Getting to London
If it’s your first time travelling to London, Euan’s Guide reviewers have shared some of their favourite accessible routes into the city.
Airports
If you’re thinking of flying into London there is a choice of five airports. All airports offer free Special Assistance, but they request that you pre-book at least 48 hours before you fly.
Gatwick Airport, the second largest airport in the country, is one of the most popular ways of reaching London. One passenger who uses a powerchair said, “I have used the airport many times and I’ve never had a situation where I couldn’t get in my wheelchair", adding that "the airport has Changing Places toilets!” The airport’s Eagle Lifter provides additional assistance to board aircraft using a hoist. Gatwick serves many charter flights and low-cost airline. It had 2 terminals, North and South, and there is a step free shuttle which connects them. Gatwick Train Station is in the South Terminal and there are direct trains into London into Victoria, London Bridge or St Pancras International stations.
Heathrow Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. One passenger said “I also noted that there was a changing places toilet. A really great experience and has made my travelling so much easier!” Heathrow the only London airport which is served by the London Underground (also known as The Tube). There is also the option to take a fast train into Paddington Station.
Stanstead Airport, serves charter flights and low-cost airline. From the Airport trains go into Liverpool Street Station, or alternatively change at Tottenham Hale to get onto London Underground’s Victoria Line.
Luton Airport also serves charter flights and low-cost airline. From the Airport trains go into St Pancras International and London Bridge. One passenger who uses a walking aid said “This was my first time flying with special assistance and thanks to the positive experience I had I now feel confident to fly/ go on holiday again knowing what to expect.”
London City Airport is the smallest of London’s airports and is particularly popular with business travellers. One passenger who uses a powerchair described it as “London without the overload”. The airport is served by the Docklands Light Railway (also known as the D.L.R.) and the nearest station is London City Airport.
Train Stations
If you prefer the idea of taking a timeless train journey into the city. London has many railway stations, both large, busy mainline terminuses, which all have step free access, as well as smaller commuter line stations, which are not always so accessible.
King’s Cross Railway Station operates both long-distance journeys from the North East of England and Scotland, as well as local services through North London. Watch out for magical folk…especially around Platform 9 ¾! A train passenger recently told us they found the taxis outside the station were “easily accessible” and that “wheelchair access and assistance was great.” You’ll also find a Changing Places loo inside this station.
Euston Station serves North West England and Scotland, as well as local services through North London. One visually impaired passenger said that “overall accessibility is good”.
When travelling from mainland Europe, the Eurostar goes to St Pancras International Railway Station which has impressed disabled passengers and Euan’s Guide reviewers. One passenger said, “I was freely, politely, and non-patronisingly offered assistance,” and another told us “this station has the best and most helpful staff of all stations on the network.” The station also serves trains to Gatwick and Luton Airports as well as the Midlands and Kent.
Waterloo Station serves the Southern England and suburban lines in South London including one to Hampton Court Palace. One passenger who uses a powerchair found that “The staff I met were very helpful and showed me which way to go and helped to explain how the ticketing system worked.”
Victoria Station also serves routes through South London and Southern England including Brighton. It has been described as “A good accessible station with some flaws” by one powerchair user.
Paddington Station is where you can have a selfie with the Paddington Bear statue or catch a train to West London, Bath, Bristol, Devon or Cornwall. One passenger said that “its facilities are great. The assistance team are wonderful.” The station is now served by Queen Elizabeth Line.
Coach Terminal
Victoria Coach Station is the main terminus for coach travel to London. It offers step free access, a mobility lounge which is open during the day with seating and an accessible toilet. Pre-bookable Special Assistance is available. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from Victoria Tube and Train Stations.
