Accessible Rail Travel

Planning a rail journey in and around Cardiff should be stress-free and welcoming for all passengers. Whether you use a wheelchair, have limited mobility, are neurodivergent, or simply want a smoother travel experience, Cardiff’s rail network and staff are committed to making your journey accessible and comfortable.

Key Accessible Stations in Cardiff

Cardiff Central
One of Wales’ busiest stations, Cardiff Central offers step-free access to Platforms 1–7 and step-free routes throughout the station. Staff are available to assist with boarding and connections, and facilities include accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities, induction loops, and staffed Passenger Assist meeting points. Assistance staff operate throughout the station opening hours.

Cardiff Queen Street
This city centre station provides step-free access to all platforms via lifts, digital service screens, audio announcements, low-level ticket counters, and help points. Assistance for boarding and alighting is available on request.

Cardiff Bay
A smaller but fully step-free accessible station, Cardiff Bay has level access from local streets and easy platform entry.

Passenger Assistance & Support

Passenger Assist
Passengers who require support when boarding or changing trains can book Passenger Assist services with the train operator in advance. This ensures staff are ready to meet you, help with ramps, luggage, or guidance around the station. Under UK accessibility regulations, train companies must make assistance available and clearly explain what facilities are offered.

Tickets & Discounts
If you qualify, a Disabled Person’s Railcard can save up to a third on fares and makes rail travel more affordable for regular journeys.

Smart Travel Tools

To help plan accessible journeys with confidence, the rail industry has launched a new Access Map tool showing step-free access, toilets, Changing Places facilities, and alternative accessible station options across the UK. It is compatible with smartphones and desktops, with an app version in development.

Tips for Travelling Through Cardiff

• Advance Planning Helps: Even though many Cardiff stations are step-free, booking assistance in advance via Passenger Assist ensures staff are ready to help when you arrive.

• Staff Support: Station and on-train staff are generally very helpful and used to supporting a wide range of accessibility needs — from physical assistance to navigating platforms.

• Facilities at Cardiff Central: Accessible toilets, tactile paving, induction loops, and visual information screens make this station one of the best equipped for accessible travel in South Wales.

Looking Ahead

Cardiff’s rail infrastructure is continually evolving. Major upgrades — including station capacity improvements and enhanced accessibility features — are planned over the coming years to make rail travel even more user-friendly for everyone.