Accessible train travel in the UK

To book accessibility support for your journey only, contact Passenger Assist via the following methods:

• Freephone: 0800 0223720
• Textphone or minicom: 0845 60 50 600

This Passenger Assist line works for all train operating companies. If you wish to speak directly to the Passenger Assist team for the operator you’re travelling with, you’ll find their details here. 

You can also find out more about Passenger Assistance by Transreport - an app you can download to book assistance.

Wheelchairs on trains

The vast majority of trains in the UK can accommodate wheelchairs within government-prescribed dimensions of 700mm by 1200mm (Width x Length). Some older trains can only accommodate wheelchairs with a maximum width of 550mm. If you need to reserve a wheelchair space, please get in touch with the train company operating your service ahead of travelling – the more notice you can give, the better. If you want to check if the train company you'd like to travel with has wheelchair spaces, check out National Rail's train formation guide.

Wheelchair spaces are often accompanied by one or two companion seats. If you’re a wheelchair user travelling with a companion, train companies will endeavour to make the companion seat available.

Stations with step-free access

National Rail has produced a handy map of all UK stations and accessibility provisions for each station. Use the search bar at the top of the map to search for a station or zoom in to locate it on the map.

Clicking on the pin opens up an information box detailing relevant accessibility information, including step-free access (full, partial or no access), accessible toilets, contact details and staffing hours.

Wheelchair users, blind or visually impaired travellers and their travel companions are eligible for concessionary discounts on train tickets. These tickets can be purchased from staffed National Rail stations. The discounts apply to adult fares for both Standard Class and First Class seats. 

There are two important points about companion discounts to note. First, discounts are available for wheelchair users even if they're travelling alone. Second, you may be required to produce evidence of visual impairment from a recognised institution, such as your local authority. RNIB’s helpful guide has lots of useful information about registering as sight-impaired.

Who is eligible for a Railcard?

The Disabled Persons Railcard is for people with a disability that makes travelling by train difficult. You can apply for the Disabled Persons Railcard if you:

• Have a visual or hearing impairment
• Have epilepsy
• Receive either PIP (Personal Independence Payments) or DLA (Disability Living Allowance)

You’re also eligible for a Railcard if you buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme or receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement, or a War/Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability.

You can apply online for a Disabled Persons Railcard or order it over the phone on 0345 605 0525 (or 0345 601 0132 for textphone/minicom). You can call those same numbers or send an email to railcardhelp@nationalrail.co.uk if you would like to discuss your individual circumstances.

Priority seats are present on the vast majority of trains in the UK, offering space for customers with reduced mobility or who may need a little more room. Priority seats are usually identifiable by a blue badge labelled ‘Priority’. The train staff will be able to help you locate Priority seating if it’s not immediately visible.

Several train companies offer free Priority Seating Cards for people who would like extra assurance when asking to sit in a Priority seat. Transport for London also offers ‘Please Offer Me a Seat’ and Baby on Board badges.

Trainline also offers Baby on Board badges – they are free of charge and can be delivered to any address in the UK. For more information, visit our dedicated page to Baby on Board badges.

The Sunflower Lanyard scheme allows travellers with non-visible disabilities to communicate to staff and other passengers that they may need a bit of assistance, or a little more time getting on and off the train.

Railway staff are trained to spot lanyards, wallets and other sunflower-marked items; and assist appropriately if requested to do so. Lanyards are available to collect at all Network Rail-managed stations or can be purchased through the Hidden Disabilities website.