Traveling by train can be a wonderful experience, but you’ll want to make sure you’ve taken all the necessary preliminary steps to make it accessible and fun.

Making Reservations
Many rail lines ask that you make a reservation for each element of your accessibility needs. For example, Amtrak asks that you make reservations for each of the following, even for “unreserved trains,” that is, ones for which reservations for ordinary seats are not required:
• wheelchair space
• transfer seats (necessary when you’ll be traveling in a seat and stowing your wheelchair)
• accessible sleeper accommodations.

Because accessible space is generally limited, it’s always wise to make your reservations as far in advance as possible. Also, some trains place restrictions on who can make accessible reservations when. For example, Amtrak’s policy states:

Up until 14 days prior to the departure of each train from its origin city, reservations for accessible bedrooms may be made only for passengers who are mobility repaired.

Possible Discounts to Passengers with Disabilities
Some rail lines offer fare discounts to passengers with disabilities; be sure to inquire. (Often, the disability discount cannot be combined with other discount offers.) Most rail lines require evidence of disability, and often you must book your ticket in person or by phone rather than online. Also, be prepared to show written documentation of your disability when you board the train.

Amtrak considers acceptable documentation to include:
• a transit system ID card
• a membership card from a disabilities organization
• a letter from a physician

Check with your specific rail line to verify what discount is available, and what documentation is required when.

Getting Tickets
Generally, tickets purchase online or by phone at least one week in advance will be mailed to you. Some rail lines also provide ticket offices at stations so that you may pick up your tickets from your departing train station, but be sure to verify that the ticket office is staffed during the times you need.

Accessibility at the Station
If you’re traveling in the United States, it’s a good possibility that, for major cities, the train stations you’ll be using will be accessible to those with disabilities. In fact, Amtrak has now committed to having every one of its train stations be in full compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements by 2010. However, they suggest that you call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to verify accessibility at the specific stations you’ll be using.

Also, when you make your reservation, be sure to state that you will need assistance at the station if this is the case. Plan for extra time (at least an hour) to make sure there is plenty of time to assist you and another other passengers who may also need assistance.

When traveling outside the United States, you’ll want to call the stations in question to determine their accessibility options.

Wheelchair Assistance
There are a number of ways rail lines can assist travelers in wheelchairs. For example, Amtrak provides “bridge plates” to assist you across the gap between high platforms and the train, station-board lifts to help you have a level boarding surface from low-level platforms, and wheelchair ramps so you can navigate between the upper and lower levels of a bi-level train.

With Amtrak, if you use a common wheelchair (including battery-operated), you may remain in your wheelchair throughout your trip, applying wheelchair brakes if wheelchair lockdowns are not available. Additionally, some First Class and Business Class cars offer accessible seating; you can stow your wheelchair nearby.

Note: A “common” wheelchair, as defined by the ADA, is considered by Amtrak to be:
• No more than 30 inches (76 centimeters) wide, 48 inches (122 centimeters) long, and 2 inches (5 centimeters) of ground clearance
• No more than 600 pounds (273 kilograms) when occupied
• Either manual operation or battery-powered

If traveling outside the United States, check with the rail line and train stations to verify that the needed adaptations will be available to you.

Service Animals
Amtrak allows trained service animals to accompany passengers with disabilities in all customer areas in stations and trains. However, the service animal must be under control at all times, must comply with all local animal safety regulations, and must always be on a leash or in a carrier except as necessary for boarding or detraining.

If you anticipate needing to walk your service animal at station stops, most conductors will ask that you stay close to the train and re-board promptly when notified. Also, it’s a good idea to let the conductor know when you board that you’d like to do this when you first board the train.

Similar policies are generally followed by most other rail lines as well, but as always, verify to avoid surprises.

Meal Service Options
There are several options for dining on trains with meal service. For Amtrak, these include:
• In-room or at-seat service.  Order from the menu, and have your meal delivered to you your room or at your seat.
• Dining in the lounge car.  “When possible,” states Amtrak policy, “on some long-distance trains, customers in wheelchairs may transfer to and from the Lounge Car at appropriate station stops.” The train’s onboard service attendant should be contacted to make the necessary arrangements.

For rail lines other than Amtrak, check to make sure which of these options will be available to you and whether any other choices (or restrictions) may apply.

See Related Articles
Looking for more accessible travel destinations by train?  If so, see Ride the Rails to the Grand Canyon.

Learn more about traveling with a disability, in Accessible Travel: Seven Myths.