Travelling by train as a wheelchair user

If you want to avoid the hassle of public transport and the stress of the roads, trains are a great option to get you to where you’re going faster. As a wheelchair user, travelling by train should be straightforward but people tell us it’s not always that easy.

Here, we’ll offer some top tips on travelling by train with your wheelchair and explain your rights, support available, and restrictions that might apply.

In this guide we’ll cover:

• What restrictions exist for wheelchair users travelling by train
• Accessibility features you can expect
• What support is available to get you on and off the train

What you need to know about travelling by train as a wheelchair user

Buying tickets

Let’s begin with the practical stuff: fares. You won’t be able to travel for free on a train like you can on a bus, but children aged 5 – 15 with disabilities are eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard. 

This allows your grown up to travel with you for a third off the cost of most adult fares, while you pay the normal child fare.

If you’re older than 15, you might be eligible for the Disabled Persons Railcard, which allows you and a companion travelling with you a third off the price of most rail tickets. Find out if you’re eligible here.

Getting on and off the train

Not all stations have step-free access. Before you travel, use the National Rail station finder to see if the stations you are travelling from and to are accessible.

To board the train, staff will use a portable ramp to bridge the gap between the platform and the train. They should notify the station you’re stopping at and ensure there’s a ramp when you get there.

To make this whole process a little easier, you can request support in advance. You can turn up at any station and request support onto a train from a member of staff or via a help point or by a Freephone number. 

If you don’t arrange it in advance there might be a delay in the support being provided.

All licensed train companies must be able to tell you what services and facilities are available and how to get help, including if there are disruptions to the service.

You can ask for help in a couple of ways ways, including:

• Through Passenger Assist by phone (0800 022 3720, select option 1) 
• Through the Passenger Assistance App or webform, available on operators’ websites, as well as the National Rail website

You can ask for help up to two hours before your journey. You don’t need a railcard to access support.

Accessible spaces on trains

Finding a safe space

Mainline trains (intercity, suburban and cross-country) trains have space for wheelchairs. 

The spades are usually right by the doors and measure about 700mm wide x 1200mm long. That’s large enough to fit most modern wheelchairs. 

A few older trains only have a maximum width of 550mm, though, so you’ll need to be prepared if you have a larger chair.

There are a limited number of spaces available to wheelchair users on each train, so it’s a good idea to book in advance if you can.

Securing your chair

You’ll be asked to put your chair in this space and either use the brakes or switch the power off when the train’s moving.

Most modern trains also have accessible toilets with doors about 800mm wide. 

They’re designed to be easy to manoeuvre for wheelchair users. We can’t guarantee there will be an accessible toilet on your train. Some older or smaller suburban trains don’t have them. 

It’s a good idea to check before you book and perhaps ask for  Passenger Assist if you’re going on a long journey.