The Best Travel Strollers We’ve Tested on Airplanes, Trains, & Road Trips Around the World

To test the travel strollers on our list, we enlisted parents and caregivers on our staff to put them to use both in the lab, at home, and on their trips near and far. While testing, they considered the following attributes:

• Ease of Assembly: While timing themselves, our testers assembled their strollers, following the manufacturer’s instructions as needed. They noted how easy or difficult the process was and if they needed special tools or help from another adult.
• Design: Our testers paid close attention to features that made the stroller comfortable for a baby and helpful for a parent, such as a five-point safety harness, reclining seat, adequate padding, ample storage, cup holder, and a sun canopy.
• Durability: To make sure a stroller was durable, each tester dropped their stroller from table height onto the floor and inspected it closely for any damage.
• Maneuverability: Whether pushing a baby or 25-pound sandbag, each tester took their stroller for a brisk walk, making sure to push it over various surfaces, bumps, up and down stairs, and around tight turns. And while at home and family vacation they paid attention to how their strollers handled the various terrain.
• Ease of Folding: When collapsing their stroller, our testers noted whether or not they could do so with one hand (sometimes while holding a baby in the other), if they had to empty the storage basket before doing so, and if it stood upright when folded.
• Portability: After folding, testers used the bag, strap, handle, or bar to determine how easily they could carry their stroller. They also noted whether or not it fit into an overhead bin and how easy it was to pack it into the trunk of a car.
• Value: After considering each attribute, our testers gave their honest opinion on their stroller’s overall value. Specifically, they shared if they thought it would last a decent amount of time, if it lived up to their expectations, and if they would pay full price for the stroller or wait until it goes on sale.

  How to Choose Your Travel Stroller

  

  • Consider How and Where You’ll Be Traveling: Before purchasing a travel stroller, parents should consider the types of destinations they plan to visit. If you will be traveling by plane, choose a stroller that folds up easily and fits into an overhead bin. If you plan to do lots of walking over various surfaces, one that has excellent maneuverability and all-wheel suspension will serve both you and your child well. If you plan to be on the go a lot throughout your travels, consider a stroller that has a padded, reclining seat, wide, extendable sun shade, and ample storage, so that your baby will be comfortable and you can store all your necessities for the day.
  • Look at Folded Size and Weight: Consider how easy it will be to carry the stroller (does it have a shoulder strap or handle?), if it stands up when folded, and if it will fit in the trunk of a car or overhead bin of an airplane.
  • Your Budget: Every family’s budget is different and an important factor to consider when buying a travel stroller. Ultimately, as long as your stroller has a comfortable seat, five-point safety harness, sun shade, and a place to store your baby’s things, he or she will have everything they need.

    How to Use Travel Strollers Safely

    While strollers are generally safe to use, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reminds parents that injuries can happen when they’re not used correctly.1 When choosing a travel stroller, the AAP recommends parents take the following precautions:

    • Safety Standards: Buy a stroller that was manufactured in the past few years. If it was made before 2014, check the Consumer Product Safety Commission to see if it’s been recalled.
    • Harness: Always secure your child according to the manufacturer’s instructions by using the safety harness—ideally, a five-point safety harness.
    • Brake: If your stroller has removable wheels, make sure that they are securely installed before using it. Whenever the stroller is parked, always use the brake to ensure it doesn’t roll away.
    • Age & Weight Guidelines: Wendy Hunter, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and host of The Pediatrician Next Door, tells Parents that travel strollers are safe for infants as long as they meet the manufacturer’s height and weight guidelines. “It’s safe for babies to use a front-facing reclined stroller when they are about 3 months old,” Dr. Hunter says. “They can be seated in a more upright stroller around 6 months.” You should also avoid letting children sleep in the stroller—especially if they’re younger than 4 months old because they have a higher risk of suffocation.
    • Storage: “Check that the stroller doesn’t fall over when you hang items on the back,” says Dr. Hunter. You can do this by keepingheavy items (diaper bags, purses, or backpacks) in the storage basket under the seat. Avoid hanging anything from the handlebars to prevent the stroller from tipping over.

    

    Why We Like It
    When asked to share her experience with the Joolz Aer+ stroller, our lab tester gave one word: “WOW!” She was impressed with how quick it was to assemble (just two minutes) and loved the overall design. Even when loaded with a 25-pound sandbag or squirmy toddler, this stroller glides around with ease. We could smoothly turn corners while using just one hand and that the wheels had excellent shock absorption. Perhaps her greatest compliment for this stroller, however, was about how effortless it was to fold up. Whether you’re about to board an airplane or hop on the tram at Disneyland, you won’t have to worry about how quickly you can fold up your stroller with the Joolz Aer+.

    Portability
    Not only did we find this super easy to fold one-handed in the lab, but our real world testing parent can’t stop telling us how much she loves this feature. She even impressed all the nurses and patients at the pediatrician’s office with a demo.

    But Take Note
    This stroller has plenty of positives, but it is expensive. It’s also not suitable for newborns without the additional purchase of a bassinet.

    The Details
    Size open: 32.7 x 17.7 x 41.5 in
    Size folded: 21 x 17.7 x 8.5 in
    Weight: 13.2 lbs
    Age range/weight limit: 6 months to 4 years

    

    Why We Like It

    At just under $200, this stroller is the most affordable option on our list. But don’t get it twisted—a lower price doesn’t mean lower quality. In testing, this stroller was a top performer across several categories, including ease of use, ease of folding, durability, maneuverability, portability, and, of course, value. Our tester easily gate-checked this stroller on a flight, then used it as her family’s mobile storage unit and “baby station.” The stroller performed well on a variety of terrains (including sand!) across the resort and held a ton of bags, making it a “huge win for ease of travel.”

    Even when hustling from activity to activity, the stroller remained stable. Our tester’s 8-month-old was able to sleep comfortably since the ride was so smooth. And, perhaps an equally important test of stability when traveling, our tester’s husband “even ran at full speed with a stemmed glass of wine in the cupholder, and not a single drop was spilled. It was incredible.”

    Another aspect we loved about the stroller is its ease of use. The product was fully assembled in less than five minutes, according to our tester mom. The folding mechanism was incredibly simple, too. “I could write a love letter all about the ease of folding this stroller. This is where this stroller shines,” our tester mom says. “It’s super intuitive and easy to accomplish with one hand, and it stands itself up after it folds itself up.”

    Portability

    This stroller passed our portability test with flying colors. We were able to safely gate check it before a flight, without any hassle. “I got a comment from another mom on the trip who saw the auto-fold move in action when I gate-checked the stroller, asking for the name of the stroller,” our tester says.

    If you prefer a road trip instead, the stroller fits perfectly in a trunk as well. And at just 13 pounds, it’s light enough to load up in a trunk and pull it out without feeling like you’re going to collapse. It’s so convenient to travel with it that our tester says it’s her go-to for solo travel with the kids.

    But Take Note

    It would be nice if the canopy had a peekaboo window for parents to better keep an eye on their baby.

    The Details

    • Size open: 27 x 20.5 x 43  in
    • Size folded: 43.5 x 12 x 8 in
    • Weight: 13.2 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: Newborn to 50 lbs

    

    Why We Like It

    If you’re planning a family road trip, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 is a great choice. It takes up considerably less room than a standard stroller does and slides easily into a trunk or backseat. Though it may be compact in size, the City Tour 2 is quite sturdy and moves well. In testing, it performed just as well as some of our top picks while cruising over bumps and around tight turns. We really liked how well it did over gravel. Best of all, it’s built to keep kids comfortable. It reclines far with an adjustable calf rest, has extra padding around the straps, and has a generous sun canopy with a peekaboo window to check on your kiddo.

    Portability

    This 14.5-pound stroller comes with a handy carrying bag, which makes transporting it to and from the car a piece of cake.

    But Take Note

    Though it slides into a car like a dream, this stroller doesn’t fit into an overhead bin. It isn’t the best looking, either.

    The Details

    • Size open: 33 x 23 x 40 in
    • Size folded: 6.8 × 16.9 × 21.6 in
    • Weight: 14.3 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: Up to 45 lbs and 41 in tall

    

    Why We Like It

    When our tester used this stroller for a three-week trip to Europe, her primary concern was how easy it was to travel with. Thankfully, the Cybex Coya did not disappoint. Our tester told Parents that the Coya folded down into an “extremely compact” size that fit in the overhead bin of the airplane and inside the trunk of small European cars. “That was a huge win and made travel SO easy!” she said. “It really made our life as a stressed, traveling adult very easy.”

    We also really like that this stroller is designed with your baby’s comfort in mind, no matter the weather. First, it has a padded insert that will keep your baby warm in cold weather. When removed, the mesh backrest allows lots of airflow, and the extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy protects kids from the hot sun.

    Portability

    Our tester loved that the Coya’s cushioned carrying strap was long enough to fit over her shoulder, which made it really easy to carry onto an airplane or run through the train station with multiple bags.

    But Take Note

    While it may be considered a minor detail, parents should keep in mind that the handlebar on this stroller is not adjustable. Also, the seat is always slightly reclined, which can make it harder for kiddos to look out and about when they’re seated.

    The Details

    • Size open: 31.1 x 17.3 x 38.2 in
    • Size folded: 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in
    • Weight: 14.6 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: 6 months up to 55 lbs

    

    Why We Like It

    We were big fans of the Minu V2, so it’s no surprise that the Minu V3 became another favorite of ours. Just like its predecessor, the Minu V3 has excellent maneuverability and shock absorption. “We used this up hills, on grass, on pavement, and for full day trips, and never was there an issue with the stroller.” In addition to its incredibly smooth ride, our tester also loved how easy to use this stroller is. It folds down with one hand and even stands on its own while folded. You can also wear it as a bag since it comes with a strap.

    Portability

    Our tester family loved using this stroller on both a flight and in a packed car to and from the airport. This is because the stroller folds down compactly. “We were able to take it on the plane, and it fits perfectly in the overhead bin, with room to spare. On one flight, the flight attendant even put someone’s bag on top of the stroller to fit more in the bin,” our tester says.

    When driving a luggage-filled car, our tester family initially worried about where to fit the stroller. But after folding it down, it was small enough to fit in the seat’s footwell without cutting into our tester parent’s legroom.

    But Take Note

    At $500, this stroller is on the pricier side, but not unreasonable. However, accessories like cupholders and snack trays are sold separately, which can drive up the price quite a bit.

    The Details

    • Size open: 27 x 20.5 x 43  in
    • Size folded: 43.5 x 12 x 8 in
    • Weight: 13.2 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: Newborn to 50 lbs

    

    Why We Like It

    The Nuna Trvl is a luxurious travel stroller whose comfort, functionality, and efficiency rival that of an everyday stroller. We knew we were in for a treat when we saw that it comes in colors like “caviar” and “hazelwood.” Just like you’d expect from a luxury car, this stroller had one of the smoothest rides out of any that we tested and is covered in high-end finishes.  “All the materials feel really luxurious,” our tester shared. “The padding is very soft—like memory foam—and the handles and bumper bar [are covered in] faux leather.”

    We also love that this stroller is equipped with a water-repellant, UPF 50+ canopy that provides ample shade and multiple mesh windows that open with ease. It also fits into the overhead bin of most planes and has an under-seat compartment that is large enough to fit a backpack or diaper bag, which is a big plus for traveling.

    Portability

    Aside from looking good, this stroller is also really practical. It’s super easy to fold one handed and felt very light when carrying it around—even though you have to carry it by the bumper bar because it doesn’t have a shoulder strap.

    But Take Note

    If you’re in a hurry—which parents often are in an airport—you may find that the bumper bar can be a pain to put on and take off.

    The Details

    • Size open: 20.25 x 32.5 x 44 in
    • Size folded: 20.25 x 24 x 11 in
    • Weight: 13.6 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: Up to 50 lbs

    

    Why We Like It

    We loved the luxe feeling of this double stroller. The handlebar and other finishes are made with high-quality materials, including sustainable vegan leather and soft jersey fabrics made from recycled items. This luxurious feel doesn’t stop at the seats either. There’s a ton of padding and adjustable footrests, making for a comfortable ride for little ones. We also love that each seat can recline independently, so one kid can nap while the other sits upright. There are also two massive UPF 50+ canopies that add to the overall comfort.

    Despite its larger size as a double stroller, it’s surprisingly easy to maneuver. “One thing that immediately stood out to me is how lightweight the stroller is for a double stroller,” our tester mom says. “I was so impressed by how easy it is to push and maneuver!”

    Portability

    Since it’s a double stroller, it’s not a go-to for overhead bin storage during flights. However, at less than 20 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to put in and take out of a trunk. “It can be folded up compactly, making it easy for transport and traveling light,” our tester says.

    But Take Note

    The folding method didn’t initially seem intuitive to our tester. But her husband figured it out on his own, and after a few demos, everyone was able to get the hang of it.

    The Details

    • Size open: 27 x 31 x 42.5 in
    • Size folded: 9 x 31 x 24 in
    • Weight: 19.7 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: Newborn to 50 lbs

    

    Why We Like It

    The Quid stroller is lightweight and compact but doesn’t sacrifice maneuverability or stability. Our favorite thing about it is how easy it is to push around. It also has a one-touch foot brake, a multi-position recline, and a padded seat with an adjustable leg rest. It provides a comfortable ride, even during longer trips. “We used the stroller almost all day, every day on vacation for five straight days. Our daughter was comfortable and often napped in the stroller,” our testing parent told us.

    The large extendable UPF 50+ canopy has a peek-a-boo window so you can check in on your baby, and the ventilation window can be fully rolled up during warmer months to provide maximum airflow.

    Portability

    This is one of the lightest strollers on the list, and once folded, it stands independently and has a lock so your stroller doesn’t accidentally open. The stroller comes with a convenient storage bag, too.

    But Take Note

    The storage basket is also limited, with our testing mom saying, “It can hold our diaper caddy and a couple of children’s coats, but that is about it.” It also takes two hands to fold.

    The Details

    • Size open: 30 x 18.3 x 40.6 in
    • Size folded: 6.8 x 18.3 x 22.8 in
    • Weight: 13 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: 3 months – 50 lbs

    

    Why We Like It

    This stroller does it all, with top-notch shock absorption, durability, and value. We loved how easily the stroller handled difficult terrain. “We had to walk across various bumps and turns. The stroller seemed to handle that all well,” our tester says. “The tires have an all-wheel suspension. My little dude was not being thrown around like he would have been in his umbrella stroller.“

    However, our favorite feature of the stroller is how easily it folds. “It was a quick and easy process,” our tester raves. “I had to use two hands, but my husband could easily fold it with one.” When folded, it’s incredibly compact.

    Portability

    At less than 15 pounds and with an incredibly compact fold, this stroller was easy to transport. “I could carry the stroller with one hand,” our tester says. “I was able to lift the stroller myself into and out of my car.”

    But Take Note

    While a minor issue, the cupholder could have been a bit sturdier. Otherwise, our tester had no complaints.

    The Details

    • Size open: 43.5 x 21.25 x 37.75 in
    • Size folded:  26 x 21.25  x 12 in
    • Weight: 14.7 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: 2 months to 5 years

    

    Why We Like It

    At just 12 pounds, this is the lightest stroller on our list by over a pound. This is partially because the stroller is made with aluminum, a metal known for its incredible durability despite its light weight. Luckily, a stroller doesn’t need to weigh a million pounds to be stable and sturdy. “It seems very well-made and high quality,” our tester says.

    And while our tester toddler isn’t the biggest fan of strollers in general, the 2-year-old seemed comfy, even on long days. Our tester family was able to enjoy being at the zoo all day without the toddler fussing about the stroller much. That’s a win for any parent.

    Portability

    The stroller folds to a surprisingly compact size, making it easy to store in an overhead bin or trunk. It also comes with a free backpack-style carrier for added portability. “The backpack option is fantastic for hauling around, and because the stroller is so light-weight, I’m able to easily carry it on my back if necessary,” our tester remarks.

    But Take Note

    There’s a slight learning curve, when folding the stroller for the first time. “There is a bit of finagling when folding up the wheels,” our tester mentions. “However, overall, for a one piece stroller, it is great.“

    The Details

    • Size open: 17.5 x 32 x 39.5 in
    • Size folded: 17.5 x 9.75 x 19.75 in
    • Weight: 12 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: Newborn to 4 years

    

    Why We Like It

    We love that this stroller adds an element of play for little riders. The design features a pretend steering bar, similar to that of a scooter, that kids can pretend to steer. This makes sitting in the stroller a more engaging and exciting experience. “My toddler really likes using this for outings,” our tester mom says. “He loves using the steering wheel and thinks he’s in control of the stroller.” While our tester opted to use the steering bar as a toy, parents can also transition the stroller into tricycle mode, allowing the little one to control steering.

    “This stroller feels modular since you can add pedals and take off the leg rest for the trike mode or keep the leg rest on so your kiddo can stroll around in comfort,” she says. When your little one outgrows the stroller, they can continue to enjoy it as a functioning tricycle.

    Portability

    The stroller folds down to a remarkably compact size and even comes with a carrying bag for added convenience and portability. It fit perfectly in our tester’s trunk and would be convenient for air travel, though with a caveat. “You’ll need to pop off the two rear wheels to make the packing as compact as possible,” our tester warns. That way, the stroller will fit in the carrying bag even better, without wasting any space.

    But Take Note

    Folding the stroller for the first time isn’t very intuitive. Both of our tester parents struggled for a moment with the process before figuring it out. ”Once you get the hang of the multi-step process, it gets easier,“ our tester mom says.

    The Details

    • Size open: 30.51 x 21.06 x 41.33 in
    • Size folded: not listed
    • Weight: 16.3 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: 6 months to 4 years

    

     

    Why We Like It

    This stroller is incredibly versatile, handling a wide range of adventures with ease. Our tester mom used it with her two kids in a variety of situations, including browsing farmers markets, climbing stairs, going to restaurants, and taking walks in the park. Through it all, the stroller remained sturdy, easy to fold, and maneuverable, even in crowded spaces. It’s even comfortable enough for her little ones to sleep and eat in for as long as two hours without complaining. To sweeten the deal, the stroller has ample storage space, making it easy to bring a diaper bag while on the go. “I think the basket is really large and easy to access,” our tester raves.

    Portability

    The stroller is so lightweight, compact, and easy to fold that it quickly became our tester’s go-to for travel. “This fits very compactly in our trunk—I appreciate that it can live there and I still have space for groceries and miscellaneous kid stuff,” our tester says. “I love that I can fold it and pick it up while holding my 15-month-old.”

    But Take Note

    Accessories that many parents look for, such as cupholders or bumper bars, are sold separately. While that’s an inconvenience in itself, the biggest issue is the price of these accessories. For example, the cupholder is a whopping $50, while the bumper bar is $55. Given that the stroller costs nearly $600, it seems a little pricey to charge an additional $50 for a cupholder.

    The Details

    • Size open: 37.2 x 17.64 x 40.47 in
    • Size folded: 37.2 x 40.47 x 17.64 in
    • Weight: 16.1 lbs
    • Age range/weight limit: Newborn to 4 years

    Our Experts

    We interviewed the following health care experts to gain a better understanding of what parents should look for in a travel stroller and how to use one safely with their child:

    • Betty Choi, MD, a pediatrician, author, and mother of two
    • Wendy Hunter, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician and host of The Pediatrician Next Door

    Can You Take a Travel Stroller on the Plane?

    A travel stroller can make your excursions much more efficient and convenient. “Because families need to carry extra snacks, clothes, and other supplies while traveling with kids, a portable stroller can help lighten the overall luggage load,” says Dr. Choi, a California-based pediatrician, author, and mother of two. “If a stroller folds easily and feels light, it may help conserve your energy for carrying all of the other important things.”

    In order to be small, foldable, and light, many travel strollers sacrifice storage space, extra comfort accessories like leg rests or large canopies, and technical features like shock absorbers. For this reason, you may not want a travel stroller to be your main everyday stroller—at least not if you have a very small baby or walk through various terrain on a regular basis. But many parents, especially those with older toddlers, are happy using just one super compact set of wheels, and if that’s the case, a good travel stroller is absolutely worth your purchase.

    Is a Travel Stroller Worth It?

    If you want to check your stroller, most airlines won’t charge you for it.2 And most will also allow you to gate-check a folded stroller if you need it to get through the airport. Many of the compact strollers on this list are also advertised as fitting into overhead bins—which is a welcome option for those of us who dread getting to your destination only to discover your much-needed stroller is a mangled, ruined mess. If you choose to take your stroller as carry-on, that will count as your larger item. We tested the strollers in this list in a space the size of a standard overhead bin, but bin sizes vary by airplane. Policies also vary by airline, so always ask (and ask again!) before you fly. And still, come prepared with a storage bag in case the flight is overbooked and you’re asked to gate check anyway.

    

    Who We Are

    Sabrina Rojas Weiss is an associate editorial director at Parents and mother of a 12-year-old. She took her son’s Uppababy G-Luxe all over the country, and it survived many a baggage handler. She’s tossed a lot of strollers off tables to test durability (and work out some frustrations!) in the lab.

    With additional reporting by:

    Karell Roxas is a writer for Parents. She has two well-traveled kids (each took their first flights before their first birthdays) and has tested all types of baby gear, from stroller wagons to high chairs.

    Anja Webb is an associate editor at Parents. She has over eight years of editorial experience. Her educational background in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Studies allows her to provide a nuanced analysis of issues relevant to modern families.