Planning your train journey
If you're blind or partially sighted, planning your train journey in advance will make your journey easier. You can check the location of your nearest station and plan your route on
National Rail Enquiries or 08457 48 49 50.
The
Describe Online website will also help you to plan your journey with text guides for stations for National Rail, Transport for London and National Tramways and Metros services.
Find out more about
Planning your journey.
Arranging assistance before you travel
Booking assistance for your journey can make travelling safer. You can book free assistance through your train operator but this usually needs to be done 24 hours in advance of your journey. To find your train operator contact National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
If you haven't been able to book your assistance in advance, you're still able to ask for assistance at ticket offices or turnstiles.
Changing trains
If you need to change trains during your journey, find out how many stops there will be until you reach your destination. Ask station staff or the guard if any stations are closed along the route so that you can count the correct amount of stops. You can also ask station staff or the guard what platform your connecting train will leave from so that you're prepared.
You can book assistance for your train journey, including help changing trains but don't forget to book the assistance in advance with your train operator.
Arriving at your destination
When you arrive at your destination, remain in your seat if you've arranged for a member of staff to help you off the train, or alternatively ask a member of the public to help.
If a member of on-board staff comes to check your ticket during the journey you can ask them to come and find you when the train reaches your stop and help you off the train.
If you need to get a bus from the train station, ask station staff to escort you to the exit or give you directions to the nearest bus stop.
If you need to get a taxi from the train station there are sometimes phone points where you can make free calls to a local taxi company, so make sure you ask if there is one of these in the station. Alternatively, ask station staff to escort you to the nearest taxi rank or to give you directions.