London Overground and Elizabeth line Services”).
The Conditions also say that, where possible, passengers with a buggy must board at the front of the bus, though the centre doors may be used with the driver’s permission. An unfolded buggy should be positioned safely within the designated area during the journey and must not be placed in the aisle.
What TfL’s buggy guidance adds
TfL’s “Getting around with your buggy” page says all London bus routes are served by low-floor, wheelchair-accessible buses, and that drivers can lower the bus so it is level with the kerb. It advises folding the buggy if it is too wide for the doors and aisle. Double buggy users may board through the back exit doors, but should check with the driver first. When a wheelchair user is not using the wheelchair space, buggy users can use it on a first come, first served basis, but should share the space, fold or move if a wheelchair user wishes to board. TfL says a passenger who chooses to leave the bus in that situation may be able to use its Hopper fare to board the next bus at no cost (Transport for London, “Getting around with your buggy”).
The same page includes general safety advice for all transport: make sure the child is securely fastened, keep the brake on whenever the buggy is stationary, never leave it unattended, and consider getting on and off backwards, especially where there is a step.
Tube and rail
According to TfL, most Tube trains have multipurpose areas suitable for buggies, with the exceptions of the Central, Waterloo & City and Bakerloo lines. Many trains also have wheelchair spaces that buggy users may use if available but must give up when needed by a wheelchair user. TfL advises using a lift wherever one is available, taking extra care on escalators, not rushing when doors are closing, and being careful of steps into the train. It also warns about thin grooves in the door runners on some trains, especially where a pushchair has thin wheels.
Escalators: a firm rule for doubles and tandems
Under the Conditions of Carriage, a buggy can be taken on rail services at any time, including on moving escalators. A double or tandem buggy, however, must be folded before using a moving escalator, and if it cannot be folded it must not be used on one. The Conditions say a lift should be used rather than a moving escalator where available. Passengers may also be asked to fold a folding buggy, and items must be ones the passenger can carry unaided, including on stairs and escalators. Staff at stations may help carry buggies on stairs, TfL says, but they are not always able to, and will ask passengers to carry the child and fold the buggy.
Other TfL services
- Taxis: TfL says all taxis have an intermediate step and a ramp to help with buggies, and drivers should be asked to provide it.
- River services: buggies are welcome on Thames Clippers River Bus services, boarded by ramp, and the crew help find a safe place; a buggy is folded only if necessary.
- London Cable Car: folding buggies are permitted if not placed on seats and if they do not block gangways, lifts or passages.
What TfL recommends when buying
TfL’s page “Best buggies for public transport” sets out three considerations for a buyer who expects to use the network:
- Size: small and compact both standing and folded, so it can pass through buses, share the wheelchair priority space with wheelchair users, other buggies, trolleys, mobility aids or assistance dogs, and fit into station lifts.
- Foldability: space is sometimes limited on services, so a buggy that is easy to fold is preferable.
- Weight, comfort and manoeuvrability: a buggy may need to be lifted onto trains and carried up and down steps, so it should be lightweight, and safe, with good balance, suspension and manoeuvrability (Transport for London, “Best buggies for public transport”).
A quick pre-purchase check
- Measure the unfolded width and length of the pushchair against 70 cm and 120 cm.
- Try folding it one-handed and one-person, in the shop, as it may be needed in a crowded carriage.
- If choosing a double or tandem, remember it cannot be used on a moving escalator unless folded.
- Weigh the folded buggy against how far it may need to be carried. Our guide to pushchair weight and portability looks at this in more detail.
The bottom line
On TfL services in London, buses accept buggies up to 70 cm wide and 120 cm long unfolded, wheelchair and mobility scooter users have priority for the wheelchair space, and unfolded buggies must stay out of the aisle. Double and tandem buggies must be folded to use a moving escalator, and lifts are preferred. TfL’s own buying advice is to choose a buggy that is compact, easy to fold and light, with good balance and manoeuvrability.