Best travel · October 2026
The best travel stroller
Short answer: The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus is the best travel stroller (8.7/10, $579). It weighs 16 lb, folds in a second to carry-on size and reclines fully flat. The Stokke YOYO3 has the smallest fold, the Nuna TRVL is the lightest, and the Colugo The Compact Stroller+ costs $199.
Our pick: Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus
Best travel
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus
8.7 — Excellent · $579 · 16 lb
16 lb, a one-second fold to carry-on size, and a fully flat recline for naps on the go.
Why we like it
- 16 lb, light enough to carry up stairs or onto a train
- One-second, one-hand fold to 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 in, IATA-compatible
- Seat holds up to 50 lb, so it lasts to about 4 years
Skip it if
- You want one stroller for rough paths, grass and gravel
- You need a big basket for a full diaper bag
- You want a bassinet or a second-seat option
Also worth considering
Smallest fold
Stokke YOYO3
Folds to 20.5 × 17.3 × 7.1 in, which Stokke says meets cabin baggage dimensions, at 13.7 lb. The fold takes two hands, and a newborn pack is extra.
8.6 — Excellent. 13.7 lb, folds to 20.5×17.3×7.1 in, $499.
Lightest
Nuna TRVL
13.6 lb with a one-button fold that stands on its own, and Nuna PIPA car seats click on with no adapters. Nuna suggests gate-checking it in the included bag.
8.4 — Very good. 13.6 lb, folds to 24×20.3×11 in, $575.
Best under $200
Colugo The Compact Stroller+
$199 with a one-hand fold, a rain cover and a carry backpack, and Colugo says it fits an overhead bin. It's for babies from 4 months.
8.3 — Very good. 16.2 lb, folds to 22×17.6×10.6 in, $199.
How do our picks compare?
| Spec | Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus | Stokke YOYO3 | Nuna TRVL | Colugo The Compact Stroller+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.7 — Excellent | 8.6 — Excellent | 8.4 — Very good | 8.3 — Very good |
| List price | $579 | $499 | $575 | $199 |
| Type | Travel | Travel | Travel | Travel |
| Weight | 16 lb | 13.7 lb | 13.6 lb | 16.2 lb |
| Folded (L×W×H) | 9.6×17.6×21.8 in | 20.5×17.3×7.1 in | 24×20.3×11 in | 22×17.6×10.6 in |
| Max child weight | 50 lb | 48.5 lb | 50 lb | 55 lb |
| Basket | 17.6 lb | 22 lb | 10 lb | 10 lb |
| From birth | Yes, fully flat recline with a newborn foot cover; Bugaboo recommends a car seat for newborn comfort | Yes, with the newborn pack (sold as a bundle), for babies up to 19.8 lb (9 kg), or with a car seat on adapters | Rated from birth; Nuna says to use a PIPA series car seat until baby sits up unaided (usually around 6 months) | No; Colugo recommends it for babies 4 months and older |
Why is the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus our travel pick?
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus gets the balance right for travel. It weighs 16 lb, folds in about a second to 9.6×17.6×21.8 in, which Bugaboo says meets IATA carry-on dimensions, and still has a seat that reclines fully flat for naps. The basket holds 17.6 lb, a lot for a travel stroller, and the seat is rated to 50 lb.
Like every travel stroller, it has small wheels, so it's happiest on sidewalks and airport floors rather than long walks on rough ground. It lists at $579.
What makes a good travel stroller?
- A small fold: if you want to take it into the cabin, check the folded size against your airline's carry-on limit. Rules vary by airline, so check before you fly.
- Low weight: you'll carry it up airplane steps, stairs and onto trains. Our picks weigh 13.6 to 16.2 lb.
- A quick, one-hand fold: useful when you're holding a baby at the gate.
- A real recline: for naps on the go, a seat that reclines flat or nearly flat helps.
- Newborn options: many travel strollers start at around 4 to 6 months unless you add a newborn pack or an infant car seat.
For more, see our full-size vs compact guide. Traveling with a newborn? A car-seat stroller may suit you better: see our best car-seat stroller.
Travel stroller FAQ
What is the best stroller for flying?
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus is our pick. It weighs 16 lb, folds in a second to a size Bugaboo says meets IATA carry-on dimensions, and reclines fully flat. Airline rules vary, so check your carrier's carry-on limits before you fly.
What is the lightest stroller you cover?
The Nuna TRVL, at 13.6 lb, followed closely by the Stokke YOYO3 at 13.7 lb. The TRVL folds with one button and stands on its own, and Nuna PIPA series car seats click onto it without adapters.
Can a travel stroller be used from birth?
Some can, with extras. The Stokke YOYO3 takes a newborn pack, the Nuna TRVL takes a Nuna PIPA car seat, and the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus reclines flat, though Bugaboo recommends a car seat for newborn comfort. The Colugo Compact+ starts at 4 months.
Is a $199 travel stroller good enough?
For many families, yes. The Colugo Compact+ weighs 16.18 lb, folds with one hand, has a 55 lb seat limit and comes with a rain cover and carry bag. It gives up suspension, car seat compatibility and newborn use compared with pricier travel strollers.