Wheelchair Guide to Train Travel

Train Travel is often a very convenient and accessible way to travel. Most countries in the European continent are reachable through a large, well planned rail network. However, travelling on a train as a wheelchair user can sometimes bring a few hurdles along the way. Although many accessibility measures have been introduced in the Euro-Rail-System, wheelchair users still may end up facing a few hindrances like steps on the platform, lack of handicap bathrooms on train, gap between the train and the platform and such.

When it comes to accessible tourism, the advantages of travelling by train are still far much better than any other mode of transport. It’s a smooth ride once you have boarded, and offers magnificent views through those huge glass windows. Train cabins are also more spacious for wheelchair access as compared to airplane cabin or travelling by a car. Even more, travelling by air involves intense security checks, transferring to airline wheelchair, confined seating space, and pretty much like being enclosed in a capsule with a hundred other people. Not fun! Travelling by car brings its own accessibility challenges like, uncomfortable road conditions, traffic jams, aggressive driving, restroom breaks etc.

Transferring to a train station is also easier in wheelchair travel, as most of them are located in city centers, whereas to reach an airport you almost have to travel out of town. To sum it up, details like tabletops in front of seats, spacious seats, cost of the ticket (even when bought at last moment), 1-2 handicap bathrooms with wheelchair access, makes train travelling a wonderful experience.

Train Schedules

Recommended by travellers worldwide, the Deutschbahn website is one of the best places to view train schedules. Also, at the end of the document there is a list of websites specific to other European countries.

Booking A Wheelchair Friendly Train

In most cases, it is required to notice the train company to arrange for any special assistance that you may need with your luggage or medical equipment. For convenience sake, make your return reservation when you arrive at the train station beforehand. Make sure you confirm that an accessible seat has been reserved* for you in the train.

*At times the only wheelchair access spot may be in the premium (first) class section of the train. In most European countries, you may just have to pay for the second class ticket (with one person allowed to travel with you on the same fair in that category).

Arrival & Departure

Almost all train stations are subdivided into Terminals — to where the trains arrive and depart from. To switch from one terminal to another, you may find the following options suitable for wheelchair access:
1. Underground tunnel that can be accessed by a ramp or elevator
2. Walkway/ overbridge accessed by a ramp or elevator
3. Pathway at each platform ends, which is usually used for cargo, carts etc.

Remember that small town train stations may not have any personnel to assist you and may lack accessibility features as mentioned above.

Boarding and Exiting The Train On A Travel Wheelchair

In many trains, helpful staff is available to provide wheelchair assistance in getting on and off the train with the help of portable ramps or wheelchair lift when the step or elevations is too high. They may also help you with your luggage when asked. Many modern stations now have level access onto the train and there is no requirement for a ramp or a lift.

Inside the Train On A Wheelchair

Always keep a track of you are so you don’t miss your station. Almost all trains have LED notice in each compartment that tells you which station is ahead. When possible, get an ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) for your station and set an alarm if you plan on sleeping.

Additional Tips for Wheelchair Users

When you are booking your ticket, you can specify that you need your seat near the handicap toilet. Many trains have spaces to ‘park’ your wheelchair and you will need to book these spaces in advance.

We hope you enjoy your train travel in the next wheelchair accessible holidays!

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Country Specific Information on Trains