Traveling with little ones can be a joyful adventure, but only if you’ve got the right gear to keep things smooth and stress-free. That’s where the best travel strollers come in. Lightweight, compact, and easy to fold, these strollers are designed for parents on the go who don’t want to compromise on comfort, convenience, or safety.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top-rated travel strollers on the market, highlighting their key features, pros and cons, and what makes each one stand out. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an international journey, we’ll help you find the perfect stroller to match your travel style and your child’s needs. So let’s explore in detail with National Park Shops through the following article.
Best Pick for Travel: Uppababy Minu V2 ($319 on Amazon)
- Weight: 17.0 lbs
- Folded size: 5,894 cubic inches
The UPPAbaby Minu V2 stands out as a premium travel stroller that delivers far more versatility than many standard options on the market. Designed to work seamlessly with the UPPAbaby infant car seat and UPPAbaby Bassinet, this travel stroller allows for interchangeable seating, making it a smart long-term investment for parents seeking a one-and-done solution. With a generous 20-pound maximum storage basket capacity, it’s also practical for everyday use, like grocery runs or park outings. The stroller folds into thirds, forming a compact 5,894-cubic-inch package with dimensions of 20.5″ W x 10.3″ H x 23″ L.
However, it’s worth noting that the Minu V2 weighs in at 17 pounds, making it heavier than other contenders. This weight difference might be a deciding factor for families prioritizing portability. Additionally, the Minu V2’s higher price point may be harder to justify if it’s intended as a secondary stroller. That said, if you’re looking for a travel companion that doubles as your main ride, its comfort, flexibility, and thoughtful design place it firmly in the conversation for the best travel stroller.
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Best Budget: Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller ($259.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Plastic, Metal, Fabric
- Fabric: Type Polyester
- Frame Material: Metal 47.6%, Plastic 52.4%
The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Stroller may not fold as effortlessly, recline as smoothly, or offer as intuitive a buckle system as the Minu V2, but it shines in other key areas. Among all the travel strollers we tested, it features the most comfortable handlebar, making it a pleasure to push over longer outings. It also includes a solid canopy with UV protection and offers a respectable amount of underseat storage, though accessing that space is a bit trickier compared to the more user-friendly design of the Minu V2.
What truly sets this stroller apart is its spacious seat, deep recline, and large adjustable footrest, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go naps, especially for older children. With a weight limit of up to 45 pounds, it accommodates growing kids with ease. Weighing in at just 15.1 pounds, it’s lighter than the Minu V2 by a couple of pounds and comes conveniently equipped with a travel bag, something the Minu lacks.
Best for Newborn: Bugaboo Butterfly ($399 on Amazon)
- Weight: 16.0 lbs
- Folded size: 3,355 cubic inches
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a beautifully engineered compact stroller that blends smart design with high-quality materials. Among the smallest in our review, it measured just 17.5″ wide, 10.3″ high, and 21.3″ long – equating to a compact 3,355 cubic inches. Despite its size, it packs impressive features, including a sleek, modern aesthetic, a removable seat pad, and a 7-position reclining seatback ranging from 119 to 154 degrees. One standout detail is its innovative harness, which stays open and ready for your little passenger, making buckling in a breeze. Even more impressive is its 18-pound maximum storage basket capacity, a rarity in strollers this size.
This travel stroller performed exceptionally well in our maneuverability tests on flat surfaces and folded down quickly and easily with one hand, compact enough to fit into tight spaces. However, the Butterfly’s high-end appeal comes with a matching price tag, which might be a dealbreaker for budget-conscious parents.
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Britax B-Free ($269.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Aluminum
- Fabric Type: Polyurethane Foam Pad 100%/ Aluminum Frame
- Frame Material: Aluminum
The Britax B-Free is a full-size stroller cleverly disguised as a travel-friendly option. While it isn’t a traditional travel stroller, its relatively lightweight frame, clocking in at 22 pounds in our tests, and slim folded profile (just 10.3 inches thick) make it a strong contender for parents seeking a versatile crossover solution. When folded, it occupies a compact 6,674 cubic inches, offering surprising portability for a stroller of its size. With a convenient one-pull fold, easy carrying design, and smooth-rolling 7.4-inch wheels, the B-Free outperforms many true travel strollers when it comes to maneuverability and stability.
Its spacious seat, generous 10-pound storage basket, and large protective canopy only add to its appeal, making it a stroller that balances comfort and function with ease. Though it may not fit the ultra-compact mold, the Britax B-Free holds its own and in some cases surpasses others in the search for the best travel stroller for families who want performance without sacrificing size.
gb Pockit+ All City ($199.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Aluminum
- Fabric Type: Polyester
- Frame Material: Aluminum
The gb Pockit+ All City excels so well at its purpose, it almost redefines compact travel. Weighing just 13.1 pounds, this ultra-light stroller folds down with precision into an impressively small package, achieving the smallest folded volume in our tests at just 2,215 cubic inches. It’s intuitive to use, folds effortlessly, and even includes a convenient carry strap for hands-free transport. This updated version features a modest improvement in canopy design over earlier models and includes a small under-seat storage bin that, in our tests, comfortably held a medium-sized diaper bag.
That said, the Pockit’s unparalleled folding ability comes with trade-offs. Its frame is notably flexible, which can make maneuvering on rough surfaces like grass or gravel more difficult. With 5.1-inch wheels, among the smallest in our group (compared to the 5.6-inch average), it’s definitely more suited for smooth pavements and urban travel. While the gb Pockit+ All City isn’t without its limitations, it’s a standout choice for frequent flyers or anyone needing a stroller that practically disappears when folded. If space is your top concern, this could be your best travel stroller, but if you’ve got a little more room to spare, other contenders may offer a more well-rounded ride.
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Kolcraft Cloud Plus ($79.99 on Amazon)
- Material: Polyester, Plastic
- Frame Material: Aluminum
The Kolcraft Cloud Plus is a no-frills, lightweight stroller that leans heavily into the traditional umbrella stroller design and functionality. Weighing just 10.1 pounds in our tests, it’s one of the lightest models we evaluated, well below the average of 14.7 lbs. Though its folded shape is a bit longer, it still manages a modest folded volume of 6,327 cubic inches. With a reasonable price point and user-friendly setup, it offers decent value for budget-conscious families. Its 10-pound storage basket easily accommodated our large diaper bag during testing, and we can understand why some parents may opt for this stroller over pricier models.
However, the Cloud Plus falls short in overall performance. Despite having 6-inch wheels, the flexible frame and softer wheel materials made maneuvering a challenge, even on smooth, flat surfaces. Compared to the competition, it feels dated and lacks the finesse or modern upgrades of higher-scoring strollers. That said, for parents only planning to use a stroller occasionally, the Kolcraft Cloud Plus might still serve a purpose. While it doesn’t rank among the elite, it offers a functional alternative when the budget is tight and minimal use is expected. For those specific circumstances, it may not be the best travel stroller overall, but it could be a practical, wallet-friendly backup option.
Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Stroller ($359 on Amazon)
- Material: Aluminum, Fabric
- Frame Material: Aluminum
Finding a travel stroller that comfortably accommodates both babies and toddlers can be a real challenge, but the Ergobaby Metro+ Deluxe Stroller manages to do just that. It features the widest seat among all the travel strollers we tested and supports up to 50 pounds, making it an ideal option for families with children at different stages. In our testing, one parent of a 7-month-old and a larger 2-year-old confirmed that both children fit comfortably, highlighting the stroller’s impressive versatility.
It earned top marks for ease of pushing and steering, performing smoothly across various terrains and even allowing for easy one-handed maneuverability. The adjustable handlebar also proved to be a valuable feature for parents of differing heights, providing a comfortable pushing position for both shorter and taller caregivers. Another standout aspect was the stroller’s five-point harness system, which made switching between a baby and toddler incredibly simple thanks to its quick and intuitive adjustment. With its thoughtful design, generous seating, and effortless handling, the Metro+ Deluxe confidently earns its place among the best travel stroller choices for families seeking convenience without compromise.
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How we picked and tested
After more than six years of hands-on testing and in-depth research, we’ve identified the key qualities that define a best travel stroller.
First and foremost, a good travel stroller must be easy to push and maneuver. Because it needs to perform well in various environments, indoors, outdoors, over cobblestones, through subway stations, and even up and down stairs, we focused only on strollers capable of being steered with one hand. I even created an obstacle course, where sandbags stood in for toddlers to test turning radius and overall control.
Equally important is how easy the stroller is to fold and unfold, especially when you’re juggling a squirming baby or restless toddler. I timed each model’s fold and unfold process, noting whether it required one hand or two. Portability was also a priority; while some models can fit in airplane overhead bins, we didn’t make that a requirement due to inconsistent airline policies. Still, we checked that each stroller folded compactly and offered shoulder straps or travel bags for easier carrying.
We also appreciated strollers with added versatility, such as the ability to click in an infant car seat, even though our top picks aren’t compatible with our best-rated car seats. Additional features like reclining seats, adjustable harnesses, intuitive buckles, sun-protective canopies, and roomy underseat storage also earned high marks. And because we know kids can be messy, we put each stroller through a cleaning challenge, spreading jam and whipped cream on the seats to see how easily stains could be wiped away with just baby wipes or fabric cleaner.
After all, a stroller’s resilience isn’t just about the ride, it’s also about how well it stands up to everyday chaos. These real-world criteria helped us narrow down the contenders and spotlight the ones truly deserving of the best travel stroller title.
Conclusion
Choosing one of the best travel strollers can make your adventures with little ones more enjoyable, less stressful, and a lot more convenient. As you plan your next trip, consider what features matter most, whether it’s compact folding, reclining seats, storage space, or all-terrain wheels. With so many excellent options available, finding the perfect travel companion is easier than ever. No matter your destination, the best travel stroller ensures that your journey is as smooth and memorable as the destination itself.
