train trips for the handicapped

The Able Traveler: Accessible Rail Tours Top Fall Travel Picks

By Candy Harrington

Barrier Free Travels

With unstable gas prices and long lines at airport security checkpoints, rail travel is making a comeback. Both Amtrak and Via Rail reported significant ridership increases in the past year, while private rail tours and historic trains are also gaining popularity. Variety is truly the keyword when it comes to rail travel; and fall is prime time to experience these wheelchair-accessible rail tours.

Grand Canyon Adventure

The first class and coach cars are the most accessible, as they can be boarded by a portable lift and they all feature wheelchair tie-downs, nearby companion seats and an accessible restroom. The parlor car and the observation dome can also be accessed by a portable lift; however they are more appropriate for slow walkers, as there are no wheelchair tie-downs in the parlor car and the observation dome has seven steps to the top.

The railway staff is very accommodating, with on-board attendants on hand to see to your every need. First class passengers are treated to a continental breakfast on the way up and appetizers and champagne on the return trip; while soft drinks are served on both legs in coach class. Roving musicians entertain passengers with songs of the old west during the entire journey

This historic train trip can be taken as a day excursion -- going up and back in the same day -- or as a package tour with overnight lodging at the Grand Canyon and in Williams included. Accessible rooms with roll-in showers are available on both ends, and the folks at Grand Canyon Railway are great at accommodating disabled guests.

Railing Through the Canadian Rockies

Another great accessible rail tour is offered by Rocky Mountaineer Railtours (tel. 877/460-3200 ; www.rockymountaineer.com ); where the focus is on the journey rather than the destination. Although the company offers a variety of Canadian rail tours, the Vancouver to Calgary Kicking Horse route, with an overnight in Kamloops , is the most accessible choice.

This multi-day, all-daylight excursion includes all on-board meals, ground transportation and lodging. Arrangements can also be made for accessible transfers to and from the Kamloops station, as well as an accessible hotel room with a roll-in shower in town.

A portable lift is available for boarding the domed Gold Leaf observation cars; and although there's a spiral staircase to the upper level, a small on-board lift is available for wheelchair-users. Because of the size of the lift, passengers have to transfer to an aisle chair for the ride up, and then transfer to a seat in the domed car. And although breakfast and lunch are served downstairs, arrangements can be made for meals to be served at your seat, if you can't make the trek to the dining area. An accessible bathroom is also located on the lower level.

The train travels through the heart of the Canadian Rockies before crossing the Continental Divide and rolling into Calgary . Wildlife sightings of moose, bear and elk are common along the way, and the on-board attendants provide a lively narration of the history of the region. It's just a very comfortable and accessible way to enjoy the Canadian Rockies.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.barrierfreetravels.com .

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Accessible Train Travel FAQ

I love to travel by train for shorter distances, where the hassle of air travel just isn’t worth it. I am a frequent rider of Amtrak in the Northeast United States, but I have also taken my share of trips on the railways of Europe. Like you, I once had a lot of questions about how to arrange a trip suitable for me and my power wheelchair. With this list of frequently asked questions, I’ll show you how to conquer the world’s railways in no time!

If you’re looking for information about subway and metropolitan train systems, check out the city-specific destination guides I have written. That’s where you’ll find all of the relevant information for public transportation systems.

How can I get my wheelchair on a train?

Train networks across the world, including Amtrak in the United States, can accommodate both manual and powered wheelchairs. Due to the gaps between the train and station platform, “bridge plates” and ramps are used to allow wheelchairs to roll smoothly onto the train.

The image above depicts three different boarding ramp types used in train stations around the world. From left to right: Amtrak bridge plate; Dutch National Rail boarding ramp at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport; Eurostar boarding ramp at London St. Pancras station.

How can I request boarding assistance and ensure that it is provided?

I highly recommend that you purchase rail tickets at least 24 hours in advance of your departure, particularly when traveling internationally. I use two strategies, depending on where I am traveling:

• For domestic travel within the United States , Amtrak is the primary operator of rail services. Assistance can be requested at booking, directly through the Amtrak website. You’ll also receive a 15% discount on your ticket, if requesting a wheelchair seating space.
• For international travel outside of the United States , there is no single rail operator. This can make figuring out who to call difficult for wheelchair users. I prefer to purchase tickets in-person, at the train station, 1-2 days prior to my planned travel. In a pinch, I have gotten away with purchasing a ticket only a few hours in advance. The ticket sales agent at the train station can help you to place the request for wheelchair assistance. Many rail operators provide significant discounts to persons with disabilities, so be sure to ask about that.

Early arrival to the train station is important. You’ll need to contact the info desk to announce your arrival at the station. You will be instructed to wait for the assistance staff at the info desk or on the boarding platform. In foreign countries, where rail travel is more commonplace, there is great pressure for trains to depart on time. This means that rail operators and their station personnel dedicate extra attention to ensuring that wheelchair passengers are boarded quickly. I have had a few bad experiences, but nothing that has ever resulted in my being left behind.

Where do wheelchair users sit on the train?

Train operators around the world have removed seating rows or individual seats to allow wheelchair users to remain seated in their wheelchairs throughout the journey. Depending on the train car’s design, wheelchair users can often occupy a standard seat and park their wheelchair next to them or nearby if this is more comfortable. Amtrak trains in particular are well suited for wheelchair users to take advantage of either option once aboard. The photo above depicts the coach cabin of an Amtrak train car on a Northeast Regional route – the open space in front of the first row is reserved for a wheelchair. The power outlet on the train pictured is also available to charge your electronics or wheelchair during the journey.

Wheelchair users should be aware that securement hooks and straps are not usually available on trains, whether in the United States or abroad.

Are trains equipped with accessible restrooms?

Most are. The Amtrak, DB Bahn, Eurostar and Thalys trains I have traveled on have had restrooms large enough to accommodate me and my power wheelchair. Despite their larger size, accessible restrooms on trains will be a tight fit. Larger types of power wheelchairs may have a difficult time turning in place. They are typically outfitted with grab bars.

Subway trains and some commuter rail trains do not have restroom facilities for passengers, whether able bodied or not. Accessible restrooms on long distance trains are always located in cars with accessible seating and wheelchair spaces.

Related Blog Posts

The following posts have appeared on my blog, and are related to accessible train travel.

• Review: Amtrak Acela Express High-Speed Train
• Wheelchair Accessible Train, Copenhagen to Stockholm
• Review: Wheelchair Accessible Eurostar Train, London to Brussels
• Wheelchair Accessible Amtrak: Orlando to Tampa
• Review: Wheelchair Accessible InterCity Train IC145, Europe – Amsterdam to Berlin
• Wheelchair Accessible Amtrak: Chicago to Milwaukee
• Review: Wheelchair Accessible Thalys Train, Brussels to Paris
• Wheelchair Accessible ALEX Train – Munich to Prague

Still Have Questions?

Post any questions you have about traveling by train with your wheelchair in the comments below, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Also share your own experiences here as well!

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At Limitless, we’re big believers in the romance of railway holidays.

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Maybe it’s nostalgia for a different era of travel, maybe it’s the rhythm of the rails, maybe it's the landscapes slipping by beyond the window - but we would choose rail any day of the week. Which is why we’re hoping to bring you more and more Limitless Rail Holidays in the future. 

Ideal for those who don’t mind taking their time, the environmentally-conscious traveller and holidaymakers looking for something a little bit different, our collection of rail holidays is sure to contain something for everyone. So all aboard the Limitless Express, it’s time to find your next unforgettable accessible travel destination!

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Train travel in Europe for

People with special needs.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, train travel with a wheelchair....

If you're a wheelchair user, you can book a wheelchair space on Eurostar from London to Lille, Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam, then book an onwards wheelchair space on a train to other cities in France, Germany, Switzerland, Turin, Milan or Barcelona.  Or book yourself a wheelchair-accessible 2-berth couchette on the Nightjet sleeper trains from Paris or Brussels to Salzburg or Vienna.  On this page I'll tell you how to book a wheelchair space on these trains online, or if you'd rather talk to someone and have them book it for you, I'll tell you who to call.

I'm familiar with all the trains, but accessible travel is not something I'm really qualified to talk about, so I'd value your feedback.  If you can add more to this page, please get in touch !

Step 1, travel with disability in Britain

For travel within the UK, start with the National Rail site:  www.nationalrail.co.uk/ stations_destinations/ disabled_passengers.aspx .

You can book tickets as normal, then call to arrange a wheelchair space and assistance or do it through the Passenger Assist mobile app, or the assistance booking forms on every train operator's website.

Tip:   It can be better to book assistance and a wheelchair space first, then buy the tickets.

Step 2, travel with disability on Eurostar

You can travel by Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Nord , Lille , Brussels Midi , Rotterdam Centraal or Amsterdam Centraal if you're a permanent wheelchair user or have other special needs.

Each Eurostar train has a wheelchair space in several 1st class cars, adjacent to a wheelchair-accessible toilet with push-button access.

There are special fares for people travelling in wheelchairs and one travelling companion, it's not a discount as such, you get 1st class travel with food & wine included at the 2nd class fare.

To book wheelchair travel online, go to www.eurostar.com and click Wheelchair under the passenger box on the journey planner.

This automatically alerts them that assistance is required onto & off the train, but you can always call them to confirm on 03432 186 186 or email them via www.eurostar.com .  For more information, see www.eurostar.com/uk-en/travel-info/travel-planning/accessibility .

You could also consider travelling by train ferry to Amsterdam, either London to Amsterdam by train & ferry , Hull to Rotterdam by P&O ferry or Newcastle to Amsterdam by DFDS ferry , contact the ferry operator ( www.stenaline.co.uk for Harwich-Hoek van Holland, www.poferries.com for Hull-Rotterdam or www.dfds.com for Newcastle-Amsterdam) for information about accessibility and wheelchair-accessible cabins.

How to change stations in Paris

Changing trains in Brussels, Amsterdam and Lille means an easy same-station change.

In Paris, changing from the Gare du Nord where Eurostar arrives to the Gare de l'Est for trains to Reims, Strasbourg, Frankfurt, Stuttgart and the Nightjet sleeper to Salzburg & Vienna means a 10-minute walk or wheelchair push.

However, journeys through Paris to the South of France, Switzerland, Italy & Spain usually mean changing stations from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon or Gare Montparnasse .  For this there's a pre-bookable wheelchair-accessible taxi service run by G7 Taxis, www.g7.fr .

To book, call +33 1 41 27 66 99 (English speaking line) or +33 1 47 39 00 91 , making sure you ask for a wheelchair accessible taxi.

There's a €5 booking fee, and bookings can be made from 7 days until 1 hour before you need the taxi.  Gare du Nord to Gare d'Austerlitz for example costs €13-€19 per taxi.  Feedback from users of this service would be very welcome!

Tip:  Sometimes they decline to pick up at stations.  If so, for pickup at the Gate du Nord suggest 'Boulevard de Denain' instead, this is the road immediately leading off in front of you when you leave the Gare du Nord's main exit.  You might want to call when you know you have arrived.

There are also wheelchair-accessible buses.  Bus 91 is wheelchair-accessible & links Gare du Nord, Gare de l'Est, Gare de Lyon & Gare Montparnasse.  See www.ratp.fr .

Step 3, travel with disability beyond Eurostar

Once on the Continent, most modern daytime trains have space for passengers travelling in wheelchairs.  Some operators (such as SNCF in France, ÖBB in Austria) allow wheelchair users to book tickets with a wheelchair space themselves online.  Others require you to call them.

Incidentally, don't buy regular tickets online, then try to add a wheelchair space (as you would in Britain).  In many countries ticket purchase and the booking of a wheelchair space need to be done together as part of the same transaction.

For more about arrangements for travellers with disabilities in each country, start with the website of the relevant national train operator, see the list of websites on the useful links page .

Tip:   Free Interrail pass for a companion/carer :  Interrail passes can be great for a tour of Europe or even for a round trip from the UK to Italy, Spain, Austria & so on.  A little-known benefit is that if you use a wheelchair (or have certain other disabilities) you can apply for a free Interrail pass for a companion/carer.  See www.interrail.eu/en/support/travelling-with-reduced-mobility (please let me know if the link changes).

...to France

First look at the London to France page to see if you can travel to your French destination with an easy same-station change in Lille as this avoids having to change stations in Paris.  This is possible for many destinations including Nice, Marseille, Cannes, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Avignon, Nantes, Nîmes & Montpellier.  At Lille Europe there are lifts & escalators to all four platforms.  All TGV trains have wheelchair spaces and wheelchair-friendly toilets.

For other destinations, for example Vichy, Clermont-Ferrand or Cahors, you'll need to go via Paris, see the info above about accessible taxis.

To work out your train times, first see the London to France page .

Then book from London to Lille or Paris at www.eurostar.com , just click Wheelchair under the passenger box on the journey planner on their home page.  This automatically alerts Eurostar to the need for assistance on and off the train.

Then book tickets from Lille or Paris to your French destination with a wheelchair space at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  For English, scroll right at the bottom and select Europe (other countries) .  Then click on the first traveller and tick the Disabled passenger and Wheelchair user boxes.  That'll book you a wheelchair space.

After booking, arrange assistance on and off the train by filling in the Access Plus form, see www.sncf.com/en/passenger-offer/travel-for-everyone/accessibility/special-assistance .  You will need to enter the 6-character reservation code from your ticket booking.

...to Switzerland

By daytime trains

Take Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord , with wheelchair spaces & accessible toilets on board. 

In Paris there is level access off the platforms straight onto the concourse and the street.  You will need to arrange transport from Paris Nord to Paris Gare de Lyon , for example using a wheelchair-accessible taxi . 

Then travel from Paris Gare de Lyon to Geneva , Lausanne, Basel SBB & Zurich HB by TGV-Lyria high-speed trains with wheelchair places and wheelchair-accessible toilets.

You can see suggested timings on the London to Switzerland page , but you'll need to allow longer between trains in Paris if you've a wheelchair.  I'd allow 2-3 hours.

Book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com , just click Wheelchair under the passenger box on the journey planner on their home page.  This automatically alerts Eurostar to the need for assistance on and off the train.

Then book tickets from Paris to Geneva, Lausanne, Basel or Zurich with a wheelchair space at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  For English, scroll right at the bottom and select Europe (other countries) .  Then click on the first traveller and tick the Disabled passenger and Wheelchair user boxes.  That'll book you a wheelchair space.

By sleeper train

Take the 11:04 Eurostar from London St Pancras to Amsterdam Centraal , with wheelchair spaces & accessible toilets on board. 

In Amsterdam it's a same-station change onto the daily Nightjet sleeper train from Amsterdam Centraal to Basel SBB .  The Nightjet sleeper train has a wheelchair-accessible 2-berth couchette compartment, with adjacent accessible toilet, see the photos below the Austria section.  I'd allow at least 2 hours between trains in Amsterdam.

Book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com , just click Wheelchair under the passenger box on the journey planner on their home page.  This automatically alerts Eurostar to the need for assistance on and off the train.  Allow lots of time in Paris, ideally 2-3 hours.

Then take the Nightjet sleeper train from Amsterdam to Basel.  You can book a couchette in the wheelchair-accessible compartment from Brussels to Vienna, Paris to Salzburg & Vienna, Amsterdam to Munich, Innsbruck & Vienna, or  Amsterdam to Zurich at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .  Select the first traveller, click Passenger with disabilities then tick the Wheelchair bay required box.

From Basel you can reach anywhere in Switzerland, Swiss trains have wheelchair spaces.

...to Italy:

Take Eurostar from London St Pancras to Paris Gare du Nord , with wheelchair spaces & accessible toilets on board.

You will need to arrange transport across Paris to the Gare de Lyon, for example using the wheelchair-accessible taxi .  Then take a daytime TGV train from Paris to Turin & Milan as these have wheelchair places and wheelchair-accessible toilets, for details see the Italy page .

Then book TGV tickets from Paris to Milan with a wheelchair space at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  For English, scroll right at the bottom and select Europe (other countries) .  Then click on the first traveller and tick the Disabled passenger and Wheelchair user boxes.  That'll book you a wheelchair space.

You can see suggested timings on the London to Italy page , but allow longer between trains in Paris if you've a wheelchair.

After booking Paris-Milan with SNCF, arrange assistance on and off the train by filling in the Access Plus form, see www.sncf.com/en/passenger-offer/travel-for-everyone/accessibility/special-assistance .  You will need to enter the 6-character reservation code from your ticket booking.

Once in Italy, most fast trains including Frecciarossa , Frecciargento & Frecciabianca services between major Italian cities have wheelchair spaces and wheelchair-accessible toilets.  For train times and how to buy tickets, see the London to Italy page .  You can arrange assistance at stations and assistance on and off trains (and, I believe, get wheelchair spaces reserved on trains in Italy) at www.rfi.it/en/for-persons-with-disability.html .

...to Spain

You will need to arrange transport across Paris to the Gare de Lyon, for example using the wheelchair-accessible taxi . 

Then take a Paris-Barcelona TGV as shown on the London to Spain page , with wheelchair spaces & accessible toilets on board.

You'll then also find these facilities on the onward Spanish AVE trains from Barcelona to Madrid, Malaga, Seville, Cordoba, Alicante, Valencia and most other Spanish destinations.  However, there are no wheelchair facilities on the French overnight trains between Paris and Perpignan, Latour de Carol or the Spanish border mentioned on that page. 

To travel from London to Barcelona by Eurostar & TGV, first book from London to Paris at www.eurostar.com , just click Wheelchair under the passenger box on the journey planner on their home page.  This automatically alerts Eurostar to the need for assistance on and off the train.

You can see suggested timings on the London to Spain page , but allow longer between trains in Paris if you've a wheelchair.

lots of time in Paris, ideally 2-3 hours.

Then book TGV tickets from Paris to Barcelona with a wheelchair space at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  For English, scroll right at the bottom and select Europe (other countries) .  Then click on the first traveller and tick the Disabled passenger and Wheelchair user boxes.  That'll book you a wheelchair space.

After booking Paris-Barcelona with SNCF, arrange assistance on and off the train by filling in the Access Plus form, see www.sncf.com/en/passenger-offer/travel-for-everyone/accessibility/special-assistance .  You will need to enter the 6-character reservation code from your ticket booking.

There are also direct ferries from the UK to Spain, with disabled/wheelchair facilities.  See www.brittany-ferries.co.uk (Plymouth-Santander, Portsmouth-Santander & Portsmouth-Bilbao).

...to Germany

Take Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels Midi or Paris Gare du Nord , with wheelchair spaces & accessible toilets on board.

In Brussels it's a simple same-station change with lifts to/from all platforms.  In Paris, it's a 10-15 minute walk or wheelchair push from the Gare du Nord where Eurostar arrives to Paris Gare de l'Est where trains to Germany depart. 

From Brussels Midi , there are Eurostar (formerly Thalys) high-speed trains to Cologne all with wheelchair spaces and wheelchair-friendly toilets.  From Cologne, there are wheelchair spaces and wheelchair-friendly toilets on almost all the InterCity (IC) and InterCityExpress (ICE) trains to destinations all over Germany.  Boarding assistance can be provided at most major Germany stations.

From Paris Gare de l'Est there are TGV or ICE trains to Stuttgart, Munich , Frankfurt all with wheelchair spaces and wheelchair-accessible toilets.  For train times, fares & how to buy tickets, see the London to Germany page .  There is a handicap brochure with more information on the Germany Railways website, int.bahn.de .

You can see suggested timings on the London to Germany page , but allow longer between trains in Paris or Brussels.

First book from London to Paris or Brussels at www.eurostar.com , click Wheelchair under the passenger box on the journey planner on their home page.  This automatically alerts Eurostar to the need for assistance on and off the train.  Allow lots of time in Paris, ideally 2 hours.

If going via Paris, book tickets from Paris to Germany with a wheelchair space at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com .  For English, scroll right at the bottom and select Europe (other countries) .  Then click on the first traveller and tick the Disabled passenger and Wheelchair user boxes.  That'll book you a wheelchair space.

After booking Paris-Germany with SNCF, arrange assistance on and off the train by filling in the Access Plus form, see www.sncf.com/en/passenger-offer/travel-for-everyone/accessibility/special-assistance .  You will need to enter the 6-character reservation code from your ticket booking.

If going via Brussels, book by phone and arrange assistance by calling DB's mobility people: +49 (0) 030 65212888, fax: +49 (0) 30 65212899, email [email protected] Opening hours 06:00-22:00 Monday to Friday, 08:00-20:00 weekends and holidays.

...to Austria

Take Eurostar from London St Pancras to either Paris Nord , Brussels Midi or Amsterdam Centraal , with wheelchair spaces & accessible toilets.

Then travel by a Nightjet sleeper train from Brussels Midi to Vienna , Paris Est to Salzburg & Vienna , or Amsterdam Centraal to Munich , Innsbruck & Vienna .  Most Nightjets have a 2-berth accessible couchette compartment, adjacent to an accessible toilet, see the photos below.

You can find details of the timings via each of these routes on the London to Austria page .

Going via Brussels or Amsterdam means an easy same-station change from Eurostar onto the sleeper.  Going via Paris means a walk or wheelchair-push from the Gare du Nord to the nearby Gare de l'Est .

Book the Eurostar from London to Paris, Brussels or Amsterdam at www.eurostar.com , simply click Wheelchair under the passenger box on the journey planner on their home page.  This automatically alerts Eurostar to the need for assistance on and off the train.  Allow lots of time between trains, ideally 2 hours.

Then book a couchette in the wheelchair-accessible compartment from Brussels to Vienna, Paris to Salzburg & Vienna, Amsterdam to Munich, Innsbruck & Vienna at the Austrian Railways website www.oebb.at .  Select the first traveller, click Passenger with disabilities then tick the Wheelchair bay required box.

2-berth wheelchair-accessible PRM compartment on a Nightjet sleeper train.  Above left, the older type inherited from German Railways. Above right, the newer comfort type steadily replacing the older cars.  Photos courtesy of Andreas Pöschek, see @fuchur for travel inspiration...

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If you'd rather call someone

For journeys from London to France, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland & Italy, call International Rail on 0844 248 248 3   (lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday).

You can also try www.ffestiniogtravel.com on 01766 512400 (09:00-17:00 Mondays to Fridays, 09:00-13:00 Saturdays) or www.trainseurope.co.uk on 01354 660222 (09:00-19:00 Monday to Friday, 10:00-15:00 Saturdays & Sundays).

For journeys from London to Germany, Scandinavia, eastern & central Europe, call Deutsche Bahn's English-speaking telesales line, on 00 49 (0)30 311 68 29 04 (lines open 08:30-20:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 Saturdays & Sunday, UK time).

DB can make arrangements to assist you at Paris East, Brussels Midi, in Germany and in other countries too, but you may also need to call Eurostar ( 03432 186 186 or email them via www.eurostar.com ) to arrange assistance at London St Pancras & Paris Gare du Nord.

I am familiar with all these agencies for the sale or normal tickets, but I have not had any feedback on how well they handle bookings for wheelchair users or travellers with disabilities, or how well they handle arrangements for assistance at stations.  So if you use them, do let me know how you get on !

Traveller's reports

Traveller Andrew Farrow went from London to Croatia by train in a wheelchair:   I’m a permanent wheelchair user, with a 'normal' manual wheelchair.  I need a ramp to get on to a train.  I can, with assistance, transfer to a normal seat and my wheelchair can be folded away - people with bigger or electric wheelchairs might have a different experience. Because of the hassle of sorting out ramps and assistance, I’d allow a minimum of at least 30 minutes to change trains at any station, preferably a lot longer. And despite the European Community supposedly being a place of common rules and regulations, this does not seem to apply to rail travel in a wheelchair, where each country has its own approach. Each country has different rules about companions or carers and a different mechanism for dealing with wheelchairs.  From my  experience so far, you need to be willing to be lifted in and out of trains, to accept not always being able to get to a toilet, to have to transfer from your chair and to have a lot of patience.  That said, because of my wheelchair we met far more people and had far more wonderful encounters with strangers than we would have done otherwise.  Everywhere people were enormously friendly and helpful: partly as a result of my London–Split trip, I’ve decided I will now travel in Europe only by train.

I booked my Eurostar ticket online, a very easy process. The Paris–Split travel was all arranged by Deutsch Bahn. However, Deutsch Bahn could only arrange assistance in Germany, not Croatia.

1. London - Paris:  Eurostar is wonderful for wheelchair users. There are only two wheelchair spaces in the entire train, so it’s worth booking early if you have to catch a specific train. Assistance does not need to be booked in advance, you don’t need to turn up especially early and you can check in at the normal check in desks. A (very grand) ramp is provided in both London and Paris (Gare du Nord).

2. Paris - Munich:  Following your advice, we caught the overnight train from Paris Gare de l’Est [sadly discontinued from December 2014], leaving at 20:05, arriving Munich 07:10. This was a fantastic journey: we had an entire compartment to ourselves, although others could access the toilet! Instead of a four person couchette, our compartment was a two person couchette with a lot of extra room for wheeling about. Similarly, the toilet was enormous, with huge amounts of room. With this level of luxury, I doubt whether they can accommodate more than one wheelchair user, so book early. You need to get to Gare de L’Est at least half an hour before the train leaves and go to the Special Assistance office to find a staff member who will then find a ramp for you. We had to wait in Munich for a little while for a ramp to be found.

3. Munich – Zagreb:  Deutsch Bahn wouldn’t allow us to catch the suggested 08:27 from Munich to Zagreb as they said that there wouldn’t be enough time to make the change from one train to another (That actually turned out quite well, because when we arrived in Munich, we discovered it was Oktoberfest, so had time to walk down to the venue and experience literally tens of thousands of Germans in lederhosen celebrating and sampling enormous quantities of beer). Instead, they booked us on to the direct train to Zagreb leaving Munich at 12:27 and arriving Zagreb at 20:53, no changes necessary. Getting on the train in Munich was fine. However, this journey would not be possible for someone who cannot transfer from their wheelchair: I had to transfer from my chair to a seat at the end of the compartment as the corridor was too narrow to wheel down. There is no separate wheelchair space, and my chair had to be folded up. Given this experience, I doubt whether the toilet was accessible (I didn’t check). It was a comfortable train though, and the conductor very helpfully brought food and beer to our seats.

I was unsure what would happen when we got to Zagreb or Split. Whilst I had found contact details for Croatian Railways and did have an email conversation discussing what train times and carriages I was in (“We need these details so we could be able to organized your transportation”), I didn’t actually have confirmation that assistance or ramps would be available. In Zagreb, a ramp was eventually found and we descended. It’s an accessible station with no steps.  We stayed the night in the Esplanade Hotel, about five minutes walk from the station and a glorious Art Deco hotel with very reasonable prices. It used to be the preferred venue for travellers stopping off en route on the old Orient Express leg from Istanbul to Zagreb apparently. This allowed us a morning to explore Zagreb, where there’s an original carriage from the Orient Express that’s been turned into a bar.

4. Zagreb – Split:  We left Zagreb at 14:04, arriving Split at 20:37. We arrived at Zagreb station 45 minutes before the train was due to leave and after a lot of confusion and discussion at the information desk, got taken to a side office and eventually a ramp was arranged. Again, I had to transfer from my wheelchair. Again, I doubt whether there were accessible toilets on board. At Split, no ramp but lots of strong helpful men to get me down. An accessible station, no steps.

Traveller Jill Lindenbauer travelled from London to Valencia by train with her young son who uses a wheelchair .  She reports:  "I feel so lucky to have Ebbsfleet International on my doorstep, and the staff which assisted William and I certainly made us feel like VIPs.  It was no trouble boarding the train and as William's carer we were privileged to sit in 1st class as this is where the wheelchair seating is situated, even though we only paid 2nd class fares.  Immediately we were asked if we wanted a drink, and a meal was provided, which I wasn't expecting. It certainly got the holiday off to a good start, and whilst travelling I received a call from the English-speaking G7 Taxi service in France to say that our wheelchair-accessible taxi would be waiting when we arrived in Gare Du Nord.  This is a quick and easy service to use and I booked our taxi in advance from the comfort of my own living-room.

When William and I reached Gare Du Nord that sunny evening there was the same buzz of activity as the ramp was prepared for the wheelchair, and a porter took my bags. I soon spotted my name on a white piece of card, but I'm guessing the taxi driver spotted my son and I as we made our way along the platform. The taxi driver took my bag and led the way to his vehicle outside. He swiftly organised the ramp and pushed William in his chair inside, where he secured William's wheelchair to the car floor with belts. The politeness and assistance of the taxi driver made our short trip effortless and at Gare D'Austerlitz he escorted us to the Information Office.  The taxi cost 40-50 euros, but the meter was probably running as we are leaving the train and as we are about the last to leave as we wait for special assistance this is a small price to pay.

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My Wheelchair Accessible Adventure on the Amtrak Auto Train

I absolutely love taking the train. For me, it’s an incredibly relaxing way to avoid the rigors of long-distance auto travel, as well as the stress and anxiety associated with air travel with a wheelchair. Usually I’m treated to beautiful views out my large window, free Wi-Fi, good food, and plenty of time to catch up on some reading or little bit of work.

Most of my train travel has been in Europe, and while I have taken Amtrak trains several times prior to using a wheelchair, my experience with Amtrak as a full-time wheelchair user has been very limited. This is why I was so incredibly excited to win the Amtrak “Take Me There” contest earlier this year, and to be provided with the opportunity to share information about my experience on the overnight Auto Train from Sanford, Florida to Lorton, Virginia as a wheelchair user! Here’s more about my accessible adventure with Amtrak.

What the Auto Train is All About

The Amtrak Auto Train is an awesome way to transport your vehicle without having to drive or deal with the stress of traffic or having to stop to eat or get gas. The train has only two stopping and starting points: Sanford, Florida (about 30 minutes north of Orlando ) and Lorton, Virginia (about 30 minutes south of Washington, DC). Depending on freight traffic, the trip takes approximately 17 to 18 hours each way, with only one stop in the middle of the night for 15 minutes in South Carolina to switch out crew members. In each direction, the train departs at 4:00 PM and arrives at roughly 9:00 AM the following day.

You can bring your automobile, van, SUV, truck, or motorcycles on the Auto Train with you, which means that your luggage is only limited to what you can fit inside your car. A limited number of spaces are available to carry small enclosed trailers, trailers for transporting boats, jet-skis, trikes (three-wheeled vehicles), sidecars, choppers, etc. Additional fees may apply for these vehicles. For all the details regarding the types of and specifications for vehicles that can go on the Auto Train, please CLICK HERE .

There are a few of different ways that wheelchair users can ride on the auto train: staying in your wheelchair in coach, transferring to a partially reclining coach seat and stowing your wheelchair, or sleeping in a private accessible compartment. I was provided with a sleeping compartment, so I’ll share my experience with that below.

How to Purchase an Auto Train Ticket as a Wheelchair User

To start the process of booking your Auto Train tickets, it’s best to first go to the Auto Train page on the Amtrak website HERE . On this page, you can see a map of the route, the train schedule, and get all sorts of more detailed information about the types of vehicles the train accepts, the accommodations, and more. The train only travels between Sanford, Florida and Lorton, Virginia, so your odds of booking the wrong train on the wrong route are slim to none.

After you click on BOOK AUTO TRAIN NOW, You’ll be taken to a page where you select your day to travel and the number and types of passengers who will be traveling. Here, you can select, for example, two people – a passenger with a disability and a companion for a passenger with a disability.

On the following page, you will be asked about the specifics of your mobility device and what your needs are for any physical assistance. Amtrak has limits on both the size and weight of wheelchairs allowed on board. Mobility devices can be no more than 30 inches wide, a maximum of 48 inches long, need to have ground clearance of 2 inches or more, and can weigh no more than 600 pounds, including the occupant. Both manual and power wheelchairs are welcome on board, and if you only need a wheelchair to help you board and disembark the train, manual chairs are available at the stations.

Once you make your mobility selections, you will be provided different price options for a coach wheelchair space for you, a reserved coach seat for your companion, or a Superliner Accessible Bedroom that the two of you can share. There is also an option for your companion to have their own Superliner Roomette if you both want more space.

Prices are going to vary based on the departure date. I chose the sample date of a Sanford departure on February 3 and a Lorton return date on February 10. If you choose to share the Superliner Accessible Bedroom, the subtotal for the compartment would be $686.70. You cannot ride the Auto Train unless you are bringing a vehicle with you, and the cost for a minivan like mine would be an additional $416.

You can also pay an additional $125 for priority vehicle offloading, which means that your vehicle will be one of the first 30 taken off the train at each stop. And you have the option of protecting your trip with Allianz travel insurance for $30 per traveler. Just as a sample fare, for this trip on these particular dates with a Superliner Accessible Bedroom, no priority vehicle offloading, and no travel insurance, the total cost for two people roundtrip would be $1102.70.

Arriving at the Station and Vehicle Check-in

Since I live only 15 minutes away from the Sanford Auto Train station, that was my first point of departure, and thus check-in. The latest you can check in is 2:30 PM, and the earliest you can arrive is 11:30 AM. For wheelchair users, 2:30 PM is way too late, as I was boarding the train at 2:15 PM. You can pay extra for priority vehicle boarding and unloading, but since I didn’t have that, I tried to arrive a little bit later having read that mayyyyybe the last vehicles on the train are the first ones to come off. I checked in at 1 PM, and I was fourth from last for unloading. So much for that theory! Although, there were relatively few people on my train, so it’s possible that most people arrived after I did.

The vehicle check-in and loading process works pretty much like a valet service. Because there are specific buttons to push with my accessible van, I printed out instructions for this and taped them to my steering wheel for the drivers. I also put my transfer seats in a position so they could drive the vehicle normally using the pedals. They never reached out to me for assistance, so I believe they had no problem driving my van on the train, then back off of it in Virginia. At check-in, they placed a magnets on the driver side door with a number on it. This is the number I would look for at pickup to claim my vehicle.

Once inside the terminal, I headed to the check-in desk. There, they gave me a pocket brochure with my vehicle number written on the front, and my boarding ticket and meal voucher on the inside. I was instructed to keep that with me so I would remember what number to look for on the screen in the Lorton terminal to retrieve my vehicle.

Bring as few belongings with you as humanly possible onto the train as space will be very limited. Passengers are permitted two carry-on bags not to exceed 28″ x 22″ x 14″, and 50 pounds each, as well as two personal items not to exceed 14″ x 11″ x 7″, and 25 pounds each. This being said, I did not see anyone measuring or weighing passenger bags. I think they pretty much know that the passengers are going to be the ones who pay the price for exceeding these limits with significantly reduced compartment space.

Boarding the Train

Wheelchair users in accessible compartments are the first to board, and I boarded 15 minutes before everyone else’s started so I could get comfortable. My cabin steward, affectionately known as Big Chris (he’s 6’7″), helped me board by using a lightweight metal ramp that the station had recently acquired. I definitely needed it to span the gap, but it’s the train itself was maybe only two or 3 inches higher than the actual platform.

After rolling onto the train, I made a left turn and went down a short hallway into my accessible compartment. A short while after boarding, Big Chris came to my compartment to give me the rundown on what the train ride would be like. He showed me every single feature in the compartment, took my meal order and asked me for my preferred meal delivery times, asked me when I wanted turn-down service, and showed me how to call him if I needed help or anything delivered to my compartment.

My Accessible Sleeping Compartment

My sleeping compartment on the Auto Train is called a Superliner Accessible Bedroom, and it’s designed for two people. They are at either end of the train car, so it takes up the entire width of the train with a window on each side. On one side are two seats that face each other, which lay flat to form the lower bunkbed. Right above it is a slightly narrower upper bunk bed that can be reached using two stairs embedded on the wall next to one of the seats.

On a panel next to one of the seats, you will find a light switch, one power outlet, the dials for the audio channels (1-announcements only, 2-Motown, 3-Blend), and a temperature control knob that I think doesn’t do anything. You will also find a cabin steward call button. In between the two seats is a folding table that pulls out. Each passenger is also provided with two bottles of water. There is only one electrical outlet for the entire compartment, so if you have major power needs, bring an extension cord or a power strip.

On the other side of the compartment is a sink with a mirror, and a toilet with grab bars. Both the toilet and the sink work in similar fashion to those found on an airplane with vacuum section. Amtrak provides several towels, washcloths, soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. There is no accessible shower available. There is a curtain you can use to separate the toilet compartment from the seating area, and there is a grab bar and two hangers on the wall behind the curtain.

You can request a specific time for turndown service between 7 PM and 9 PM. Each passenger is provided with two pillows, sheets on the bed, and a thin blanket. If you are picky about your pillows or get cold easily, you are free to bring your own pillow and/or blanket. Everyone is different, but I was totally okay with the pillows and blankets that Amtrak provided.

Space in my sleeping compartment was tight. Please take me seriously when I say this because many electric scooter users and larger rehab power wheelchair users who cannot take any steps will probably have a very tough time fitting in this compartment. For reference, my Whill Model Ci power chair is 39″ long and 23.5″ wide. This makes it almost exactly the same size as a standard manual wheelchair. I was able to turn around and maneuver in the compartment without having to open the door. However, it usually took multiple point turns in order to do this.

I took several measurements in the compartment to help you determine if it would work for you and your mobility device:

• Length of compartment (door to wall): 56″
• Length of seating area/bed: 78″
• Width of seats/bed: 28″
• Height of bed: 20″
• Overall width of compartment (window to window): 113″
• Width of floor space: 85″
• Space between seats: 22″
• Height of toilet: 18″

For a drawing of the room layout and all the specifics from the Amtrak website, please CLICK HERE .

The Passenger Experience

I had two very different experiences riding the auto train, as I had a professional companion on the way north and was completely alone on the way south. I brought a Kindle with me that was preloaded with several movies since I knew the Internet connection might be iffy, but I never had to use it. I spent pretty much my entire awake time chatting with my travel companion, since we both work in travel and really hit it off. Time passed quickly, and we were in Northern Virginia before we even realized it.

My trip back was very quiet and very relaxing. I had a ton of work to do, so from the moment I boarded the train to the time I disembarked, I was pretty much working during my waking hours. I loved that I had no television and some really relaxing music to listen to, despite there being only two channels in my compartment. I have a very comfortable power chair, but I preferred to transfer from my chair to one of the seats next to the window to work, to eat, and also to enjoy the view.

The earlier you arrive at the station for check-in, the more choices you have for your meal delivery, although I think that you can pretty much select any of the three times if you are in a wheelchair compartment. On the way north, I had dinner at 6 PM, and on the way south, I had dinner delivered at 7 PM. Because the train sometimes arrives early, they recommend having breakfast delivered no later than 7 AM and having your sleeping quarters stowed away shortly before that. I woke up at 6:30 AM both mornings.

My compartment stewards for both journeys were absolutely fantastic – Big Chris on the way north and Sam on the way south. I had a call button in my compartment that I could use for anything I needed them to bring me, including coffee, tea, water, or anything else.

Arrival and Vehicle Pickup

When we arrived in Lorton, Virginia, I disembarked the train the same way I got on — rolling over a sturdy metal ramp to bridge the gap between the train and the platform. From there, I just rolled it directly to the station terminal.

Once you arrive in the terminal, you have to wait for your vehicle to be unloaded from the train. There are screens next to the terminal exit that display the numbers on the magnets that are attached to your vehicle at the point of departure. Once your number appears on the screen, your vehicle is ready for pickup just outside the exit.

My car was unloaded about 40 minutes after we arrived, and was completely unharmed. Before you get in your vehicle, check to make sure that your rearview mirrors have been unfolded, as the crew will fold them back in wider vehicles to make sure they fit or don’t get snapped off during the loading process.

The Return Trip

I was lucky that my cabin steward on the northbound trip gave me a heads up to arrive early at the Lorton Auto Train station for my return trip. It’s October, which means that snowbird season is in full swing. He told me that the station gates don’t open until 11:30 AM, but that cars would start lining up as early as 10:30 AM. He also said the train would likely be fully booked with probably 90% senior citizens heading to Florida for the season.

Thanks to a minor traffic delay, I arrived at the station in Lorton at 11:30 AM, and there were already probably 30 cars in front of me. However, I didn’t wait in line for very long, and while the station was already filled with people, the check-in process didn’t take more than 10 minutes. The boarding process was identical to the one in Sanford, and my train compartment was also identical, albeit in a different train car.

The southbound scenery was really nice heading into sunset since we were driving through Virginia and passed over the James River. We caught a little bit of it on the morning that we arrived, but I definitely preferred my views out the window heading south.

General Observations and Things Wheelchair Users Should Know

Passengers in general and wheelchair users specifically on the Auto Train should know that the train moves a LOT. Please note that the majority of the more severe movement is lateral, or from side to side of the train. If you have a very limited upper body control, make sure that you are strapped securely to your chair to prevent any unwanted shifting of your body. If you choose to stay in your chair for at least part of the ride, I would position your chair to face either the front of the train to the back of the train for the most secure position. Please take extra care when transferring or being transferred to and from the toilet and/or seat and/or bed. The train slows down every so often, usually when passing through a bigger town or busy intersection. If you can, take advantage of this to make your transfers.

I can’t speak to the level of noise in the coach section of the train. In my compartment, the noise was not any louder than what you would hear on an airplane. If you are a very light sleeper, feel free to use earplugs, or even take a sleeping aid if you think that the train movement will interfere with your sleep. Please take note that you will physically be jostled around a lot at night. If you have a partner or companion or family member sleeping on the top bunk, there are safety belts for them to use.

There is free Wi-Fi on the Auto Train. However, the speed and quality varies and sometimes you’ll get dead spots when passing through more rural areas. My Wi-Fi access was pretty good on the northbound trip, but nonexistent on the southbound trip. Plan on using your data for Internet access sometimes, or as a mobile hotspot as needed. I just downloaded a bunch of movies onto my Kindle using my Wi-Fi at home before I left since I knew streaming wouldn’t be an option.

The Auto Train has two levels, and both the lounge car and the dining car are located on the second level. There is no elevator access, so you will basically be confined to your accessible sleeper compartment for the duration of the trip. That being said, the customer service on the train is absolutely amazing, and my incredible cabin steward brought me anything and everything that I needed, including my meals. All I had to do was press my steward call button and he would come right away. I actually really enjoyed the privacy, as it was extremely quiet in the hallway, and I could barely hear when my fellow passengers used the bathrooms down the hall.

Bring as little with you on board the train as possible. As I mentioned earlier, space is very tight. It would be ideal if you could keep it to a backpack or small duffel bag. The more room you take up with your stuff, the less room there is for you to maneuver in your chair. I also recommend that you either bring some snacks from home or buy some snacks at the small convenience store inside the terminal. Hot drinks and water are available for you at any time, but you won’t be able to buy anything to eat in between meals in case you get hungry.

Speaking of food, my dinner was delicious. With the exception of the lasagna, dinner meals are cooked to order. I had salmon with a lemony cream sauce, wild rice, and mixed vegetables. This came with a small side salad and warm bread rolls. I was expecting airplane-quality food, so I was pleasantly surprised at how good it was. Breakfast was continental, which was two small bagels (lightly toasted) with butter and jam, a banana, and packaged coffee cake. You also get juice and/or coffee/tea.

I was incredibly impressed with Amtrak’s customer service at every point in my journey. From the employees and the station manager at the terminal to my personal cabin steward and others that I spoke with to the people driving my car onto and off the train, I was greeted with nothing but warmth and friendliness. Albert, the Auto Train Operations Supervisor, makes it a point to try and visit with every train passenger, and I saw him twice on the train and once in the station after our arrival in Virginia. I’m confident that Amtrak will take very good care of you on the Auto Train.

Overall, I really enjoyed my experience on the Auto Train. Despite the significant train movement, I found it to be relaxing, and I loved the privacy of my own compartment without any interruptions by my fellow passengers. Probably the best part was how easy the whole thing was. The entire process is very efficiently run, and unlike an airport, I didn’t have to worry about long checkout lines or going through an invasive security screening (the stations do have police officers with canine units and security cameras).

It was also amazing to have my own wheelchair accessible van with me in a shorter amount of time than it would have taken me to drive to Northern Virginia by myself. Because of spasticity in my legs and overall stiffness in my body if I’m in the same position for too long, I generally prefer not to drive more than five hours in a day. With this schedule, it would have taken me three days to reach the Washington, DC area from Central Florida. Admittedly, I did not sleep well on the train because of all the movement. However, at least I was comfortable and my body wasn’t sore and tired from three days of driving in a car, or stressed out from the anxiety of traffic and construction.

Most importantly, I didn’t have to worry about my wheelchair getting damaged or lost. I also wasn’t limited to only what I could carry with me, as I could put souvenirs or extra bags or pretty much anything in my minivan for storage. Hopefully this is an experience that will also work for you, and I can’t wait to hear all about it!

As an #AmtrakTakeMeThere contest winner and Amtrak Ambassador, my round-trip ticket on the Auto Train and financial compensation for expenses were provided to me by Amtrak. All of the information in this post is factual and based on my firsthand experience as an Auto Train passenger, both to provide Amtrak with feedback and potential passengers with information about train accessibility.

What would the experience not in a sleeping unit be like?

I don’t know. You’d have to ask someone who has traveled in a coach seat.

I road coach around 15 years ago and I found it tolerable. I had the equivalent of a airplane bulkhead seat that i luckily had to myself, otherwise (if memory serves me) it seats two. My scooter was located in the space directly in front of my seat. The seats recline, probably equivalent to an airplane seat. For once being a dwarf (3 ft 10 in) came in handy so I was able to sit stretched out across the 2 seats, back leaning on the wall/window and tend to sleep on my side in a fetal position, so that’s how I slept. It was tolerable, but not much of a deep sleep due to the train’s movement. I was much more mobile then and decided to walk to the bathroom while the train was in motion and that was an adventure, lol. The walk was much better when the train stopped for a break. I’m sketchy on the bathroom accessibility as it wasn’t a concern then, there probably were bars for the toilet as it was the one available to the accessible seats. I remember thinking that if I can used the scooter I didn’t think I could turn around to exit, but perhaps somewhere on their site there’s a room layout image. I too was expecting airline quality food, so I was delighted with what they serve. I had carried on snacks knowing I didn’t have access to any other area if I was hungry. I enjoyed the ride, but as I’ve aged I know I’d prefer the private quarters.

Without a sleeper car the ride is a miserable one, I know because l have done it. I have a mobility scooter. Once you get into the train you are in that one seat for at least 17 hours, very cramped space. There is another person sitting next to you. Once the attendant brings your dinner you don’t see him anymore and there is no call button. I call that part of the train the dungeon. There is one outlet shared with 2 people.

My wife and I “snowbirded ” on the AutoTrain for ten years. While we always took a sleeper, the later years in the accessible compartment, friends who booked the coach seats said it was like an airline seat with lots of leg room. They said that there was a lot of people movement about the car during the night. Also, the meals not as good in coach compared to a sleeper. If you’re curious why we don’t take the train anymore it’s because we moved to California.

Hi, my husband had ms and I noticed that the grab bar in the bathroom is very high above the toilet seat. How can you get up from the toilet seat with the grab bar so high up? Am I missing something in the picture?

My parents took the Auto Train once when they were in their 80s, and slept in the Coach seats. They had their meals delivered to their seats, so that they didn’t have to go to the dining room. They were both still mobile at the time. But, dad might have been using the walker. So, I have no idea how it would work if you needed a scooter or powerchair. I know the handicap seating is in the front of the car or as you enter, so there is room and it is by the bathrooms (one in each car is accessible, I am told). There is a lot of care and attention to passengers on the Auto Train.

Hello Sylvia Thought your post on the Auto Train was really good. I live in Ft Lauderdale and maybe at some point might take this trip. Thanks Jim Hargaden

Sylvia, your experience was much like mine but I was a bit crankier when I wrote about it. I think it was all about expectations. No one told me that I wouldn’t be able to leave the cabin, bring extra snacks, my scooter would block everything, there would be a lot of movement. I am sure that I would have enjoyed the trip more if I had know about these things ahead of time. That is why the job you do is so important and I am glad that I found your blog and your postings on FB. Thank you.

I had used the Auto Train twice, and I do recommend it! I had a bit of a longer drive being about an hour from Sanford, and going up to Southern PA from Lorton. I was prepared to stop and get a room and rest, if needed, on the way north. I did not need to do that though. My trip was pretty much as you explained. Not great sleep, but enough to get by. I did travel over a weekend, and that helped not hitting rush hour traffic around DC and Baltimore. On the way back, I did choose to go down to Lorton, VA, and stayed at the Holiday Inn Express very close to the train station. It worked out great as I was able to relax, get a free breakfast, and take some yogurt and a piece of fruit with me. I agree the trip south was the best…crossing the rivers, going through Quantico, and more. My only problem is with the bunk situation. The bunk is not easy to access for all but the most able-bodied. Amtrak really needs a new layout so that a companion can sleep without having to climb up, and down if they need to use the bathroom. Thank you, Sylvia, for all the pictures and information in your great article.

We also used the Auto Train several years ago. Although not in a wheelchair, I do use a walker and cannot climb stairs. My husband and I had coach seats on the lower level on the way south and the room with sink and toilet on the way north. The coach seats reclined like airplane seats and were really quite comfortable. There is a line of restrooms with one being ‘accessible’. It is quite large and should not be a problem for wheelchair users. As mentioned, the train does sway a lot, so any one not entirely stable on their feet should use at least a cane or walker. It was rather noisy, however, in this area with everyone from upstairs having to use the facilities on the lower lever. The top bunk in the roomette was very tight and my husband felt trapped in it. We actually preferred the coach seats. We found everyone extremely helpful and the food was excellent. When we arrived, an employee took our car number and personally escorted us to our car as soon as it was unloaded. I’d recommend this for anyone with a mobility problem.

I cannot believe I found your Amtrak Instagram. I’m a 53 year old double amputee recently within the last 5 years. I’m unable to use prosthetic legs because I have Rheumatoid Arthritis so bad. I thought when I lost my legs that traveling would be out of the question. I transfer really good with a board. You’ve proved that wrong. I can’t wait to watch more of your travels. I saw you have a mobility van if you don’t mind I have some questions about it.

My son is treating me to a train trip in October from Florida to Virginia thank you for this information I’m not as worried about the trip.

Really informative article – thank you, Sylvia!!

Thank you for a very detailed report about your Auto Train experience. I never had to use it since I live far from both stations. Since my father worked for the railroad, we rode on trains (before Amtrak) for our yearly family vacations. Being confined on the train takes some getting used to in coach or a sleeping compartment. So when the train stopped at a station, it was refreshing to get off and visit the station to stretch our legs even though our family had sleeping rooms. I had no problems sleeping on a rocking bunk listening to the clickety clack of the wheels on the tracks. Later when I became an adult, I tried riding in coach from Chicago to New York City. For me, it was uncomfortable trying to sleep at night. I like to spread out. So when we arrived at the New York City station, the first thing I did was upgrade my return ticket to a roomette. Years later when I traveled with my handicapped mother to visit my sister in another state, we always used a handicapped room. That was my very best experience riding Amtrak because of the conveniance and service provided. Since mom has passed away, I now prefer driving long distances because it allows my travel plans to be flexible. But I still do miss riding the rails with my family. Although I have used planes, trains, ships, busses and cars in my travels across over half of this planet, I prefer trains.

I plan to take my husband to Florida on the autotrain in March. We will leave his electric scooter in the van and use his manual wheelchair from the van to the station to the train. We are booking an accessible room. I will travel light but he has lots of meds so we will have enough stuff that I need help with pushing the wheelchair or carrying our bag. Are there redcaps at the stations? Thanks! I really enjoyed your article.

Thank you, Sylvia. I just booked our first trip in an accessible bedroom on the auto train. Your experience and tips will definitely help us to have a better experience.

My husband has recently been diagnosed with ALS. He is now in a power wheelchair. We just purchased a brand new Toyota Sienna Braun Conversion mobility van. We have taken the Autotrain to and from Lorton and Sanford for years. This was our first trip in the mobility van with the wheelchair. When we left the van with the attendant- everything seemed OK. They take pictures of the van, we get out- and fo into the station. The handicapped room was very cramped. The power chair took up most of the space. I had to sleep in the upper bunk. It was miserable. My husband was very uncomfortable in the lower bed. The rocking and movement of the train was dreadful. In the past. We slept in a bedroom on the upper level. The beds are perpendicular to the tracks and it’s not such a rough ride. Also- the upper bunk is wider. But the worst part of all, was that when we got our van off thè train, in Lorton, it was the last one off. The side door- where the ramp folds down was partially opened. The attendant laughed and joked about all of the bells and whistles and controls in the van. She must have pushed all of them. The door would not open. The ramp would not come down. We were the last people left at the station. It was very hot. No one knew how to help us. It is a new hybrid van. I’m not sure the attendant knew how to operate it. Not sure why she even opened the side door- or played with the ramp buttons. We were screwed. I managed to get in touch with the service manager at the van dealership. Eventually we were able to force the side door open, and I manually hauled out the steel ramp myself. Repeat with heaving the ramp up, and shoving the door closed. It was all just wrong. Brand new $80.000 van. Think about who is going to drive your vehicle once you pull up at the station!!!! We have yet to make our return trip home. May just drive to avoid more problems.

Did you have problems with your van scraping bottom Loading and unloading on the ramp,.. Does your van have the underneath ramp or the one folds up inside your van? Does your van have the underneath ramp or the one folds up inside your van?

Can I have a power chair on the back of my car? It would be on a lift

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24 Best Vacations And Ideas For Seniors With Limited Mobility

For many older adults who are wheelchair users or need mobility devices such as a cane or walker, the idea of taking a vacation can be daunting. Even if it’s with family members.

But the good news is that there are many destinations for senior citizens with mobility issues that offer accessible travel ( with family members or without). It just takes a little bit more planning. For example, you always want to check ahead to ask about wheelchair accessibility, access to elevators, etc.

Believe me, vacations for seniors with mobility issues are doable!

You can also consider contacting any of these tour companies who specialize in accessible tours for seniors. Or contact a travel agent to help you plan your trip.

Vacations are important parts of life; they provide the opportunity to recharge and spend time with family and sometimes friends. Vacations can also be great opportunities for exploring new places, trying out new hobbies, or even getting some exercise.

The key to some of the best vacations for elderly adults is finding an activity and destination that fits your fitness level and mobility limitations.

Many websites with senior citizen trips and ideas tell you about places to go but the truth is, a great many cities and towns are accessible to most anyone with limited mobility so I thought that in this article I will research some accessible vacation themes and ideas that you can do almost anywhere.

You deserve a break and we have some unique ideas of perfect spots for you! So take advantage and make this the best time of your life!

If you are looking for tips for traveling with elderly parents, click here.

If you want to find options for elderly care while you’re on vacation, read our tips here.

24 Senior Citizens’ Vacation Ideas

Here are some great ideas for vacations for handicapped seniors to help inspire your next vacation! (If you prefer to watch our web story on this topic, check it out here.)

1. Ocean and River Cruises

Cruises are, in my opinion, the easiest way to take a vacation without too much physical exertion which makes them an obvious choice and perfect for many senior citizens. The cruise line can usually attend to most any special needs you may have.

Cruise ships offer an opportunity for you and your family to explore new popular places while also enjoying the all-inclusive amenities of the ship itself.

I took many cruises with my elderly in-laws and I can tell you from personal experience that the ships were very accommodating for seniors who use canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

In addition, they offer a wide range of activities on board and off-board (via accessible tours and excursions). There were times, I admit, that I never left the ship!

No matter what your activity level is, you can enjoy a great vacation on a cruise ship.

According to GuideForSeniors.com, the 5 best cruises for seniors are…

• Azamara Club Cruises (a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.)
• Holland America Line – I personally love this cruise line.
• Royal Caribbean International – Another one of my favorites! Some of the most amazing ships I’ve been on have been with Royal Caribbean.
• Oceania Cruises – Seems to be a more upscale cruise line
• Silversea Cruises – A family-owned line with smaller ships that offer ultra-luxury accommodations.

Of course, you can also look at cruises via the port cities they can take you to. Some very popular ones are…

• An Alaskan cruise
• Caribbean cruises
• European cruises

Get more details about each of these lines at GuideForSeniors.com

Read our article, Can I Take My Echo Dot On Vacation.

If ocean cruises are not your style, consider taking a river cruise. These smaller boats are one of the best ways to visit beautiful parts of many countries.

There are many different river cruises in the USA, in Canada, Europe, South America and other countries.

Just like their ocean counterparts, the river cruises are a wonderful and easy way to travel if you are using a walker, a cane or a wheelchair to get about.

Some of the most popular river cruises are…

• AmaWaterways – they offer river cruises throughout the rivers of Europe leaving from cities such as Paris, Budapest and Amsterdam.
• CroisiEurope Cruises – another European river cruise line to consider leaving cities like Strasbourg, France and Engelhartszell, Austria.
• Scenic Cruises – Yes, Europe has many river cruises and this is yet another. Leaving from Budapest, Zurich and Nuremberg.
• American Cruise Lines – The USA also has a few river cruises as well leaving in locations such as New Orleans, Maine and Portland, Oregon.

As far as vacations for senior citizens go – I would rate cruising at the very top!

If you’ll be flying to start your cruise, read our article, Air Travel Risks For The Elderly , next.

2. Museums and Art Galleries

Indoor and handicap accessible places like museums and art galleries can be one of the best things to do in some cities and towns. They can also be great vacation options for history and art lovers who have limited mobility.

An idea would be to visit a city or town that has multiple indoor museums and galleries to visit. Some of the cities that could be on your list are…

• New York City
• Chicago, Illinois
• London, England
• Washington, DC
• Paris, France
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Florence, Italy
• Athens, Greece
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Denver, Colorado
• Rome, Italy

If larger cities are not your idea of a vacation, consider these 100 small “Art” towns that you can visit and enjoy.

Smaller towns may not have the number of museums that the larger cities do but they usually have the most interesting ones. Here are some examples…

• The Hammer Museum in Haines, Alaska
• Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover, Delaware
• The Bread Museum in Ulm, Germany
• The Mustard Museum in Middleton, Wisconsin
• Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot, Idaho
• The Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany
• Laurel and Hardy Museum in Harlem, Georgia
• Matchstick Marvels Museum in Gladbrook, Iowa
• Museum of Bad Art in Somerville, Massachusetts
• The Kazoo Museum in Beaufort, South Carolina
• The Neon Museum in Las Vegas, Nevada
• The Dog Collar Museum Kent, England
• The Spam Museum in Austin, Minnesota
• The Apron Museum in Luka, Mississippi

Travel for seniors with limited mobility can certainly include beaches. It’s a great destination for many older adults who love warm weather!

You don’t have to rule out beaches just because you find it too hard to walk on the sand. There are many beaches with boardwalks and sidewalks that you can visit.

If you’re planning family vacations with your grandchildren – a beach destination may be a wonderful option.

Some of the beaches and ideas that I can recommend are:

• Daytona Beach – The beautiful beaches in Daytona offer handicap parking, free beach wheelchairs and easy accessibility throughout the area.
• Miami Beach – If you enjoy the heat in South Florida, consider Miami Beach . They provide beach mats to make it easier for anyone with mobility issues to walk on the soft sand. They also have free motorized and manual wheelchairs with wide wheels made specifically for a beach.
• Myrtle Beach – South Carolina also has beautiful beaches and Myrtle Beach is a great location. They offer free beach wheelchairs, handicap parking and accessible points throughout the beach.

You can find some accessible beaches here in the USA – see this list . There are many wonderful handicap accessible beaches in Europe too. See this list .

Read our recommendations on the Best Beach Chairs For Elderly Adults

4. National Parks

Another type of popular tourist attractions are national parks. Many are wheelchair accessible , and you can still enjoy all the natural beauty that these parks have to offer.

According to OutsideOnline.com the best places for those with limited mobility are…

• Acadia National Park in Maine
• Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve in Colorado
• Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona
• Glacier National Park in Montana
• Yellowstone National Park that spans Idaho, Montana and Wyoming

Read more about visiting U.S. National Parks in our articles about the National Park Pass for Seniors (here) and about the America The Beautiful senior passes (here) and whether they are worth the purchase.

5. Botanical Gardens

A botanical garden can be a great place to visit for some vacation time. Many adults love to visit Botanical Gardens and why not? They are filled with beautiful and unique flowers and plants and offer a wonderful, serene setting.

Here are just a few botanical gardens that are perfect for seniors who use a cane, a walker or a wheelchair.

• United States Botanical Gardens in Washington, DC
• Montreal Botanical Garden in Montreal, Canada
• Adelaide Botanic Garden in Adelaide, Australia
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden in Brooklyn, New York
• Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales, Florida
• Waimea Valley and Falls Arboretum in Honolulu, Hawaii
• Singapore Botanic Gardens in Singapore
• Atlanta Botanical Garden in Atlanta, Georgia
• Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, South Africa

6. Bus Tours

When I was younger I took a few bus trips with my classmates and what I remember is a lot of talking, laughing and singing!

After having just taken a bus tour in Iceland, Robin (the other half of Senior Safety Advice) says that after a few days, the members of her bus tour were in a very similar situation (minus the singing!).

Bus tours are a streamlined “cruise on land” that can take you to many popular destinations in a comfortable and relaxed manner.

As Robin found with her tour, they are perfect for many senior travelers who are looking for limited mobility vacations.

There were several seniors with limited mobility in her group and they were watched out for and cared for by everyone on the bus ( Find out whether Iceland is good for seniors to visit on a bus tour ).

One of the other things she loved was that the tour guide offered both entertainment and history all wrapped up in an organized trip. Leaving her to just sit back and enjoy.

As with her group, many bus tours are accessible for seniors with limited mobility and oftentimes the tours are filled with older adults so you should be in great company!

You can find some bus tours here at Travelstride.com

7. Local Boat Tours

Local boat tours to beautiful locations like Niagra Falls, NY / Canada can make for a wonderful vacation for seniors.

Other types of tours like this can be found in…

• Wendella Boats in Chicago, Illinois
• Lake Powell , Utah
• St Johns River Taxi in Jacksonville, Florida
• Niagara Falls in New York and Canada
• Island Princess Cruises in Stuart, Florida
• Portland Boat Tours in Portland, Oregon

8. Tours for Handicapped Seniors

Embarking on a travel vacation is an enriching experience that should be accessible to all, regardless of physical limitations.

Let’s take a look at some tours that are specifically designed for handicapped older adults.

• Travel for All
• Easy Access Travel
• Wheel the World
• Ability Adventures
• Accessible Caribbean Vacations
• Disabled Accessible Travel
• Epic Enabled
• II Viaggio Travel
• Latin America for All
• Tapooz Travel

9. Music Themed Vacations

If music is your jam then consider a vacation in places like Nashville, TN or Branson, MI where many of the shows are handicap accessible.

• Country Music Hall of Fame
• Grand Ole Opry
• Historic Ryman Auditorium

10. City Walking Tours

For those who can do a bit of walking with a cane or walker consider a walking tour. Just make sure to ask the tour operators how long is the walk and are there spots in between to sit and rest.

Also know that many major cities like Chicago and New York offer wheelchair accessible walking tours where you can explore your favorite landmarks in comfort.

You can also indulge in walking tours provided by museums such as the one offered by The Walnut Creek Historical Society. This is often a small group tour giving you a history of this beautiful northern California town.

Some other walking tours you can investigate are…

• Historic Savannah Walking Tours
• Wilderness on Wheels in Grant, Colorado
• Wheelchair friendly trails in Austin, Texas
• River Walk in San Antonia, Texas
• River Walk in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• River Walk in San Diego, California

Accessible Cities

Some of the most accessible cities for citizens with mobility issues include:

There are several cities around the world that are known for being accessible to citizens with mobility issues.

Here are some examples:

• Stockholm, Sweden: Stockholm is often regarded as one of the most accessible cities in Europe. It features well-maintained sidewalks, accessible public transportation, and many attractions and facilities designed with accessibility in mind.
• Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver has made significant efforts to ensure accessibility for people with mobility issues. The city has accessible public transportation, including low-floor buses and SkyTrain stations with elevators. Many sidewalks have curb ramps, and attractions such as Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium offer accessibility features.
• Portland, USA: Portland has been recognized for its efforts to improve accessibility. The city’s public transportation system, including buses and light rail, offers accessibility options. Many parks, museums, and public facilities prioritize accessibility.
• Singapore: Singapore is known for its accessibility infrastructure. The city has made extensive efforts to ensure barrier-free access to public transportation, including buses and trains. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are generally well-maintained and equipped with curb ramps, and many public buildings have accessibility features.
• Melbourne, Australia: Melbourne is considered one of the most accessible cities in Australia. The city has accessible public transportation, including trains and trams with low-floor access. Many attractions, parks, and shopping centers have accessibility features, and the city has a strong focus on creating an inclusive environment.
• San Francisco, USA: San Francisco has made strides in improving accessibility for citizens with mobility issues. The city’s public transportation system, including buses and cable cars, offers accessibility features. Many popular tourist destinations, such as Golden Gate Park and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, have accessible facilities.
• Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona has taken steps to enhance accessibility throughout the city. The public transportation system, including buses and metro stations, is designed to accommodate people with disabilities. The city’s sidewalks are generally well-maintained and equipped with curb ramps, and major attractions have accessibility features.
• Seattle, USA: Seattle has taken steps to enhance accessibility for its residents and visitors. The city’s public transportation system includes buses and light rail with accessibility features. Many tourist attractions and public spaces have accessible facilities.

It’s important to note that accessibility features and infrastructure can vary within cities, so it’s always a good idea to research specific locations and services to ensure they meet individual needs.

11. All Inclusive Resorts

Some other senior citizen trip ideas includes resorts!

All inclusive resorts are another “cruise on land” idea where you travel to one place and get to relax and do as much as you like or nothing at all.

I would recommend to search for all inclusive resorts and then contact them to find out if they can accommodate your mobility issues.

Some places to consider are…

• The Caribbeans
• Cancun, Mexico
• Turtle Bay, Hawaii
• Little Valley Mountain Resort in Sevierville, TN

Read more about all-inclusive resorts in our article on resorts for seniors with limited mobility.

12. Resort Like Hotels

Many destination hotels have wheelchair accessible rooms where it is possible for a person with limited mobility to still enjoy themselves. I love staying in a hotel room with a great view. I often take weekend vacation trips to these types of hotels. I can sit back, take in the view and do what vacations are meant to do for me, relax!

According to Smartertravel.com some of the best resort hotels for seniors with limited mobility are…

• Noelle in Nashville, Tennessee
• Resort at Squaw Creek in Olympic Valley, California
• Novotel Melbourne on Collins in Melbourne, Australia
• Halekulani in Honolulu, Hawaii
• Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
• Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa in Lake Placid, New York
• Intercontinental David in Tel Aviv, Israel

13. Movie Themed Trips

If you’re into movies, maybe a trip to Los Angeles where all the great older movies were made. Make it a point to see at least one movie a day.

There are multiple movie themed tours available. I would recommend to contact the one(s) that you are interested in to get information on how accessible they are for your limited mobility issues.

• Travel.usnews.com
• Onlocationtours.com
• Los Angeles Viator List

14. Theater Themed Trips

Or maybe theater is your passion. Well, then a trip to Broadway is on the list!

But don’t think that New York is the only place to go for a theater themed vacation. I would recommend Ashland, Oregon which is famous for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival.

15. Activity Themed Trips

Cooking is something several of my friends love and they enjoy taking a culinary class wherever they travel. Making a trip to a great city and taking a few culinary classes could be a great vacation trip for you.

Outdoor activities are certainly not off limits to seniors with physical limitations.

Golf is another activity that you can still take advantage of! So why not make that a vacation destination for yourself if you love to play golf! You can find more information from the U.S. Adaptive Golf Alliance .

Fishing tours for adults with disabilities can get you back on the water to do the thing that you love – fishing! If you’re an adventurous type and looking for a unique experience then consider the wheelchair accessible tours by National Geographic . They include things like Hot Air Ballooning and Riding a Camel in Morocco!

16. Book Themed Trips

If you’re a book lover like my friend Judy then you may consider visiting any of these wonderful book stores as an absolute treat during your vacation.

• Powell’s Book Store in Portland, Oregon
• Cărturești Carusel in Bucharest, Romania
• Livraria Lello in Porto, Portugal
• Alabama Booksmith in Birmingham, Alabama
• Ler Devagar in Lisbon, Portugal
• Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan

17. Keeping It Local

Senior vacation destinations don’t have to be in a faraway place. Who says that you have to travel long distances to take a vacation?

I personally love sleeping in my own bed at night so taking a road trip to local places is a great way for me to take some time off.

Some perfect destination ideas could include things like…

• Wine tasting events
• Live shows in local parks
• Visiting historic buildings in your area
• Taking in the history at historical landmarks in your area

For many older adults, day trips every so often are a much better alternative than longer vacations.

Take a little time to check your local area for events that are wheelchair accessible. These places would also be accessible to seniors who use canes or walkers. Click here to do an Internet search .

18. Rent A Private Residence

If you prefer to spend your vacation time in your own space instead of a hotel then take a look at Handiscover – an Airbnb for people with limited mobility.

19. Games, Theater and Relaxation

For vacations with everything, you may want to consider places like Las Vegas, NV. There’s a little bit of everything there. It’s easy to get around and you can spend your time enjoying the theater, gambling, people watching or just relaxing.

20. Golf Cart Tours

I bet you never heard of golf cart tours! What a great way to get around an city or area.

These are tours where the guests drive their own golf cart throughout the tour.

Here’s one in Rome, Italy and another in Iowa, USA and what looks like a fun golf cart tour in Nashville, TN . Check out other golf tours here .

21. Amusement Parks

I believe that all amusement parks comply with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA) and provide accessibility for disabled and of course, seniors that use adaptive equipment for mobility.

I would recommend that you contact any amusement park you may be considering to visit. This would be a wonderful vacation to spend with your family, especially the grandkids!

Here are some links to the information about accessibility for some popular amusement parks.

• Disneyworld
• Sea World in Orlando, Florida
• Universal Studios
• Busch Gardens

22. Riding The Rails

Trains are another great way to sightsee and get around for a relaxing and enjoyable vacation if you are limited in your mobility.

Amtrak is the most popular train service here in the USA and with it’s senior discounts , it can be an affordable way to travel for your next vacation.

The wonderful thing about train trips for elderly adults is that you can take longer, all-inclusive trips and even day trips locally. It’s really nice to have so many options available.

Of course, they are not the only train service – here are some great train vacation ideas to consider for your next get away!

• Grand Canyon getaway
• National Park vacations
• Railway Adventures through Australia
• VIA Rail through Canada
• and many more scenic train trips to take throughout the world

23. Mobility Scooter Vacations

If you have your own mobility scooter then there are certainly many places you can go from national parks to cities and even beaches.

But if you prefer to leave your scooter at home (or you don’t own one) there are plenty of scooter rental places that you can rent one to use to enjoy your vacation.

• Orlando, Florida
• Seattle, Washington

Know that there are weight and measurement limitations on most lifts (for trains and buses) for mobility scooters so you will need to check with these types of transportation before you book your trip.

For example the shuttle buses in Yosemite National Park can accommodate mobility scooters and wheelchairs up to 24 inches wide and 46 inches long, with a top weight limit (scooter and person) of 750 pounds.

I would say that limitation is pretty common, but of course you should check in advance about any lift limitations, especially if you use a bariatric scooter.

24. Virtual Vacations

Finally, if your mobility issues are limiting you to the extent that you simply find it too difficult to take any type of travel, then you may want to consider virtually traveling to places from the comfort of your home and your easy chair!

Using a virtual reality headset – you can take a trip almost anywhere and see some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Take a museum tour, a trip to the Antarctic, scuba dive the barrier reef and travel through many of the major cities throughout the world!

For some locations, you don’t even need a virtual headset. Go visit these wonderful museums in England, virtually!

If you are looking to vacation in Europe but have some mobility issues, take a look at my article on European Tours .

The Importance Of Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is crucial for senior citizens with limited mobility who are planning a vacation. As we age, mobility issues may become more prevalent, and it’s essential to take appropriate precautions when embarking on a trip.

Here are some reasons why travel insurance is important for seniors with limited mobility:

• Medical Coverage: Seniors with limited mobility may have pre-existing medical conditions or require specific medications. Travel insurance provides coverage for medical emergencies that may arise during the trip, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and medication expenses. It offers peace of mind knowing that any unforeseen medical costs will be taken care of.
• Trip Cancellation or Interruption: Mobility challenges can sometimes lead to unexpected changes in travel plans. Travel insurance can protect seniors from financial losses if they need to cancel or cut short their trip due to health-related issues. It typically covers non-refundable expenses such as flights, accommodation, and tour bookings.
• Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation: In the event of a medical emergency requiring urgent evacuation or repatriation, travel insurance provides coverage for transportation back to the home country or to the nearest medical facility equipped to handle the situation. This can be crucial, especially if specialized medical care is required.
• Personal Liability: Travel insurance often includes personal liability coverage, which protects seniors if they accidentally cause damage to property or injure someone else. This coverage can provide financial protection against potential legal claims and help manage any associated expenses.
• Assistance Services: Many travel insurance policies offer assistance services that can be invaluable for seniors with limited mobility. These services may include 24/7 emergency helplines, medical referrals, translation services, and support in arranging medical appointments or accommodations tailored to their needs.
• Baggage Loss or Delay: Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or delayed baggage, ensuring that seniors have access to necessary items if their luggage is misplaced during the journey. This can be particularly important for individuals who rely on specific mobility aids or medical equipment.
• Travel Support and Guidance: Travel insurance providers often offer travel support and guidance, providing valuable information about accessible destinations, transportation options, and facilities suitable for seniors with limited mobility. This assistance can help seniors plan their trips more effectively and ensure they have a positive and enjoyable travel experience.

It is important to review the specific terms and conditions of travel insurance policies, particularly regarding pre-existing conditions and coverage limitations.

Seniors with limited mobility should consider obtaining comprehensive travel insurance that specifically caters to their needs.

By doing so, they can minimize financial risks and enjoy their vacation with greater peace of mind.

Kindle Books For Vacation Reading

One of the great things about vacation is having the time to just sit back and enjoy a good book. But carrying books around with you is not very convenient. That’s where Kindle readers come in!

We recommend the Kindle Paperwhite because it can be read outdoors which makes it very easy and versatile.

Related posts:

About the Author: Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S.

Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S. is a retired occupational therapist, a CAPS certified specialist. a certified Senior Home Safety Specialist and a CARES® Dementia Specialist (C.D.S.). She graduated from Florida International University and practiced OT in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina for 10 years. She specialized in working with neurological impairments in the senior adult population. Her expertise in home assessments and home safety issues for seniors will help you to make the best possible decisions for yourself or your elderly parent.

View all posts by Esther C. Kane, CAPS, C.D.S. | Website

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Traveling by train with a disability

I think trains are probably my favorite way to travel.

The world goes by at a brisk pace (usually) but you can still see it all.

I frequently take a commuter rail to New York City, and we live a short drive from the nearest train station.

I also will often take the train down a few stops to visit my mother, or a few more to visit my sister.

My other sister actually lives right by a commuter rail line to Philadelphia, and I’ve taken the train to her as well.

Trains are generally more reliable than buses in the sense that they are more likely to be on time and their routes are much less likely to vary over time.

If you have a very visible condition, be prepared for staring and possibly being asked inappropriate questions. This is a risk you take any time you are out in public, really.

If you have an invisible condition, be prepared for people to assume you are totally healthy and do not need any special treatment. It’s frustrating, but that is part of the reality of our current ableist culture .

If you have a condition that is only visible at times (like epilepsy or my type of Functional Neurological Disorder [FND] symptoms), be prepared for the possibility of people panicking and doing the least helpful thing at the worst possible time out of ignorance. 

Whatever condition you have, it’s best to anticipate people’s behaviors a bit so that you can try to protect yourself from the worst of the ignorance.

My local transit systems

New Jersey Transit has a large public transit system covering much of the state of New Jersey—it is made of buses, trains, light rails, and connections to the PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) system as well as Penn Station in New York City. 

The PATH (light-rail system) goes into NYC and has branches in the larger cities in North Jersey. 

The New Jersey Transit light rail is found in two cities—there is a small system set up in the city of Newark, and another one that connects Trenton and Camden, near Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia’s transportation system ( SEPTA ) connects to New Jersey Transit’s end of the line in the city of Trenton. 

Each of these has a slightly different ticketing system and a slightly different set of rules for disability-based discounts . 

In many cases, pricing for public transit includes standard fare and a discounted fare for children, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. 

Sometimes the discounted fare is the same across the board, and other times the discounts are slightly different. 

The PATH doesn’t actually have a disability discount, NJTransit has its own disability application system (which gives you a fare-reduction card to display when asked), and the NY MTA has a reduced-fare card for people with disabilities—it is a replacement for the usual MetroCard and also functions as a photo ID.  

These sites may give you an idea of what to look for in your local area.

Know before you go

Before you take the train, be sure you know what the rules are for that particular transportation system, and that you know the schedule. 

The ADA provides protection for you as a passenger.

If you are a wheelchair user, you’ll also want to make sure that your particular stop/station is accessible, because some stations in a system may not be. 

For example, while many stops on my train line are accessible (the trains have mounting plates to bridge between the platform and the train), others aren’t.

The non-accessible stations are at ground level, and you need to climb several stairs in the train to get to your seating. 

These stairs are steep and require some upper-body strength to pull yourself up.

Ensuring that you are able to safely board the appropriate train varies in difficulty. 

The first consideration is the actual challenge of boarding (if you are a wheelchair user, you may need a small ramp to cross the gap between the platform and the station), and the second one is making sure you board the vehicle going in the correct direction that’s going to stop at your destination.  

Sometimes it’s super easy (platform for each direction and only one line with no expresses or anything), but other times it gets more complicated (many NYC subway stops may have multiple lines, some of which are express, on one set of tracks).

Depending on your condition, the challenges may be different, but often the simple things (like taking an extra moment to be sure you’re clear on exactly what you’re waiting for) will be helpful.

In NYC, only 29% of the stations are accessible , so you’ll need to plan every stop you may make very carefully. 

Also, be sure to think about your comfort on the train. 

Sometimes they run strong air conditioning and other times the cars are a bit warm or stuffy. 

It’s good to bring an extra layer of clothes with you just in case, especially if you are temperature sensitive. 

In the summer, I am more likely to wear a skirt or jeans and carry a light sweater or long-sleeve shirt even when it’s hot out so that I can comfortably handle the hour-long commute to the city.  

I try to ensure that there’s room in my bag to place that extra layer once I’ve arrived.

If you are dealing with balance or vertigo issues, where you sit may have a huge impact on your comfort on the ride.

You also may want to do a short “test run” before you commit to a longer trip, as the motion of the train may exacerbate your symptoms.

Accessible entrances and transitions

When my partner Al was using a cane , we would seek out elevators, escalators, and other alternatives to steps. 

Sometimes finding these seemed to take more spoons than simply doing the climb.

Each new stop that we explored was another place that we need to search for a usable elevator or escalator while fighting through the crowd. 

When he had a cane, people were more likely to give him space, and less apt to glare at us when we took the elevator. 

With how my symptoms have worked, most of the time I have generally found that seeking out the elevators and escalators is more work and stress than just climbing the stairs—for Al, the stairs were painful and exhausting, but the extra walking in search of those features was tiring too.

I have also found that the smells and tightness of the elevator tend to increase my symptoms—so going into New York City with Al was actually much more stressful for me than going in by myself. 

I only have to worry about finding a seat on the subway (as opposed to two next to one another) and I don’t need to worry about finding escalators and elevators (the exercise is good for me). 

If you’re lucky, the transit map will indicate which platforms are and aren’t accessible. And, if you are dealing with vision or hearing issues, those supports should also be indicated there.  

Like buses , most trains are supposed to have scrolling marquees or light boards indicating the line and stops, as well as audible announcements of every stop along the way.  

Like buses, the quality of these features are likely to vary.  

At least some of these transit systems will also have preferred areas for wheelchair users in particular to board—perhaps so that the employees are more likely to notice them and help them board.  

Safely boarding the train

When you travel by train, boarding and deboarding can be tricky for certain conditions. Since they use tracks, there will always be a gap between the platform and train.

Sometimes it’s negligible and a wheelchair can cover the distance—but more often a special ramp is needed to cross over.

When that’s the case, it’s often the responsibility of train employees to provide this bridge.

This means that for both boarding and deboarding, an employee has to notice you and take care of that need.

If you are dealing with any condition that’s sensitive to crowding(from claustrophobia to impaired mobility to sensory overwhelm), I recommend doing what you can to avoid travel during especially busy times.

I know that in my area, the trains are full of commuters from about 6:30–8:30 a.m. and 4:30–6:30 p.m.

Personally, I do my best to be settled somewhere during those times, and usually head into the city after 9 a.m. and head home later in the evening. I also try to avoid the last train of the night as it tends to have a lot of drunk folks aboard.

If you are not a wheelchair user but have strength, energy, or other mobility issues and are boarding or exiting at a station that isn’t labeled as accessible, it’s helpful to know why so that you can feel secure in your ability to handle it.

Accessibility features onboard

Generally, trains and subways will have designated accessible seating with the occasional space for a wheelchair.

The requirements for defining this seating are variable, but often they are near the doors to the car and sometimes they have extra space around them.

If you need an accessible seat, others are expected to get up and give you that or those seats.

Often accessible seats aren’t the first seats taken by random passengers, though I have noticed a tendency of people to put their luggage in the accessible seating that has a long space between seats.

For people with motion-related sensitivies, be aware that sometimes accessible seating doesn’t face the same direction as you are traveling.

I’ve noticed many trains have seats that constantly face the opposite direction from travel (generally because the train commutes in two directions without turning around, so half the seats always face the destination), and others have the seats positioned facing sideways.

Also, sometimes seats can be flipped to face the direction you are traveling (or to create a set of seats facing one another).

Anticipating your needs in this regard is important, as is being prepared for the possibilities.

If the seating you need is taken, you can ask the conductor for help or ask the people in the seat to move.

It’s often helpful to have something that backs up your statement (like a note from your doctor or a reduced-fare card ), but no matter what, you are entitled to that seating once you identify yourself as having a disability.

To be ADA compliant, your train should also have some form of announcement system to audibly notify you of your stop, and some form of light board or marquee to visibly signal the name of the next stop.

While these aren’t always maintained, they are legally required.

If your train doesn’t have these functions onboard, I encourage you to file a complaint about it—whether or not you specifically needed that resource. This way you can help your fellow disabled folks.

You also don’t need to file the complaint then.

Make a note to yourself and if possible grab a picture of the issue and/or identification number of the car you are in (or the time and route if it’s a train-wide issue) and use the organization’s website to file the complaint later.

Safely arriving at your accessible destination

When planning your trip, make sure that your destination is also accessible and that you have the assistance you may need to exit.

Apparently, folks get forgotten sometimes, especially when it comes to getting off at the appropriate stop, so wheelchair users may need to take steps like blocking the doors (which prevents the train from traveling) in order to get off the train at their stop.

Once you are off the train, there should be accessible options for you to continue on to your final destination.

Yes, you can travel safely on a train!

Depending on your condition, your challenges are likely to be different from mine, but I believe in your ability to use your local transit system!

Using my local transit system gives me a great deal of freedom and really lets me explore and travel. I love riding the train (and am very comfortable on the subway), and this is by far my preferred method to travel.

It’s well worth the effort to explore your local transit system and its rules before you use it so that you are prepared to make the best use of it and have minimal surprises on your journey.

There are ADA accessibility requirements that your transit system should be following, but older systems may not be as compliant, and sometimes accessibility features are out of order.

By studying your transit maps and other details, you should have a good sense of what stations are accessible for you.

There will also be features on board the train to assist you, such as accessible seating, light boards, and announcements of each stop.

Whatever rail system is near you, it’s well worth exploring to give yourself more freedom.

As a person with a sometimes-invisible illness that straddles neurology and psychiatry(Functional Neurological Disorder), I've dealt with a lot of the stigma surrounding physical and mental illnesses and both visible and invisible illnesses. I want to help other people with disabilities to regain perspective and control over their lives through manageable steps and make their lives better, one step at a time.

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Wheelchair Travel Tours & Travel Packages in 2024/2025

Our 31 most popular wheelchair travel trips. compare tour itineraries from 22 tour companies. 4 reviews. 5/5 avg rating., popular wheelchair accessible travel tours.

Discover our top wheelchair travel tours, meticulously designed for accessibility and comfort. With accessible accommodations and specially adapted transportation, you can easily explore each destination. Join our accessible travel tours for unforgettable experiences worldwide.

The Scottish Experience

• A relaxed paced tour of Scotland
• Explore the cities as well as the country and lakes
• Days spent in Edinburgh, where your upgraded accommodations are in the heart of the attractions, shopping and dining.
• Days spend outside of the city to enjoy your hotel in a beautiful park setting that offers spa resort-like amenities.
• Limited tour group size

• Visit San Pedro de Atacama
• Journey to the Stars
• Visit Santiago

Ancient and Artistic Italy

• A relaxed paced tour of Italy
• Explore Italy’s cities as well as the country
• Days spent in Rome, where your upgraded accommodations are in the heart of the attractions, shopping & dining.
• Days spent in Florence to explore all of its cultures.

Italy: Venice, Naples & Rome

• Explore Venice
• Enjoy Venice Walking Tour
• Private English speaking local guide available for the half day tour
• Visit Pompeii
• Visit Vatican museums

Alps/Bavarian Grand Tour

• A relaxed paced tour of Bavaria and the Alps
• Days spent in Munich, where your upgraded accommodations are in the heart of the attractions, shopping and dining.
• Days spent in Switzerland to explore all of the area’s culture.
• Visit some of Switzerland’s most iconic mountains, taking several modes of passage.

Best of Curacao

• Visit Curacao
• Enjoy Sea Aquarium
• Visit West side tour
• Visit East side tour

Galapagos Islands

• Admire the famous blue-footed boobies
• Discover giant Galapagos turtles
• Snorkel with company of playful sea lions, marine turtles

Accessible London

All Wheelchair Travel , expedition cruises, self guided adventures and vacation packages. Find the best guided and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Read more about Wheelchair Travel

Small Group Accessible Travel Tours

Embark on intimate travel adventures with our small group tours specially designed for disabled travelers. Experience the world's wonders with accessibility and comfort as our priority. Join like-minded individuals with similar needs on unforgettable journeys tailored to your needs.

Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks

• Visit the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, which is too impressive to describe, and includes a 308 foot waterfall.
• Explore the Old Faithful area
• Discover Grand Teton National Park
• Experience unforgettable river trip on the Snake River

Western Canyons & Grand Canyon

• Explore awesome and colorful Grand Canyon!
• Take the Canyons Adventure Boat Cruise on Lake Powell
• Discover Salt Lake City and Las Vegas
• Explore Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park and Glen Canyon National Recreation Area

Best Wheelchair Travel Tours by Duration

Discover the best travel tours for the handicapped categorized by duration, offering options suited to your schedule. Whether you desire a brief escape or an extended journey, our meticulously curated selection ensures you make the most of your valuable time away.

Tours, Cruises & Private Trips

Best Wheelchair Travel Tours by Price

Choose the ideal travel tour for the handicapped that fits your budget from our extensive selection categorized by price. With options spanning various price ranges, our accessible travel packages ensure comfort and enjoyment without exceeding your financial limits.

Top Wheelchair Travel Attractions

• Marveling at the great cathedrals in Europe
• Enjoying the brisk air and wild landscapes of Scotland and Ireland
• Going on safari and witnessing incredible wildlife
• Taking in the majesty of New Zealand
• Observing the unbelievable species variation on the Galapagos Islands
• Enjoying a long leisurely al fresco lunch at a cafe in Rome
• Exploring ancient ruins in Greece
• Cruising through the stunning Norwegian fjords
• Witnessing the beauty of the Northern Lights in Iceland
• Visiting historic castles in England
• Discovering the vibrant street art scene in Berlin
• Experiencing traditional tea ceremonies in Japan
• Admiring the architectural wonders of Barcelona
• Participating in cooking classes in Thailand
• Exploring the colorful markets of Morocco

Wheelchair Travel Tours & Travel

Wheelchair Travel Attractions & Landmarks Guide

• Barcelona: Known for its innovative architecture and vibrant culture, Barcelona boasts numerous wheelchair-accessible attractions, including the iconic Sagrada Familia and Park Güell.
• Amsterdam: With its flat terrain and extensive network of accessible transportation, Amsterdam is a breeze to navigate. Visitors can easily explore the city's picturesque canals, museums, and historic sites.
• Vienna: Renowned for its grand palaces, classical music, and rich history, Vienna offers a wealth of accessible attractions, such as Schönbrunn Palace and the Vienna State Opera.
• Paris: The City of Light is not only visually stunning but also relatively accessible for disabled travelers. From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to world-class museums like the Louvre, Paris offers plenty of wheelchair-friendly attractions.
• Berlin: As a modern and cosmopolitan city, Berlin has made significant efforts to improve accessibility in recent years. Visitors can explore historical sites like the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate, as well as vibrant neighborhoods and green spaces.
• London: With its comprehensive public transportation system and numerous accessible attractions, including the British Museum and Buckingham Palace, London is an excellent choice for limited mobility travelers seeking diverse experiences.

Trip Reviews

Castles, kilts and whisky - oh my.

My trip to Scotland was amazing! There was something for everyone to enjoy. From the beautiful landscapes, sheep everywhere, botanical gardens, Queen's yacht &...

Wonderful Tour

The tour was a wonderful experience

The tour company really takes the time to find find great locations and provide time to relax.

Loved all of the locations. Small group and personalized attention.

Switzerland and Germany Tour

Great areas, hotels and transportation.

See all Wheelchair Travel reviews

Related Trips & Tours

Wheelchair travel tours faq.

1. How do you travel if you are in a wheelchair?

2. How do I plan a tour for handicapped travel?

3. Are guided tours for adults with disabilities worth it?

4. What are the best accessible tour operators?

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Top Tour Companies for Travelers With Physical Challenges

These five travel organizations help those with physical challenges explore the world.

Wheelchair user Elissa Fischer, 64, has ataxia, a brain disease that affects her speech, coordination and ability to walk. Nonetheless, the retired Floridian and her husband recently spent eight days exploring Iceland, the Nordic island nation known for its rugged landscape and challenging outdoor adventures. Their itinerary included taking a dip in the country’s famous Blue Lagoon. Fischer couldn’t have made such a trip without the help of Iceland Unlimited, a Reykjavik-based travel company that specializes in accessible tours.

Companies like Iceland Unlimited work hard to make travel accessible to people with all types of physical challenges, including those that come with age, such as less stamina and balance problems. They host their own tours to bucket-list destinations, focusing primarily on making travel easier and doable for their clients by carefully vetting hotels, restaurants and attractions to ensure truly accessible accommodations; using accessible vans with lifts to eliminate transportation issues; arranging for wheelchairs, scooters, walkers and other special medical equipment, as needed; securing accessible cabins on cruises, and more.

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In addition to their guided tours, some also provide travel agency services, such as booking trips their clients want to take on their own — always focusing on their clients’ special needs.

Below is more information on Iceland Unlimited, as well as four other accessible-focused companies.

Easy Access Travel

Debra Kerper, a bilateral amputee, found few options when looking for travel experiences she could do given her disability, so she founded Easy Access Travel in 1995. Since then, the Carrollton, Texas–based company has hosted a variety of trips both on land and at sea. Plus, as a travel agency, it helps clients plan and book both domestic and international travel, with Hawaii and New England topping the list for U.S. getaways.

Kerper’s philosophy for serving her special client base is simple: “Eliminating surprises and informing clients of possible situations remain paramount for successful planning,” she says.

Just two of the many ways the company ensures client satisfaction are by using guides in each locale who are accustomed to working with special-needs travelers, and by following routes for various excursions that are specially designed to be easily navigated by wheelchair users. It currently has accessible staterooms set aside for an Alaskan cruise this summer and for a Mediterranean cruise in October, both with Royal Caribbean. Itineraries for 2023 are still in the works; check the site for updates.

EasyAccessTravel.com ; 951-202-2208

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Iceland Unlimited

Jón Gunnar Benjamínsson, a former tour guide, launched Iceland Unlimited in 2010 when he began using a wheelchair following a serious car accident. The Reykjavík-based company offers three types of trips: self-driving tours, tours with private drivers and guides, and small-group guided tours. Trip planning begins with a phone consultation to determine which of the three fits a client best.

No matter the physical challenge, everyone is accommodated. “No one is ever turned away,” says Lisa Zacchia, the company’s managing director. For example, a recent client who uses a wheelchair wanted an adventurous tour with his family, so the company arranged for them to ride atop a glacier in a modified Jeep. From there, they went snowmobiling atop Langjökull, Iceland’s second-largest glacier, a thrilling experience for the entire family. Guides helped the man into a snowmobile that one of them then drove.

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Clients can book either day trips or multiday tours ranging from five to seven days in length. Besides glacier exploring, adventure activities include taking a wheelchair path to a nearly 200-foot-tall waterfall and touring an active geothermal area.

IcelandUnlimited.is ; [email protected]

Morocco Accessibility Travel

Morocco may seem like an unlikely destination for physically challenged travelers due to the country’s centuries-old buildings (not built for elevators) and its lack of accessibility requirements. Enter Jeremy Schmidt, a U.S. physiotherapist who moved to the African nation and founded Morocco Accessibility Travel along with a partner in 2016.

The company offers day trips and five- to 14-day guided tours. Clients can visit imperial cities and venture into the Saharan Desert and other rural areas of the country. Other possibilities include wheelchair trekking through 1,200-year-old Fez Medina structures, chilling on an Agadir beach, riding on a camel with the help of an adapted saddle, and more.

“I will never forget sitting on that camel and looking out at the sand dunes in the Moroccan desert,” says Cory Lee, 32, whose usual ride is a powered wheelchair. “It was an experience I never thought would be accessible for me, but in that moment, I realized just how accommodating the world actually can be.”

Lee’s mother, Sandy Gilbreath, 52, who traveled to Morocco with him, is grateful that companies can make such adventures doable for her son. “When I see Cory showing others that anything is possible, regardless of one’s abilities, it makes me incredibly proud,” she says.

For those who prefer to travel independently, the company also provides accessible airport transfers from several Moroccan cities and rents medical equipment, such as wheelchairs and bedroom and bathroom mobility aids.

MoroccoAccessibleTravel.com ; [email protected]

Tapooz Travel

Years of volunteering with an organization providing outdoor adventures for people with disabilities led spouses Aïcha Nyström and Laurent Roffé to launch San Francisco–based Tapooz Travel in 2012. “While I volunteered as a sea kayak guide and Aïcha served as a ski instructor, we were continually inspired by how much the disabled could do with a little help,” Roffé says, adding that they decided to open up more of the world to this community by starting a travel company focused on this market.

The company offers a comprehensive selection of individual and hosted trips. They range from five to 21 days and take clients to 30 domestic and international destinations, with California wine country, the  Pacific Northwest  and  national parks  ranking among the U.S. favorites. For getaways abroad, the Netherlands, Nepal, Scandinavia and Switzerland are popular.

Given the couple’s background, the trips feature adventure aplenty, including hot-air ballooning, kayaking, skiing, skydiving and surfing. Adaptive equipment and guides with extensive experience working with the disabled and seniors make such activities possible. “Having guides that truly understand the psychological and physical issues makes all the difference,” Roffé says.

TapoozTravel.com ; 415-275-2009

Wheel the World

Even though paralyzed by a spinal cord injury, Chilean Alvaro Silberstein trekked through the mountainous terrain of Patagonia’s Torres del Paine National Park in 2016 with the help of friends and a modified wheelchair. “Reaching the top of the mountain provided a boost in my self-confidence,” Silberstein says, adding that it taught him he could do anything, despite his disability, with the right attitude and a little help. That revelation led him to launch this four-year-old company that gives other people like him the assistance they need to have amazing travel experiences.

In its short life, Wheel the World has grown quickly and now provides multiple travel services. Coming up in 2022, the company has accessible group tours to five destinations:  New York City , Costa Rica, Greece, Israel and Morocco. On this summer’s five-day Big Apple trip, travelers can take an accessible stroll through Central Park, visit St. Patrick Cathedral, wander the streets of Little Italy and much more. The international trips vary from seven to 10 days.

For those not interested in a group tour, the company maintains an online platform travelers can use to book hotels, activities and multiday packaged trips in more than 80 destinations in the U.S. (Maui,  Miami  and  San Francisco  are especially popular) and abroad. The platform provides detailed accessibility information based on exhaustive vetting by the company’s own customer service team. Among the information included in hotel listings, for example, is whether front desks have lower check-in counters, whether restaurants are step-free, and how much turn space there is in guest-room bathrooms. Activity listings note the availability of accessible bathrooms, whether wheelchair users will encounter any obstacles, and more.

WheelTheWorld.com ; 628-900-7778

New York City–based freelance writer Terri Marshall contributes to Girl Camper Magazine, World Footprints.com, TravelingMom.com and other publications and websites. ​​

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Trains and trainspotting holidays

Britain was the birthplace of the steam locomotive – way back at the beginning of the 1800s – so it’s little wonder we have such a close affinity with our trains.

Today there’s a wide range of train-related activities to base a holiday on – from scenic steam railway journeys, to train museums and even trainspotting. Many trains, stations and attractions also benefit from being adapted for disabled guests, making them an ideal addition to your accessible break away.

Travel with DisabledHolidays.com and we’ll take care of all aspects of travelling by train for you, along with the rest of your holiday plans. To find out more about booking a fantastic accessible train holiday, contact us on 0161 804 9898 or submit an enquiry .

Train Journeys

Carlisle Running through the picturesque scenery of northern England, the Settle–Carlisle line is renowned for being one of the most spectacular rail journeys in the world. Its 73-mile stretch through the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines crosses viaducts and cuts through rolling grassland – a must for any railway buff.

Carmarthenshire The breathtaking Heart of Wales line travels from Shrewsbury to Swansea, through 120 miles of rolling hills in the Mid Wales marches. Along the way you’ll see some of the best Welsh countryside, with its historic market centres, elegant spa towns and picturesque hamlets.

Inverness The remote Far North Line runs from Inverness to Wick and Thurso, the northernmost train stations in Britain. Hugging Scotland’s dramatic east coast for most of the journey, it wends it way past distilleries, salmon rivers and spectacular castles, before heading through the vast expanses of the Flow Country.

Steam Trains

Devon Devon is home to the multi-award-winning South Devon Railway, one of the West Country’s best-loved tourist attractions and the longest established steam railway in the southwest. Built in 1872, it runs seven miles through the gorgeous River Dart valley. The stations have easy, flat access, while the trains themselves are accessible by wheelchair.

Durham The Beamish open-air museum in County Durham recreates life from the industrial revolution, with a town, colliery, pit village, and working replica locomotives such as George Stephenson’s Locomotion No 1. The Pockerley Waggonway takes guests on a steam train ride through the local countryside and tells the story of the birth of the railways.

Sussex The 11-mile Bluebell Railway runs through a beautiful stretch of Sussex scenery between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead. It has a collection of over 30 steam trains, accessible by wheelchair and with level access at its stations. There are lots of events and activities onboard, from murder mystery evenings, to Pullman Dining, afternoon tea, and even weddings.

Train Museums

East Anglia Located just outside of Colchester, the East Anglian Railway Museum celebrates the changing role of railways in the Eastern Counties since the early 19th century. The museum brings to life the buildings, engines, coaches, wagons and ephemera that made the railways such an integral part of life in the region.

Wiltshire The Museum of the Great Western Railway, or STEAM, in Swindon is fully accessible, with lifts and ramps for wheelchair access throughout. Housed in a restored building in the heart of the former Swindon railway works, it tells the story of the men and women who built, operated and travelled on the Great Western Railway.

Yorkshire The National Railway Museum at York is the world’s leading museum of rail transport, with an unrivalled collection of objects illustrating 300 years of railway history. A second NRM site in Shildon, County Durham, features even more fascinating exhibits. Both museums are wheelchair accessible and free to enter.

Trainspotting

Bristol As well as serving as the gateway to the southwest’s beautiful countryside and waterways, Bristol has two stations perfect for trainspotting. Bristol Temple Meads was masterminded by Isambard Kingdom Brunel in 1833 and is a great place to spot heritage trains, while high-speed and cross-country trains can be seen passing through Bristol Parkway from London.

London London is home to the country’s busiest station, Clapham Junction, regarded as a must-visit for fans of more modern trains, with 180 passing through every hour. Other recommended stations include King’s Cross, Paddington, and St Pancras, London’s largest train station. The London Transport Museum in Covent Garden is also well worth a visit.

Manchester Manchester has two railway stations, both popular with trainspotters. Manchester Victoria is a Grade II listed building that was built by George Stephenson – the “Father of Railways” – during the reign of Queen Victoria. Manchester Piccadilly was completely refurbished in 2002 and has the highest customer satisfaction level of any UK station.

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At Southern we’re committed to accessible travel for everyone. Our assisted travel scheme Passenger Assist helps passengers with disabilities and older people who need a little extra help using our services.

The majority of passengers travel on our network without booking assistance (“turn up and go”)

If you do wish to book assistance our call centre colleagues are happy to help you with planning your journey.

You can contact us at any time of the day for assisted travel guidance or to request an assisted travel booking. To make sure we have staff available to help you, we recommend you book at least two hours in advance of travelling.

If your journey involves another train company, we may need to confirm part of your journey with them. If this is the case, we will discuss options with you.

If you do choose to travel “turn up and go” without booking assistance in advance, please make yourself known to a member of staff or use a Help Point when you arrive at the station.

At Southern, we are committed to making sure everyone can travel with confidence. The industry assisted travel scheme ‘Passenger Assist’, enables disabled and older people who prefer to request their assistance in advance, up to two hours before their journey.

Many of our passengers travel on our network without booking assistance (turn up and go), which is something we’re proud of. No matter how you choose to travel, please make yourself known to a member of staff or use a Help Point when you arrive at the station.

How to book assisted travel with Passenger Assist

There are several ways to book Passenger Assist:

Book via app

You can request assistance via Passenger Assistance by Transreport – a new smartphone app.

Book online:

Fill in our assisted travel booking form online

Call us on: 0800 138 1016 (your information may be recorded) Textphone: 0800 138 1018

Our assisted travel helpline is open 24 hours a day, except on Christmas Day. To make sure we have staff available to help you, we recommend you book at least two hours in advance of travelling. We can tell you about your nearest station with step-free access and give information about ramps and lifts. We can also arrange help both at stations and on trains, as well as provide train times and travel information. If you’d like help with planning your journey and booking a train ticket in advance, please call our assisted travel team at least seven days before you’d like to travel. If your journey involves another train company, we may need to confirm part of your journey with them. If this is the case, we will discuss options with you. Or, should you wish to contact other operators directly, contact details are available on National Rail’s website .

Book assisted travel

You can also request assistance via Passenger Assistance by Transreport – a new smartphone app. Find out more .

What to do when you arrive at the station

To offer you the best assistance possible, we recommend that you arrive at the station 20 minutes before your train is due to depart. When you arrive let a member of staff know, you require assistance, or you’ve booked assisted travel.

We can help you:

• buy a ticket and anything else you may want for your journey
• show you where to go – you’ll need to get to the platform 5 minutes before your train leaves
• get around the station, providing ramps or another kind transport if you can’t use steps
• board the train and find a seat
• change trains during your journey

We can also carry light luggage and let other stations know you are coming so that you are looked after when you arrive at your destination.

View our resources for further support whilst travelling.

Accessible facilities at the station

Make sure to check our station pages , for information on accessibility at your station.

You can also search for your station on this page , to see if there are any temporary reductions to the accessible facilities.

You can also watch our video to see what’s available at the station .

Our commitment to you

We are committed to working towards providing accessible travel for everyone, and our ongoing programme of access improvements will see more and more stations and trains becoming more accessible.

We know as an industry we can do better to give everyone the confidence to travel. We’re working hard to empower disabled people and others who require assistance by making our services easier to use and have set out our commitments in our Accessible Travel Policy.

For example, the notice you give to pre-book assistance is reduced to two hours before travel, although you’re always welcome to turn up at a station unannounced. All our staff are having improved accessibility training, we’ve enhanced our websites and signs at stations, and we are rolling out mobile assistance teams serving our smaller unstaffed stations.

Learn more about our accessible travel policy .

Watch our Making Rail Accessible videos here for more information

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Further information

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Our on-board staff are trained to help you if there is an emergency on the train. In most cases it’s usually safer to stay on the train and tell a member of staff that you need assistance. In an emergency, you should contact a member of staff, or press the emergency button to speak with the driver. We’ll advise you what to do and make sure someone comes to your aid.

We will work with the emergency services to get you off the train safely if you’re in any danger. Speak to our assisted travel team if you’d like to know more about our emergency procedures for disabled people:

Telephone: 0800 138 1016 Textphone 0800 138 1018

If you’ve recently travelled with us using assisted travel and would like to provide feedback on your experience, you can do so through our online contact form .

Customers who have not received the level of assistance they would reasonably expect after they’ve made a booking can contact us via our customer relations team. If a booked assistance fails then customers are asked to contact us as soon as possible, and to include the ticket or proof of purchase and an overview of what went wrong, and we will take appropriate action including arranging to refund the ticket cost.

See our ‘ Easy Read Feedback Guide ’ here.

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The Trans-Siberian Trip Packages

The Trans-Siberian journey is a unique destination for people with a flame in the heart and desire to discover new uncovered cultures, to see the best world's heritages, and feel life in full. The challenging travel provides comfortable accommodation onboard the train for at least two weeks. You also stay in local luxury hotels and unique accommodations during the journey, such as the real Mongolian ger camp. You see the beauty of Russia, dive into Mongolian nature, and immerse yourself in gorgeous China. Our experienced destination specialists have prepared the best itineraries and are ready to customize them according to your wishes and interests. Do you know when you would like to travel?

Things To Do & Places To See on the Trans-Siberian Travel

Don't miss out on any important sights & experiences on the Trans-Siberian Travel

Don't miss anything during your lifetime vacation. The Trans-Siberian railway goes through Russia, Mongolia, and China. There is so much to see! Get inspired with the best highlights for your future travel.

• The Kremlin in Moscow
• Red Square in Moscow
• Folk Show in Ulan-Bataar
• Night in Mongolian Ger Camp
• The Lake of Baikal
• Europe-Asia Monument
• The Great Wall of China
• The Summer Palace

The Trans-Siberian Travel Tips

Get ready for your journey with our professional suggestions and enjoy the trip with ease and comfort.

What to pack

Pack comfortable pair of shoes and waterproof jacket, since some tours require walking for quite some time or spending time outdoors.

How much to tip

Tipping usually is up to you. Nobody expects tips from you in China, but it's polite to leave around 10% of the bill in Mongolia and Russia.

Russian climate is challenging to predict, and the weather can be windy and rainy, even during summers. Please check the weather beforehand.

When to travel

The Trans-Siberian journey is a tour requiring planning in advance. The best seasons are Summer and Late Spring, as the weather is sunny with fewer rains.

Please check the currency exchange rate beforehand. In Russia is Russian Ruble, in Mongolia - tugrik (you can change money for local currency straight upon arrival), in China - yuan.

Leave space in your luggage for famous souvenirs from each country: matryoshka and caviar from Russia, carpets and woolen sweaters from Mongolia, silk and green tea from China.

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Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

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Home » Prices and Trans-Siberian Tickets » Trans-Siberian Railway Prices

Ticket prices for the Trans-Siberian Railway also depend on the current ruble exchange rate.

Is the Trans-Siberian Railway expensive?

Before starting on your Trans-Siberian Railway adventure you naturally want to know what the entire trip will cost. Although this sounds like a simple question, it is pretty difficult to answer. The Trans-Siberian Railway price of travel depends on the following factors:

• Which travel class do I want to use? The price for a first class ticket is about three times the price of a 3rd class ticket
• Am I willing to buy the tickets myself and assume responsibility for the organisation of the trip?
• How many stopovers do I want to make? The more breaks, the higher the total price.
• What sort of accommodation do I want? Will it be a luxury hotel or will a hostel dormitory be sufficient?
• What tours and excursions would I like to go on?
• What is the current exchange rate for rubles?

Basically, everything from a luxury to a budget holiday is available. If you buy yourself a 3rd Class nonstop ticket at the counter, a few hundred Euros will cover the price. All you will experience is a week on the Trans-Siberian train and will see nothing of the cities on the way. There is, however, any amount of room for upward expansion. Everyone makes different choices about which aspects they are willing to spend money on. I personally prefer to save money on accommodation and railcar class, visit as many cities and do as many trips as possible. To enable better classification of your travel expenses I have contrasted two typical traveler types. In the third column you can calculate the total cost of your own journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that these are only rough estimations and not exact prices.

The all-in costs seem fairly high at first. However, they cover everything and it is quite a long journey taking four weeks. Many people forget to consider that when looking at the list. We should also deduct the running costs for food and leisure at home. I think most visitors to this page will classify themselves somewhere between the two categories, that is around the € 2,000 – € 2,500 range. When comparing these prices with other travel packages, you get the impression that it is hardly worthwhile travelling individually on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Please keep in mind that most packages last no more than 14 days and you are herded like cattle through the most beautiful locations.

If you spend less time on the Trans-Siberian Railway you will, of course, pay less. I chose this particular travel length because I prefer not to do things by halves. If you fulfill your dream of travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway, enjoy it and don’t rush things. But it’s up to you, of course. Try playing around with the form a bit to find the appropriate price for your trip.

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