Best Ways to Travel Without Car Seats With Kids
Why I Travel Without Car Seats
Traveling alone with two toddlers means I’m already managing a ton of gear in transit—a double stroller, diaper bag, and a carry-on suitcase. Adding two bulky car seats on top of that? No thanks!
While I choose to travel without car seats because it makes my trips so much easier, it does require extra planning. Without them, I have to figure out:
- How do we get from the airport to our hotel?
- How do we get around the city safely?
- What if we need to travel to another city?
If you’re a parent in the same situation, here’s a list of transportation options I’ve personally used that don’t require car seats—plus some things to consider before choosing the right one for your trip.
Note: Car seat safety is extremely important. I always follow local laws and only choose options that feel safe for my family. If you prefer to travel with car seats, check out these fantastic car seat courses from Where Is Briggs!
Car Seat-Free Transportation Options for Traveling Families
1. Renting a Car With Rented Car Seats
Best for: Families who want maximum flexibility in their destination.
Many rental car companies offer car seats for rent, so you don’t have to bring your own. When making a reservation, you can select infant, convertible, or booster seats depending on your child’s needs.
Pros:
- Freedom to explore at your own pace.
- No need to bring bulky car seats from home.
Cons:
- Can be expensive—car seats are usually charged per day, per seat.
- Availability isn’t always guaranteed—even if you reserved one!
My Experience:
We’ve rented cars with car seats successfully through Enterprise in both Miami and Orlando with no issues. However, I’ve heard from others that they’ve arrived in certain destinations to find no seats available despite reserving them in advance.
2. Private Car Services With Car Seats
Best for: Hassle-free airport transfers.
In most destinations, you can pre-book a private car service that includes car seats. These are my favorite airport transfers because they’re completely stress-free and convenient.
Pros:
- No need to install or bring a car seat.
- Door-to-door service—no navigating public transit with kids & luggage.
Cons:
- Can be particularly expensive, especially in places where car seats aren’t commonly requested.
- Not always easy to find—some destinations have limited options.
My Experience:
We frequently use a private car service to get to Walt Disney World, and we’ve also used one to travel between Fort Lauderdale and Miami airports.
3. Airport & Hotel Shuttles
Best for: Airport transfers & common routes.
Shuttle services typically don’t require car seats since they fall under public transportation laws. Depending on your location, you may find:
- Free hotel shuttles from the airport.
- Shared shuttle services.
- Cruise port shuttles.
My Experience:
We used a shared shuttle in Miami once to get from our hotel to Port Miami before a cruise.
4. Public Transportation (Trains, Buses, Subways, & Taxis)
Best for: Exploring big cities without a car.
Public transportation is usually car seat-free and often the easiest way to get around. This includes:
- Trains & subways
- City buses
- Taxis (in some locations!)
My Experience:
In both Montreal and London, we took taxis without car seats after checking local laws. Some cities do require car seats for taxis, so always check ahead before using this option!
5. Walking Everywhere
Best for: City stays with everything nearby.
If I can, I like to book hotels in walkable areas so we don’t need transportation at all once we arrive at our destination.
My Experience:
In Southampton, UK, we were able to walk from the bus terminal to our hotel and then from our hotel to the cruise port—no extra transportation required!
6. Destination-Specific Transportation
Best for: Theme parks and resorts with built-in transit.
Some destinations have their own transportation systems that don’t require car seats at all.
My Experience:
When we visit Walt Disney World, we exclusively use their transportation—buses, monorails, boats, and the Skyliner—all completely car seat-free!
Transportation That Typically Requires Car Seats
While the options above don’t require car seats, some transportation methods usually do:
1. Ride Shares (Uber & Lyft)
You’ll usually need your own car seat when using Uber & Lyft.
Some locations (like Walt Disney World) offer ride shares with at least one seat included , like Disney Minnie Van Service Connected by Lyft or Uber Car Seat, but it:
- Has a surcharge
- Is not guaranteed to be available
- Often only includes one car seat
2. Rides With Locals (Friends, Colleagues, etc.)
In most places, you’ll need car seats if riding in a private vehicle with a local resident.
Additional Considerations for Traveling Without Car Seats
Babywearing in Vehicles
If you’re traveling with a baby who can’t sit independently, you can hold them on your lap in most public transport situations (buses, trains, etc.). Babywearing can also make things easier when moving through crowded areas.
Portable Car Seat Alternatives
While I haven’t personally used one, some parents swear by products like the RideSafer Vest. It’s a portable harness that meets safety standards for older toddlers & young kids.
FAQ: Traveling Without Car Seats – Your Questions Answered
How do I handle luggage on public transportation?
I always choose transportation options that have space for luggage when traveling with our luggage in tow. This means buses with undercarriage storage, private transfers, or rental cars when necessary.
Personal Example: When we arrived in London, I was nervous about whether I’d be able to handle our luggage alongside the stroller on the train from Heathrow to our hotel, Residence Inn London Bridge. Since I wasn’t sure, I opted for a taxi instead—it was more expensive, but completely stress-free.
What should I look for when booking a hotel to avoid needing transportation?
– If I want an easy airport transfer, I look for hotels labeled as airport hotels—they’re the most likely to have shuttles available (but I always call to confirm).
– If I want to explore by foot, I use Google Maps to find a hotel within walking distance of major attractions.
– If I plan to use public transport, I choose a hotel near a subway, train, or bus station—especially in big cities like New York or London.
What if I’m traveling to a destination where these options don’t work?
If public transport isn’t an option, I’ll book a private driver or rental car.
Personal Example: My friend is traveling to the Sacred Valley in Peru soon and, instead of renting a car, she’s hiring a private driver for the entire trip to take her family to all the sites they want to visit.
Do these transportation options work internationally?
Yes! I’ve personally used these methods in multiple countries, but it’s important to check local laws before assuming car seats aren’t required.
Personal Examples:
– In Montreal and London, taxis didn’t require car seats (I checked local regulations first).
– In Peru, my friend booked a private driver instead of using public transit.
– In Southampton, I planned my hotel so we could walk from the bus station to our cruise port—no extra transport needed!
Final Thoughts: Is It Possible to Travel Without Car Seats?
Absolutely! If you plan ahead and choose the right transportation, you can safely navigate your trip without lugging car seats around.
Key Takeaways:
- Rental cars and private car services are great for flexibility.
- Public transport and walking-friendly locations make travel easy.
- Airport shuttles and specialty transit are often the simplest options.
Traveling solo with kids is already a challenge—this guide will help you make it easier!