If you think London Transport Museum is just about trains and buses, David Bashi would like a word.
David has worked at the museum for more than 25 years, starting out in the shop before moving into talks, tours and visitor experiences. In other words, he’s seen how people really explore this place – what they rush past, what they linger over and where the best stories are hiding.
I meet up with him to get the low-down.
In this article, we’ll cover:
- Insider knowledge to change how you see the museum
- The one thing most visitors do wrong
- David’s faves from the world of transport
- The hidden objects and details most people walk straight past
- How transport shaped London’s design, art and everyday life
- Practical tips for visiting
The ‘why’ behind the top-down layout
One thing David explains straight away is why visitors are directed to the top floor to begin their visit – and it’s not just for dramatic effect.
“The story works best when you follow how the city and transport grow together,” he tells me.
You start with how London moved before modern transport existed, then watch the city expand as railway and underground networks appear, electrify and modernise.
On the top floor, we find ourselves in a surprisingly small city. London’s population once hovered around one million; you could even walk from one end to the other in about an hour, and for centuries, there was only a single bridge crossing the Thames.
River travel rules here – until horses, steam and sheer impatience change everything.
“This is one of my favourite sections,” David says, pointing to the early road transport displays. “You can actually sit inside the horse-drawn omnibuses – the original ‘bus for everyone’.” David’s Latin is better than mine.
Once I’m inside, he gives the bus a gentle shake and I wobble around on the seat.
“Now imagine what a 45-minute journey from Bank to Paddington felt like… on uneven cobblestones, with around 30 people squashed in here.” Yeah… yikes!
Suddenly, today’s bus rides don’t seem quite so bumpy.
You can't say they weren't travelling in style, even if it was super bumpy!
Digging deeper
As you move down through the floors, the story deepens – literally.
Steam railways arrive, the world’s first underground railway is born, and London begins expanding beyond its historic core. Go lower still and electric trains, lifts and escalators appear, transforming not just how people travel, but how deep underground the city can function.
On our way down, David points out one of the most overlooked moments of the visit: the first-floor mezzanine bridge.
It leads to the museum’s temporary exhibition space, but it also offers the best viewpoint in the building – a sweeping look across the Grand Hall and multiple museum floors at once.
“If you want the best view of the whole museum, that’s the place,” he says.
And I have to agree, it’s a great moment to pause and take everything in – past, present and design all layered together – before continuing your journey through London’s transport history.
Favourite vehicles? The ones that started it all.
When I ask David to pick a favourite vehicle in the museum, he laughs.
“It’s very difficult,” he admits, the diplomatic answer.
But a few do stand out… when I don’t let him off the hook.
“One of my favourites has to be the original steam locomotive from the first underground line, it’s the only surviving one in the UK that was actually used underground.”
You can actually step inside the carriages attached to it, which reveals something surprising: early underground travel looks far more luxurious than you might expect. Plush velvet seating, elegant interiors… frankly, the vibes are much fancier than most modern commutes.
David also has a soft spot for the even earlier horse buses and omnibuses.
“They represent the moment transport started to become something much more accessible for everyone, not just the wealthy.”
That idea – transport for all – quietly runs through the entire museum.
An engine that started it all
Where transport meets design
If there’s one area David strongly recommends visitors spend time in, it’s the art and design galleries.
Transport in London doesn’t just move people – it has helped shape how the city looks and feels.
Under visionary leaders like Frank Pick, the Tube becomes a masterclass in branding long before the word “branding” even exists.
“I’m a big fan of art history, so the posters are a particular favourite of mine.”
And the collection really is a visual journey.
Early illustrated posters evolve into bold modernist designs and elegant Art Deco graphics. They aren’t just adverts – they sell the idea of leisure, suburbs, culture and escape, all while reflecting the artistic styles of their time.
Hidden gems most visitors walk straight past
I ask David what people most often miss, and he doesn’t hesitate.
“The small stuff.”
Tucked into drawers, cases and corners are objects that tell quieter stories – and they’re often the most fascinating.
“Look out for the tiny copper tokens used as tickets on the very first railway line.” They’re easy to miss unless you look closely.
David has a practical tip for looking at them.
“Shine a torch or your phone light into the display case, and you’ll really see the ornate details on there.” He’s not wrong.
But that’s not the only hidden gem to keep an eye out for.
Don’t miss:
-
Fossil-pattern upholstery inside some carriages (a precursor to the line-specific seat patterns we sit on today)
-
Long fabric bus blinds that drivers once manually rolled to change the destination display
-
Early licence badges worn by horse-bus drivers and ferrymen – turns out, licenses being on display is not a new rule
-
Grab handles that doubled as advertising space – yes, you could once hold onto a Creme Egg on your morning commute
David’s advice?
Open drawers. Read the labels. If something looks like it might open up or pull out… it probably does.
Bet you never thought about how this was done before?
Quick-fire transport faves
With decades of transport knowledge, I’m sure David has some opinions.
Favourite underground station?
“Piccadilly Circus,” he says. “Not for the crowds, but because it hides layers of history in plain sight.”
Original tiling, signage and early Tube design features overlap if you know where to look.
Favourite Tube line?
“Definitely not the Central line,” he laughs, and I obviously agree.
Instead, the Victoria line gets his vote: fast, efficient, and packed with station-specific artwork from various eras and unique design details.
Tours, talks and how to get the most out of your visit
David is a big advocate for the museum’s tours and talks. They’re included with entry and offer a great way to dive deeper into what’s on display.
“Tours let us really tell the stories, celebrate the achievements and properly bring the collection to life.”
They run on a first-come, first-served basis, so check the screens or ask staff when you arrive to find out what’s on that day.
I couldn't agree more, hearing from guides and volunteers really brings the collection to life in a whole new way!
All aboard!
London Transport Museum isn’t just about how London gets from A to B.
It’s about how the city has grown, who it’s built for, and how design, engineering and everyday life collide underground.
With walk-inside vehicles, brilliant storytelling and a selection of tours included, it’s one of those museums that really rewards curiosity – especially if you follow David’s advice.
Start at the top.
Slow down.
And don’t skip the little details.
That’s where the magic is.
Enjoyed this spiffing spot of London?
Take your trip to the next level with our complete guide to London Transport Museum or check out our local expert’s tips and must-sees, all filled with visitor hacks and money-saving tips.
With The London Pass®, you can skip the stress and save big on London attraction tickets and choose from must-see attractions, tours and experiences, all with one easy-to-use pass.
🎡 Don't explore London without this
💰 How much can you really save in London?
