Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller Review: The Ultimate Globetrotter’s Companion?

I remember the moment vividly. We were standing in a sprawling airport security line, my toddler getting restless in my arms, my partner wrestling with our enormous, feature-packed “everyday” stroller. It was a beast—comfortable, yes, but folding it felt like a wrestling match, and it weighed a ton. We finally got it collapsed, only to find it was too big for the X-ray scanner. The sighs from the people behind us were audible. That was the trip I swore we would find a better way. The search began for a stroller that didn’t compromise on comfort but embraced the realities of travel: one that was lightweight, folded in a flash, and could navigate the chaos of airports and foreign cities with ease. This wasn’t about replacing our main stroller; it was about finding the perfect co-pilot for our family’s adventures.

What to Consider Before Buying a Travel Stroller

A travel stroller is more than just a smaller version of a standard stroller; it’s a key solution for maintaining mobility and sanity while on the move with little ones. Its primary purpose is to eliminate the bulk, weight, and cumbersome nature of full-sized models, making everything from navigating crowded city streets to boarding an airplane significantly easier. The main benefits are profound: less stress during travel, more space in your vehicle’s trunk, and the freedom to be spontaneous without being weighed down. A great travel stroller empowers you to say “yes” to more adventures, knowing you have a reliable, easy-to-manage seat for your child. We found the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller to be a game-changer in this regard.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent who frequently travels by plane, train, or car, or a city-dweller who needs a nimble stroller for public transport and tight spaces. It’s also perfect for families looking for a secondary, more convenient stroller for quick errands, leaving their larger, more robust model at home. Conversely, this might not be the best primary stroller for someone who needs extensive all-terrain capability for rough trails, a massive storage basket for weekly grocery hauls, or the ability to convert into a double stroller. For those parents, a full-sized or dedicated jogging stroller might be a more suitable primary investment.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Fold Mechanism & Compactness: The defining feature of a travel stroller is its fold. Look for a mechanism that is intuitive and, ideally, can be operated with one hand. The folded dimensions are paramount, especially if you plan to use it as a carry-on; always check the stroller’s folded size against your preferred airline’s regulations. The goal is a stroller that disappears into a small, manageable package.
• Weight & Portability: A travel stroller should be light enough to carry up a flight of stairs or hoist into an overhead bin without strain. We consider anything under 15 pounds to be in the ideal range. Features like an included carry bag or a shoulder strap add immense value, freeing up your hands for luggage or a child.
• Child Comfort & Ride Quality: A compact design should not mean a compromised experience for your child. Key features to look for include a multi-position recline (a near-flat position is essential for naps on the go), an adjustable calf or footrest for support, and a substantial sun canopy with UV protection. The quality of the wheels and suspension will determine the smoothness of the ride; don’t settle for a shaky, rickety push.
• Durability & Materials: Travel strollers endure a lot of abuse—being folded and unfolded constantly, tossed in trunks, and navigating varied surfaces. Look for a sturdy frame and high-quality, easy-to-clean fabrics. Checking user feedback on long-term durability can reveal potential weak points, such as wheel wear or frame integrity over time.

While the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller is an excellent choice for travel, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition, especially if your needs lean more towards all-terrain use. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Unboxing the Baby Jogger City Tour 2

Opening the box for the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller, the first thing we noticed was how little there was to do. The assembly was incredibly intuitive and took less than five minutes, primarily just popping the wheels into the frame until they clicked. There were no tools, no confusing diagrams, just a straightforward path from box to ready-to-roll. The “Pitch Black” polyester fabric felt durable and premium, not flimsy or thin. Weighing in at just 14 lbs, it was immediately clear this was a stroller built for motion. Picking it up, you can feel the quality in the frame; there’s no creaking or flexing. Compared to other ultra-compact strollers we’ve tested, the City Tour 2 feels more substantial and less like a glorified umbrella stroller. The included carry bag was a fantastic touch, a practical accessory that many other brands sell separately. Our initial thought, echoed by many users, was that this stroller’s push and build quality rivaled that of our much more expensive, full-sized stroller, which you can explore in more detail online.

A Deep Dive into the City Tour 2’s On-the-Go Performance

A travel stroller’s true worth is only revealed in the trenches of travel—the crowded airports, the cobblestone streets, and the daily grind of errands. We put the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller through its paces in every scenario we could think of, from flights and road trips to simple trips to the park. Here’s our detailed breakdown of how it performed.

The Art of the Fold: Redefining Portability

The single most important feature of a travel stroller is its fold, and this is where the City Tour 2 truly shines. Baby Jogger advertises a “one-step fold,” and it’s remarkably close to that. The process involves pushing a button on the handlebar and then pulling a strap in the seat. While some users noted it often requires two hands to initiate, we found that with a little practice, it becomes a fluid, near-instantaneous motion. The magic happens once it’s folded. The stroller collapses into a tiny, rectangular package that is 85% smaller than its unfolded size. The auto-lock engages with a satisfying click, preventing it from accidentally unfolding while you’re carrying it. During our airport test, this was a lifesaver. We were able to hold our toddler, fold the stroller, and place it on the security conveyor belt in one smooth sequence. One user perfectly captured this experience, saying she “was able to hold my 4 month old, 18lb baby and easily fold and unfold the stroller through security.” The included carry bag, which can be slung over the shoulder, is another brilliant piece of design. It keeps the stroller clean during transit and makes it indisputably carry-on compliant. We successfully stored it in the overhead bin on multiple flights, saving us the time and potential damage associated with gate-checking. The locking mechanism, however, was noted by one user as occasionally failing to stay in place, so it’s wise to double-check that it’s secure before hoisting it. For parents who travel, this compact and flight-ready design is its killer feature.

Maneuverability and Ride Quality: The Small Stroller That Pushes Big

Our biggest fear with any lightweight stroller is a jittery, unstable ride. We were absolutely blown away by the push quality of the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller. The lightweight, durable tires combined with locking front-swivel wheels create a ride that is shockingly smooth and nimble. On the polished floors of a mall or airport, it glides effortlessly and can be steered with just one hand, a crucial feature when you’re also wheeling luggage. One reviewer perfectly stated that “the push rivals that of my $1000+ every day stroller,” and we wholeheartedly agree. It feels solid and connected to the ground, not rickety. We navigated crowded sidewalks and tight cafe aisles without any trouble. However, it’s important to set realistic expectations for its terrain capabilities. As confirmed by user feedback, this is a stroller designed for pavement. It handles uneven sidewalks and low curbs reasonably well, but it is not built for rough roads, thick grass, or gravel paths. One user pointed out that on an “uneven lip it will not go over,” highlighting its urban focus. This isn’t a flaw in its design, but rather a clarification of its intended use. It is a “city tour” stroller, and in that environment, its performance is exceptional.

First-Class Comfort for Your Little Traveler

A portable stroller is useless if your child hates sitting in it. Baby Jogger clearly prioritized passenger comfort with the City Tour 2. The padded seat is made from a high-quality, sturdy material that prevents kids from sliding around. The standout feature for us, and for many parents, is the deep, multi-position recline that goes to a near-flat position. This is a non-negotiable for napping on the go. Paired with the adjustable calf support—a feature shockingly absent on many full-sized strollers—it creates a cozy, comfortable cocoon for sleeping. One parent noted the adjustable footrest was a “must for taking naps.” The five-point harness is robust and secure, with a wide crotch strap that users found comfortable for their little ones. The UV 50+ canopy is another huge win. It’s generously sized and includes an extension panel that provides fantastic coverage from the sun. The mesh peekaboo window allows for quiet check-ins without disturbing a sleeping baby. However, there is one significant caveat we must address: the height of the seat back. Several parents of taller toddlers (around age 3) found the backrest too short, hitting their child mid-head. One user, whose 3-year-old was in the 60th percentile for height, was disappointed that it “hits my 3yo’s head right in the middle,” ultimately returning it. This suggests the stroller is best suited for infants through smaller toddlers, and its longevity might be limited for taller children. You can see the seat dimensions and decide if it’s the right fit for your child’s growth curve.

Living With It: Practicality, Storage, and Durability

Day-to-day use reveals a product’s finer points and flaws. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller is overwhelmingly practical, but it has the trade-offs inherent in any ultra-compact design. The most cited complaint is the storage basket. It’s small. You can fit a few essentials—a small changing pouch, some snacks, a jacket—but it will not hold a full-sized diaper bag or backpack. This is a universal compromise for carry-on strollers, but it’s something to be aware of. We learned to pack lighter or use a backpack as our primary diaper bag. Another common observation is the lack of included accessories, like a cup holder or belly bar, though these can be purchased separately. Durability is a mixed bag. The frame feels strong, but several users, including us, found the finish scratches very easily. “The frame scratches so easily, it can’t even come into contact with pavement,” one user lamented. You have to be mindful when folding it on concrete. More concerning was a detailed review noting a recurring issue where the canopy’s support arms eventually punctured the fabric due to tension. While the brand’s customer service was praised for sending a replacement, it points to a potential long-term design vulnerability. Despite these points, the overall sentiment is that the stroller holds up well to the rigors of travel, with one user reporting it was still in “very good condition” after a year of heavy use, including a trip to Europe. The convenience and performance often make these trade-offs acceptable for families on the move. To check the latest price and available accessories, you can find more information online.

What Other Users Are Saying

Our findings are strongly supported by a chorus of other parents. The overwhelming sentiment is positive, with users frequently using words like “love,” “awesome,” and “perfect for travel.” One parent, who took the stroller on a cruise, gushed, “The stroller is incredibly lightweight, packs up incredibly small and comes with a shoulder strap travel bag which I loved.” Another summed it up perfectly: “Very easy to fold up, great if you’re on the go a lot. Takes up very little space & comfortable for my little one.” The smooth push is a recurring theme of pleasant surprise for many.

However, the feedback isn’t without its criticisms, which provide a balanced view. The small storage basket is the most common and accepted trade-off. More pointed critiques focus on durability and design limitations. The easily scratched frame is a frequent frustration. One user stated, “You’d think I dragged it for a couple feet.” Another notable concern is the short backrest, making it a poor fit for taller or older toddlers. This feedback is crucial for parents with children above the average height percentile, as it could significantly shorten the stroller’s useful lifespan in their family.

How Does the City Tour 2 Compare to the Alternatives?

The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller excels in its niche as an ultra-compact travel companion. However, the “Jogger” in the brand name can be misleading; it is not a jogging stroller. If your primary need is for running or all-terrain adventures, you should look at true jogging models. Here’s how it stacks up against some popular alternatives.

1. Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger

The Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger is built for a completely different purpose. It’s a true, rugged jogging stroller designed to accommodate two children. With its large, pneumatic bicycle-style tires, it’s made to handle trails, uneven terrain, and jogging speeds with stability and ease. This is the stroller for active parents of two who need a high-performance outdoor vehicle. It is, by necessity, much larger, heavier, and does not fold compactly. If you need to transport two children and plan on jogging or tackling rough terrain, the Expedition Double is the clear choice. If you need a lightweight, single-child stroller for air travel and urban exploration, the City Tour 2 is vastly superior.

2. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger

This is the single-child version of the jogger above, and the comparison is more direct. The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger is an entry-level jogging stroller that offers all-terrain capability at an affordable price point. Its large wheels provide a smooth ride over grass and bumpy paths where the City Tour 2 would struggle. However, it is significantly bulkier and heavier, and its fold is not designed for the compact needs of air travel. The choice here comes down to primary use: if your daily routine involves parks, trails, and jogging, the Expedition Jogger is a better fit. If your life involves airports, public transport, and squeezing into small spaces, the City Tour 2’s portability wins, hands down.

3. Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller

The Graco FastAction Fold Jogger attempts to blend the convenience of a quick fold with the performance of a jogging stroller. Its one-second, one-hand “FastAction” fold is a major selling point and is comparable in speed to the City Tour 2’s mechanism. However, the folded result is still that of a full-sized jogger—much larger and heavier than the City Tour 2. It offers superior suspension and air-filled rubber tires for jogging and rough surfaces. A key advantage for Graco is its Click Connect system, which seamlessly accepts Graco infant car seats. Choose the Graco if you want a true jogger with a convenient fold for your car trunk. Choose the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 if your top priority is a stroller so compact it can fit in an overhead bin.

Final Verdict: Is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller for You?

After extensive testing and poring over real-world user feedback, our verdict is clear: the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel Stroller is an outstanding choice for its intended purpose. It is arguably one of the best true *travel* strollers available. It is not a jogger, nor is it trying to be an all-terrain beast. Instead, it is a master of portability, a champion of convenience, and a surprisingly comfortable ride for little ones on the move. Its brilliant fold, featherlight weight, and premium features like the near-flat recline and adjustable calf support make it a top contender for any family that travels.

We recommend it wholeheartedly to parents seeking a secondary stroller for travel, errands, and city living. It’s the perfect companion to a larger, full-featured primary stroller. While you must accept the trade-offs of a small basket and be mindful of the frame’s finish, the freedom and ease it brings to any journey are more than worth it. If you’re ready to make your family adventures lighter, easier, and more enjoyable, this is the stroller that will get you there. You can see its full feature set and check current availability right here.