The UK has an extensive train network making train travel a good way of getting to and from your holiday destination.

If you decide to travel by train on your holiday, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Help the train company to help you

· train companies are more able to help you if you contact them as far in advance as possible. Please try to give them at least 24 hours notice of your journey. If you do not give them notice, they will try to help but cannot guarantee to provide the normal level of service. For example, we can usually arrange for staff to meet you at your departure station, accompany you to your train and see you safely on board

· similar arrangements can be made at your destination and other stations if you need to change trains

· train companies are sorry but their staff, while happy to help you, cannot lift disabled passengers between wheelchairs and cars, trains or train seats, or up and down flights of stairs

Train and station facilities

· there are wheelchair-accessible toilets on many trains. When you make your booking, staff will be pleased to advise you about the routes on which these may be found

· many stations have toilets, often unisex, which are accessible to people in wheelchairs and convenient for other disabled travellers. These toilets are clearly signed with the international wheelchair symbol. Some toilets for disabled passengers are kept locked to deter vandalism and a notice will tell you where you can get the key. Some toilets are fitted with National Key Systems (NKS) locks.

· Many ticket office windows have been fitted with induction loops to help people who have a hearing aid. These windows show the standard sign. Phones at many stations are fitted with devices to help people who have a hearing aid.

· You can take guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs into station buffets and restaurants

· Wheelchairs and powered wheelchairs up to a maximum width of 67 centimetres and length of 120 centimetres can be carried on all trains as long as there is enough space.

· Powered scooters can only be carried on certain services. You can get details from the relevant train company

Local contact points

· When you want to arrange your journey, please contact National Rail Enquiries

Phone: 08457 48 49 50
Textphone: 0845 60 50 600
Website: www.nationalrail.co.uk

National Rail Enquiries will put you in touch with the train company that controls the station from where you will be starting your journey. Please give them the following details:

· the date you will travel and the time your train will leave
· the destination station and any stations where you need to change trains
· your disability
· how you will travel to and from your departure and arrival stations, for example taxi or private car, and whether someone is meeting you at your destination
· whether you will be travelling alone or with someone
· whether you will need a wheelchair at your departure and arrival stations
· any other information you want to give us

· Please give similar details about your return journey, if known, particularly if you are returning on the same day or within a few days

· If you need to cancel a journey for which special arrangements have been made, please let us know so that staff can be made available to help others

A booklet, “Rail Travel for Disabled Passengers”, giving advice and information for people with disabilities is available from major train stations and travel centres. You can also receive information and advice about travel in London from Access & Mobility, tel: 020 7941 4600 (telephone/textphone).

About us Our partners Terms & conditions Jobs at Youreable designed by