Travel in London

London Services

Added: 11 February 2009 | Updated: 30 November 2011

While there are some step-free stations, the suburban rail network is far from fully accessible.

There are steps, gaps between the platform and the train and other unappealing features like low lighting and even lower staffing levels. Comprehensive station accessibility information is available here: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/

Train services in and around the capital fall under the control of a number of train operating companies, this includes London Overground, which is run by Transport for London. A map of the London Overground network can be viewed here:http://www.tfl.gov.uk/assets/downloads/london-overground-network-map.pdf

Train operating companies (TOCs) can usually arrange for staff to meet disabled travellers at both ends of your journey and provide assistance in boarding the train. Similar arrangements can be made if you need to change trains. This is called assisted travel. To book assistance you need to telephone the TOC 24 hours in advance. In some cases the service can be available if you telephone on the same day.

All train companies are required by law to provide a service from your nearest station. If that station is not accessible then they are obliged to pay for a taxi to take you to the nearest station that is. You will need to give the train company 24 hours to arrange this.

Top Tips
You cannot travel for free using your Freedom Pass on some train lines before 9.30am. Check before you go.

Train operating companies assisted travel contact numbers

C2C
Tel: 01702 357640
Minicom/textphone: 08457 125 988
Chiltern Railways
Tel: 08456 005 165
Minicom/textphone: 08457 078051
Cross Country Trains
Tel: 0844 811 0125
Minicom/textphone: 0844 811 0126
East Midlands Trains
Tel: 08457 125 678
Minicom/textphone: 08457 078 051
First Capital Connect
Tel: 0800 058 2844
Minicom/textphone: 0800 975 1052
First Great Western
Tel: 0800 197 1329
Minicom/textphone: 0800 294 9209
London Overground
Tel: 0845 601 4867
Press 5 for an advisor
Gatwick Express
Tel: 0845 850 15 30
Minicom/textphone: 0845 8501530
Grand Central
Tel: 0844 811 0071
Heathrow Express from Paddington
Tel: 020 7922 6793
Heathrow Express from Heathrow
Tel: 020 8745 6011
London Midland
Tel: 0800 092 4260
Minicom/textphone: 0844 811 0134
National Express East Anglia
Tel: 0800 028 28 78
Minicom/textphone: 0845 606 7245
National Express East Coast
Tel: 08457 225 444
Minicom/textphone: 08451 202 067
South West Trains
Tel: 0800 52 82 100
Minicom/textphone: 0800 692 0792
South Eastern Railway
Tel: 0800 783 4524
Minicom/textphone: 0800 783 4548
Southern Railway
Tel: 0800 138 1016
Minicom/textphone: 0800 138 1018
Virgin Trains
Tel: 08457 443366
Minicom/textphone: 08457 443367