Travelling around the UK – Trains

One of the best ways to travel around the UK is by using the rail network. The UK train network is extensive and is a great way to cut down on your carbon footprint. 
Each train company has their own accessibility policy and some will require you to book assistance when planning your journey, while others will have porters available at the station on hand to help you every step of the way. 
Over the past couple of years, the UK's stations have been working hard to make themselves as accessible as possible, adding in new lifts, step free access and wheelchair friendly carriages. Some stations also feature Changing Places facilities and quiet rooms.

You can find out about what stations have what accessibility features via Network Rail here.

Accessibility services at trains

Every train operator in the UK has a dedicated line for travellers who need accessibility arrangements. Each station has staff who are trained and are on hand to meet you at a designated point at the station, help you navigate your way around the station, to help you on and off the train, supplying ramps where needed and helping with your luggage.

To book accessibility for your journey, you can contact Passenger Assist on freephone 0800 0223720 or textphone 0845 6050600. The Passenger Assist service is available on all train companies, each service also has their own dedicated Passenger Assist team who you can also speak with regarding your journey.

Railcards and more

UK train services offer a variety of railcards which will enable to holder to save money on fares across the network. Disabled Persons Railcards cost £20 for the year and offers 1/3 off of train tickets for both the holder and a companion, as long as you are travelling together.

The railcard is available for the following:

People with hearing impairments
People with visual impairments
People with epilepsy or similar conditions
People who receive PIP or DLA
People who lease or buy vehicles via the Mobility Scheme
People who receive Attendance Allowance, Severe Disablement Allowance, War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement or War/Service Disablement Pension.

Railcards can be applied for online here or by phone (0345 605 0525) / text phone (0345 601 0132). You can also email railcardhelp@nationalrail.co.uk for more information. Make sure to purchase and register your card before travelling and to keep your card on you during your journey. Many cards are now digital and are available to view via a smartphone app.

All train companies in the UK recognise the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyards. This scheme allows travellers with invisible disabilities to discreetly communicate that they may need a little help around the station or while on the train. Railway staff are trained to spot lanyards and other sunflower marked items. Lanyards are available to collect at all Network Rail managed stations or can be purchased prior to travel via the Hidden Disabilities website. 
 

Wheelchairs/Mobility aids on trains

The majority of trains around the UK can accommodate wheelchairs. If you need to reserve a space, please get in touch with the train company ahead of travelling. Wheelchair spaces are often accompanied by companion seats and train staff will try to make the companion seat available for passengers travelling in wheelchairs. Trains can also accommodate powered mobility scooters, however, please do check with the network before travelling. Some companies will require a Scooter Pass which will need to be shown before embarking.

The following train companies require this:

TransPennine Express
South Western Railway
Northern
Great Western Railway
East Midlands Railway

Please get in touch with these companies to apply for a pass.

You should also check before you travel that your scooter is a size that can be accommodated by the train.

Step free access

Several stations have been updated to include Step-Free access. National Rail has created a map of all the stations with this facility as well as other access services. You can find the map here.

Fares

Disabled passengers are eligible for concessionary discounts on tickets, as are their companions. Discounts apply to adult fares for both standard and First Class tickets and discounts are available for wheelchair users, even when travelling alone. Passengers may be required to show evidence of their eligibility.

Priority Seating

Most trains are fitted with priority seats for disabled travellers, elderly passengers, pregnant passengers or passengers that are travelling with small children. Some services will offer priority seating cards for those who need extra assurance, these are available from the following companies:

Southern
South Eastern
Great Northern
Thameslink
West Midlands Railway
C2C
GWR

Transport for London offer Please Offer Me a Seat and Baby on Board Badges for those who would like to use Priority Seats, you can find out more here.