Train travel offers a unique kind of freedom no airport queues, no car hire stress, and the joy of watching the world roll by. For many disabled and less-mobile travellers, it can also be one of the most comfortable and dignified ways to explore new places.
At Nomadic Currents, our Train Routes Worth Taking guide spotlights rail journeys that are not only breathtakingly scenic but also accessible, well-equipped, and welcoming to all.
Why Train Travel Works for Accessible Adventures
Trains offer a powerful combination of:
Step-free boarding from platform to carriage with assistance when needed
Accessible toilets designed for wheelchairs and mobility aids
Spacious seating in designated areas
Quiet coaches or visual alerts for sensory-sensitive travellers
Assistance teams at major stations who help you on and off with dignity
In many regions, trains are far more accessible than buses or planes, especially for longer trips. You can avoid cramped transfers and enjoy smooth, level travel that lets you relax and truly take in the journey.
Featured Accessible Train Routes
Here are just a few accessible routes that combine beauty and inclusivity:
UK: Settle to Carlisle Railway (England)
One of the UK’s most iconic rail journeys. The route includes multiple stations with step-free access and pre-bookable passenger assistance. The views of the Yorkshire Dales and Ribblehead Viaduct are unforgettable.
Switzerland: Glacier Express
Running between Zermatt and St. Moritz, this panoramic train offers stunning Alpine views. Swiss trains are famously efficient and accessible, with wheelchair spaces, assistance services, and large accessible restrooms.
Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto via Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Japan’s bullet trains are smooth, fast, and surprisingly accessible. Staff are helpful, platforms have elevators, and the journey between Tokyo and Kyoto lets you enjoy urban and rural Japan without needing to fly or drive.
Canada: VIA Rail’s The Canadian
This four-day journey across Canada Toronto to Vancouver is a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. VIA Rail offers accessible cabins, trained staff, and unforgettable scenery from the comfort of your seat or sleeper.
Sweden: Inlandsbanan
Stretching through the forests and mountains of Swedish Lapland, this lesser-known route is calm, scenic, and relaxing. Assistance is available at most stops, and Sweden’s rail system is generally reliable for wheelchair users.
What to Expect in Each Train Route Guide
Each article in this section will cover:
Station accessibility – including lift access, tactile paving, accessible toilets, and assistance services
Onboard experience – details on wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, luggage support, and quiet zones
Scenic highlights – what you’ll see and when to have your camera ready
Tips from disabled travellers – real experiences, warnings, and hacks
Booking advice – how to secure accessible tickets, reserve assistance, or find discounted fares
Onboard amenities – food, rest stops, and comfort tips for longer routes
Planning Support = Peace of Mind
We know how much is riding on the details literally. That’s why we give clear, honest breakdowns of every recommended train route, including:
How far in advance to book assistance
Whether stations are staffed or unstaffed
What kind of ramp or lift system is used
Whether portable hoists are allowed in sleeper cabins
What to do if assistance fails to show yes, it happens and here’s how to prepare
Coming Soon in This Series:
Top 5 Accessible Rail Journeys in Europe
How to Book Train Travel with a Wheelchair in the UK and Abroad
Train vs Plane for Disabled Travellers: Pros, Cons, and Insider Advice
Luxury Sleeper Trains with Step-Free Cabins
Train travel is more than a way to get from A to B it’s a chance to sit back, look out the window, and feel like a traveller again, not just a patient or passenger.
Ready to roll? We’ll guide the way.