car seat travel bag reviews

Car Seat Travel Bag Options (2024 Reviews)

Want to get more personal advice? Join our  new Facebook group !

Sharing is caring!

This article about car seat travel bag options is written by certified Child Passenger Safety Technician Melissa Conn and may contain affiliate links.

When you’re trying to figure out how to carry your car seat through the airport, one popular option to consider is a car seat travel bag. While it may seem like another thing to lug around with you, a car seat bag can be really handy when you’re juggling a kid, a stroller and a suitcase.

After reading this article, you’ll understand the different features to look for in a car seat bag for travel and how to pick the right one for your family (and your car seat).

Car Seat Travel Bag Quick Picks

What should you look for when choosing a car seat bag for travel? Here are a few details to consider:

• Best travel car seat backpack for convertible car seats: YOREPEK Car Seat Travel Bag with Wheels
• Best infant car seat travel bag: SCTEL Car Seat Travel Bag for Airplane
• Best booster seat travel bag: Birdee Backless Booster Seat Travel Bag

Car Seat Bag Features

Sizing/shape.

There are four basic sizes of car seat bags: infant car seat, convertible/all-in-one car seat, booster seat and generic.

An infant car seat travel bag for flying is generally shaped like an infant car seat: long and low. While some of them may be specific to one brand of seat, in reality most of them are compatible with other infant car seats since they’re all roughly the same size and shape.

A travel car seat bag meant for a convertible or all-in-one car seat is typically tall and wider at the base than at the top. Again, many car seats will fit this type of bag though there’s much more size variation than among infant car seats. Some of the biggest carseat bag options can even accommodate two stacked compact car seats or a car seat and a backless booster seat.

While you can technically put a highback booster seat in one of these bags, you may run into an issue if it’s the type that can convert into a backless booster – many of these can easily tilt out of the “locked” position when you’re moving them around.

A booster seat travel bag is a much smaller than the others and is meant to help you carry a backless booster seat without using your hands.

Finally there are some generic car seat airplane bag options that are glorified nylon laundry bags. They’re big and don’t have a contoured shape, so you can fit anything in them.

Wheels vs No Wheels

One of the biggest decisions when choosing a car seat travel bag is whether or not to get one with wheels. A bag with wheels will save your back and be much, much easier to transport through the airport and beyond. However, it takes up much more space when it’s not in use.

A car seat bag without wheels is much lighter and many of them fold up to be very small when they aren’t in use. They’re also generally less expensive!

Carry Style

You’ll want to look closely at how a travel car seat bag is actually carried. Backpack straps that distribute weight evenly are much better than a single shoulder strap, but adding an adjustable hip belt or waist strap is even better!

But if you’re carrying a full sized car seat in any backpack, prepare for your center of gravity to be behind you and for it to generally feel awkward due to the height of today’s car seats.

For a car seat bag with wheels, you’ll want to check the type of handle to make sure it’ll be comfortable to pull. Some of these have backpack straps as well, which can be handy if you’re in a tight space or will need to walk on uneven sidewalks with your car seat.

A car seat carrier bag’s job is to make it easy for you to lug your heavy seat around, but sometimes you’re also looking for the bag to protect your seat from dirt or damage.

In general, there are some good reasons to avoid checking a car seat . But if you have to check – whether at the gate or with baggage – you may want to consider a padded bag for a little bit of extra protection. It’s still not a guarantee and I’ve seen some bags that were absolutely destroyed along with the seats inside, so YMMV. Note that most bags say that they are not designed for checking with luggage.

If you’re just using the bag to carry your car seat through the airport and you intend to use your car seat on the plane, padding isn’t critical.

By warranty, I don’t mean the bag’s warranty – it’s a bag. Who cares if it takes some damage while protecting the valuable item inside!

But some car seat manufacturers are not providing guarantees that their travel bags will protect their seats. If the car seat gets damaged when it’s checked inside the designated bag, the manufacturer will take care of it! Though these bags are higher priced than their generic counterparts, you can think of it like having an insurance policy on your very expensive car seat.

It’s very important that you weigh the higher price point of these “insured” travel car seat bags versus what’s inside. If you’re traveling with a $60 car seat, there’s no sense in buying a $300 bag!

Best Car Seat Travel Bags for Convertible Car Seats/Booster Seats

Yorepek car seat travel backpack.

For a simple, affordable option I recommend the YOREPEK Car Seat Travel Bag . It hits all the key points for a car seat backpack: lightweight, fits a convertible car seat, padded shoulder straps, has an adjustable waist strap and it folds down to a very compact size when it’s not in use.

There isn’t much padding on the back, and most parents that I see using this style of bag carry them too low so that the bottom of the car seat is hanging down low on their bodies. Try to carry “high”, with the waist belt of the car seat sitting on top of your hips. You can also order this carseat backpack for comparison – it doesn’t have as much internal padding for the car seat but it does have more padding on the lower back.

This is a good choice for a Cosco Scenera Next travel bag since it’s lightweight, inexpensive and simple – much like the Scenera itself!

Looxii Car Seat Backpack

On the surface, the Looxii Car Seat Backpack looks really similar to the YOREPEK car seat bag… and if I’m being honest they’re probably being made in the same factory by the same people. But the few extra dollars gets you a nice additional feature.

The Looxi car seat backpack for airplanes gives you a second way to transport it through the airport! They’ve built in a strap system that attaches to your carry-on suitcase, similar to this product . That can be unwieldy in some situations, but it’s wonderful to have the flexibility versus only being able to carry the car seat on your back.

YOREPEK Car Seat Travel Bag with Wheels

Do you love the sound of the backpacks above but wish they had wheels? Thankfully you can grab the YOREPEK Car Seat Travel Bag with Wheels without spending an arm and a leg! It offers the same backpack straps, but adds four spinner wheels to the bottom. The wheels and extra structure add another pound of weight, but I think it’s well worth the trade-off.

The bag is about 28″ tall and just has the grab handle on top for pulling it, so you may want to consider a “leash” of some sort if you’re taller.

If you need a Graco car seat travel bag for a convertible car seat like the Extend2Fit, this is a good choice.

Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag

If you’re a frequent flyer and need a really durable car seat bag with wheels, the Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag should fit the bill! The features are largely the same as the Yorepek wheeled car seat bag but it has a reinforced rubberized base and very durable fabric. There’s also a handy slot to tuck the backpack straps in when you’re pulling it along, which is nice so that they don’t get stuck under the wheels and fray.

The dimensions are the same as the Yorepek so tall parents may want to use a leash to pull it – otherwise you might have to bend awkwardly to keep your hand on it.

Pro tip: get it for 20% off when you use coupon ALBEE20.

Best Infant Car Seat Travel Bag

While you can use one of the car seat airplane bag options above for an infant car seat, the shape is so different that realistically you’re better off with a purpose-built bag – especially if you’ll be carrying it on your back.

YOREPEK Infant Car Seat Travel Bag

Again, YOREPEK comes through with their Infant Car Seat Travel Bag ! This padded carseat travel bag is meant to be carried by its handle or as a backpack depending on which version you buy. It’s shaped to accommodate a typical infant car seat, though the description specifically mentions the Nuna Pipa/Pipa Lite RX, Uppababy Mesa and Chicco Keyfit 30.

If you own a heavier seat (like the Mesa or Keyfit) you can consider a lightweight infant car seat for travel like the Century Carry On 35 – it’s very inexpensive but also long-lasting.

This bag is not intended to hold the infant car seat base. It’s not generally necessary to fly with it, as nearly every infant car seat can be installed without the base.

SCTEL Car Seat Travel Bag for Airplane

Want to fly with your infant car seat base? Pick up the SCTEL Car Seat Travel Bag for Airplane instead. It has a deeper shape that’s purpose-built to accommodate the base attached to the infant car seat.

Read the description carefully, as there are two different sizes and the correct one depends on which seat and which base you have. For example if you’re looking for a Graco car seat travel bag you’ll need the larger size if you have the SnugFit series with an anti-rebound bar on the base while the seats with a more compact base can use the smaller bag. Likewise, the smaller size works as a Chicco Keyfit travel bag (both the 22lb and 30lb modes) but the larger size is better as a Chicco Keyfit 35 travel bag.

Because most infant car seat bases weigh close to 10lbs, this infant car seat bag comes with wheels so you can pull it through the airport.

Nuna Pipa Travel Bag

If you own a Nuna Pipa car seat of any type and plan to check it when you’re flying with a lap baby , you’ll definitely want to take a long hard look at the Nuna Pipa car seat travel bag . It looks pretty darn similar to the generic options above and can be carried as a backpack or by the handles (which I don’t recommend if you have the base in there, as it gets really heavy).

But the magic is in the details. If your car seat is damaged while it’s checked in this bag, Nuna will cover your car seat under warranty. You just have to register your car seat and the bag before your trip and you’ll get an extra year of coverage under their Nuna Boarding Pass program.

Uppababy MESA Family Travel Bag

Similarly, you can buy the Uppababy MESA Family travel bag to protect your Uppababy MESA infant car seat and extend its warranty when checked through the TravelSafe program.

While the MESA travel car seat bag doesn’t offer the option to carry as a backpack (which would be nice since it’s very heavy for an infant car seat), it has a different trick up its sleeve. The bag has a zippered panel on the bottom to extend the base down if you bring the car seat base with you, or you can keep the panel tucked away for a more compact profile if you’re just bringing the car seat.

Best Booster Seat Travel Bag

Flying with a booster seat is definitely easier than with a car seat in many ways, as they’re usually lighter and easier to transport! Here are some ideas for transporting your booster seat through the airport and beyond.

J.L. Childress Go-Go Travel Bag for Backless Booster Seats

Realistically you shouldn’t need to check your booster seat. We typically have our kids carry them on to the plane and put them on the floor or in the overhead bin, and no flight attendant has ever given us a hard time about having them in addition to a carry-on and/or personal item. To make carrying it through the airport easier, consider the J.L. Childress Go-Go Travel Bag for Backless Booster Seats . It has a shoulder strap built in and you can also loop it over the handle of your carry-on suitcase.

This bag is super lightweight nylon and can also serve double-duty as a grocery bag or beach tote while you’re traveling!

Birdee Durable Backless Booster Seat Travel Bag for Airplane

For a more durable, heavy-duty option you can consider the Birdee Durable Backless Booster Seat Travel Bag for Airplane . It’s very similar to the J.L. Childress but made of more substantial material.

Before you go…

There are so many factors to think about when you’re traveling with kids! Be sure to read up on flying with a car seat to make sure you’re prepared with all of the information you need for a smooth trip.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Best Car Seat Travel Bags to Make Flying Less of a Hassle

They cost roughly $30 apiece and keep your car seat protected as you fly.

Eventually, even this summer, travel will resume in earnest and feel safe again, and if you are traveling by plane with your child , you have several options when it comes to dealing with your car seat. The simplest one, by far, is to get a car seat travel bag. If your car seat is FAA-approved and your child has his or her own plane seat, you can take it onboard to use during the flight. Otherwise, you will need to check it as luggage , either at the airline check-in counter or gate.

Either way won’t cost you anything — all U.S. airlines and most international ones allow them on board free of charge. But other than being the victim of kiddie projectile vomiting, nothing can wreck your trip more effectively than finding your car seat shredded from its time in the hold. The key to avoiding that fate is to invest in a durable, solid car seat travel bag that keeps it safe from scratches, dents, water damage, and other nastiness.

Make sure you pick a model that fits your specific car seat brand (they generally fit all the major ones, but read the fine print for any exceptions when it comes to more niche brands). Padded straps make hauling the bags around easier, and some of them even have wheels, if you need that extra convenience. If you want options, get a car seat travel bag that lets you carry it around multiple ways, whether by toting it or strapping it on your back.

Every product on Fatherly is independently selected by our editors, writers, and experts. If you click a link on our site and buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Advertisement

• Baby and kid

The Best Travel Car Seats

By Christina Szalinski and Rebecca Gale

Let’s face it: Traveling with little kids can be a slog. But a lightweight, compact, easy-to-install travel car seat is one tool that can make trips a bit easier.

We’ve tested 17 travel car seats for infants and up, and we examined how they performed in various circumstances, including during air travel and in rental cars. The Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks for the best infant car seats , is an excellent choice for both travel and everyday use. For an affordable and easy-to-use convertible car seat for toddlers and preschoolers, we recommend traveling with the Cosco Scenera Next , which fits kids up to 40 inches tall for rear-facing or 43 inches for forward-facing. For kids bigger than that who still need a seat with a five-point harness, we recommend the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 , which also converts to a high-back booster. The backless, lightweight Cosco Rise is great for booster-age kids.

If you’ll be hopping in and out of taxis or ride shares with a baby, the Doona is a unique but expensive infant car seat that converts to a stroller. And instead of purchasing a dedicated convertible car seat for travel, another option is to bring yours along with the Britax Travel Cart .

Everything we recommend

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex

The best infant car seat for travel.

If you’re a frequent traveler, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is easier than most infant car seats to install securely without its base.

Buying Options

An infant car seat and stroller in one

This unusual car seat has integrated wheels that pop out to turn it into a stroller. It’s best for parents who frequently need to move their car seat in and out of different vehicles.

Cosco Scenera Next

The best convertible car seat for travel.

This affordable and easy-to-use car seat weighs 6.8 pounds and can be used rear- and forward-facing. But kids can outgrow it quickly.

Cosco Finale 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

The best harness booster car seat for travel.

This no-frills seat converts from a forward-facing five-point harness to a high-back booster. It weighs just 12 pounds.

May be out of stock

Britax Travel Cart

A travel cart for lugging your own seat through the airport.

This sturdy, smooth-rolling travel cart helps you transport your own convertible car seat—and avoid buying a standalone travel seat. You can even strap your child into their seat and use it like a stroller.

The best backless booster seat for travel

This basic booster seat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can work for children as small as 40 pounds. But it has a rather large footprint and will be too big to fit in most carry-ons.

How we picked

A seat that’s lightweight is more manageable to carry between multiple locations. A more compact seat is also easier to pack.

We considered the seat’s comfort and ability to adjust straps and buckles.

Ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it will be done properly.

We looked at crash-testing scores and ease-of-use ratings. Our infant, convertible, and harness booster picks are FAA-approved for use on a plane.

The Chicco KeyFit 35 is a great all-around infant car seat—and one of the ones we recommend for everyday use. But for travel it stands out: It has a European belt path that makes it easier to get a secure install without the base than for many car seats, and it’s cheaper than other seats that have this belt routing option.

Weight of seat: 10 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

Parents who can’t leave their infant seat base installed in a specific car but instead need to travel by taxi or rideshare frequently may find the innovative Doona to be a convenient option. This sleek infant car seat has integrated wheels and converts to a stroller that maneuvers easily, plus the seat is FAA-approved for use on an airplane. But the versatile Doona is much heavier and more expensive than a regular infant car seat.

Weight of seat: 14.3 pounds Orientation: rear-facing only Weight range: 4 to 35 pounds Height limit: 32 inches

The Cosco Scenera Next is a notably lightweight, affordable convertible car seat that is simple to install and carry on an airplane. It receives strong safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and is FAA-approved for use on a plane. But many kids will outgrow it before they reach the height or weight limit because of the low position of the shoulder straps.

Weight of seat: 6.8 pounds Orientation: rear- or forward-facing Weight range: 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing; 22-40 pounds forward-facing Height range: 19-40 inches rear-facing; 29-43 inches forward-facing

For children using a forward-facing five-point harness, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a lightweight and affordable travel option that is FAA-approved for use on a plane (in harness mode only). It also converts to a high-back booster. However, it has lower height limits than some boosters, so kids may not get as many years of use from it, in comparison with pricier options.

Weight of seat: 12 pounds Orientation: forward-facing only Weight range: 30 to 65 pounds for harness mode; 40 to 100 pounds for high-back mode Height range: 32 to 49 inches for harness mode; 43 to 52 inches for high-back mode

Bringing your own car seat to the airport has one big advantage—you don’t have to learn how to install yet another seat. But your own convertible car seat is likely to be heavy (our picks in our guide to convertible car seats range from 19 to 33 pounds). The Britax Travel Cart is compatible with most convertible seats, and when your car seat is secured to it with LATCH, you can use it like a stroller to push your toddler through the airport. The cart can then be stored in an overhead bin during your flight.

Weight of cart: 7.6 pounds

If you need a cheap, no-frills booster seat, we recommend the Cosco Rise . It’s a bit too large to fit into a carry-on suitcase or backpack, but it’s easy to attach with a bungee cord to a carry-on for plane travel. It’s also a great option if you just need a spare booster for carpools or to order ahead for use at the grandparents' house.

Weight of seat: 2.2 pounds Weight range: 40 to 100 pounds Height range: 43 to 57 inches

The research

Why you should trust us, who should get this, the best infant car seat for travel: chicco keyfit 35, an infant seat and stroller in one: doona, the best convertible car seat for travel: cosco scenera next, the best harness booster seat for travel: cosco finale 2-in-1, a great car seat caddy: britax travel cart, the best booster seat for travel: cosco rise, other good travel car seats, should a kid sit in a car seat on the airplane, what about checking a car seat, the competition, care, use, and maintenance.

The authors of this guide have collectively interviewed 40 industry experts, safety authorities, and physicians. Among them were certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) such as Lani Harrison, who installs more than 300 car seats each year; Dr. Aditya Belwadi, a biomechanics research scientist who previously led the child passenger safety research team at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and now works at Tesla in Crash, Safety, and Occupant Protection/Biomechanics; and Bill Horn, head sled testing engineer at Calspan , one of the country’s top crash-testing facilities. The authors also talked with dozens of parents and representatives from leading car seat manufacturers.

The original version of this guide was written by Rebecca Gale, whose reporting on policy and parenting has appeared in outlets including The New York Times, Slate, and The Washington Post. Rebecca has also been certified as a CPST, completing a 40-hour training program through the Safe Kids Worldwide organization.

In 2022 and 2023, this guide was updated by Christina Szalinski, a science writer whose reporting on health and parenting has appeared in The Atlantic and Kaiser Health News . In addition to writing the most recent versions of Wirecutter’s infant and convertible car seat guides, Christina is responsible for Wirecutter’s guides to the Best Baby Formula and kids face masks .

Few people strictly need a separate car seat for travel as you can gate- or baggage-check any car seat for free with most airlines. But lugging your regular (likely heavy and bulky) seat in and out of the car and through the airport can be a major hassle. Investing in a smaller, lighter-weight option may be worthwhile, especially if you fly or use ridesharing services or taxis frequently.

Infant car seats for travel

If you’re traveling with an infant or baby, bringing along your usual infant car seat without its base (to cut down on weight and heft) is typically the best option. Our top infant car seat pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX , is relatively lightweight and, like other infant car seats, can be safely strapped in with a seatbelt only and no base.

There are two possible ways to install an infant car seat without a base: either with the belt directly across the top, called “American routing,” or with the shoulder belt placed around the back of the seat in addition to the top, called “European routing.” It’s easier to get a secure fit with European routing, and two seats we recommend in our guide to infant car seats, the Chicco KeyFit 35 and the Clek Liing , are designed to allow for that type of install. If you know you’ll be traveling with your infant often, it may be worthwhile to choose one of these as your baby’s first car seat.

Many infant car seats are compatible with easy-to-fold stroller frames, such as the Chicco KeyFit Caddy , which turns an infant car seat into a stroller and can be convenient for travel. Most infant seats are FAA-approved for airplane use, should you decide to purchase an airplane seat for your infant.

Convertible car seats for travel

When your child has outgrown their infant car seat, deciding on a car seat for travel can be trickier. Alisa Baer, a pediatrician, CPST, and co-founder of the website The Car Seat Lady , recommends bringing your own convertible car seat and using a travel cart . That way you have a seat that you’re already comfortable installing. But some people will prefer a dedicated travel car seat, as they can be significantly lighter than regular seats—as little as 7 pounds versus 20 to 30 pounds.

If you do buy a dedicated travel seat, it’s a good idea to practice installing it before your trip—you don’t want to be figuring it out for the first time when you, and your kid, are potentially jet lagged and feeling extra cranky. Installation can be the most time-consuming and frustrating part of using a car seat—and particularly a convertible car seat—and is often the point of failure for using a car seat correctly.

Booster seats for travel

If your everyday booster seat has a removable back (as with our top pick and runner-up pick, the Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus and the Graco TurboBooster LX ), you may prefer to simply bring that seat for travel, leaving the bulky back at home. But like with convertible seats, it’s also an option to get a dedicated travel booster that may be significantly lighter and smaller than the one you rely on every day.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, offered several tips for bringing along a backless booster, especially if it’s not one that’s compact: “I bungee cord them to my luggage while traversing the airport. On most flights, my kids could shove them under the seat in front of them and still have room to throw their backpack on top. On some flights, I’ve put them in a tote in the overhead compartment.”

Travel car seat alternatives

If you’re headed to a familiar destination, you could look into borrowing a seat from friends or relatives. Or, you may be able to rent one through a baby equipment rental service.

Many car rental companies also offer car seats for a daily fee, but it can cost up to $15 a day—adding up to much more than the cost of a travel car seat, which can be less than $50. And though you can reserve one in advance, rental car seats are subject to availability, so there’s no guarantee that one will be available when you arrive. The car seat provided may also be difficult to install properly, especially in an unfamiliar car. That said, you may be able to find discounts or other benefits through programs such as AAA, which offers one free car seat rental for members when they book a car through Hertz, Dollar, or Thrifty. Ridesharing and airport and town car services may also provide a car seat with advance reservations.

There are hundreds of travel car seat options for infants, toddlers, and older kids. We began the whittling down process by examining online customer reviews and existing media coverage, which included going to Car Seats for the Littles , Lucie’s List , and the Car Seat Lady . We found the travel car seat category to be sorely lacking in an abundance of great options, so we also considered some “regular” car seats and alternatives.

We knew from our expert interviews that proper installation is generally a far bigger problem than the level of protection that a seat inherently provides, so we searched the NHTSA ease-of-use installation database to help determine which seats offer easy installation and come with clear instructions. We also relied on the personal experience of Wirecutter staffers, volunteer testers, and car seat techs who had used the car seats in the past.

Our research led us to conclude that the ideal travel car seat should be:

Lightweight and compact: A travel car seat will likely need to be carried between multiple locations, sometimes with a baby inside (if we’re talking about an infant). The less the seat weighs, the easier it is to deal with when combined with children and carry-on items. A more compact seat can also fit more readily in a wide variety of vehicles.

FAA approved: For parents who want to use their infant seat, convertible car seat, or harness booster on a plane, FAA certification is crucial.

Easy to install: As with all of our car seat recommendations, ease of installation is paramount, as the easier it is to do, the more likely it is to be done properly.

Easy to use: Straps should be simple to adjust to get a snug but comfortable fit in a five-point harness. The buckles should be easy for parents to clip and unclip but difficult to impossible for children to mess with. We considered the experience of both parents and kids in using the seats, as well as how easy each seat was to clean.

Safe: When it comes to travel, convenience can trump a minor safety advantage; a seat that you can bring along with you is vastly superior to no seat at all. Still, we did take the relevant government safety data from NHTSA into consideration.

Over the past five years we’ve tested 17 car seats with travel specifically in mind.

If you’re shopping for an infant car seat with travel in mind, we recommend the FAA-approved Chicco KeyFit 35 , one of our picks in our guide to infant car seats . It is lightweight and easy to use, and it can be installed securely without its base using the European belt path, a method that generally provides a superior install. (Any infant seat can be installed without its base, so if you already have an infant seat, using what you already own is likely the easiest choice.)

You can save on weight and bulk by leaving a car seat base at home when traveling. There are two ways to install an infant seat without its base. The most common is American belt routing, in which the seat belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the baby’s knees. We’ve found that it can be very difficult to secure an infant seat in the car securely using this method.

A few seats also offer the option to rely on the European belt path, the method we prefer, in which the lap belt goes over the top of the infant seat and the shoulder belt goes around the back. It’s easier to get a secure install with the European belt path, but it’s only found on a few car seat models. Of the four infant car seats we recommend, only the Chicco KeyFit 35 and Clek Liing offer the option of using the European belt path.

Beyond the advantage of the European belt bath, the Chicco KeyFit 35 has everything we love about the more popular Chicco KeyFit 30 with a few bonus features, such as an anti-rebound base as an added safety option. The KeyFit 35 can also accommodate a slightly larger baby (up to 35 pounds) than the KeyFit 30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The KeyFit 35 is about $50 more than our top infant car seat choice, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX . It probably doesn’t make sense to buy this seat just for travel if you already own a similar infant car seat. But if you plan to be jet-setting with your baby, it may be worth the additional $50 or so to get a better on-the-go install from the start.

The Doona is an FAA-approved infant car seat (rear-facing only) with built-in wheels that allow it to convert to a stroller. For travel, this is about as convenient as it gets, allowing caregivers to rely on a single piece of equipment to accomplish two goals: avoid gate-checking a stroller—assuming an airline seat is purchased for the infant—and hop in and out of cabs without having to stow anything in the trunk.

Compared with a regular infant car seat, the Doona has some drawbacks. For one thing, it did not perform particularly well in Baby Gear Lab’s crash testing (there are no government crash tests available yet for this seat). For this reason, and because it’s tricky to install without its base (as most infant seats are), one of our car seat experts does not recommend this seat. At 14.3 pounds, it’s heavy and bulky to carry and maneuver when in car seat mode. The Doona also has the steepest price of any of the car seats (including infant, convertible, and boosters) that we’ve reviewed. It does come with a traditional infant car seat base that allows for an easy click in and out of a car, but the extra width means it could be impossible to fit three across in a backseat. And it would defeat the point to use that base for travel.

Switching the Doona from car seat mode to stroller mode and back requires “both hands and concentration,” said one tester, as well as “quite a bit of practice for me. It takes a rather specific, subtle motion to collapse it back and tuck the wheels.” It’s harder than taking a regular infant car seat off of a stroller with an infant seat attachment. Plus, once your child outgrows this seat, you’ll have to buy another stroller.

As a stroller, the Doona maneuvers easily, and the brake is intuitive and easy to use. But though it comes with an attached storage bag, the Doona lacks a storage basket.

The inexpensive Cosco Scenera Next weighs just 6.8 pounds, is relatively easy to carry and install, and can be used rear-facing from 5 to 40 pounds and forward-facing from 22 to 40 pounds. It’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane (using the plane’s seatbelt).

The Cosco sells for $60, which is a bargain compared with many convertible car seats (the Graco Extend2Fit , our favorite convertible seat for everyday use, is a little over $200). The seat gets strong safety ratings from NHTSA, and given its low weight and heft and easy-enough install, we think it’s the best option available for an on-the-go or backup car seat. We strongly prefer the (heftier) Graco Extend2Fit for everyday use. That’s because it’s easier to get a safe, secure install with that seat and to adjust it to fit the child. Plus, it can be used forward-facing until a kid is 65 pounds and 49 inches tall—a much longer usable life than the Scenera Next.

Several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Scenera Next, appreciating its low cost, low weight, and small size. They’ve found that the seat’s slim profile makes it a great option for smaller cars (specifically, a Prius or Renault Scenic). Senior editor Courtney Schley found that the Cosco allowed her to get three seats (two Coscos and one infant car seat) across in her family’s car.

The Scenera Next’s low shoulder straps mean that a child may outgrow this seat well before they are ready for a booster. ( Shoulder straps should hit at or below the shoulders when a child is rear-facing; when forward-facing the straps should hit at or above the shoulders.) The low straps mean that many 3-year-olds with longer torsos may outgrow the seat in forward-facing mode, even though the seat’s height and weight limits indicate that it should fit an average-size kid up to age 4. With a long torso, the straps end up hitting below the shoulders, a situation that can compromise safety.

Though the Scenera Next is simple to install compared with other lightweight convertible car seats we tested, some of our testers still found it difficult to get a tight, secure install. It has hook LATCH straps that aren’t particularly easy to use—you really have to tug on the LATCH straps to get a tight fit, and getting them off can be an even bigger challenge. We preferred installing the seat with a seat belt in unfamiliar cars, which was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt), and made it much easier to uninstall.

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness wasn’t as responsive or easy to use as those on more expensive seats. The Scenera Next also has less padding than many seats, though Baer points out that the padding on most seats is highly compressible, meaning that just because a seat looks fluffier doesn’t mean it provides much more cushion.

This seat also has a few downsides if you bring it on a plane. Like most convertible car seats, it’s wider than the aisle, so you have to carry it awkwardly down the plane to get to your seat, which can be quite a challenge if you’re on your own and have other carry-on items (plus your child). Additionally, the plane’s seat belt buckle is going to be pushing into your child’s back if the seat is oriented forward-facing. Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends installing any seat with this issue rear-facing, even if a kid is used to forward-facing. Or you can put a diaper or other soft item over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

The Cosco Finale 2-in-1 is a solid option for kids who are no longer rear-facing but still benefit from a five-point harness. It’s affordable, weighs just 12 pounds, and is relatively easy to install using the car’s seat belt while in harness mode (it also comes with LATCH straps, though we didn’t find these as easy to use). Like other boosters, when in booster mode, this seat relies on the car’s seat belt to secure the child, so there’s no need to install it.

This bigger-kid seat can see a growing child through years of travel: It can be used as a forward-facing five-point harness booster seat from 30 to 65 pounds and then as a regular (harness-free) booster from 40 to 100 pounds (up until a child is 52 inches tall).

As a five-point harness, it’s FAA-certified and easy to install on an airplane using the plane’s seatbelt. However, when it’s in booster mode, like all boosters, it cannot be used on an airplane.

In harness mode, the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 performed well in an NHTSA crash test. And several Wirecutter staffers use or have used the Cosco Finale 2-in-1 while traveling after their child outgrew the Cosco Scenera Next—they liked the price and straightforward install. Converting the seat to a booster is fairly straightforward , and the seat has storage for the harness, crotch buckle, and chest clip. Once the seat is in booster mode, your child can’t use it on an airplane, but many airlines will allow you to check a booster seat for free (you may wish to check with your airline in advance).

A more expensive version of the Cosco Finale 2-in-1, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 , is also available. The only difference between the two is the fabric—the DX has a tiny bit more cushion and a slightly less slippery texture. We asked several children to try each seat and then report their favorite (they wore blindfolds, to remove color preference as a factor). There was no clear winner between the two seats, and our adult testers could hardly distinguish a difference in the cushioning. For this reason, we don’t think it’s worth the extra $20 for the DX.

When using the Finale 2-in-1 in harness mode, you first have to install it in the car, which you can do either with the seat’s LATCH straps or with the car’s seat belt. We found the Finale 2-in-1’s hook LATCH straps difficult to use—it’s hard to get a tight fit in the car, and getting them off can be a big challenge. As we did with the Cosco Scenera Next, we preferred installing the harnessed seat with a seat belt; this was an easier way to get a tight install (try the inside/outside trick with the shoulder belt) and also made it much easier to uninstall. (When the harness is removed and the seat is in booster mode, you do not need to install it in the car, since the car’s seat belt holds it in place and secures the child.)

Our testers also found that the chest clip on the harness was a bit more difficult to open compared to those on more expensive seats like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 . The straps have to be manually threaded through the car seat, which isn’t particularly difficult or time consuming, but you have to remember to do it before you install the seat. It also has less padding than many seats, though our child testers didn’t complain (however, we didn’t take it on any long road trips).

This seat won’t have as many years of use as other travel options, like the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1, because the Cosco has a maximum height of 52 inches (most boosters go to 57 inches) and does not convert to a backless booster.

If you need to travel with a convertible car seat, you can bring the one you already have to the airport and onto the airplane with the Britax Travel Cart . The main benefit of bringing your own is that you’ll have a seat that you (and your child) are comfortable with, and that you know how to install confidently.

There are a number of similar travel carts out there, but we think this one offers the most for the price. We like that when the car seat is strapped onto the cart using the car seat’s LATCH clips, you can use the whole thing like a stroller and push (or pull) your child through the airport. The frame is also studier than other models—it can hold a total of 100 pounds of car seat and child. Plus, when it’s time to get on the plane you can fold the cart to stow it in an overhead bin.

At about $100 for the cart, it is cheaper to purchase a budget convertible car seat like the Cosco Scenera Next. However, depending on your circumstances, the Britax Travel Cart may outlive the expiration of many car seats (which are between six and 10 years), and could be used for future car seats, or passed along without as much consideration as a used car seat.

For a cheap, no-frills booster seat, the Cosco Rise is a reliable option that weighs only 2.2 pounds. It’s simple to use: Like other backless booster seats, it does not need to be physically attached to the vehicle; a child simply sits in it and fastens the car’s lap belt over their knees (under the seat’s sides).

The Chicco GoFit Plus is our overall top pick for the best backless booster seat because it’s cushy, made with easy-to-clean materials, and includes two cup holders and a LATCH system to anchor the seat to the car. But it’s bulky, heavy, and not great for travel. The Cosco Rise has fewer bells and whistles, but it offers a key safety feature: Unlike many other boosters, this seat has a strap that attaches to a car’s shoulder belt to adjust the belt’s position for smaller riders (the shoulder belt should always rest on a child’s collarbone, and not against their neck).

The Cosco Rise can accommodate children as small as 40 pounds, as long as they are also 43 inches tall, meaning it will work for most kids 5 and up but may not accommodate some 4-year-olds.

This seat is a bit too large to fit easily into a carry-on suitcase or backpack (it takes up almost all the room top-to-bottom in a standard-sized carry-on, with only a little room left on the side). There is also almost no padding on this seat, merely a polyester cover, but for short rides, our testers didn’t complain.

If you want an upgraded infant seat that’s great for travel : We recommend the Clek Liing , one of our favorite infant seats . Like the Chicco KeyFit 35, the Clek Liing can be installed without its base using a European belt path, which is much easier to get secure than the standard American belt routing found on most infant car seats. And when you’re at home, we love how easy it is to install the Liing’s base, which includes an added safety feature: a load leg .

If you want a high-end infant seat and don’t own a car: The lightweight, easy-to-clean Clek Liingo is similar to the Clek Liing but without the base. In general, we think installing a seat with the base is an easier and more secure option with infant car seats. But if you don’t own a car, the Liingo can be installed without a base in several ways. It has the same European belt path that the Liing has, which routes the lap belt over the top and the shoulder belt around the back for more security than an install that just goes over the top of the seat. The Liingo also comes with a LATCH strap that routes in the same spot as the lap belt—though we found this was not nearly as secure as the European belt path routing.

If you want a longer-lasting five-point harness seat for older kids: The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 is a good choice. This forward-facing-only seat has a five-point harness that holds kids from 22 to 65 pounds and up to 49 inches tall, and it can be adjusted without rethreading it, so it is easier to modify as your child grows. When your child is ready for a regular booster, you can remove the harness and crotch buckle, converting the seat to a high-back booster that can hold a child from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. Finally, you can remove the back and convert the seat to a lightweight backless booster that can also be used from 40 to 100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

First off, a car seat must be FAA-approved—as all of our recommended infant and convertible seats are—for a kid to ride in one on an airplane. (Booster seats are reserved for older children and not intended for use on airplane seats.)

Both the Federal Aviation Administration and CPSTs believe it is safer for kids under 2 to ride in a car seat aboard a plane rather than in their parents’ arms. In the event of turbulence or rough air, a child is much safer if strapped in. Being injured in turbulence , though very unlikely, does affect a handful of American flyers each year, and recent research indicates that turbulence is on the rise due to climate change.

Many parents find that air travel is easier when their child has their own seat (though of course you have to pay for that additional seat). Children are allowed to sit on caregivers’ laps on planes until age 2, but few toddlers can sit still for a long period of time, and that extra harness and recline (as well as familiarity) provided by the car seat may keep a child seated comfortably longer, especially once they are mobile but still too young to fully understand how to sit still in a lap belt.

There are a number of challenges to bringing a car seat, especially a convertible seat designed for a toddler, onto a plane. Some smaller planes may have seats that aren’t wide enough for many convertible car seats. And even if the car seat is narrow enough for the plane, not many seats are narrow enough to easily fit down the aisle. The Clek Foonf , one of our convertible car seat picks, is one of them, but it is pricey and heavy. (The Clek Fllo , Graco SlimFit3 LX , and Graco True3Fit also fit on an airplane seat, but we did not test them.) You’ll generally have to lift a car seat above the seats to carry it to the rear of a plane.

Finally, unlike a car seat buckle, which sits on your hip, a plane’s seat buckle sits right in the middle of your lap. That means for many car seats, once you install them on the plane, there’s going to be a large metal buckle below your child’s legs or behind their back (the Clek seats are among the few without this issue). Alisa Baer, co-founder of The Car Seat Lady, recommends using convertible seats with buckle-in-the-back issues rear-facing, even with a larger child—they’ll likely be more comfortable if their feet have a place to rest, plus they won’t be trying to rest their feet on the passenger’s seat in front of them. You can also put a diaper or spare T-shirt over the buckle to make it a bit more comfortable.

Some parents may find it simpler to use a CARES harness (Child Aviation Restraint System) to help keep kids in their seats on a plane (and their kids may prefer sitting in an airplane seat over a car seat); you install this four-point harness around the child’s seatback and under the tray behind it.

Most airlines allow at least one car seat to be checked for free but doing so has several potential problems . The luggage can be handled roughly and tossed, damaging the car seat in the process. Seats, like any piece of luggage, can also be lost or misplaced in transit. Ultimately, the main reason you may want to have your child use a car seat on the plane is so that you are absolutely confident you’ll have the car seat when you arrive at your destination.

For people who do check in their car seats, Harrison recommends—ideally—using the original box and styrofoam that the seat came with if they are available or using Bubble Wrap and a garbage bag if not. Examine the seat for visible damage when it comes out at baggage claim, and be prepared to replace the seat if it’s broken or bent.

Infant travel seats

The Chicco Fit2 can accommodate infants as small as 4 pounds and toddlers as large as 35 pounds or 35 inches. Like the Chicco KeyFit 35 we recommend as the best infant car seat for travel, it can be installed with a European belt path. But because of this seat’s large size, some seat belts are too short to route over the car seat securely.

Convertible travel seats

We previously recommended the lightweight, foldable, forward-facing WAYB Pico (rhymes with “baby”) as a good travel car seat for kids who are too big for the Cosco Scenera Next but still need a five-point harness. Its adjustable seat back allows it to accommodate taller kids, and its slim design means it takes up less room in the backseat than other car seats. The 8-pound seat is exceptionally convenient to install, uninstall, and carry around, including through airports and onto a plane. In September 2019, however, WAYB announced it was recalling 4,558 Pico car seats manufactured between March 1 and May 12, 2019, due to reports of breakage in the aluminum tube connecting the headrest to the seat. You can read NHSTA’s report (PDF)  for details about the recall, how to identify your car seat’s date of manufacture, and how to inspect your car seat for damage. Since the recall, there have not been further reports of problems. Like all car seats sold in the US, the Pico was self-certified by WAYB to pass NHTSA standards (PDF) for safety testing.

The EvenFlo Tribute is a lightweight seat (9 pounds) similar to the Cosco Scenera Next and also has a weight limit of 40 pounds, but as our convertible car seat guide testing showed us, it’s not as easy to get a good install with this seat. CPSTs like Harrison recommend using a towel or pool noodle when using the Tribute to address this. It’s also more expensive than the Cosco Scenera Next.

Booster travel seats

We previously recommended the BubbleBum , an inflatable, portable backless booster seat for older kids. However, in February 2022, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety raised concerns about the safety of inflatable boosters. A study using a computerized model determined that an inflatable booster may not have the stiffness required to keep a child from sliding out from under the lap belt upon impact in a car crash.

The backless Cosco Topside is too large to fit into a carry-on or a backpack. Unlike the Cosco Rise , our favorite backless booster for travel, this booster seat also doesn’t have a belt-positioning clip, which can help the shoulder belt fit better on a smaller rider.

We liked the Graco RightGuide booster seat because it was small enough to fit inside a carry-on or backpack. But it was recently discontinued.

The Immi Go is a booster car seat with a five-point harness that folds conveniently into its own carrying bag. Due to low sales, it is no longer for sale in the US, but you may see this seat if you travel abroad.

The MiFold backless booster seat (currently unavailable) is small enough to fit into the back pocket of some pants and weighs less than 2 pounds. It works by moving the seat belt down to fit the kid (as opposed to raising the kid to fit the belt, as other boosters do). However, our testers found its hard plastic shell uncomfortable to sit on for long periods of time and said that the seat was complicated and unintuitive to set up. Also, a car seat safety expert we consulted noted that the design of the seat may encourage a child to use bad posture while they’re sitting in it—in an effort to find a more comfortable position, the child may tend to scoot forward, moving the slick-bottomed seat along with them, which could pose a safety concern.

Travel carts

The Torevsior Car Seat Travel Cart is about $25 less than the Britax Travel Cart we recommend, but it’s also less robust—the frame just doesn’t feel as sturdy. The weight limit is also lower than the Britax’s, at 70 pounds versus Britax’s 100 pounds. Like the Britax travel cart, the Torevsior cart has hooks for LATCH straps, to secure a car seat onto the cart so that your child can ride in it as you’re moving through the airport. It’s 6.4 pounds (Britax is 7.6 pounds), and extends up to 46 inches (Britax to 42 inches).

All of the guidelines for car seat care, use, and maintenance in our other car seat guides apply to travel car seats as well.

This guide was edited by Ellen Lee, Amy Miller Kravetz and Kalee Thompson.

Jessica Jermakian, vice president for vehicle research at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , email exchange , August 1, 2022

Alisa Baer, pediatrician, nationally certified child passenger safety instructor, and co-founder of The Car Seat Lady , phone interview, July 15, 2022 and January 9, 2023

Lani Harrison, CPST, Car Seats for the Littles , email interview , January 28, 2019

Meet your guides

Christina Szalinski

Christina Szalinski is a freelance science writer with a PhD in cell biology.

Rebecca Gale

Further reading

The Best Booster Car Seats

by Rebecca Gale

After researching over 50 booster car seats and testing 13, we’ve concluded that the convenient Chicco KidFit ClearTex Plus is the best overall choice.

The Best Infant Car Seats

by Christina Szalinski

After extensive research and field testing, we found that the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the best infant car seat for most families.

The Best Travel Strollers

by Elise Czajkowski

After testing seven travel strollers on various trips and excursions, we’re confident that the Uppababy Minu V2 is the one to get.

Traveling With Little Kids Can Be Tough. The Right Gear Can Help.

by Kerry Davis McGuinness

From compact car seats and cribs to portable blackout shades and white noise machines, the right tools for travel can lead to less fuss—and more fun.

• Airline Reviews
• Baby Travel Tips
• Packing Lists + Hacks
• Toddler Travel Tips
• Baby Essentials
• Toddler Essentials
• Travel Essentials
• Destinations

• Mom Confessions

The 20 Best Car Seat Travel Bags for 2024

Flying with young kids is no joke. Between keeping them entertained in flight , choosing the right stroller for the airport , and figuring out how to lug their car seat to your destination, travel day can be daunting. 

Kids’ car seats are bulky and heavy, but families often need to bring them along for travel. A car seat travel bag can make the trip easier.

From souped-up models with wheels and extra storage to simple nylon bags with drawstrings, we’ve rounded up all the best car seat travel bags for 2024.

Table of Contents

The Winners: Our 20 Favorite Car Seat Bags for 2024

If you’re flying with a child car seat, you have three options. You can send the car seat off with the rest of your luggage at check-in, carry it through the airport to gate check at your terminal, or bring your flight-approved car seat on the plane for your child to ride in during the flight. Whichever you choose, it’s best to have a bag to protect the car seat from dirt and debris, limit its exposure to damage in transit, and make it easier to carry. 

Divided by price, here are our 20 favorite car seat travel bags and their approximate costs: 

High-end ($90 and up)

• High-end winner: Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag ($100)
• High-end runner-up: J.L. Childress Spinner Wheelie Deluxe Car Seat Travel Bag ($120)
• Best two-wheeled backpack: Britax Car Seat Travel Bag ($90)
• Most versatile: Nuna Wheeled Travel Bag ($300)
• Best with extra space: Clek Weelee Car Seat Travel Bag ($200)
• Best for risk-free travel: UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat Travel Bag ($90)

Mid-priced ($30 to $70)

• Mid-priced winner: J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack Padded Car Seat Travel Bag ($50)
• Mid-priced runner-up: Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag ($50)
• Best for slim car seats: Diono Radian Car Seat Travel Backpack ($70)
• Best kid-friendly design: J.L. Childress Disney Baby Car Seat Travel Bag ($60)
• Best with an storage bag: Jeep Car Seat Travel Bag ($45)
• Best color options: Yorepek Car Seat Padded Bag ($30)
• Best with contrast stitching: Simple Being Baby Car Seat Travel Bag ($40)  
• Best for infant car seats: Yorepec Infant Car Seat Travel Bag ($39)

Budget-friendly (under $25)

• Budget-friendly winner: J.L. Childress Gate Check ($16)
• Budget-friendly runner-up: Gorilla Grip Car Seat Bag ($18)
• Best price:  Slynnar Car Seat Travel Bag ($14)
• Best drawstring bag with double closure: Birdee Car S eat Travel Bag ($22)
• Best for backless boosters: Birdee Booster Seat Travel Bag ($21)
• Best alternative solution: Alnoor USA Car Seat Travel Belt ($14)

Our Detailed Buying Guide

Before you add to cart, here’s all the facts and figures you need to know about our favorite car seat travel bags: 

High-end stunners: The best car seat travel bags at $90 and up

High-end winner: Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag

• Approximate cost: $100
• Dimensions: 21” by 20” by 31.5”
• Weight: 5.3 pounds
• Compatible car seats: All Chicco car seats, in addition to many convertible car seats, infant car seats, and booster seats
• Closure type: Zipper
• Backpack straps?: Yes
• Wheels?: Yes
• Water resistant?: Yes

This Chicco bag has sleek aesthetics and a reinforced rubberized base. It fits most brand car seats, but parents should check he dimensions before ordering. It features backpack straps that stow away when not in use, four spinner wheels that turn in all directions, and padded lifting handles on the top and side.

High-end runner-up: J.L. Childress Spinner Wheelie Deluxe Car Seat Travel Bag

• Approximate cost: $120
• Dimensions: 20” by 20” by 30”
• Weight: 11.2 pounds
• Compatible car seats: Convertible car seats, infant car seats, and booster seats
• Backpack straps?: No

The Spinner Wheelie Deluxe is fully padded on the sides, top, and back. Its heavy-duty polyester material is smooth on the outside and won’t snag through the airport. Parents will appreciate its lockable dual zipper, included ID card, and corner guards for added protection. 

Best backpack with two wheels: Britax Car Seat Travel Bag

• Approximate cost: $90
• Dimensions: 17” by 15.5” by 31.5”
• Weight: 19 pounds
• Compatible car seats: All Britax car seats, in addition to many convertible car seats, infant car seats, and booster seats

The Britax has multiple carry handles, a storage pouch to protect its padded backpack straps, a luggage ID window, and a durable, rubberized base. 

Most versatile: Nuna Wheeled Travel Bag  

• Approximate cost: $300
• Dimensions: 22” by 18” by 34”
• Weight: 13 pounds
• Compatible car seats: All Nuna car seats and strollers
• Water resistant?: No

Although developed specifically for Nuna-brand gear, this bag is especially versatile because it’s sized to carry either a car seat or a stroller on travel day. It has a telescoping handle to pull it in trolly mode, an outside zippered storage pocket, and a quilted interior with straps to keep gear stable. An expanding zipper lets parents pack it full with even more gear when needed.

Best with extra space: Clek Weelee Car Seat Travel Bag

• Approximate cost: $200
• Dimensions: 18” by 18” by 31”
• Weight: 10 pounds
• Compatible car seats: All Clek brand car seats, in addition to many other convertible car seats, infant car seats, and booster seats
• Closure type: Zipper and buckles

The Weelee ’s rectangle shape leaves spare room for other gear on your trip. It sports thick padding, a telescoping handle, a luggage ID tag, top carry handles, and extra-strong buckles. It folds flat for storage. 

Best for risk-free travel: UPPAbaby Mesa Infant Car Seat Travel Bag

• Dimensions: 31.4” by 14” by 17.3”
• Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Compatible car seats: UPPAbaby Mesa
• Wheels?: No

Designed for ever-popular Mesa infant car seat, this bag gives parents access to TravelSafe, a program in which UPPAbaby entirely reimburses any car seat damage incurred during travel. 

Mid-priced gems: The best car seat travel bags from $30 to $70

Mid-range winner: J.L. Childress Ultimate Backpack Padded Car Seat Travel Bag

• Approximate cost: $50
• Dimensions: 20” by 19” by 33” 
• Weight: 3.3 pounds

At a reasonable price, this backpack incorporates padded straps, an ID pocket with card, and dense foam padding throughout. 

Mid-range runner-up: Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag

• Dimensions: 18” by 18” by 28” 
• Weight: 3.5 pounds

The Zohzo has adjustable waist and backpack straps, tear-resistant fabric, a built-in carry handle, lockable zippers, and protective feet. It fits most popular car seats.

Best for slim car seats: Diono Radian Car Seat Travel Backpack

• Approximate cost: $70
• Dimensions: 17.7” by 9.8” by 31.5”
• Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Compatible car seats: All Diono Radian series car seats, in addition to many convertible car seats

Tapered to the slim shape of Diono’s Radian car seat series, this bag fits snugly around your car seat to prevent shifting in flight. It features duffle bag straps as well as backpack straps and an exterior storage pocket. Diono claims that it fits most convertible car seat models. 

Best kid-friendly design: J.L. Childress Disney Baby Car Seat Travel Bag

• Approximate cost: $60
• Weight: 4 pounds

Flying with toddlers is never easy; make the experience more fun by choosing a car seat case they’ll be excited to travel with. This Mickey-themed bag has padded interior wings, padded backpack straps, an interior zipper storage pocket, and a Mickey Mouse ID card. 

Best with an included storage case: Jeep Car Seat Travel Bag  

• Approximate cost: $45
• Dimensions: Not specified by manufacturer
• Weight: 3.8 pounds

The Jeep , which is black with contrasting white piping, has a convenient extra pocket, built-in carry handles, and an elevated wheel platform. It even comes with a clear storage cover to keep the bag clean and protected when not in use. 

Best color choices: Yorepek Car Seat Padded Bag

• Approximate cost: $30
• Dimensions: 18” by 18” by 28”
• Weight: 2 pounds

If you don’t want your gear getting mixed up at the airport, pick any of Yorepek’s 10 unique color choices, including neutrals and vivid hues. We love this bag’s lockable zippers, interior fixing strap, padded wings, and elastic side pockets that are perfect for drinks and snacks.

Best with contrast stitching: Simple Being Baby Car Seat Travel Bag  

• Approximate cost: $40
• Dimensions: 18.9” by 16.9” by 29.9”
• Weight: 3.7 pounds

If you want your luggage to stand out but a full-on lavender hue isn’t for you, then this black bag with contrasting red piping could be a winner. It has shock-absorbing feet, a name tag pocket, all-around padding, and a reinforced handle.

Best for infant car seats: Yorepec Infant Car Seat Travel Bag

• Approximate cost: $39
• Dimensions: 22” by 15” by 19”
• Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Compatible car seats: Infant car seats and bases

Although designed for the dimensions of the Nuna Pipa and Graco SnugRide 35 Lite car seats, this bag fits many infant car seat models. It carries like a duffle bag, with extra safety padding and three attractive color choices. 

Budget-friendly picks: The best car seat travel bags under $25

Budget-friendly winner: J.L. Childress Gate Check

• Approximate cost: $16
• Dimensions: 21” by 13” by 46”
• Weight: 0.3 pounds
• Closure type: Drawstring

This simple nylon bag , intended for families to use at gate check, is lightweight and compact. It has an ID box and an attached spandex storage pouch. It comes in black or red.

Budget-friendly runner-up: Gorilla Grip Car Seat Bag  

• Approximate cost: $18
• Dimensions: 18” by 18” by 34”
• Weight: 0.8 pounds

The black Gorilla Grip with colorful contrasting straps has padded backpack straps, a luggage tag, and thick handles. It folds into an included zipper storage pouch when not in use. 

Best price: Slynnar Car Seat Travel Bag

• Approximate cost: $14
• Weight: 0.6 pounds

At less than $14, parents can’t beat this price. The Slynnar has multiple carry handles on the sides and front, and it folds into an included spandex pouch.

Best drawstring bag with double closure: Birdee Car Seat Travel Bag  

• Approximate cost: $22
• Closure type: Drawstring and buckle

The Birdee has padded backpack straps, an included ID tag, a top rubber handle for lifting, and a zippered storage pouch. It features a drawstring and buckle closure to ensure it doesn’t open during travel. 

Best for backless boosters: Birdee Booster Seat Travel Bag  

• Approximate cost: $21
• Dimensions: 16” by 8” by 16.5”
• Weight: 0.7 pounds
• Compatible car seats: Backless booster seats

This versatile bag (which also fits the GB Pockit and other compact strollers!) fits two backless booster seats. It has a suitcase sleeve that slides onto your roller bag, and it folds into a 9” by 9” pouch when not in use.

Best alternative solution: Alnoor USA Car Seat Travel Belt  

• Dimensions: 68” long
• Compatible car seats: Front-facing car seats
• Closure type: Buckle

This innovative belt secures any car seat with a top tether to most roller bags, so parents can drag car seats instead of carrying them. The manufacturer indicates that children should not ride in their car seats when using the belt.

The Final Verdict: Finding the Best Car Seat Travel Bag

We hope this guide helps you find the best method for flying with your car seat and simplifies your upcoming travel plans. Sure, you can wrap a drum liner around the car seat and secure it with tape, or send it down the conveyor without a bag at all, hoping that no damage occurs. (We have done both in a pinch!) If you do decide to purchase a protective bag, however, it’s important to find the right balance of cost and quality for your family.

For more help on traveling with youngsters, read our posts on traveling with or without a car seat, or our guides on finding the best travel strollers , travel baby carriers , or toddler travel beds .

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!

With a background in medicine as a licensed physician assistant, Christy is a freelance writer and mom of two young kids. As someone who loves to ski, run, and hike, she most cherishes introducing her son and daughter to the beautiful outdoors and spending time with her precious family.

Similar Posts

Deuter Kid Comfort Pro – Worth it? My Honest Review

How to Travel While Exclusively Pumping

Cruise with Your Baby – A Mom’s Ultimate Guide

Thule Coaster XT Bike Trailer: An Honest Review from Active Parents

Is the SNOO Worth it? NOT Sponsored Review from a Mom

Solly Baby Wrap Review – Pros, Cons, and Honest Thoughts

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Why Bali Is My Favorite Place in the World

How Learning That More Money Won’t Make Me Happier Has Changed My Life

Examples of 250+ Businesses Started With

8 best car seat travel bags in 2022 (for flying with your child).

Note: This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click on a link and purchase an item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.

Your family bonding experience wouldn’t be complete without your little ones. Nothing beats the joy of being with them and watching them explore the most beautiful places in the world.

But sometimes, keeping your children safe is a challenge. You need to keep them secure and ensure that they’re sitting still, which leads you to find a dedicated car seat for them, even during air travel.

That’s why a car seat travel bag is a must-have for any parent who wants to fly with their child in a car seat.

In this article, we’ll help you find the perfect car seat travel bag that’ll give you the peace of mind of keeping your child safe in an unfamiliar place. With a car seat bag, you’ll worry less about how to transfer your car seat, plus you’ll also have extra storage for your toddler’s stuff!

We’ll also walk you through the special features and advantages of the best car seat travel bags in the market today. If this is your first time traveling with a child, make sure to read these 60 family travel tips for parents .

Table of Contents

Buying Guide: What You Should Look For in a Car Seat Travel Bag

1. size & weight.

You’d want to buy one that’s not too big nor too small. If it doesn’t fit, the car seat may move too much or be left unprotected. So, pick a car seat travel bag that has a nice fit and isn’t cumbersome to carry.

You should also consider whether the bag is foldable and lightweight and if it can fit inside your luggage when not in use.

2. Carrying Style

There are many styles to choose from. You can opt for a car seat travel bag with or without wheels or one with shoulder straps. To find out what suits you best, ask yourself a few questions:

• How many bags will I bring during my trip?
• How long will I carry the car seat?

If your luggage is heavy, choose a car seat travel bag that has wheels.

Some parents say that traveling with wheels is more convenient because you’ll also bring the car seat bag with you outside the airport. Carrying the bag by its handles can also hurt your hands or shoulders after a long period.

If you opt for a car seat travel bag that has shoulder straps, make sure that the handles or straps are long and padded to be comfortable for you while you’re carrying it.

You can also find a car seat travel bag with a luggage strap so you can attach it to your wheeled luggage. That way, you’ll give your shoulder a rest.

3. Durability

Ask yourself about how often and how long you’ll use your car seat travel bag. If you’ll be using it often and for a while, invest in one with high-quality features that stand up against the test of time. You should also choose one with a reinforced base to protect it, especially during gate checks.

Padded car seat travel bags are often recommended but are expensive. If you’re looking for budget-friendly options, you can try nylon bags without internal padding. Aside from being more affordable, it’s also lighter compared to its more expensive counterparts.

5. Airline Requirements

Airline requirements vary from place to place, so do your research before your trip. Generally, airlines want car seats and travel bags that don’t block the row or bother other passengers. This is why they recommend putting car seats by the window.

To be safe, buy a car seat that has an FAA sticker attached to it. This ensures that the car seat is certified for motor vehicles and aircraft use.

6. Age and Weight of Your Child

Different car seats are designed for different ages, so check the capacity of the car seat travel bag before buying it.

A bucket-style infant car seat is recommended for airplane use since it fits the age and weight of an infant. It’s harder to find the perfect car seat for toddlers, but you can consult with your airlines for recommendations.

Checking a Car Seat for Flights: How to Pack a Car Seat for Checked Baggage

Almost all major airlines consider child safety as one of their top priorities. Hence, you can check your car seat for no additional fees.

Choose an Easy to Fold and Lightweight Car Seat

Some parents don’t understand how to use car seats on airplanes. This would sometimes lead to fights between them and flight attendants, who sometimes try to stop even FAA-approved safety car seats from being used. This tends to happen in planes with smaller-than-average seats.

To avoid these circumstances, consider bringing a foldable and lightweight car seat that can fit perfectly inside a travel bag.

Put Your Car Seat in a Fit and Recognizable Bag

This is to avoid different kinds of damage, unwanted dirt, and loss. Some parents pack their car seats in large bags surrounded by diapers on all sides or other soft items such as clothes, socks, or towels to keep the seat safe and secure.

Some airlines give you plastic bags that are strong enough to use as a cover if you need to keep your things safe.

Also, make sure your car seat & travel bag are marked with your name and a phone number or email address that can be used to reach you if it ever gets lost.

8 Best Car Seat Travel Bags for Flying in Airplanes

1. best car seat backpack: the yorepek car seat travel bag.

The Yorepek Car Seat Travel Bag is compatible with almost all major brands of car seats with its size (28x18x18 inches).

With its large capacity and elastic pockets, it can fit some small accessories such as diapers, baby toys, clothes, toiletries, and feeding bottles. You don’t have to worry about extra costs like baggage fees and car seat rental fees, too, because this travel bag can carry the baby car seat conveniently.

Plus, it’s foldable, so you can easily pack it when not in use. You can now show your ticket and pull your luggage at the same time without thinking about your baby’s car seat.

This car seat travel bag also has an adjustable backpack strap to cater to different body types and achieve maximum comfort while carrying it. If you opt for hand carry, you can also use its padded top handle.

You won’t doubt its durability because it’s made from waterproof polyester fiber and has thick feet at the bottom to protect the car seat from dirt and unwanted bacteria. Also, its car seat cushion is easy to clean and uses innovative technology to provide comprehensive wear protection.

You’ll ensure your child’s safety when you use the Yorepek Car Seat Travel Bag . It has thick internal wings and straps that can fix the baby car seat in its position. Plus, with its double zip opening, you can secure this bag using a lock.

• Adjustable backstraps
• Large capacity
• Easy to clean

2. For Doona Owners: Doona Travel Bag

If you own a Doona car seat or stroller , you should consider buying the Doona Travel Bag . Not only is it compatible with your Doona car seat, but it’s also designed to make traveling with an infant easier. The car base fits inside the bag as well.

You don’t have to worry about harsh conditions outside or the mess your child makes because this travel bag is easy to clean and durable. It’ll ensure that even if airline workers toss your stuff carelessly, your expensive items are secured inside.

You’ll never run out of options in using this travel bag because of its easy-to-use backpack straps that provide hands-free comfort and convenience.

Another good news is you won’t experience any hassle during onboarding because it’d only take you a minute to assemble and disassemble your Doona.

• Water-repellent
• Ripstop fabric
• No luggage strap

3. Best Padded Car Seat Travel Bag: JL Childress Car Seat Bag

For almost 20 years now, JL Childress has been giving his all for the quality of his products. So, you’ll never go wrong with this original brand.

Made with heavy-duty polyester fabric with thick protective padding on all sides, the JL Childress Car Seat Bag will protect your car seat from damages, scrapes, abrasions, and abusive luggage handling. Plus, it has padded interior wings dedicated to protecting the car seat’s headrest.

After using this car seat bag, you’ll never go back to inferior padding again.

And because of this bag’s smooth exterior style, you won’t have to stress over your bag’s straps and pockets getting caught up in airplane machinery anymore either.

We’re not calling this the best padded car seat travel bag for nothing. Aside from its thick protective padding, it also has padded, harness-style backpack straps to maximize comfort and convenience. You don’t have to worry about the hassle of carrying it anywhere as you leave the airport.

• High-quality padding
• Convenient webbing handle
• Dual zipper opening
• ID card pocket

4. Best Wheeled Car Seat Travel Bag: Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag

This car seat travel bag is flexible because you can either carry it on your shoulders or roll the bag by your side.

Chicco’s Car Seat Travel Bag has a four-wheel spinner construction and two padded handles for convenience and comfort. It also has adjustable padded backpack straps.

This travel bag ensures both the protection of the car seat and your child. With durable and water-resistant fabric, this car seat travel bag is protected from wear and tear caused by constant travel. It also has sturdy double zippers and a reinforced rubberized base for additional security.

It fits all Chicco car seats and it has a wide opening to make car seat insertion and removal easy.

• Fits all Chicco car seats
• 360-degree maneuvering
• Rolls easily with one hand
• Ultra-durable, water-resistant PVB reinforced fabric
• Built-in backpack strap storage pockets

5. Best Budget-Friendly Option: V VOLKGO Car Seat Travel Bag

If you’re looking for an affordable option without sacrificing the safety of your child, the V VOLKGO Car Seat Travel Bag is for you.

It helps protect your car seat from physical damages and unwanted dirt, and it’s compatible with most major car seat brands with its size of 34x18x18 inches.

Experience hands-free convenience with its two padded backpack straps, so you can have an easier time onboarding. It also provides a front strap to let you carry it in a variety of ways.

You’ll be amazed how it can transform from a bag to a compact pouch. It can be folded flat to transform into a carrying pouch, so it doubles as a storage bag for itself when not in use.

Despite its price, it’s still water-resistant and adapts a unique technology to offer wear and tear protection. It has two drawstring closures and a velcro flap to help keep the car seat secure inside the bag.

• Padded backpack straps
• Compatible with almost all major brands of car seats
• 2-In-1 Bag and Compact Pouch
• Secure closure system

6. Best Gate Check Bag: JL Childress Air Travel Bag

Parents love this bright red air travel bag for a reason. As you pull the bag out of its stretch pouch, you’ll realize how spacious it is and how the car seat fits perfectly inside.

The drawstring and lock keep the car seat safe away from unwanted dirt and bacteria. During onboarding, you don’t have to worry about anything because its durable fabric, bright red color, and big logo will ensure its safety and return.

As you leave the airport, you won’t feel uncomfortable at all since this gate check bag is lightweight. You can also carry it easily using its webbing handle if necessary.

Tuck it away inside its spandex pouch once again and fit it easily inside your carry-on bag when not in use. You won’t worry about it getting lost.

• Water-resistant
• Double-stitched seams
• Personal identification box
• Easy to identify
• Fits most car seats
• No backstraps

7. Best Water-Resistant Car Seat Bag: Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag

The weather is often unpredictable, and it’s such a hassle if you plan a trip only for it to be rainy all day. It’s especially worse if the trip includes your kid.

At least with the Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag , you don’t have to worry about your car seat because it has the best water-resistant features.

This bag is compatible with most car seats brands. Made with heavy-duty fabric and a double zipper opening, it can withstand the harsh conditions in a busy airport terminal.

This travel bag caters to the carrying needs of every mom and dad. If you need to rest your shoulders, you can carry it using its built-in handle. And if you need to free your hands to cater to your child’s needs or to hand over your tickets, you can use its shoulder and waist straps.

• 1-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Refundable within 14 days after purchase
• Adjustable carrying straps
• Built-in handle
• Padded interior 
• Lockable double zipper
• Water-resistant fabric
• Includes luggage ID

8. Best Lightweight Car Seat Travel Bag: Reperkid Car Seat Travel Backpack

After long walks during your trip, you’ll appreciate the weight this car seat travel bag removes from your shoulders.

Made with 600D nylon, you won’t feel the weight of the Reperkid Car Seat Travel Backpack ! Plus, you can keep your car seat safe for a long time since it’s tear-resistant and 100% waterproof. You don’t have to settle for impractical bags anymore.

With its size of 18x18x34 inches, it caters to the majority of car seats and boosters in the market today.

If you found it hard locating your bag during your last trip, you’ll love how this bag’s vibrant blue or purple color aids in easy identification. It even has a large graphic printed on it and a personalized name card slot so you’d save time finding your luggage on your next trip.

You can enjoy carrying this travel bag anywhere and prevent back strain as its ergonomic shoulder straps give the utmost comfort and convenience. If you need to give your back a rest, you can use its practical handle instead.

Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, bus, or car, you’ll have a safe and fun trip with your child.

• Universal fit
• Easy drawstring quick closure
• Personalized name card slot
• Adjustable shoulder pads
• Large storage capacity

Car Seat Travel Bag Alternatives: Other Ways to Transport a Car Seat

1. car seat travel cart: britax car seat travel cart.

Are you looking for extra support to transport your child’s car seat across short distances? The Britax Car Seat Travel Cart might just be the right one for you.

Made from durable steel, you can secure your car seat with its latch connectors and accommodate a wide variety of users.

With its size (24 x 13.5 x 5.5 inches), it can accommodate all Britax convertible car seats and harness booster seats , as well as most car seat brands.

You can bring this anywhere because it’s compact enough to be stowed into small spaces including overhead bins without the hassle of assembling it or breaking it down.

• One-hand telescoping handle
• Strong steel frame
• Secure latch connectors
• Limited one-year warranty
• Some people might find it difficult to maneuver

2. Car Seat Luggage Strap: Alnoor Car Seat Travel Belt

If you’re hesitant in spending money on a car seat travel bag, what if you try getting a travel belt instead?

With the Alnoor Car Seat Travel Belt , you can transform your existing rolling bag into a portable travel solution that can accommodate different types of car seats. You’ll get your money’s worth because this reliable commercial-grade belt can last for years.

This belt is compatible with most 13”-56” roller bags. You can easily attach the car seat onto your bag and remove the belt after you board the plane within seconds. When not in use, you can store it conveniently as it takes up minimal space inside your luggage.

• Easy assembly
• Commercial grade
• Takes up minimal space
• To tighten, you need to stop

3. Foldable Travel Car Seat: The Fit-and-Fold High Back Booster Seat by mifold

Parents love this alternative for its flexibility and portability. It even won many awards including the 2019 Creative Child Product of the Year Award.

Known as the world’s most adjustable booster, the Fit-and-Fold High Back Booster Seat can be adjusted to 243 individual settings.

You don’t have to worry about its weight and storage because it can be folded down to a compact size and fitted inside your bag or luggage. It even includes a carry strap for convenience.

This lightweight alternative will keep your child safe and secure because it ensures the best seat belt fit for your child.

Do take note that this car seat is designed for kids aged 4 and up, 40-100 lbs, and 40 to 59 inches tall.

• Ensures optimal seat belt fit
• Regulated for global use

4. Convertible Car Seat: Doona Infant Car Seat & Latch Base

Do you find it hard picking the right car seat and stroller for your infant? Well, you don’t have to stress any further because Doona has a single solution for your problems.

Introducing the Doona Car Seat and Latch Base !

You can convert this car seat to a stroller with a single click. It’s designed to help you save time and enjoy your trip to the fullest.

It includes several features to get started on a safe and fun trip such as the Doona infant car seat, bamboo infant insert, bamboo head support, vehicle seat protector, and the base. Also, fashion-conscious families will enjoy the wide variety of colors to choose from.

You can also make sure this convertible car seat is safe and secure during your trip by getting a Doona travel bag .

Remember that this convertible car seat is suitable for babies between 4-35 lbs and a maximum of 32 inches in height. Plus, it’s rear-facing only.

• Adjustable handlebar
• 3 layer side impact protection
• TUV and FAA aircraft approved
• 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
• Removable and washable stretch material canopy and shoulder pads
• Short handle extension

Frequently Asked Questions

1. do you need a car seat travel bag to check a car seat.

It’s not required but it’s nice to have to secure your car seat. It’s useful if you frequently transport your car seat.

Despite “fragile” or “handle with care” stickers, some baggage handlers can still be quite rough. It’s better to secure your car seat to prevent unwanted costs of buying a new one if your car seat gets damaged.

2. Does a car seat count as a checked bag?

No, it’s not considered a checked bag. It’s considered a baby item or sometimes called a comfort item. This means it’s not part of your checked bag allowance and the airlines have limited liability if your item is lost or damaged.

3. Can you gate-check a car seat? What does “gate check” mean anyway?

Gate checking is the process of checking your bag at the departure gate before they store it in the cargo hold of the aircraft. This is different from regular checks done at a check-in desk or ticket counter for pre-security.

Yes, you can gate-check a car seat. It’s considered a better choice than checking with luggage since the car seat is frequently used. Also, when you go through gate checking you can expect fewer damages because fewer people will be handling it.

4. Can’t I just take my car seat on the plane?

Before your flight, remember to always check with your airlines about restrictions since some of them may have implemented rules with regards to car seats. Normally, they must be FAA or TÜV-approved seats to allow the use of car seats in the aircraft. If your car seat is marked as “For Use In Aircraft,” then it’s an airline-approved car seat.

Final Thoughts

Once you enter the airport with your family, ready to go on one of your best trips yet, you’ll realize how much effort you put into packing your suitcases, preparing your children, and making sure all safety precautions were followed.

All these responsibilities can be overwhelming at times but you can remove some of the stress by picking the right car seat travel bag.

We hope this article has helped you find the best car seat travel bag that’ll work for your lifestyle. These are the 8 best this year, but there are many more options out there if these don’t suit your needs.

Do some research online and see what other brands have to offer! We also recommend checking with airline personnel because they may be able to provide you with a discount on their brand of bags or something similar.

20 Best Golf Travel Bags in 2022 for Your Clubs and Accessories

30 Best Packing Cubes for Travel Organization

62 Best Travel Accessories in 2022 to Save Time & Money

20 Best Travel Pillows for the Most Comfortable Journey

• About the Blogger
• About the Globetrotters
• Community Groups
• Privacy Policy
• PR & Media Inquiries
• Guest Opportunities
• Giveaways & Offers

• Best Destinations
• Explore My City
• Australia & Oceania
• Middle East
• Pregnancy Travel
• Baby Travel
• Toddler Travel
• Tween & Teen Travel
• Theme Park Travel
• Travel Health
• Travel Photography
• Flying with Kids
• Beach Vacation
• Camping, Hiking & Outdoor Adventures
• Travel Toys
• Baby Travel Gear
• Toddler Travel Gear
• Outdoor Gear
• Airline Reviews
• Accommodation Reviews
• Attraction Reviews
• Book Reviews
• Travel Gifts
• Packing Lists
• Expat Life Blog
• Expat Money Matters
• Global Parenting Interviews
• Expat Entrepreneurs
• Family Life in Abu Dhabi
• Booking Tools

Product Reviews

12 best car seat travel bags in 2024 & more tips on how to transport car seats.

Not taking your car seat onboard the plane? Here’s how to safely check your most important travel gear

Car seats are, without a doubt, one of the bulkiest pieces of kiddy kit you will need to travel within those early years. And also the piece that will be hanging out with you the longest!

Even once you have discarded travel strollers , car seats and boosters are still needed for many of your childhood years to come.

If you are not planning on using your car seat on board an aircraft but will use it at your destination, you need to ensure it is securely stowed in the plane’s hold.

When buying a car seat, it makes perfect sense that you should invest a few extra dollars to buy a car seat protector and also buy a travel bag to protect it in transit.

Best Car Seat Travel Bags in 2024

Do i need a car seat travel bag, choosing the best car seat travel bag, here are our top car seat travel bags reviewed in detail, best car seat gate check bags with wheels, branded car seat travel bags, alternative methods for transporting your car seat, summing it up – picking the best car seat travel bag, this post is part of our tried & tested product reviews . .

As Amazon Associates, we earn a commission from qualifying purchases made from this page.

We will summarise the best car seat travel bags currently available on the market here.

Read on below though for more on our thoughts on whether a car seat cover is worth it and our detailed review of these market-leading products.

Seriously, you’re telling me I need to buy MORE travel kit ! Have I not purchased enough already!?

We learned very quickly after one of our early flights with a baby that, yes, you need to protect your car seats if they go in the hold.

These items are treated as oversized luggage and, if left unprotected in any way, are prone to breakage (as well as rain if left out in the elements). We can’t imagine how hard baggage handlers must have thrown our baby capsule to smash in the way it did…

It made us much more conscious of keeping our gear protected, and now we never travel without our strollers and car seats in a protective bag or covering. This does not need to be an expensive branded car seat travel bag, but regular travellers, we highly recommend you DO get something robust.

(TOP TIP: It was also a lesson to photograph anything of value going into the hold so you have evidence for any claims for breakage with your airline or insurer – much back and forward with the airline concerned, we were finally compensated for our smashed car seat).

Can’t I just take my car seat onto the plane?

You can find our complete guide on how to use your car seat on the plane here.

What does gate check mean?

It means checking an item to be held under the aircraft at the gate. In reality, “gate-check bags” for car seats and strollers can also be checked in with your luggage if the item is not required on the plane. A stroller, perhaps, might be more convenient to gate check. Still, your car seat can be checked in immediately upon arriving at the airport.

Can I chance taking my car seat with me to the plane?

You can, but it could be a bulky and inconvenient strategy to try. IF there is a spare seat next to you, you might be able to use your car seat if the crew allows it. Otherwise, it’ll have to be left at the plane door to go in the hold.

Some people prefer to do this regardless and pull their kid along in the car seat. To be fair, I’ve not tried it, but it doesn’t look that convenient vs using a stroller.

If you do this, it’s even more important to make sure you can readily pull a protective bag over your seat before it’s left with the ground staff to put in the hold. Make sure they issued you with a baggage tag at check-in that is visible on the exterior of the bag (airline issued, not just your own ID tag ), or a member of gate staff has somehow tagged it.

Where do I collect my gate check items from?

Whether you have left your items at the aircraft door or checked them in with oversized at the check-in counter, most bulky items like car seats and strollers will be delivered at your arrival airport to oversized luggage. This is usually a separate location in the baggage claim hall. Do check the carousel, though, as it varies by airport; they may put it through the normal chute in a plastic tray.

Does the car seat count towards my luggage if I gate check it?

This is entirely up to your airline, policies vary vastly. Most premium airlines ( you can check our full collection of airline reviews here ) allow a child’s car seat and/or stroller to be checked at no extra charge.

On a budget airline, you may need to weigh up the cost of simply buying your infant a seat on the plane so the car seat can be used onboard vs the cost of paying for extra luggage and keeping it in the hold.

(TOP TIP: If you are ultra-clever and get an infant item for free, don’t let that extra space between the bag and the around the actual item go to waste! Perfect for shoving your blankets or extra clothes!)

Features to look for when purchasing a car seat gate check bag:

• Waterproof and durable materials (thickness of the nylon and quality of stitching to prevent tears)
• How do you carry it ? Does it have sturdy should straps? Does it have extra straps and handles to help with picking it up? Would you prefer wheels to pull it along?
• Will the car seat travel bag actually fit my car seat’s dimensions ? Look for “Universal Fit”, but with any of the more structured/padded car seat bags, you’ll still want to measure up it fits your exact model.
• How secure is the item inside? Will it be a snug fit or still jiggling around?
• How does the bag stay closed ? Just a drawstring and velcro or can you zip and lock it securely?
• How small does the product fold up when not in use? You will still need to keep it somewhere while you’re on vacation!

Unlike many brands of strollers that come with their own branded travel bags , very few car seats come with custom-fitted gate check bags, so you will most likely need to get a generic brand that best fits the s hape of your seat.

Our Top Pick Flexible Car Seat Travel Bag: VolkGo Durable Car Seat Travel Bag

The VolkGo boasts a durable waterproof nylon exterior and generous dimensions fitting seats up to 18″ x 18″ x 34″, suitable for most brands, including older kids’ high back boosters.

We like that it comes with two backpack straps and front and side lifting handles to help with maneuverability. It has a wide drawstring opening and closes with a velcro fastener. When not in use, it fits in a small and lightweight pouch.

It comes with a 12-month guarantee, which is reassuring that you should be able to get multiple trips out of this product.

This is our favorite car seat travel bag if you’re seeking something flexible for multiple different car seats that won’t rip on its first use. VolkGo also produces a matching stroller travel bag too.

Best padded car seat travel bag: Zohzo Car Seat Travel Bag

This bag from Zohzo offers a snug fit for your car seat and slightly smaller dimensions (18″ x 18″ x 28″) so it may not suit the taller bag seats, but it offers a very secure fit with a dual zipper closing that can be locked. The exterior is durable, waterproof nylon.

As well as thick padding inside for extra protection, the Zohzo also features a padded back for ease of carrying with adjustable straps, a top lifting handle, and a harness strap for around your waist for a better ergonomic fit.

We love that it comes not only in black and grey but a distinct bright purple for item identification. It doesn’t fold down as small as other products when not in use due to the extra padding.

Zohzo makes a wide range of other sturdy travel accessory products including the travel stroller bag , infant rearview mirrors and car seat protector pads .

Another great choice for padded car seat travel bag: Yorepek Car Seat Travel Bag

Another great padded model of car seat cover, the Yorepek comes in several bright colours, which helps with baggage identification! Sturdy padded carry straps and an adjustable waist strap aid with carrying, though there’s only one top carry handle.

We like that the design is made to fold away compactly when not in use, and the 4 solid plastic feet mean that your gear is not sitting directly on dirty surfaces. The double-opening zip gives ease of access in and out, and it’s possible to lock the zips.

Made from scratch-resistant and waterproof material with several storage pockets, this would be a solid investment.

No matching stroller back, but Yorepek does have a good range of matching travel backpacks and travel accessories – everything from musical instruments to sewing gear; a lot of thought has gone into the safe protection of your important items.

Update! Since our first review, they now have a wheeled model; more below!

JL Childress Car Seat Travel Bags

JL Childress are big players in the children’s luggage market, with several different models on offer for both infant car seats and strollers.

We feel their basic car seat bag model is a little lacking and, by all reports, really only good for one trip as the nylon waterproof bag is not particularly durable. It comes with a drawstring close and a single front handle. For its lack of features, it makes up for it in its weight, being only 10.7oz and stretching to a huge 46″, which is great for those high-backed boosters .

We’d consider this a budget investment if you’re only an occasional traveler or need a car seat travel bag only as a one-off. Remember, with no wheels or shoulder straps; you’re carrying or dragging it.

The backpack model is quite a bit heavier at 6.6 lbs but is a much easier product to carry with adjustable backpack straps and a top lift handle. Its dimensions are quite square at 19″x 15″x 16″, so it won’t work for your taller backed seats but is one of the more protective models coming with lockable zips and interior padding.

They also produce a wheeled version which we’ll discuss below. You can see their matching stroller cover range here .

Bububee Elua Car Seat Travel Bag System

Elua is one of the simpler models but still comes with added features that make it one of the best value easy to use models. Made of a high-density Oxford waterproof nylon exterior and neoprene-lined interior. It has adjustable backpack carry straps, as well as top and side, carry handles for lifting.

It closes with a drawstring toggle and a velcro flap giving easy access. When not in use, stores in its own lightweight pouch. Generously sized at 18″ x 18″x 33.5″, it fits most car seat models, from infant car seats to high-back boosters for older children.

The Bububee Elua also comes with matching double stroller travel bag .

ReperKid Car Seat Backpack

Another fairly basic model, very similar to the Bebubee Elua, The ReperKid claims to use a thicker 600D nylon than others (no evidence as to what thickness most others are using, though, when they say “durable”!).

It comes with two backpack-style straps and a front handle for lifting. The ReperKid fits most models at 18″ x 18″ x 34″ and comes with its own lightweight carry bag. Its bright color for identification is one of its distinguishing features.

Also Consider: Rogue Kidz Car Seat Travel Bag

We’re leaving this one in here as it used to be our top pick when we first started shopping for car seat covers a few years ago, but unfortunately looks like it’s been out of stock for some time now – hopefully, it returns this year!

One of the most robust offerings, the Rogue Kidz Car Seat Travel Bag has great dimensions to fit taller backed car seats (20″ x 20″ x 33.5″) and is made of durable waterproof nylon.

Getting your car seat in and out of the bag is made easy with a drawstring that can open wide, and the bag can be tightly secured with two clip fasteners. As well as having two sturdy padded backpack straps, it also has a side lifting handle and a front strap for easy manoeuvring and an optional luggage strap that can clip on. When not in use, it comes with its own handy storage pouch.

If the idea of lugging your car seat on your back is not appealing (let’s be honest, car seats are quite awkward and heavy!), there are only a few wheeled products available – just be conscious you compromise a little on weight. They won’t fold down as small when not in use.

Our Top Pick Best Car Seat Travel Bag with Wheels: Hello Jolie Car Seat Bag

This is probably one of the best padded models we’ve seen for keeping your gear protected with 4 swivel wheels, the only one on the market to offer this feature.

The attractive Hello Jolie has a thick internal fleece lining and waterproof nylon outer, opening completely flat for ease of use and a luggage strap to attach your wheelie car seat bag to your suitcase. It comes in black, grey and navy and, with ample dimensions, will fit the largest of car seats.

• You can see our detailed review of the Hello Jolie here

It is one of the heavier products at 5.5 lbs, but as you will be pulling it on swivel wheels rather than carrying it, this is really not so much of an issue. You will need storage space at your destination too, as it’s one of the bulkier ones when not in use.

What it makes up for in these small inconveniences, though, is being the best possible protection and convenient transportation.

No matching stroller bag yet, but they do produce great matching travel cubes .

Another great wheeled car seat bag: Yorepek Car Seat Travel Bag with Wheels

We were delighted to see the Yorepek come out in a wheeled model ; they’ve transferred across all the great features of this car seat bag with adjustable shoulder strap and waist strap, top lift handle, and added 4 independent spinner wheels without changing the product’s overall weight.

Again, it’s made from scratch-resistant and waterproof material and offers a double-opening zip for ease of access and the ability to lock. You can still get a pretty compact fold out of this wheeled bag when not in use, which is impressive for what it can do.

A little more pricey than the plain backpack model (i.e., more than double!), but we think you’ll find those wheels can be worth their weight in gold; we are big converts to wheels over backpacks aft 10+ years of dragging car seats worldwide!

Also Consider: The JL Childress Wheelie Car Seat Travel Bag

Similar to the JL Childress backpack model reviewed above, this wheeled product from J L Childress comes with a durable nylon exterior and a padded interior for superior seat protection. It also has lockable zips.

The product is 20″x 30″x 32″, so still quite reasonable dimensions that will fit most but not all high-backed models. The product folds flat but is not tiny like the pouch products reviewed above. Whether you are checking your luggage or want an easy way to get your car seat to the plane, it can be used.

Worth a Look: Jeep Child Car Seat Travel Bag

Another sturdy option that comes with built-in wheels is the Jeep Child Car Seat Travel Bag . It has a front zip lock for a snug fit and gives the option of being pulled with a top handle, picked up with a front handle as well as carried as a backpack.

It claims to fit most car seats but does not specify exact dimensions which is frustrating as a buyer and a crucial piece of information! We understand from customer reviews that the product may not be made from as robust material as others due to reported rips and tears.

As we mentioned at the outset, very few car seat manufacturers sell separate car seat bags for airplanes that matches their product. A few we have spotted, though not tested:

• UPPAbaby MESA Travel Bag – designed to snuggly fit the UPPAbaby MESA, it is made of 600denier material and comes with two carry straps.
• Chico Car Seat Travel Bag – perfectly fits all the Chicco car seat range (and would pretty universally fit most car seats) with a 4 swivel wheel design.

We’ve found a lot of people searching for Cybex car seat bag , but so far, we’ve only spotted a Cybex travel bag for their twist stroller.

Likewise, Maxi Cosi has surprisingly not released a Maxi-Cosi storage bag for car seats, but you can get a stroller protector bag for their new range of ultra-compact travel strollers .

Britax used to have a car seat bag specific for their Britax car seats that we recommended, but it appears to be discontinued as we can only currently find their stroller protective bags . These do not look deep enough to fit a Britax car seat.

You can, of course, stick your car seat into oversized luggage and hope for the best!

As an alternative, if you don’t want to buy a travel bag, you can shrink wrap your kiddy travel products at the airport. It’s not as effective as having a durable bag and inevitably costs more if you pay for items to be wrapped on every flight you take. Still, it can be a quick and easy method to protect your gear without investing in a travel bag.

Car Seat Travel Cart

If you are just interested in a quick and easy way to get your car seat to the plane without a cover over it (really only needed if it’s going in the hold), these are a few suggestions that you could use as a car seat travel cart for the airport:

As you can see, there are a lot of similarities in the travel bag products on offer, and the price point is not huge for the protection that it adds. There is a distinct price jump for those products that fit more snuggly and offer padding or wheels, but they may not work with your larger booster seats.

Most of the travel bags reviewed gave options for backpack carrying shoulder straps – but let’s be honest, unless you are hiking for miles (Ok, some airports are huge!), you really just need something to get you from the car to check in.

As long as there are enough points to pick the item up easily, it will be heavy and bulk no matter what bec ause it’s carrying an awkward large piece of essential kiddy kit!

The other thing to be mindful of is how secure the item is once in the bag. Yes, drawstrings always make getting things in and out easier, but you don’t want the item moving around too much in the bag. There’s only so much protection a nylon cover alone can give, even if you add blankets, clothing, etc., into the travel bag.

• Although there were a lot of similarities between the products, we picked VolkGo as the best car seat bag for travel with a buckle fastener, and sold at a decent price point. The best padded car seat travel bag with a little more protection is the Zohzo .
• If we were taking our seats on board, we would find the Hello Jolie Car Seat Bag with its 4 wheels the best model for dragging along through the airport without needing to carry.

Helpful? Bookmark this page or save it to Pinterest for later

Travelling with babies and Toddlers? Check out all our handy buying guides before your next vacation:

• How to choose a gate check stroller bag – keeping your stroller safe is as important as your car seat.
• Getting cosy on the move  – best kids travel pillows and seatbelt comforters.
• Best kids plane sleep devices  – a comparison of the top brands and which airlines actually accept them.
• The best compact strollers  – that can even fit on a plane.
• Best compact double strollers – keeping it light while you push two kids
• Are travelling high chairs worth it? – from clamp ons to boosters, do they help with feeding on the go?
• Items that travel-loving parents-to-be will actually use   – Get clued in on what to buy new parents that they will get a lot of practical use from for their baby.

Disclosures: We are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.  You can read our  full disclosure policy  here.

© Our Globetrotters

Like it? Share it!

1 thoughts on “ 12 Best Car Seat Travel Bags in 2024 & More Tips on How to Transport Car Seats! ”

Pingback: The Mystery of Infant Seat Travel Bag That Nobody Is Talking About | Music and Choir - Cassie Wolfgram

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

The Best Car Seat Travel Bag & Travel Car Seat Accessories

The Best Car Seat Travel Bag & Travel Car Seat Accessories

It’s the safest choice to purchase a plane ticket for your infant under two, and even if you need to book a seat for your toddler, if they ride in a car seat in a car, they should ride in one (an FAA-approved car seat ) on the plane. With that said, it’s not always financially possible to purchase an additional seat for an infant, or you know your toddler will scream the entire flight if they’re strapped down. You’ll still need a car seat at your destination, so your best bet is to gate-check it as you would gate check a stroller , but make sure to protect it from sometimes less-than-gentle baggage handlers.

This car seat travel bag plus some additional accessories will help you get through the airport easier, and protect your seat if it has to go under the plane.

The Ultimate Car Seat Travel Bag

J.l. childress ultimate car seat travel bag.

This is the ONLY  car seat travel bag available that has thick padding on all sides, plus additional padded “wings” inside to help protect your car seat. It fits the Britax Marathon, Boulevard, Roundabout, Decathlon, and Diplomat, and also fits Recaro, Evenflo, Cosco, Century, and Eddie Bauer car seats. The full compatibility guide can be viewed here . The Ultimate has padded, adjustable backpack straps for hands-free transport through the airport, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The Amazon reviews are highly favourable.

There are many car seat travel bags on the market, including alternate ones from this manufacturer, but if you’re going to invest in a car seat travel bag, the padding in this one protects the seat from more than just dirt or wear and tear.

If lugging your car seat backpack-style is not appealing, these additional travel car seat accessories might help.

Travel Car Seat Accessories

Traveling toddler car seat travel strap.

Those who don’t travel with a stroller might consider this strap. It allows you to attach your car seat’s LATCH and top tether to a rolling carry-on suitcase. And if your rolling suitcase’s handle locks, it can work as a temporary stroller for getting through the airport. I’ll be honest, this seems a little silly to me. But the Amazon reviews are highly favourable, so who knows?

GoGo Babyz TravelMate

I have always traveled with both a stroller and a car seat, and the idea of combining the two simply did not occur to me. But I know many families who swear by the the GoGo Babyz TravelMate . It is kind of a cart device that attaches to your car seat, converting it to a travel stroller so you can get through the airport and onto your flight with baby safely strapped in. It works with most available convertible car seats, but not the Cosco Scenera –which was my preferred travel car seat.

BRICA Roll ‘n Go Car Seat Transporter

This cart-type car seat travel accessory is similar to the GoGo Babyz above, but a little less expensive. And as with the GoGo Babyz , the idea is you strap your car seat on and it acts as a makeshift travel stroller, so you can wheel your car seat through the airport and on board the plane with your baby or toddler in it, and then store the cart in the overhead bin once you’ve installed your car seat on the plane. The Amazon reviews for this item are also highly positive.

Bungee Cords

Call this old-school or most definitely inelegant, but plain ol’ bungee cords are how we transported our car seat through airports. We attached them to our rolling carry-ons, and all was well. This may not be ideal for bulkier or heavier seats, but it served our purpose just fine. If you intend on gate-checking your car seat, and are not thrilled about lugging the Ultimate Car Seat Travel Bag backpack-style, using bungee cords to attach it to your rolling carry-on suitcase will work just fine at a fraction of the cost. But don’t do this if you intend to have your child ride in it! This is purely for functional rolling only.

Do you have a gadget or piece of gear you can’t live without when it comes to traveling with car seats? Please share in the comments below!

Have Baby Will Travel  is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates/Influencer Program. If you make a purchase through this site, we may receive a small commission.  Click here to check out our Amazon Store .

• All About Travel Car Seats
• Everything You Need to Know About Using Car Seats on Planes
• Flying with Car Seats and Booster Seats
• The Best FAA-Approved Car Seats for Travel
• Legal and Safe Car Seat & Stroller Alternatives for Travel
• Tips for Airport Security with a Baby or Toddler
• Tips for Traveling with a Newborn Baby
• 5 Reasons to Love Travel with a Stroller

14 Responses to The Best Car Seat Travel Bag & Travel Car Seat Accessories

What a great product for protecting car seats that need to be checked! I had no idea that such a thing existed.

Great options for travel with little ones!

You have no idea how much that carseat bag has saved us on multiple trips! LOVE it!

Such excellent options – much appreciated!

I wish all this stuff was around when our son was a baby!

Thanks for all the tips! I like that travel mate one. It will be very helpful when gate checking. I wasn’t going to get it but will get it now. For gate checking I highly recommend the Bububee Elua car seat bag. It has a padded lining and quite attractive.

I’ll have to check that one out!

I was more than impressed with the made to measure service provided by Genesis Car Seat and Pram Travel Bags. This British company makes travel bags to measure so regardless of what pram, carrycot or car seat you have you can get one made for it. http://www.facebook.com/Genesis.Footmuffs these should be reviewed….where else can you get something made to measure and delivered next day?

The GO-GO BABYZ MINI TRAVELMATE CAR SEAT STROLLER works great with the Cosco Scenera.

Do you know if you can put other things in the car seat travel bag and still gate check it? like additional diapers, life jackets, etc…….Thanks!

According to some of the online reviews, you can pack a few things in and around it. I wouldn’t stuff too much in though, in case it got too heavy.

How much is this, where can I buy one from and can it fit the silver cross simplicity car seat? Many thanks

Hi Bhamini! You should be able to buy it from Amazon here: Car Seat Travel Bag and it fits most car seats. Good luck!

Hi i found this one on Amazon and i really love it!! check it out

bit.ly/birdeebag

Leave a Reply Click here to cancel reply.

Name (required)

Email (will not be published) (required)

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Travel Partners

Additional Sponsors

Site Map   •  Privacy Policy   •  About   •  Consulting

Have Baby Will Travel® is a registered Trade Mark ©2007-2024 All Rights Reserved

7 Best Portable Car Seats for Babies, Toddlers and Big Kids

We prioritized lightweight car seats for travel by plane, rental car and rideshare.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Our top picks:

Best Overall Portable Infant Car Seat

Doona car seat stroller.

Best Value Portable Booster Seat

Graco turbobooster 2.0.

Best Portable Convertible Car Seat

Cosco scenera next.

Best Portable Foldable Booster Seat

Peg perego viaggio flex 120.

Best Portable All-in-One Car Seat

Graco 4ever dlx.

Best Lightweight Portable Car Seat

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Best Portable Travel System for Babies

Nuna pipa urbn + trvl stroller.

Aside from requiring a lot more gear, traveling with kids can be quite stressful, and in between packing your luggage and investing in a travel stroller , there's little mental energy for anything else. Fortunately our experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute Parenting Lab have been testing car seats for decades, including the best convertible car seats and the best booster seats . We test based on safety features, functionality, ease of use and value. Our picks are based on tests done in-Lab by our experts, evaluations from our consumer testers and extensive research.

Head to the end of this guide to find more information on how we test, whether or not you should use a car seat on a plane, what to look for when shopping for the best portable car seats and more. Looking for more to make traveling with kids as easy as possible? Check out our favorite outdoor-ready stroller wagons , good diaper bags and the winners of our Family Travel Awards .

The Doona car seat is our pick for the best overall car seat and stroller combo and it's one of our past Parenting Award winners. A dedicated fan following backs it up; see its more than 12,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. The Doona makes it easy to switch between car seat and stroller mode in seconds even with your baby strapped inside. In short, you don't need a separate infant car seat and a stroller, because this is both.

"It's the easiest stroller to maneuver through airport security and around an airport terminal," says one tester who's a mom of two young kids. It goes into a rideshare vehicle using the seat belt (no stroller to put in the trunk!). It's also FAA-approved for use in an airplane cabin and fits on most economy airplane seats, which are often about 17 inches wide.

Rachel Rothman , the Good Housekeeping Institute's former Chief Technologist and a mom of three, is a fan of this for travel. But it's important to note that, as well as being pricey, the Doona is only for rear-facing use and for toddlers up to 35 pounds. Toddlers outgrow it typically at age 2. But if you'll travel a lot in those first two years — even if it's just catching Ubers around town — you'll be grateful for the Doona.

Big kids need a bit of help ensuring that the seatbelt is hitting their body just right, so this backless booster gives them that extra height. It's also exceptionally small, lightweight and easy to travel with; you might even keep several in your car's trunk for when you're carpooling other kids.

Because it's backless, it doesn't offer as much support as a highback booster (for that, see the Peg Perego on this list). It is okayed for ages 4 and up as long as they weigh at least 40 pounds and could be great for a quick trip when you don't want to lug something large. This fits into a tote bag!

With its two hideaway cupholders, machine-washable seat cushions and padded armrests, this tucks a lot of features into a (really!) affordable seat. It's no surprise that it has more than 59,000 five-star reviews on Amazon. While it isn't airline approved — all booster seats require a shoulder belt, which you won't find on an airplane — its compact size makes it incredibly simple to slide into your overhead bin to later use in taxis, Ubers or other vehicles once you get to your destination.

For a little more money there's a TurboBooster LX version that works with LATCH; nice if you'll be keeping this in one car for a length of time.

Got enough to carry already? At 10 pounds, this is the best lightweight convertible car seat for traveling and it won't break the bank. Five harness heights and three buckle locations help customize the seat to your baby or toddler's size, though it's the kind of harness you have to rethread each time you need to change it.

The Scenera can be installed rear-facing for babies and toddlers and forward-facing for preschoolers up to 40 pounds but lacks the cushioning and other comforts, like a recline mechanism, we've come to enjoy in an everyday toddler car seat . Still, with its deep bucket seat, this will keep your tiny passenger comfy enough and car seat compliant when you're traveling and in and out of other people's vehicles. It's especially great as a rear-facing travel option for 2- and 3-year-olds who have outgrown an infant car seat.

You can remove both the cupholder and seat pad for washing. The seat pad can even go in the dryer. The brand claims that three of these seats fit across a back seat and our tests were able to validate that in certain vehicles. It can be installed with the LATCH system or a seatbelt. It's approved for airplane seats and like our best overall pick it fits on most economy seats.

Kids who are at least age 4 and who weigh 40 pounds or more will appreciate the comfort of this belt-positioning booster seat just as much as parents will appreciate its ability to fold down to a fraction of its size.

The Flex 120 has an exceptionally large weight range, functioning for kids up to — you guessed it — 120 pounds. While it's a bit pricier than some other booster options, its ability to compact down makes it perfect for folding up and storing in a bag that you can then gate-check, or even fit into the overhead bin while in-flight. Note that no belt-positioning booster is certified for use in an airplane cabin because they're meant to be used with a car's shoulder belt, not an airplane lap belt. The big kids who fit this are good to use the airplane belt anyway! This is perfect for use in a rideshare, taxi or a far-off relative's vehicle when you land.

Customize this booster to your child by adjusting the headrest, upper backrest, side wings and seat. In addition to being an easy portable car seat, this is another great choice for grandparents or other caregivers who only occasionally drive big kids around because it so easily fits into a car's trunk when not in use.

This is larger and heavier than any of our other choices. However, this is the most portable all-in-one car seat that grows with your little one from a rear-facing infant car seat to a backless booster, from 4 to 120 pounds .

Its versatility means that it may be the only car seat you ever have to buy, and if you travel infrequently, you could manage to tote this on a few trips and avoid buying something separate just for travel. It is certified to work on an airplane seat with the harness (so, up to 65 pounds), but it's about 3 inches wider than many economy airplane seats so the fit isn't great; one Reddit user said they put it in the window seat and then just accepted squeezing themselves into the middle-seat position.

While testing, we appreciated how easy this car seat was to install and use, making it pretty difficult to mess up due to user error. We also love how highly adjustable it is, with a six-position recline and a no-rethread harness with 10 possible heights. The easy-to-remove washable seat pads make it simple to clean up after your little one. If you're taking it with you into a rideshare and can't use the LATCH installation system, there's an integrated belt lock off on the back of the seat that helps make seat belt installation as simple as possible.

This is a pricey option that has a fan following with frequent travelers who travel with a preschooler. It folds down into its own carrying case, which can be worn as a backpack, so you can easily get it through the airport and store it in a hotel. It's got a five-point harness and is meant for kids up to 50 pounds. The brand says it's for kids as young as 2 but because rear-facing is safest and this only faces forward, we would not recommend using it for a child until they are at least age 3, preferably 4.

The Pico does not have side-impact protection and other safety features we want on an everyday car seat, but for travel we agree that this has portability appeal. It also gets knocked in reviews for not being comfortable for long car rides if your child likes to nap, but again, we're putting it on this list for on-the-go families who are in "something is better than nothing" mode, even for short train, bus or van rides.

Our experts appreciate how lightweight this seat is (8 pounds), and that it easily fits even on the smallest economy airplane seat (it's FAA-approved). The seat can either be installed using the LATCH system or the seatbelt in a car or airplane.

If you're a city family that doesn't even own a car, there's a big reason to love the PIPA portable infant car seat: It's built to be installed without a base and is exceptionally easy to move between vehicles, including rideshares like Uber.

It's got a built-in rigid LATCH system or alternatively you can use the back seat seatbelt. Plus, the PIPA urbn only weighs 7 pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats we know of and an easy one to carry from place to place. The stroller, too, is lightweight at just under 14 pounds and can be folded down using just one hand. The car seat is built to ride on top of the stroller, for instance to get them both through an airport, and we named it our favorite lightweight travel system .

The infant car seat does not have a high weight limit, however. Your baby will outgrow it when they hit 22 pounds or are 29 inches tall, whichever comes first. For some that can mean by their first birthday. But the stroller will stay useful through the preschool years since it has a weight limit of 50 pounds. The car seat is airline-approved and will fit on most economy cabin seats.

How we test the best portable car seats

The Good Housekeeping Institute's engineering and parenting pros have reviewed dozens of car seats over the past five years, including portable car seats . Our Lab experts work with parents to test these car seats on a variety of vehicles of different brands and sizes to ensure that you can find the right car seat for your family.

Each car seat we consider has passed Federal Safety Standards. We perform tests both in the Lab and at home to evaluate each product's safety, ease of installation, stability, ease of adjustments, stroller compatibility and portability. To accomplish this, we set up each car seat in a variety of vehicles and strollers. We evaluate how easy it is to secure the harness as well as how difficult it is to install the car seats. For portable car seats we pay special attention to whether they can be installed without a LATCH system and to whether they are approved for use in an airplane cabin.

What to look for when shopping for a portable car seat

Whether you're going on a trip or often take your child places in a rideshare vehicle, if you need a portable car seat you should consider these things:

✔️ Height and weight limits : All car seats come with minimum and maximum height and weight specifications. To ensure proper seatbelt placement and optimal security, make sure your child fits within those ranges. Once they meet the maximum in either height or weight, it's time to switch. If you have an adjustable car seat that transitions to a booster look at the labels on the car seat, check the user manual or contact the manufacturer so you know when it's time to switch modes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can help you determine the right kind of car seat for your child based on their age, weight and height. That will help you figure out if you can use an infant car seat or if you need a convertible car seat and if you're ready to move on to a booster car seat for travel.

✔️ Weight : The lightest car seats are often the most portable. We get especially excited when we find any that are less than 15 pounds, though a few on our list are heavier than that.

✔️ Easy cleaning : Regardless of age, spills happen. Luckily, like many other car seats, most portable seats offer removable machine-washable seat covers and padding.

✔️ Design : Traditional car seats have a ton of padding, robust side-impact protection and extra features that are important for everyday but might be overkill for short trips. The best design for a portable car seat is a slim, streamlined one.

✔️ Ease of installation : Since you will be re-installing the car seat each time you put it in a new car or aircraft, it's important to find a car seat that is so easy to install it won't take more than a few minutes. The easiest car seats for traveling can be installed without a car seat base.

✔️ State laws : Before you bring your car seat across state lines, check state laws to be sure you'll be compliant. Often children through age 7 must be in a child-restraint seat. But if you're heading to Florida for Disney World, the laws there only apply to children through age 5.

Should you bring a car seat on the plane?

While it is not mandatory to strap your little one into a car seat on an airplane, many parents opt to do so since it can be both a safer and more comfortable for everyone . It's recommended to do so for children under age 2 by the FAA and AAP. Note: For your child to ride in a car seat, you'll need to buy them their own plane ticket so they're guaranteed to have the space. If your baby under age 2 is flying as a free "lap baby" you are not guaranteed space for your car seat.

Before you bring a car seat onboard, check that it has an FAA-approved sticker. It's also a good idea to bring along your car seat manual to help ensure that you're properly installing the seat on the aircraft. There are helpful videos on YouTube, too, that show how to buckle a car seat in with a lap belt. (This one from the FAA shows how to install a forward-facing car seat on a plane .) Watch some before your trip!

The average airline seat is about 17 inches wide and measures 30 inches from the back of the seat to the seat in front of you — but size can vary depending on which airline you are flying. Because of this, it's best to pick a narrow, compact car seat. Infant car seats fit better than most convertible car seats, though we find that the Cosco choice on our list generally fits well.

For those who are traveling with a car seat who don't plan to use it while on the plane, many airlines will check the car seat or booster seat for free at the check-in desk or at the gate. It might be a good idea to purchase a travel bag to fit it in, to help avoid damage.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Lab pros and journalists at the Good Housekeeping Institute provide expert reviews and advice on everything a parent needs, including portable car seats.

This article was overseen by Rachel Rothman , former Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering at the Institute, who was trained in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics. As a mom to three kids, she personally used many of the products we recommend.

In her former role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brought years of experience to the Institute and wrote the first iteration of this story. It has since been updated by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn who has followed the car-seat market for 25 years, previously for Parents magazine and American Baby magazine. She's also a mom of two.

Jamie (she/her) is a parenting and pets reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute , where she spends her time testing, researching and writing about pet and family products. Prior to starting at GH in 2021, she worked at BuzzFeed and People , covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. She's a graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and psychology and a master’s degree in journalism.

Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents .

@media(max-width: 64rem){.css-o9j0dn:before{margin-bottom:0.5rem;margin-right:0.625rem;color:#ffffff;width:1.25rem;bottom:-0.2rem;height:1.25rem;content:'_';display:inline-block;position:relative;line-height:1;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}}@media(min-width: 48rem){.loaded .css-o9j0dn:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/goodhousekeeping/static/images/Clover.5c7a1a0.svg);}} Product Reviews

The 6 Best Portable Charcoal Grills

The Best Cleaning Products

The Best Car Upholstery Cleaners

The Best Gifts for 4-Year-Old Girls

The Best Lumbar Support Pillows

The Best Walmart Fire Pits

The Best Toys and Gifts for 3-Year-Old Boys

VIVAIA Shoes Review

The Best Pool Lounge Chairs

The Best Outdoor Dinnerware Sets

The 19 Best Face Creams for Women

When you use links on our website, we may earn a fee.

Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

Traveling with kids? Whether an extended road trip or airplane ride is on the agenda, your little one needs a travel car seat to stay safe on the journey. Travel car seats are a bit different from everyday ones, as they’re typically lighter in weight, easier to move and set up from car to car, and approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to take in the air.

A travel car seat also comes in handy if you find yourself in ride-shares or taxis regularly. Many models don’t require a base, so it’s simple to strap the unit in without spending half the afternoon figuring out which piece goes where. The best travel car seats are so convenient, in fact, that you might stick to them altogether.

Table of Contents

• Best Travel Car Seats
• Things To Consider When Buying
• How We Chose

Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat  »

Various features for correct installation

Can be installed without a base via European belt routing

Five height positions and six recline positions

Includes base and newborn positioner

Extendable canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection

JPMA certified and GreenGuard Gold Certified

Not super light

Travel bag sold separately

There’s no need to worry about properly installing the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat. It comes with multiple features to ensure you do it correctly, including LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) connectors, a SuperCinch force-multiplying tightener, and RideRight bubble level indicators to make sure it’s at the right angle.

This best travel car seat comes with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) 50+ sun protection. It also comes with a base, but doesn’t require one in order to use. That means you can keep the base in your car for regular use and still be able to install it in other vehicles, thanks to its European belt routing system. It only weighs 10 pounds and is FAA approved, so it’s ready to bring on an aircraft. The Chicco Car Seat Travel Bag , however, is sold separately. But with the five height positions and six recline positions, your baby is bound to be comfortable no matter how you choose to travel. And once you reach your destination, keep the car seat looking fresh by tossing the fabrics in the washing machine.

They KeyFit 35 is certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA), meaning it meets minimum government requirements based on safety and use, and GreenGuard Gold Certified, meaning it’s built to contribute to safer, healthier air and has been screened for more than 15,000 volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat  »

Affordable price point

Aircraft certified and TSA-friendly designed

No additional base needed

Side Impact Protection

Machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad

Installation may be tricky with some seat belts

May fit snugly on older babies

If you’re looking for a secondary car seat, chances are that you’re hoping to keep the cost low. With the Cosco Kids Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat, you’ll save money without losing the factors that make a travel car seat desirable. At just 6.8 pounds, this is one unit you won’t struggle to carry through the airport. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing it has built-in Side Impact Protection.

This model can carry a child up to 40 pounds and 43 inches tall. It has five harness heights and three buckle locations, so it’ll grow with your baby from infancy to toddlerhood. This affordable car seat comes in seven designs with black details. And Cosco Kids makes it easy to clean with its machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad and dishwasher-safe removable cup holder.

While this may not be the ideal pick for everyday use, the no-base, lightweight design makes it a smart pick for upcoming vacations or times when you need to move it between cars often. Just use the LATCH connectors to safely secure it in place.

Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus  »

Only 17 inches wide

Seats folds up

FAA approved

Supports kids up to 120 pounds

12 headrest positions

Available in five colors

Heavy at 30.6 pounds

Booster mode can’t be used on a plane

LATCH connectors not available for all weights

At just 17 inches wide, the Diono Radian 3RXT SafePlus comfortably fits in even the most compact cars. If you have a full backseat, three of these models can fit across the backseat. Don’t let its compact size fool you, though. This travel car seat was designed to grow with your child from 4 to 120 pounds, in rear-facing position, forward-facing position, and booster mode.

This unit comes with a detachable rear-facing base, which Diono recommends using, but it can be used without it. The base shouldn’t be used in the forward-facing position or in booster mode. To make sure your little one is happy, the Radian boasts a 12-position headrest that you can adjust with just one hand. The covers are machine washable, and the shell and components on the rest of the car seat can be spot cleaned.

This convertible car seat folds to make travel easier, and its FAA-approved status means it’ll be your airplane companion. Just keep in mind that it can only be taken on a plane in rear-facing and forward-facing positions, not booster mode.

Doona + Car Seat & Stroller  »

Converts from car seat to stroller in seconds

Comes fully assembled

FAA approved and can be pushed down airplane aisle

Available in seven colors

UPF 50+ sun protection and water-repellant canopy

Includes LATCH base, infant insert, head support, and vehicle seat protector

Can only be used up to 35 pounds

The Doona + Car Seat & Stroller can be used with or without the included base, but the real magic comes in when you’re using it in between car and airplane rides. Within a matter of seconds, this innovative model goes from car seat to stroller with the push of a button. Plus, it comes fully assembled, so you can use it the moment it arrives.

The water-repellent canopy provides UPF 50+ sun protection, and comes in seven bold colors, including Racing Green, Flame Red, and Blush Pink. The adjustable handle is a nice touch, too, for a more comfortable gliding experience for adults.

Not only is the Doona approved by the FAA, but at just 17.4 inches wide, it can easily be pushed down an airplane aisle so you can get in your seat easily. Although it’s pricey, the fact that it acts as both a travel car seat and stroller means that it’s a great value. Consider this the all-in-one travel system that makes navigating the world with a baby so much simpler. Megan Wood, Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, uses the Doona as her family’s main car seat and loves how easy it makes running errands and travel without having to pack a separate stroller.

Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat  »

Fits in most airplane overheads bins

Only weighs 8 pounds

Installs via LATCH or car or plane seat belt

Folds down to 11.6 inches long by 14.5 inches wide by 18.9 inches tall

Made with space-grade aluminum alloy and Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)-certified wool

On the pricier side

Can’t be used until child is 22 pounds

Make your next flight with your child as easy as possible with the Wayb Pico Portable Car Seat. With a compact design that folds up—so much so that it fits in most airplane overhead bins—this FAA-approved model goes wherever you do. Weighing just 8 pounds, this travel car seat is installed via LATCH connectors or using the car or airplane seat belt.

Unlike the other best travel car seats on our list, the Pico is a forward-facing option that’s designed for children 22 to 50 pounds and 30 to 45 inches tall. Wayb recommends it for ages 2 years old and up. While you can’t use it for a newborn, it’ll be your little one’s travel companion once they grow a bit.

The Pico is available in five colors, and an optional carry bag, vehicle seat protector, and cup holder are sold separately. If you have multiple children, you can snag a few of these and three can fit in a row in the backseat of most vehicles.

Nuna Pipa RX x Pipa Relx Base  »

Five-second installation

Can be used with or without the included base

Removable UPF 50+ canopy

GreenGuard Gold Certified and fire retardant-free materials

Connects with all Nuna strollers

Doesn’t fold

If installing a car seat isn’t something you’re looking forward to, make it easy on yourself with the Nuna Pipa RX. It comes with Pipa Relx Base, but you don’t need it in order to put it to use in a car or on an airplane. If you do decide to use it, however, the base features a stability leg that absorbs impact to prevent motion from transferring to your baby. Plus, installation takes just five seconds.

At 7.6 pounds (not including the canopy or infant insert), it’s one of the lightest options on our list. This travel car seat has a four-position recline, and you don’t have to reinstall it to change the position. It features an infant insert that can be removed when your little one grows. But no matter what age they are, you’ll want to take advantage of the removable, full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy.

This unit has the green light to be part of air travel, and you can feel good knowing that it’s GreenGuard Gold Certified and made with fire retardant-free materials.

Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat  »

High-strength steel frame and SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy

Accommodates children up to 65 pounds

Aircraft approved

10-position harness and headrest adjust together

Machine-washable and dryer-friendly fabrics

On the heavier side

Any piece of baby gear you put your child in needs to be sturdy and durable. The Britax Emblem 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat was built to last. Its frame is made of high-strength steel, and it features SafeCell technology to absorb crash energy, so you can feel confident that your little one is protected. Its fabric is tough and can be tossed in the washing machine and dryer to refresh it after a spill or accident.

This best travel model is designed to grow with your child, as it accommodates them from 5 pounds all the way up to 65 pounds. As they get bigger, you can adjust the harness and headrest, which move together in 10 different positions.

The Emblem is on the heavier side at just under 20 pounds, but it’s still reasonable enough to bring with you in a ride-share or carry it on for aircraft use. Just utilize its installation features, including LATCH connectors and level indicators, to ensure that it’s correctly set up.

Graco Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat  »

Only weighs 6.8 pounds

Four-position carry handle

Machine-washable seat pad and canopy

Doesn’t convert to front facing

Graco refers to its Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat as “The Weightless Wonder,” and it’s clear why. This lightweight car seat only weighs 6.8 pounds. If you count the base, it only goes up to 10.4 pounds. It’s the lightest carrier on our list, so it’ll truly become a travel must-have when vacation is calling.

Approved to take on an airplane, the Graco Century has a carry handle with four adjustable positions, so both you and your baby will be comfortable. It comes with a base that can be installed via LATCH connectors. However, it can be used without one for even quicker installation with a vehicle or airplane seat belt. And if an in-flight spill dirties the seat pad or canopy, both are machine washable.

The Century is designed for babies up to 35 pounds. Even though it won’t go the long haul, it’s a budget-friendly option that does its job well while it can. Plus, it’s compatible with all Century strollers and car seat bases from Graco that can be purchased separately.

The Bottom Line

The market is far from short on car seat options, and that rings true for travel car seats, too. To choose the best one for your child, consider how often you plan to use it. If it’s a secondary car seat that you’re planning to only break out a couple times of year for vacation, then you may want to keep your budget low. But if you’re looking forward to road trips and airplane rides on the regular, better quality and durability may be more important. Once you see how much use you’ll get out of it, you can focus on what features are necessities in your book. Does it need to fold? Does its weight need to stay super low? But if you’re not totally sure what you need in a travel car seat, the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex Infant Car Seat, our Best Overall pick, is FAA approved, weighs just 10 pounds, comes with a UPF 50+ canopy, and comes with a base but doesn’t need it in order to install.

Things To Consider When Buying Travel Car Seats

Safety Certification and Compliance

The good news is that if you’re buying a new travel car seat from a reputable retailer in the United States, you’re probably in good shape.

“All car seats sold in the U.S. must meet stringent safety regulations, following the requirements set by the NHTSA,” says Joe Colella, JPMA director of Child Passenger Safety and 2020 Child Passenger Safety Hall of Fame Inductee. “A car seat that meets these standards is required to be labeled with, ‘This child restraint system conforms to all applicable Federal motor vehicle safety standards.’”

Don’t forget that car seats also have expiration dates, and when they hit it, toss them, reminds Samora Coles, founder and executive director of The Alex House Project , an organization that supports low-income families and young mothers with their transition to parenthood. While this is one piece of baby gear you’re likely to want to buy new, if you’re using a secondhand model, it’s even more imperative that you check its expiration date and look up if any recalls or malfunctions have been reported.

Size and Weight Suitability

Most—but not all—travel car seats can be used right from birth, so keep in mind when you plan on using it and if your little one is big enough to be safely strapped in. Some options have one mode while others convert to various positions, including rear facing, forward facing, and booster to grow with your child. Each mode has its own weight and height limits, and those numbers vary depending on the brand and model. It’s important to read through and follow those instructions for safety.

“Car seats, when not used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, could be less likely to protect a child from injury,” says Colella. “Car seats are safety devices that are designed and tested to protect children when used as directed by the manufacturer.”

Many travel car seats have an adjustable headrest that you can raise as your child grows. If longevity is important to your buying decision, check to make sure it has this capability so you’re not stuck getting a new one in a year’s time.

Ease of Installation and Compatibility

The first time you put a typical car seat in your vehicle may have taken a while. That kind of time isn’t provided when you’re on the tarmac, so the best travel car seats need to be easy to install. It’s a smart idea to do a test run in a car so you can feel confident in its setup.

Even though many travel car seats come with a base, they’re typically not a must-use on the road. Some models just need a vehicle’s or airplane’s seat belt to safely strap in. Others also offer LATCH connectors that provide a super-secure installation.

“Most travel car seats are compatible with any vehicle, but parents want to research car seat company manuals and reviews from other parents,” says Coles. To assure parents that they did it correctly, some units have colored indicators that give the thumbs up when it’s ready to use or level indicators that confirm it’s not tilted. If you’re concerned about always setting it up and taking it out, look for a model that eases your worries.

Portability for Frequent Travel

Whether you’re hurrying to your gate or rushing to the taxi stand, the last thing you want is a bulky, heavy travel car seat weighing you down. Even if you don’t plan to carry it around while your baby is in it most of the time, you want the unit to be built for portability. That starts with looking at the car seat’s weight. The lowest on this list is 6.8 pounds, and it goes up quite a bit from there. It’s also helpful if the travel car seat folds down — not only so that it fits in the overhead bin on an airplane, but so it’s convenient to carry along with your weekender bag.

“When considering portability factors, parents should consider dual abilities in a travel car seat,” explains Coles. “Seats that can act as strollers can help parents limit necessary items they must carry while traveling.”

Don’t forget to check out the handle, too. Even if it’s lightweight, if the handle doesn’t boast an ergonomic design, parents can feel quite uncomfortable.

Convertibility as the Child Grows

Some travel car seats grow with your child, so they’ll go from rear facing to forward facing to even booster. Each of these stages have their own weight and height limits. However, things can get tricky depending on where you’re traveling to.

“Every U.S. state and territory has a law that defines how a child must be restrained in a vehicle and also requires car seat compliance with the aforementioned safety regulations. State laws vary significantly, and travelers must follow the law for the state in which they are traveling,” says Colella. “For example, 19 states and the District of Columbia require that children ride in rear-facing car seats until at least age 2, while other states use age 1 or do not specify a rear-facing age requirement. Most states also require the use of car booster seats, though the maximum age for those requirements varies from 5 to 10 years old.

How We Chose the Best Travel Car Seats

Nothing is more important than safety when we’re talking about baby gear. U.S. News 360 Reviews kept it at the top of mind when hunting down the best travel car seats, but we also considered price, weight of the carrier, weight and height limits, and installation. To ensure we had the must-know information, we consulted the director of Child Passenger Safety at JPMA and the founder and executive director of an organization that helps young mothers with their transition to parenthood. They provided insight on which key components to understand before landing on the travel car seat for your personal lifestyle. Before adding to cart, think about when and where you’ll use it and what features truly matter to you.

WHY SHOULD YOU TRUST US?

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick , the author of this piece, has been researching, testing, and reviewing products since 2017. This means she has years of experience honing in on what’s important when shopping for a product, including baby gear. Fitzpatrick is a mom herself and has done her own personal deep dive on what makes one car seat better than another. That’s why she concentrated on safety as the top priority when choosing the best travel car seats. Megan Wood , Senior Editor at U.S. News 360 Reviews, focuses on baby gear and recommends the Doona Car Seat + Stroller for traveling families.

“While the FAA does not require the use of car seats on airplanes for children, and those under the age of 2 are allowed to ride on their parents’ lap, this is not considered best practice,” says Colella. “Turbulence can happen with little or no warning, and appropriate car seats provide the safest way for children to travel on airplanes.”

Most travel car seats are certified to use on aircrafts, but be sure to check that it’s the case with your specific model. It can also make a difference which airline you fly and if you’re traveling domestically or internationally. Booster car seats and child restraint harnesses are generally not supposed to be used on an airplane. All of the recommendations on this list are approved for airplane use.

As far as adjustability, many models feature adjustable straps, height/headrest positions, and recline positions.

The best travel car seats are typically easy to install. After all, they’re expected to be moved between vehicles or on and off airplanes regularly. Some of these models come with a base, but don’t necessarily require it for the unit to be secured. Many travel car seats come with LATCH connectors. “This system is compatible with vehicles with anchors located at the lower and upper tether of their seats where the car seat can be secured,” explains Coles. “Since all vehicles must have seat belts, all car seats have a space to secure car seats using the seat belt.”

Two of the most important factors when shopping for the best travel car seat are installation and portability. You want it to be easy to secure on an airplane and in a ride-share, and simple to carry it with you wherever your adventures lead.

“Additionally, factors such as the age, weight, height, and overall condition of the seat should be considered as they can help determine the overall value of the car seat, especially for those with limited resources and busy lifestyles,” says Coles.

About Our Team

Caitlyn Fitzpatrick

Contributor

Senior Editor

U.S. News 360 Reviews takes an unbiased approach to our recommendations. When you use our links to buy products, we may earn a commission but that in no way affects our editorial independence.

Car Bike Racks

Getting Your Car Ready

Preparing for the Weather

8 Helpful Apps for a Road Trip

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking a Road Trip With Kids

Planning a Solo Road Trip

How to Plan a Camping Road Trip

Planning a Stargazing Road Trip

10 Helpful Budget Tips

Calculating the Cost of Gas

Budget for a 3-Day Road Trip

Best Road Trip Route By Interest

Mississippi River Road Trip

Atlantic Coast Road Trip

Southern US Road Trip

Northern US Road Trip

Pacific Coast Road Trip

US Route 12

Northeastern US Routes

Rocky Mountain Destinations

Warm-Weather Road Trip

The Longest Highway in the US

Car Rental Companies

Best Audio Books

Must-Have Emergency Supplies

Family Road Trip Toys and Games

The 7 Best Travel Car Seats of 2024

These top picks combine convenience and peace of mind

Jordi is a freelance contributor to TripSavvy. Her personal passions gravitate toward wellness and adventure, leading her to frequently plan trips that blend zen relaxation with urban and rugged exploration.

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Getty Images

Traveling with small children is a great way to make memories. You expose little ones to new experiences and see the world through their eyes. But there are still everyday tasks to worry about on the road, from meal times to naps. Safety is the top priority, of course, and this means ensuring your kids have a good car seat.

If you're flying with small children or frequently switching cars, the thought of lugging around the car seat you have perfectly installed in your vehicle can seem daunting. Luckily, many companies make travel car seats lighter and easier to install on the go. These models also emphasize portability and legroom for your child to grow into.

To find the best choice for you, we looked closely at the installation process, weight ratings, and certification status of some of the most popular options on the market today.

Final Verdict

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cosco scenera next convertible car seat.

 Amazon

Easy to carry

Budget friendly

Sizing issues for older childen

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat receives excellent marks for lightness and simplicity. This affordable car seat is a great choice for those who already have a regular car seat but need a second option for traveling. Safety features include side-impact protection built into the headrest and a five-point harness that adjusts to accommodate your growing child. The car seat can be used rear-facing for kiddos 5 to 40 pounds and 19 to 40 inches tall or front-facing for those 22 to 40 pounds or 29 to 43 inches tall. The car seat will last from infancy through toddlerhood.

Use the LATCH connectors or a seat belt to secure the car seat in any rental car or taxi. It's also designed with air travel in mind: It's FAA-approved and lightweight at just 7 pounds. Additionally, its 17.5-inch width makes it a good fit for most airline seats. Other highlights include a removable, machine-washable, and dryer-safe car seat pad and a dishwasher-safe cup holder. Colors range from Moon Mist Grey to Ocean Breeze.

Dimensions: 17.6 x 15.8 x 30.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 40 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best Lightweight

Wayb pico travel car seat.

Very compact

Includes a travel bag

Only for toddlers and older

Car seats are a hassle to travel with because they're bulky, heavy, and unwieldy. Luckily, this travel car seat by Wayb won't add much extra weight to your suitcase. Weighing under 8 pounds, the FAA-approved Pico Travel Car Seat is easy to transport everywhere you go. It's front-facing and can hold kids between 22 to 55 pounds or measuring 30 to 45 inches tall. It has an AeroWing aluminum frame that is durable yet lightweight, and the AstroKnit performance mesh lining will keep your kids comfortable throughout their journey. Best of all, this car seat folds into a small enough package to store in overhead bins and comes with a carrying bag that can slip onto your suitcase.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 20 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 50 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or car/airplane seat belt

Most Compact

Safety 1st guide 65 convertible car seat.

Supports a variety of sizes and ages

Sleek design

Machine-washable cover

Complaints about installation

Safety 1st's Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat weighs 14 pounds; it's sturdy enough for everyday use yet light enough for travel. This car seat's frame is so compact that you could place three in the back of your car, making it an excellent option for larger families or smaller European rental cars. Plus, it can accommodate a wide range of weights, making it a budget-friendly pick that can last for years. It's for children who weigh between 5 and 40 pounds to use in a rear-facing position and children 22 to 65 pounds to use in a front-facing position.

Side-impact protection and five harnesses that adjust in the center ensure your child stays secure throughout their ride and help deflect impact away from their head, neck, and spine in the event of an accident. Other safety features include three buckle locations and an adjustable headrest. This car seat also has a LATCH connector system, making it easy to take the seat in and out of the car quickly. Both the cushion and cup holder are removable for easy cleanup. It's available in multiple colors.

Dimensions: 27.3 x 18.5 x 20.3 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH

Best for Bigger Kids

Graco extend2fit convertible car seat.

Harness storage makes loading and unloading easy

Rigorously crash tested

Several customizable features

Most of the car seats on this list are appropriate for children up to 40 pounds, but the Graco Extend2Fit is rated for up to 65 pounds. It also allows children up to 50 pounds to ride rear-facing and provides an extra 5 inches of legroom. This, plus a headrest that can also be adjusted to 10 different positions, ensures the child is comfortable and secure as they grow.

Two integrated cup holders keep juice bottles within easy reach and help to prevent spills. While there are multiple ways to install this model, it is easy to remember after the first time. Although this seat is designed with car travel in mind , it is FAA-approved. If you're flying economy class, consider calling ahead to check that the restraint is compatible with the airline seat.

Dimensions: 21.5 x 19.5 x 23.5 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 65 pounds | Installation Type: InRight LATCH

Best Booster Combo

Cosco finale dx 2-in-1 booster car seat.

Can fit three across

Easy to clean

Accommodates older children

Durability complaints

If you're shopping for a child aged 12 months or older, the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat will last from toddlerhood until after they start school. It has a 10-year lifespan and can be used as a forward-facing car seat or as a high-back booster seat. As a car seat, it's appropriate for kids between 30 to 65 pounds and 32 to 49 inches in height. The five-point harness has three different height settings, and the LATCH connectors can be used until your child reaches 50 pounds. In addition, the FAA approves the Cosco Finale for aircraft use in its car seat capacity.

It suits kids between 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 52 inches in height as a booster seat. Its 17-inch width and 9-pound weight make it ideal for quick transfers between rental cars, taxis, and family cars back home. Other useful features include a removable cup holder and a machine-washable cover in colors that range from gray to pale pink. Lastly, thrifty families will appreciate this seat's affordable price tag.

Dimensions: 18.3 x 19 x 29.8 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Most Innovative

Maxi-cosi pria max 3-in-1 convertible car seat.

Easy to buckle

Not the lightest pick

If you don't want to invest in multiple car seats, the Pria Max 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is your best bet. It can handle children from birth to 10 years old, making it one of the most versatile options on the market. Plus, the high-end brand makes each stage supremely comfortable for your child and easy for adults to use. It has a spring-assist harness system, so the straps don't get tangled; a one-hand magnetic chest clip; a simple integrated headrest and harness system, so you don't have to rethread as your tot grows; and machine-washable fabric. Keep in mind it comes with a hefty price tag and heavier weight.

Dimensions: 25.3 x 24 x 19.9 inches | Weight Rating: Up to 100 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

Best For Road Trips

Chicco keyfit 35 cleartex infant car seat.

FAA-approved

Eco-friendly textiles

UPF 50+ canopy

Rear-facing only

This car seat is a great option for road trips —or as your primary car seat that occasionally travels—as the stay-in-car base is a breeze to install correctly and the carrier itself clicks into place in one motion. When it's time to stretch your legs and explore simply detach the seat and click it into any Chicco stroller base for a lightning-fast travel combo. The base has an anti-rebound bar for added stability and extra legroom for a rider up to 32 inches tall, and the headrest has five different positions to accommodate an infant's growth.

If your plans include air travel, this is still a solid pick. The best thing about this carrier is that it can be installed in an aircraft or rental vehicle without the base, using the European or American routing method. The base and carrier together weigh 18 pounds but you'll only have to manage 10 pounds if you go baseless. It comes with removable newborn positioners so little ones from 4 pounds are ready to roll.

Dimensions: 28 x 16.5 x 24 inches | Weight Rating: 4 to 35 pounds | Installation Type: LATCH or seat belt

The Cosco Scenera Next Convertible Car Seat is light, FAA-approved, and supports young travelers up to 40 pounds. We love the accessible price point and easy-to-clean cover. If you're shopping for a toddler or older but still want to prioritize portability, go for the Wayb Pico Travel Car Seat .

What to Look For in Travel Car Seats

Installation.

All models on our list use LATCH systems and some can also be installed using the vehicle's seat belt, but you should never use both anchoring methods together. LATCH, also known as Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children, is an alternative way of securing the car seat to the vehicle without using the seat belt. Both the vehicle and the car seat must have LATCH parts to install the seat properly, but most car seats (and vehicles manufactured after 2002) will do so. The car seat has straps that come from the bottom and a tether at the top. These attach to the lower anchors in the car, found in the space between the rear back seat and seat cushion, and to the top anchor, which could be near the rear window or on the car ceiling. When in doubt, check the vehicle manual and seat instructions.

Weight Rating

Like their everyday counterparts, travel car seats include maximum weight ratings that must be adhered to. Additionally, your decision to install the car seat front- or rear-facing is based on the weight and height of your child. Most models can transition from rear- to front-facing as your tot grows, or even from front-facing to a booster seat like the Cosco Finale DX . Consider the kid's age, weight, height, and the manufacturer's notes to choose a travel seat that will give you the longest practical use.

Certification Status

Most importantly, the car seat you buy should meet all safety standards. If you're flying, look for an FAA-approved or similarly aircraft-approved seat.

"All legal car seats must meet the same crash test criteria, or safety standards, and be properly labeled," said Amie Durocher, a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com. "If you are worried about counterfeit car seats, check the label. Certified seats in the U.S. are required to have very specific language on the labels. Beware if it doesn't mention federal motor vehicle safety standards or FMVSS213 or if it lacks a model name or number or manufacture date."

Yes, you can travel with a car seat on the plane —and it's actually recommended. "We recommend that parents purchase a seat even for children under 2 who could be 'lap babies' and use the FAA-approved child restraint on the airplane," said Durocher. "This makes it safer for the child—and the parent—in case of an incident during takeoff or landing and in case of turbulence during the flight."

The hardest part of traveling with a car seat is figuring out the logistics through the airport. “Infant car seats that click onto a compatible stroller are easy, but travelers might need a car seat cart, luggage strap, or bungee cords to lug a convertible car seat through the airport,” said Michelle Pratt, founder and owner of Safe in the Seat. “Some people prefer to check their stroller with their luggage and use a car seat cart to get their child and seat through the airport easily. Others babywear or let their toddler walk and load up their stroller with all their gear, then gate check the stroller planeside.”

“Rear-facing is the safest way for kids to ride in the car, but it’s not always possible on planes due to the tighter space,” added Pratt. “If the car seat fits rear-facing on the plane, that’s best. But kids who rear-face in the car can forward-face on the plane if they are at least 1 year old and meet their car seat’s forward-facing requirements. Then they seamlessly go back to rear-facing in the car at the destination.”

Author Jordi Lippe-McGraw has researched and written about travel and lifestyle products for nearly a decade. She is also the mom of a 3-year-old. When making this list, she researched dozens of products, looking at key specs like dimensions and weight rating and the number of positive and negative reviews. While researching the best travel car seats, we spoke with Amie Durocher , a CPS Tech at SafeRide4Kids.com, and Michelle Pratt , founder and owner of Safe in the Seat.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. " Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) Restraint System ." Accessed Feb 6th, 2023.

The 8 Best Car Sunshades of 2024

The 9 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Car Seat Policies for the Top 15 North American Airlines

The 9 Best Kayak Roof Racks of 2024

The 9 Best Carry-on Luggage for Men of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Travel Strollers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Beach Wagons of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Beach Cruiser Bikes of 2024

The 10 Best Insulated Tumblers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 8 Best Duffel Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 9 Best Hammocks of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

The 12 Best Inflatable Stand-Up Paddleboards of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Mountain Buggy Nano Travel Stroller Review

The Best Roof Cargo Boxes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

How to Get a Car Seat With Your Uber

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then View saved stories .

• Backchannel
• Newsletters
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

Scott Gilbertson Gear Team

The Best Sleeping Bags for Every Adventure

John Muir famously set off for the mountains with “some bread and tea in a pair of blankets with some sugar and a tin cup.” I admire his ultralight spirit and disdain for comfort on the trail, but I'd be willing to bet that if Muir were around today, he'd bring a good down sleeping bag with him, if for no other reason than they're lighter than old blankets. The tea is essential though, I can't argue with that.

Whether you're following Muir into the backcountry, are planning the perfect family camping trip, or are trekking the Camino de Santiago, there's a sleeping bag for that. No matter how you travel, where you're headed, or how much comfort you seek, after years of testing, we've found the best sleeping bags for everyone.

Adrienne So, Martin Cizmar, and Matt Jancer contributed to this guide.

Be sure to read through our other outdoor guides, including the Best Sleeping Pads , Best Tents , Best Camp Stoves, and our Camp Cooking guide.

• Best for Backpackers : Mountain Hardware Bishop Pass 15
• Best for Car Campers: REI Siesta Hooded 20
• Best All-in-One Sleep System: Zenbivy Bed
• Best Ultralight: Sea to Summit Spark 15
• Best for Side Sleepers: Therm-a-Rest Questar 20
• Best for Warm Weather: Marmot NanoWave 45
• Best For Spring and Fall Trips : Magma 15 Sleeping Bag
• Best Expedition Bag : Rab Expedition 1000
• Best Quilt : Therm-a-rest Vesper 32
• Best for Kids : REI Kindercone
• Best Synthetic Bag : Marmot Ultra Elite 20

How to Pick the Perfect Sleeping Bag

How we tested.

• What All The Terms Mean

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more .

The Best Sleeping Bag for Backpackers

Photograph: Scott Gilbertson

Mountain Hardware's Bishop Pass 15 offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio while also managing to pack down small and not be too expensive. It isn't perfect, but it strikes the best compromise for most backpackers, being warm enough for the shoulder seasons and light enough (2 pounds and 5.4 ounces) that you won't mind it even when you barely need it in the summer. I have slept in this bag for more than two weeks, with nighttime temps ranging from 28 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and, yes, it was too much in the heat as a sleeping bag. But on those warmer nights, I unzipped it and covered myself like a warm blanket. For everything else, I slept very well. It's a versatile bag.

The Bishop Pass 15 uses 650-fill-power down wrapped in a 20-denier water-resistant ripstop nylon shell. (Note: You'll often see 20-denier written as 20D; see below for more on what those terms mean .) One of the great things about this bag is the draft collar and face gasket feature, which does a great job of keeping your head warm. With the drawcord cinched down, you can conserve even more body heat. This is one of the few bags I've tested where I didn't feel the need for a hat. The insulation does a good job of staying where it should; I didn't find any bad cold spots in this bag.

My only gripe about this bag is that it's tight—there's not much room for anything but me. That makes it efficient and keeps you warmer, but this is not a good option if you're looking for something roomy (see the Therm-a-Rest Questar below). I also don't love the zipper. The pull glows in the dark, which is great, and the zipper doesn't snag much, but in my experience, it also doesn't pull as easily as others. Still, those are minor gripes about a bag that gets the rest right.

• Temp rating: 15°F / -9°C
• Comfort rating: 26°F / -3°C
• Fill: 650 Fill-Power Down

The Best Sleeping Bag for Car Campers

Photograph: REI

Car-camping sleeping bags aren’t a place to spend lots of money. Should your best efforts to cocoon warmth around you fail, there is, after all, a car to retreat to. That's why we love the REI Siesta Hooded 20—it's plenty warm and affordable. It's also not a mummy bag, because you're not climbing Denali; why cramp yourself if you don't have to? The Siesta's rectangular cut makes for a much roomier, more comfortable bag. The Siesta is made of recycled polyester throughout, with a polyester filling. Despite that, the lining on this bag is noticeably softer than many others in this guide.

The Siesta's 20-degree rating makes it enough for three-season trips, and unlike most rectangular bags, the Siesta has a hood, which helps on those cold nights. What makes this such a versatile bag, though, is the double zipper system. There's a full-length zipper, which means you can turn it into a quilt on warmer nights, and there's also a second partial-length zipper on the other side so you can have more airflow when you want it. (You can also now zip two Siestas together, which wasn't possible with earlier versions.)

• Temp rating: 20°F / -6°C

Best All-in-One Sleep System

Photograph: Zenbivy

The Zenbivy Bed 25 ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is hands down the most comfortable backcountry sleeping experience I've ever had. It wouldn't be my top pick for extreme situations, but so long as your expected temperatures fit in Zenbivy's range, it doesn't get more comfortable than this. The Zenbivy isn't just a sleeping bag though. It's a sheet, hood, and quilt-style bag that can be combined in various ways depending on what you want.

The top sheet that covers the sleeping pad is made of 50-denier polyester pongee, which is wonderfully soft and feels like your bed at home . The sheet has the hood portion of the sleeping bag attached to it. Then you lay the top quilt (made of 20D nylon) over that. This is the coolest, loosest way to use the system, perfect for those warm nights. This is how I did most of my testing since I sleep rather warm. Should the temperature drop, you can zip the quilt foot box up into a mummy bag configuration and zip the upper sides to the bottom sheet. I did this on a couple of cooler nights in the Keweenaw Peninsula when it got quite frigid.

Carlton Reid

Reece Rogers

Medea Giordano

What I didn’t like as much is the sleeping pad that comes with the full Zenbivy Bed. It’s plenty comfortable, but it’s also heavy. I used it for a few car camping trips, but if you’re primarily interested in backpacking, skip it and find something lighter in our sleeping pad guide . I tested the 25F bag, but there's also a 10F version if you want something warmer.

If you're done with mummy bags and aren't planning extreme mountaineering trips, the Zenbivy is worth considering; it is the best night's sleep I've ever had in the backcountry.

• Temp rating : 25°F / -4°C
• Comfort rating: 35°F / 2°C
• Fill : 700 Fill-Power Hydrophobic Down

Best Ultralight Sleeping Bag

The Sea to Summit Spark 18 is my favorite ultralight sleeping bag. Sure, most ultralight enthusiasts use a quilt, but aside from the Zenbivy, I haven't found a quilt I like. The Spark weighs a mere 1 pound 9.7 ounces, the lightest bag in this guide. It also has the smallest pack size of any bag I've tested in this temperature range. With the included compression sack, this thing is truly tiny. It's got most of the benefits of a quilt and none of the negatives (like getting a bit uncomfortable on chilly fall nights), making it a good option for thru-hikers or anyone wanting to save ounces.

I should say that the Sea to Summit Spark series bags were recently updated from the version I tested last year. The temperature rating has been bumped down 3 degrees, but the main difference addressed the one thing I dislike about the version I tested: The thin inner liner has been modestly upgraded to 10D nylon. The outer shell uses a PFC-free DWR coating on 10D nylon. It's still thin, and I suggest you baby this one, but even my thinner version has held up just fine. We've been testing Spark bags since 2018, when our tester took one to Comic-Con , and haven't had any durability issues.

The down fill is also PFC-free and made of 850+ hydrophobic down. The zippers are on the small side, but they slide well and rarely if ever snag on the bag. I've slept in this bag down to 30 degrees, and honestly, even that night I woke up hot. But this is more a testament to how hot I sleep than bag performance (which is good). Like the bishop pass, this is a tight-fitting bag. It's plenty comfy, but you need to love the mummy shape.

While I have tested the 18-degree model (replaced by the new 15F), there is a whole range of Spark's: 45F, 30F, 15F, and 0F. At $549, the Spark 15 is not cheap, but high-end, ultralight gear typically comes with a hefty price tag. If you have extra cash, the Spark Pro line is worth considering as well. I haven't tested it yet, but the full-length zipper that allows the bag to become more like a quilt is interesting.

• Temp rating : 15°F / -9°C
• Comfort rating: 29°F / -2°C
• Fill : 850 Fill-Power Goose Down

Best for Active/Side Sleepers

I once made the mistake of calling a sleeping bag a “mummy bag” in front of my then 8-year-old who exclaimed, “What? Who would want to be a mummy?” Good question, kid. The answer is no one. The “mummy” design is all about warmth, not comfort. But let's face it—most of us are not sleeping in situations where our survival is at stake. Therm-a-Rest has addressed this with what it calls W.A.R.M. fit, which stands for “with additional room for multiple” positions. Indeed, this bag is very roomy for a mummy design. I was able to draw my legs up when side-sleeping and spread out considerably more than with most of the other bags in this guide. If you toss and turn through the nights, and don't want a quilt-style bag, this would be my top pick.

The Questar uses a 20D Polyester DWR-coated outer shell fabric, which does a great job of helping the bag stay dry even when your feet press up against the walls of the too-small tent you're testing . The inside is nylon taffeta. This bag comes with Therm-a-Rest's SynergyLink Connectors, which you can use to secure the sleeping bag to the pad underneath. This, combined with the slightly wider cut, makes this one of the more comfortable bags I've used.

Weighing 2 pounds, 3 ounces, it isn't the lightest bag at this temperature rating, but it is one of the warmest. Therm-a-Rest comfort-rates this bag to 32 degrees, but I used it several nights in Michigan's Porcupine Mountains in temps down to 25 and found it plenty warm. The Questar series is also available in 32-degree and 0-degree versions. We have not tested either, but if you're looking to save some weight and know you won't be in extreme cold, the 32-degree model is worthwhile.

• Temp rating : 20°F / -6°C
• Comfort rating: 32°F / 0°C
• Fill : 650 Fill-Power Nikwax Hydrophobic Down

Best Warm-Weather Sleeping Bag

Photograph: Backcountry

Rated at 55 degrees, this is a warm-weather bag suitable for summers and not much else. It did a fine job keeping me warm on stormy Hawaiian nights camped on the beach, but I wouldn’t take it anywhere during the shoulder seasons. The synthetic insulation shrugged off the humid rainforest air and never became laden with moisture during the six days of beach camping I subjected it to. What blew my mind, though, was how teeny-tiny it packed down. Compressing it to a scant 2.75 liters, the 29-ounce bag wasn’t much bigger than my pair of water bottles. For under $100, that’s fantastic.

I’m used to dealing with dainty zippers on ultralight bags chosen for being small and lightweight. The zipper on the Nanowave 55 was comparatively normal-sized, worked smoothly, and never jammed or caught on the fabric. They worked like butter. Even if it somehow had, I wouldn’t have worried much about ripping the fabric, as it’s tougher and more robust than the expensive lightweight bags in vogue. You won’t have to baby this sleeping bag much. For the money, this is an excellent choice for anybody looking for a summer bag: casual car camper, festival-goer, or lightweight hiker. — Matt Jancer

Editor's note: the Nanowave 55 our tester used is discontinued. The Nanowave 45 featured is the same bag, but with slightly more insulation to give it a lower temp rating.

• Temp rating : 45°F / 7°C
• Comfort rating: 45°F / 7°C
• Fill : Synthetic

Best for Spring and Fall Trips

REI Co-Op's Magma 15 is a no-nonsense down sleeping bag. It doesn't have a lot of frills, it just gets the job done. It's the bag I most often grab for fall and early spring trips where cold weather may arrive unannounced. It has an excellent draft collar that’s very good at keeping out the chill.

The outside is a 15-denier nylon ripstop ( Bluesign approved , with a non-fluorinated DWR coating to keep moisture at bay). Baffles are variably spaced and not stitched through, which helps the fill stay put and minimizes cold spots. I also really like the Magma hood, which is warm and stays on your head throughout the night. There's a nice interior stash pocket I use to keep my headlamp handy.

The Magma series comes in a bewildering array of sizes and shapes—there are nine sizes to choose from, ranging from Short Narrow, which weighs 2 pounds, to Long Wide, which is nearly 3 pounds. One of my favorite features of this bag is the anti-snag zipper, which genuinely doesn't snag, because there's a woven barrier that keeps the down baffle away from the zipper. The zipper is also full-length, extending from the bottom of the foot box to the collar. REI also makes a 30-degree version of the Magma . I have not tested it, but if you only plan to go out in the summer months, that would be my suggestion.

• Comfort rating: 21°F / -6°C
• Fill: 850 Fill-Power Down

An Expedition-Worthy Bag

Photograph: Rab

Rab is an English brand, well regarded by European outdoor enthusiasts long before it came to the US. The Expedition 1000 is a -22 degree bag weighing a mere 3 pounds and 6 ounces, which is light for a bag of this warmth. Its 1,000 grams of 850-fill-power hydrophobic goose down gave me no issues retaining body moisture after sleeping in it for a week on Alaska’s Kahiltna Glacier. Even during a couple of whiteout blizzards where I had to dig my tent out of the snow in the morning, I slept like a baby, warm and cozy thanks to a well-designed neck baffle that kept warm air from escaping around my noggin.

The zippered interior stuff sack was large enough to keep a battery bank, contact lenses, lighter, and hand sanitizer handy throughout the night, and at 5'10", there was plenty of extra space inside the bag to keep my water bottles, boot liners, and yesterday’s damp socks to dry out. One thing I didn’t like was the main body zipper. Lightweight sleeping bags are susceptible to being caught in zipper teeth and tearing. Compared to Marmot’s flawless zippers, the Rab’s gave me some trouble, even though I habitually operated them as if I were handling a newborn. The problem is the fabric surrounding the zipper, which would get sucked into the teeth. It jammed badly enough one night that I thought I would have to sleep another three days with a bag stuck open. Lucky for me, someone had a Leatherman we used to fix it, but that shouldn’t have happened.

Unlike some competing bags, such as the Marmot Col, there are no zippered arm holes to let you stay snug in your bag while hanging out or doing basic tasks in your tent. I didn’t miss it on my weeklong climbing trip, but for longer expeditions where you might spend a whole day in your tent, it’d be nice to have arm holes. If you need an even warmer bag, there's the Expedition 1200 rated at -32 degrees and the Expedition 1400 rated at -40 degrees . — Matt Jancer

• Temp rating: -22°F / -30°C

A Quilt for Warmer Trips

Photograph: Amazon

Quilts are preferred by gram-counting backpackers because they dispense with the unhelpful half of a sleeping shell. The bottom side of a down sleeping bag gets mashed down anyway, meaning there's no lofted insulation for added warmth. The quilt market has no shortage of cottage quiltmakers serving ultralighters and hammockers—I bought a solid one off Etsy last year. Therm-a-Rest's top-of-the-line Vesper, though, has everything you could ask for in a lightweight quilt. The 32-degree version weighs less than a pound, and ratcheting down the included comprehension sack will get it to roughly the size of a Nalgene bottle.

Thanks to 900-fill down insulation, it was more than toasty enough for nights in the low 40s in the Canadian Rockies. The down is hydrophobic, though I didn't douse it for testing. The 32-degree Vesper is cut more generously than the 20-degree version and comfortably covers my larger body frame. This is the bag I would take on any backpacking trip—if you're pushing below this temperature, you'll want to build a system with layers.

• Temp rating : 32°F / 0°C
• Fill : 900 Fill-Power Hydrophobic Down

A warmer alternative : If you want to save a little cash on a Therm-a-Rest quilt and push the temp rating down well below freezing, consider the Therm-a-Rest Corus ($310) . This quilt uses less expensive 650-fill-power down (more on fill power here ), which drops the price by $100 while adding 20 degrees of comfort rating and just 10 ounces of weight, keeping the quilt well below 2 pounds. The Corus has a 20D nylon shell rather than the 10D found on the Vesper, which adds both weight and durability. I only pushed it into the low 40s in my testing but found I had to stick a foot out or I baked under it. I suspect the 20-degree rating might be on the conservative side. — Martin Cizmar

Kid-Friendly Sleeping Bags

Kids' sleeping bags are cut smaller so your little ones don't have to heat up a huge, adult-size sleeping bag to stay warm. While that's 100 percent true, let's be honest, a lot of the appeal of kid-size sleeping bags is the lower price. The REI Kindercone bag fills both needs, being cut to a smaller size and relatively cheap. I would take the temperature rating with a grain of salt though. There is no comfort rating, but if there were, my guess would be around 35 degrees.

The Kindercone makes a great car camping bag, and you can backpack with it, but it's awkward. I spent four nights in the Pisgauh Wilderness lugging this thing around for my son. It's heavy (3 pounds and 3 ounces) and huge. Our hiking distances weren't that long, so after one day of it hogging half my pack, I took to just carrying the Kindercone in my hand. As I said, it's best for car camping. For backpacking, I'd consider something that compresses a bit smaller, like the REI Co-Op Zephyr 25 ($149) .

While the Kindercone is a fine bag, once my kids hit about 4 feet, I put them in adult bags. I did so for two reasons. First, the temperatures we've camped in have mostly been warm enough that staying warm wasn't a concern—summers in the mountains and the Northwoods of Michigan. It's never cold enough that I'm worried about them in a 20-degree adult bag. The second reason is that sleeping bags last a long time and are a significant investment. I wanted something that would last them through their teens, however tall they might be. (Properly cared-for sleeping bags should last decades. I recently retired the North Face Blue Kazoo bag my parents bought me in 1992.) So do you need a to buy kids' bag? For younger kids, I would say yes; for older kids, probably not.

• Temp rating: -25°F / 4°C
• Fill: Polyester fibers

Our Favorite Synthetic Sleeping Bags

This was one of the first sleeping bags stuffed with synthetic insulation that could come close to goose down in terms of packability and weight. Even though synthetic insulation is improving every year, it’s traditionally bulkier than an equivalently warm amount of goose down. For me as an ultralight hiker and climber, the Ultra Elite 20 was a godsend. The bag is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and I’ve used it everywhere from Washington’s Cascade Mountains to Vermont’s forests to Texas’ high desert. It’s a workhorse sleeping bag, good for most trips taken outside of summer.

I greatly prefer synthetic insulation to goose down in a bag of this temperature rating. Near and above the freezing point—called “wet cold”—liquid water and melting ice are more of a danger to puffy insulation than very cold temperatures, where ice stays ice. Insulation also sucks up moisture from humid air like a sponge, reducing its effectiveness at keeping you warm. Synthetic insulation dries out much more quickly than goose down, and I’ve been on plenty of trips where my Ultra Elite 20 stayed dry and crisp as my buddies’ down bags grew perpetually damp and a touch soggy after three nights.

There’s a zippered interior pocket for keeping small items handy during the night, and Marmot’s zipper design is excellent. I’ve treated it with the care while zipping and unzipping that any lightweight bag demands, but I’ve never had a bad jam, and the fabric isn’t prone to catching on the teeth. At a shade under 2 pounds and only 6.7 liters compressed, it’s a regular in my pack for long-distance backpacking trips and casual car camping trips alike. Unfortunately, Marmot appears to have discontinued this bag; there are still some at retailers, but they likely won't last. — Matt Jancer

• Temp rating: -20°F / -7°C
• Comfort rating: 32.9°F / 0.5°C
• Fill: Synthetic

Photograph: Nemo

Nemo's Forte 20 is a 20-degree synthetic-fill sleeping bag. It's best used as a summer bag, possibly a three-season bag, depending on where you live. While it has 20 in the name and is technically rated to 20 degrees (see below for more on what that means), the comfort rating is 30 degrees. In my testing, this feels more like where you'd want to stay temperature-wise with this bag.

The outer shell uses a 30-denier recycled polyester ripstop with an inside liner made from 20-denier recycled polyester taffeta. It does a good job of holding back the moisture that often forms inside a tent, which I discovered after one very soggy night of testing. The fill is what Nemo calls Zerofiber insulation, which is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled content fibers. The Zerofiber packs down remarkably small—this is the most compact synthetic-fill bag I've tested in this temp range—and retains its ability to trap warmth even when wet.

What I like most about this bag, and nearly all of Nemo's sleeping bags, is the wider cut through the torso area down to the knees. Like the Therm-a-Rest Questar above, this bag is almost a hybrid of a mummy bag and your father's good old 1970s square sleeping bag. Which is to say, this bag is roomy. The downside is that there's more dead space your body has to heat, but as someone who sleeps warm anyway, I'll take the extra room.

• Comfort rating: 30°F / -1.1°C

A sleeping bag is typically one of the most expensive pieces of camping gear you'll buy. If none of our picks strike your fancy, here are some general guidelines.

Are you car camping? Thru-hiking the PCT? Headed out overnight in the August heat? Plotting a winter ski traverse of the Karakoram Himalaya? Which sleeping bag is right for you depends on how you're going to use it, especially the temperatures you plan to camp or backpack in, and how you sleep—hot, cold, in between.

Unfortunately, there isn't an ideal sleeping bag that works in all climates. If you encounter a wide range of conditions in your camping, I would consider two bags. Get one nice down bag for colder conditions and a cheaper, lightweight synthetic-fill bag for summer use.

As with most things in the outdoor world, you're going to pay more for lightweight materials, so if you don't need them because, for example, you're just car camping, don't pay extra for an ultralight bag. Maybe don't even pay for a down bag. Synthetic bags are generally the best budget sleeping options for those camping in the heat.

By the same token, if you're primarily a summer hiker, doing the Appalachian Trail in sections, you don't need a 0-degree bag. Identify your use and then look for a sleeping bag that suits you best. Also, take the temperature rating with a grain of salt. Everyone sleeps differently. I almost always sleep warm, which means I don't need a 0-degree bag in anything but the harshest situation. My colleague Adrienne So is roughly the opposite and uses a 0-degree bag in 40-degree weather. Neither one of us is “right,” we've just learned to shop around how we sleep.

There are two types of insulation used in today's sleeping bags, down feathers and synthetic fibers. Down comes primarily from geese and ducks . Synthetics range from nylon to polyester. The insulation works by creating pockets of air, either through the structure of a feather or the structure of a synthetic fiber. These pockets of air then trap your body heat, keeping it close, and you warm. The more loft there is—the more air pockets there are—the warmer you will be and the lower the sleeping bag's temperature rating will be.

In most situations, a down sleeping bag is the superior choice. It's warmer for the weight, packs smaller, and is lighter. Where down fails is when it gets wet. Wet down is generally useless—all those air pockets that trap heat are gone. Synthetics on the other hand retain more warmth when wet. No one wants to sleep in a wet sleeping bag, but if you think that's a possibility, synthetic is the way to go.

In recent years down has been challenged with what's marketed as hydrophobic or “dry down,” which is treated with water-repellent coatings that cause the feathers to repel water. In our experience testing, these bags do better than regular down when wet, and in many cases, they're as good as synthetics. The trade-off is that when dry, they don't have quite the loft of regular down. If you're worried about water and want to stick with down, hydrophobic down is the best choice.

There is also the ethical question of down. Most down is a byproduct of the food industry. The Responsible Down Standard tries to ensure that down is ethically sourced, but PETA has shown that it's far from perfect. We leave that judgment call to you, but before you rush off to buy a synthetic, remember that it involves plenty of hazardous chemicals and questionable factory working conditions.

After the type of insulation, it's worth considering these factors.

• Temperature rating:  Choose a sleeping bag rated a little bit lower than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter. If you're a three-season backpacker in the southern US, the lowest you're likely to hit is around freezing, so I'd suggest a 20-degree bag. If you sleep cold, you might go down more to 10 degrees.
• Fill power : This means how much insulation is in the bag. The higher the fill-power number the warmer the bag will be. See our fill power explainer for more information.
• Weight:  If your backpacking weight is important, you want to stay as light as you can while still staying warm. Make sure to compare bags with the same temperature rating and ideally the same fill power—otherwise, you're making an apples-to-oranges comparison.
• Design and features: Remember to consider the extras. Do you want a full-length zipper? Do you want a full hood? Or a way to strap your bag to your pad? How about stash pockets? Sleeping bags can have quite a bit of functionality beyond keeping you toasty.
• Your overall sleep setup : How effective your sleeping bag is, and how warm you stay, also depends on factors like your sleeping pad and which tent you're using. See our Best Sleeping Pads and Best Tents guides for more advice on which suits you best.
• Women’s sleeping bags : Our female testers have generally found very little difference between sleeping bags for men and those for women. Many manufacturers no longer make separate bags for women, but if that's something you want to look into, we suggest Sea to Summit, which makes a range of women's sleeping bags .

All our testing was done in the field in tents. Collectively our testers have more than 11 decades of experience in the wilderness. To test these bags, we hiked Alaskan peaks, Texas deserts, Hawaiian beaches, Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula, and a range of other locations and conditions across the country. It's a rough life, but someone has to do it. This is not to say it's all fun and games—just ask my kids who've had to lie still many a morning while I zapped around their sleeping bags with an infrared thermometer looking for cold spots.

With a mix of body types and sleeping habits, we've been able to test which bags will keep even the coldest sleepers warm and which won't make those of us who sleep hot wake up sweating. Our picks are based on first-hand experience testing in the field on real trips (alas, we don't get paid to tromp around the wilderness). We take into account the warmth, how packable a bag is, how much it weighs, and how well it stands up to life on the trail or in the trunk.

What All the Terms Mean

Probably the most common question about sleeping bags is, “What temperature-rating sleeping bag should I get?” That's a good question, answered above, but it begs another question: What do those temperature ratings mean? There are often two ratings associated with temperature: temperature rating and comfort rating.

Temperature rating is done using standardized tests overseen by the International Standards Organization (ISO), the same group that oversees things like programming languages and electrical standards. If you're in Europe, you might also see EN (European Norm) temp ratings. These are close enough to ISO ratings that you can compare them. ISO temperature ratings are done in a lab using standardized equipment under more or less ideal conditions. They also use base layers on the dummy. In the end, ISO temps are a means of comparison, but they don't mean that you will be warm at whatever temperature rating is given.

Comfort rating is more subjective. This is the temperature at which someone who sleeps cold will still feel comfortable. So if you tend to sleep cold, the comfort rating is the one to pay attention to. Incidentally, this is the rating given to most women's sleeping bags, because according to the industry, the average woman will feel colder than the average man in a bag with the same temp rating.

Beyond knowing what the terms mean, also know this: Ratings are not precise. Our advice for those heading into snowy conditions where warmth is critical is to buy a bag rated 10 to 15 degrees colder than the coldest temps you expect to encounter.

There are more types of nylon out there than anyone can keep track of, which is where the denier rating system comes from. Denier is a measure used in fabrics that is based on the linear density of a fabric. The linear density is calculated by measuring how heavy the material is (in grams) for a length of 9,000 meters. Glad we cleared that up.

Wait what? 9,000 meters of what now? It turns out there are forms of fabric so thin it helps to have that much material to get a reliable weight out of them. The important takeaway is that denier means fabric weight. The higher the number, the thicker the fabric. Fun word nerd trivia: The word denier comes from the Latin word “Denarius,” which was a Roman coin.

In the case of sleeping bags, denier ratings for the nylon used typically run in the 10D to 40D range, though I have tested a few with single-digit-denier nylon. Also, watch out for all sorts of trademarked names for fabric. These have nothing to do with how thick or durable they are, they're just marketing. In my experience, testing over two dozen sleeping bags, 10D fabric is fine for a sleeping bag so long as you don't abuse it.

We covered what hydrophobic down is above, but there are a couple of other acronyms you'll see thrown around. The main two are DWR and PFC-free. DWR stands for “durable water repellent.” This waterproofness is commonly achieved through the use of a perfluorinated compound, better known to most of us as PFC. PFC-free means the waterproof coating on the down (or sometimes the nylon as well) doesn't contain any PFCs. Alternatives include wax, silicon, and sometimes plant-based sealants. Because waterproofness isn't as critical in sleeping bags (compared to a rain jacket ), there's usually no difference between PFC-free sleeping bags and those that aren't. We try to recommend only PFC-free sleeping bags.

You Might Also Like …

Navigate election season with our WIRED Politics Lab newsletter and podcast

A hacker took down North Korea’s internet . Now he’s taking off his mask

Blowing the whistle on sexual harassment and assault in Antarctica

This woman will decide which babies are born

Upgrading your Mac? Here’s what you should spend your money on

Scott Gilbertson

Julian Chokkattu

Adrienne So

WIRED COUPONS

Dyson Mother's Day Gift Deals!

GoPro Promo Code: 15% off Cameras and Accessories

Up To +30% Off With Your Samsung Student Promo Code

10% Off Everything w/ Dell Promo Code

VistaPrint Promo Code: $10 Off $50+

50% off Select Products - Newegg Promo Code

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

reperkid Premium Car Seat Travel Bag for Airplane - Durable, Universal... › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

reperkid Premium Car Seat Travel Bag for Airplane - Durable, Universal Fit, Water-Resistant Gate Check Bag with Adjustable Carry Straps - for Safe and Hassle-Free Travel

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Top positive review

Top critical review

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later., from the united states, there was a problem loading comments right now. please try again later..

• ← Previous page
• Next page →

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

A Magazine for Those With a Passion to Travel in Style

Moscow: An Honest Review of this Amazing City

“ You’re going to Russia?!?! Why? ” I heard these words pretty much every time I announced my upcoming trip to the east.

This reaction is understandable. Most people in Europe and the United States have a Putin-provoked distaste of the Russian Federation, which is growing by the day. Politicians claim that Russia’s sole mission is to diminish and undermine western powers to strengthen its own. After all, the name Vladimir comes from two old Slavic words, which together mean “great ruler of the world.” Make of that what you will…

Even the non-political vision of Russia is unfavorable. Most think of a cold, grey, backward place with Soviet architecture or battle-hardened, weather-beaten people. However, arriving at the sleek Moscow Domodedovo airport, I was impressed. I had been right to rebut popular notions of an unwelcoming and stony place.

However, almost immediately after leaving the airport, the ground for my righteous vindication became shaky. Driving into the outskirts of Moscow, my mind drew comparisons to television images of North Korean suburbs. Miles of uniform houses and bleak tower blocks lined the roads.

At the Izmailovov Delta Hotel next to the famous market of the same name, things were not looking much better. Truly peculiar decorations and violently colored walls competed for one’s gaze in the hotel lobby. Luckily, the rooms themselves were perfectly comfortable, though not particularly noteworthy. I’d stay central next time.

After dropping bags, I ventured toward the Izmailovov market for a look at how the locals live. From a distance, the buildings that encase the market are vivid, intricate and quite something to behold. As it was late in the day, the market was empty. Shop shutters were closed and stalls were folded up. I got the same uneasy feeling I get when walking through Disney Land – as if this was what remained after the recent collapse of a utopian society.

While nearly all the vendors had packed up and gone home, a few stalls remained opened for business. All that was left was an abundance of satirical matryoshka dolls containing various countries’ political leaders in historical order.

A tattooed burly salesman came over to me as I withdrew François Mitterrand from the wooden bowels of Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.

“ Where are you from, friend? ” He asked.

Ignoring my response, he launched into a speech about his armed forces days and the political situation in Russia.

“ You really ought not to trust the government, ok? Putin is a dangerous man, you see. Someone’s always watching in this city. ”

The whiff of Glühwein that carried with each sentence made me doubt the erudition of his analysis. Then again… this is what we hear in the news. I was not sure what to believe. After thanking the man and hastily filling Charles de Gaulle with the rest of the presidents of the Fifth Republic, I made my way back to the hotel.

Emerging from the underground we rounded the corner and immediately found ourselves in Red Square. The sight demands you stop and stare.

The insurmountable walls of the Kremlin line the length of one side; halfway along lies Lenin’s tomb and opposite is the lavish exterior of the Gosudarstvennyi Universalnyi Magazin shopping center (or GUM, as it’s referred to, thank God). The architectural marvel of Saint Basil’s Cathedral stands at the south end, with the State History Museum at the other. Even though the foreboding structures radiate a rouge pastel hue into every corner of the square, there is a sense of openness. No-doubt there was a somewhat different atmosphere when thousands of Soviet soldiers goose-stepped through the square. Interestingly, the Russian army still marches like this today.

Walking around central Moscow, history oozes from every spire and pillar. Buildings seem to lean over as you walk past, as if peering down on whoever dares to enter these austere places. For every moment or event in Russian history, there is a dedicated museum.

The quality of each museum is notably high. In particular, the Armory inside the Kremlin holds astonishing collections of royal carriages from across the world and throughout the ages. The world-renowned Fabergé Eggs are displayed here too.

Having wandered around for so long during the day, we had no time to eat before attending the Ballet that evening. Sitting in the Bolshoi, the long day began to catch up with me.

It is now that I must make a confession: while attending a performance by one of the world’s greatest ballet companies, I fell asleep.

Thankfully, I woke up later in the second half and was treated to the final leaps and prances of Shostakovich’s The Bright Stream. As someone who is not a ballet aficionado, that was probably enough.

Feeling significantly perkier afterward, a late dinner was in order. Just behind the Bolshoi is VOGUE Café , a gastronomic outpost of the famous magazine. It claimed to serve an eclectic mix of Japanese, Italian and Russian dishes. Intrigued, we entered.

Adventurously, we accepted the offer of some Russian wine. Full bodied and berried, it was delicious. Our evident surprise led the waitress to explain that Russian food and drink has improved hugely over the last few years. As it turns out, since the United States and the European Union placed sanctions on Russia after their annexation of Crimea, food imports have been scarce. As a result, Russian producers have been forced to meet the demand and quality expected today. As a result, Siberian wines and cheeses now win awards around the globe.

When we left the restaurant, it was late. Only a day had passed, yet we had filled every minute with history, culture and food. The next three days followed a similar format and we continued to make our way down the list of museums and sights. A boat ride along the river is a must-do for alternative views of the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Afterwards, sit on the rooftop Strelka bar opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and watch the 3-mile-long line of pilgrims move slowly forward.

On the third day, we were due to board an overnight train to Saint Petersburg, but there was still so much left to do. Truth be told, it was probably too much for another three days, let alone one.

Nonetheless, I was satisfied. Moscow had revealed itself to be a fascinating and impressive city. While the city infrastructure isn’t as up-to-date as most capitals, the needs of every modern traveler can be met. It certainly isn’t the cold and unfriendly place envisioned by most in the west. Moscow’s winning attribute is its omnipresent sense of untouched history. This is a feature that is so often lost amongst hordes of tourists in Europe’s capitals.

It goes to show: what we hear about places we haven’t been in the news or through general hearsay, we can formulate pretty strong prejudices in our mind. While the political realities may still be ugly, by visiting, you can learn to separate and appreciate the everyday, the culture and the history of a place. On one side of a great red wall in central Moscow, a tyrannical leader works. On the other side, wholly separated, lies a magnificent Red Square where an overwhelming sense of history reveals the essence of Moscow and of Russia. And it is truly remarkable.

Russia Tourism: https://www.russiatourism.ru/en/

Previous Article

3 amazing real estate opportunities in hawaii this season.