Southern Accessibility
We are committed to working towards the provision of a more accessible rail network. We recognise wide range of disabilities whether permanent or temporary that can affect our passengers' ability to fully use the services we provide and that many passengers benefit from increased accessibility including older people pregnant ladies, people carrying luggage and those with small children.
Download Station Access Map (1.5MB)
Contact us in advance
At many stations you will find staff to help you. However, if you let us know you're coming we can make sure we are ready. To advise us of your travel plans, or to get information on accessibility issues, call or email:
| Assisted Travel Team | ||
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Telephone: | 0800 138 1016 (calls may be recorded) |
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Fax: | 0800 138 1017 |
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Minicom / Textphone: |
0800 138 1018 |
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Email: | myjourney@southernrailway.com |
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Post: | PO BOX 277 Tonbridge TN9 2ZP |
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Please state:
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We can accommodate safely (on trains and platform to train ramps) the following size and weight of wheelchair or scooters. Maximum length is 1200mm and maximum width is 700mm. Please note that our platform to train ramps can accept a maximum weight of 300kg. If your wheelchair or scooter exceeds these measurements we are not able to transport you by train or alternative transport.
Station and train facilities
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Station Facilities |
Train Facilities |
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Want to know what facilities are available at a Southern station you are travelling through? |
Our trains offer you increasing accessibility and comfort. |
Inaccessible stations
If you have a disability and wish to travel to/from a station which you cannot access due to steps we will provide an accessible taxi to the nearest accessible station at no additional charge to you above your ticket price. If you require this service, please call Southern Assisted Travel at least 24 hours before your journey. If you do not give us 24 hours notice, there may be a considerable wait while we order an accessible taxi.
We have a programme of access improvements at stations which will reduce the number of inaccessible stations. Latest information will be shown in the station details on our website or are available from Customer Services.
Find out more about step-free access at our stations
Need a hand getting on and off our trains?
We can provide help with boarding and alighting from trains, including the use of a platform to train ramp. If you are unfamiliar with the access of our trains or stations you plan to use, or would like more information on the types of assistance we can provide, please contact Southern Assisted Travel at least 24 hours before your trip.
At some stations, there are typically no station or on-board staff available to provide assistance. If you require help at these stations with getting on and off trains, or require the use of a ramp, please let us know your journey plans at least 24 hours before your trip, so we can make sure staff are available. Otherwise, there may be a significant delay to your journey.
Within the Southern passenger guide, stations with typically no station or on-board staff available to provide assistance are highlighted in the station information and on the map, for example: 
Look out for the new Priority Seat Card
Can you give up your priority seat?
- Did you know that all Southern trains have specially designated priority seats?
- Have you ever been asked to give your seat up for someone in more need of it than you?
- Have you voluntarily given up your seat as you recognised someone’s need for it?
- Or perhaps you have been in need of a priority seat that was occupied and were reluctant to ask for it to be given up.
Find out more about the Priority Seat Card, including how to apply.
Mobility scooters and Wheelchairs
We are able to carry powered mobility scooters if they fit on the platform to train ramps, and can manoeuvre safely inside our trains. In practice this means we will accept any scooter up to 1200mm long by 700mm wide. Please note that our ramps can accept a maximum weight of 300kg which is the combined weight of your mobility scooter or wheelchair with you using it.
Wheelchairs are accepted onto all services provided they are no larger than the measurements detailed above.
We cannot provide alternative transport to inaccessible stations for scooter users.
Southern's Disabled People's Protection Policy
For more information about our commitment to providing equality of service to passengers with disabilities please view a copy of our policy using the link below.
Disabled People's Protection Policy (4MB)
International Day of Persons with Disabilities - consider your fellow passengers
Dignity and justice for all of us
Southern is committed to improving accessibility for all passengers and support the International Day of Persons with Disabilities by offering the organisations featured on this site promotion to help raise awareness.
Read more information about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities
Southern's Artist in Residence
Southern has teamed up with Portsmouth based artist Jon Adams who provides interest and interaction for passengers whilst travelling on the Southern network, at the same time promoting accessibility and hidden disabilities.
How can we improve?
If you have any comments regarding accessibility or have a suggestion for improvements, please contact us.
