The opening of St Pancras International station has made travelling to parts of Europe from the UK much easier for disabled and able bodied passengers alike. The station is conveniently located near the main line railway stations of Euston and King’s Cross and is situated next to the domestic platforms at St Pancras, which are used for main line services from the East Midlands and North England.
Both Euston and King’s Cross main line stations also rail services serving the North of England, Scotland and Midland regions. In addition, there is a main line rail station beneath St Pancras International that is served by trains from Bedford, Brighton, Luton and Wimbledon, to name but a few places. There are lifts and escalators, along with many staff, at all these stations who will assist you on and off the trains and through pass port control, if travelling on Eurostar services from St Pancras International station.
With regard to the London Underground, St Pancras International is situated on six London Underground routes. These are Victoria, Northern, Piccadilly, Circle, Hammersmith and City and Metropolitan routes. You will need to check what level of disabled access these stations offer. St Pancras International station also has numerous shops and is home to Europe’s longest Champagne bar.
Travelling to the rest of Europe by train from St Pancras International can be a far more pleasant, and hassle free, experience compared to flying along the same route. One of the factors contributing to this is that there is no need to check in hours before your journey commences. If you will require help getting to and from the train it is advises that you arrive at the station at least one hour before your train departs, and let a member of check in staff know that you will require assistance or, alternatively, email Eurostar before you travel to let them know what train you will catch, so station staff can be prepared for your arrival.
For Eurostar passengers who are wheelchair users, there is a special wheelchair user fare enabling you to travel in your own wheelchair in a specially designated part of the train. It is also possible for one companion to travel with you at a reduced fare. It is suggested that you contact Eurostar before you travel, so that the necessary arrangements can be made for you and to check that the designated wheelchair user spaces have not already been booked. It is important that you provide your own wheelchair to travel in, as Eurostar will not provide wheelchairs.
It is possible for registered assistance dogs to travel on Eurostar services.
Travelling To Europe By Train In Your Car
If you wish to take your car from the UK to parts of Europe, it is possible to travel by Eurotunnel to France. It is possible to stay in your car from the boarding point in the UK to when you drive off the train in France. There is step free access to the passenger terminal building, shops and food village. There are also toilets for the disabled and low level telephone booths available.
If you, or any of your passengers, are the holder of a valid disabled badge or need assistance with mobility on board, Eurotunnel request that you display the badge and inform their staff when you check in. When you drive out to the Eurotunnel boarding lanes it is important that you follow the overhead signs for disabled travellers. This will enable you to be boarded at the front of the train, so that in the event of an emergency the shuttle staff will know where you are and be able to assist you.
