Train travel for older and disabled people

As stations are being modernised and older trains are replaced or refurbished, rail travel is becoming easier for older and disabled people. However, because of the variety of rail companies and the number of different trains they use, train travel can be confusing and slightly unpredictable. But help can usually be arranged if you plan your journey in advance.

Help from railway staff

Special arrangements can be made for disabled or mobility-impaired passengers when travelling by train. For example, if you contact the train company that manages your departing station 24 hours in advance, they can usually help you get on and off the train.

Find out what stations look like in advance

Sometimes it can be helpful to have an idea of what a station looks like before you get there. That National Rail website has a feature called ‘Stations Made Easy', featuring photos of each station and allowing you to plan routes around them. To use this feature, go to the journey planner (link above) and enter the name or three letter code of the station you are interested in, then click the ‘Stations Made Easy' logo next to the station address.

Train and station facilities

Many train ticket offices have induction loops (these windows are clearly marked) and phones fitted with devices to help people with hearing aids.

Most mainline rail stations have accessible toilets. Some operate under the National Key Scheme (NKS), which enable disabled people to use accessible public toilets independently by using their own NKS key. You can buy an NKS key from RADAR.

An increasing number of trains have wheelchair accessible toilets. You can find out about the facilities on any train when booking your ticket.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act, train staff must make 'reasonable adjustments' to accommodate disabled passengers. This includes allowing you to travel in first class on a standard class ticket if the accessible toilet in standard class is out of order and taking assistance dogs into station buffets and restaurants, as well as onto trains.