Anyone who has wrangled a toddler, a buggy and a wheelie case through a Tube station knows why families lean towards a transfer for the airport run. Done right, a pre-booked car turns the hardest leg of the trip into the easiest: collected from your door, the correct child seats already fitted, everything in one vehicle, and a driver who helps with the bags. Here's how to set it up.
01 / CAR SEATSGetting the right seats fitted
The most important step is requesting the correct child seats in advance. When you book, give each child's age and weight so the right type is provided:
- Infant carriers for babies.
- Child seats for toddlers and young children.
- Booster seats for older children.
Child seat rules differ between private hire cars and taxis, and there are some exemptions in licensed vehicles — but an appropriate seat is always the safest way for a child to travel. Booking the seats ahead means they're fitted and ready, and the vehicle is sized to fit them.
02 / PRAMS & BUGGIESWhere the buggy goes
A folded pram or buggy travels in the luggage space, so flag it when you book — it counts toward boot room alongside your cases. For a typical family travelling with suitcases and a buggy, this is the moment an MPV earns its place: there's space for the pram, the bags and the child seats without anything having to be left behind or wedged on a lap.
03 / THE RIGHT VEHICLESizing it for the family
Match the vehicle to the family and the kit, not just the headcount:
04 / WHY DOOR-TO-DOORThe case for skipping the train with kids
With children, the advantages of a transfer stack up quickly:
- No changes. One car from your door to the terminal — no escalators, platform gaps or lugging a buggy up stairs.
- Everything in one place. Kids, seats, buggy and bags together, not spread across a crowded carriage.
- Fixed fare, per car. A family of four pays one price, not four train fares, and there's no surge if you're travelling early for a flight.
- Flight tracking on the way back. Coming home, the driver tracks your flight, so tired children aren't left waiting after a delay.
Booking checklist for families: each child's age and weight (for seats), whether you're bringing a buggy, your luggage, and your terminal. Share those four things and the right vehicle with the right seats is sorted before you leave home.
05 / SMOOTH JOURNEYSmall things that help with kids
- Build in a buffer — children add unpredictability; an earlier pickup beats a stressful dash.
- Keep essentials to hand — snacks, water, wipes and a favourite toy in a small bag, not the boot.
- Confirm the terminal so the driver meets you in the right place on return.
- Ask about waiting on the return leg, so a slow exit with tired kids isn't rushed.
06 / FAQFrequently asked questions
Can I get a child seat in a Heathrow transfer?
Yes. Request infant, child or booster seats when you book, telling us each child's age and weight, and the correct seats are fitted in advance. Book these ahead so the right vehicle and seats are allocated.
Do I have to use a car seat in a private hire car?
Rules differ between private hire vehicles and taxis, with some exemptions in licensed vehicles, but an appropriate seat is always the safest choice. Pre-booking a transfer with the right seats fitted is the simplest way to travel safely.
Can I bring a pram or buggy?
Yes — a folded pram or buggy travels in the luggage space. Mention it when booking so there's room alongside your cases; for a family with luggage and a buggy, an MPV is usually comfortable.
What's the best vehicle for a family to Heathrow?
For two adults and two children with luggage and a buggy, an MPV is usually ideal. Larger families may prefer an V Class. Tell us your party and gear and we'll advise.
Is it cheaper than the train for a family?
Often, yes — a transfer is one fixed fare for the car, versus separate train fares for each traveller plus the hassle of changes with children and luggage.
Will the driver help with the buggy and bags?
Yes — your driver helps load and unload the buggy and luggage at both ends, so you can focus on the children.
Time Matters
Family trip to Heathrow? We'll bring the right seats
Door-to-door family transfers with child seats fitted, room for the buggy and a fixed fare with no surge. Tell us the ages and we'll sort the rest.