Train tickets for disabled passengers

Discounted rail tickets are available for older and disabled passengers to help make travel more accessible and affordable.

If you are living with a disability, we encourage you to explore the various discounts and railcards that may be available to you. These options are designed to support your journey and enhance your travel experience.

We care about making your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance if you have any questions or need further information. Your comfort and accessibility matter to us.

Disability discounts on train tickets

To learn more about your eligibility for these discounts, please check the specific criteria for each railcard and discount option available to you. You can purchase these discounted tickets from the ticket office at a staffed station or directly on board the train, ensuring an easy and convenient process for your travels.

Disabled Passenger & Carer Train Discount

We are pleased to offer carer train ticket discounts for carers who are accompanying individuals who require assistance on UK trains. While there is no specific carer railcard available, EMR allow carers to travel at a reduced rate or for free when accompanying a passenger with disabilities. Here are the main options:

1. Disabled Persons Railcard – This railcard offers a 33% discount on train fares for both the cardholder and a companion, which can include a carer. The Disabled Persons Railcard is available to those with qualifying disabilities for a small annual fee, and it allows both the passenger and their carer to travel at the discounted rate.
2. Discounts for Assistance Card Holders - EMR allow carers or companions to travel at a discounted rate or for free if they’re accompanying someone who has specific accessibility needs, such as visually impaired passengers.
3. EMR Passenger Assist Service – Although not a discount, this free service provides assistance to passengers with disabilities and can help with boarding, seat reservations, and other needs, making travel easier for both the passenger and their carer.

For more details on how to apply or access these discounts, or book Special Assistance please contact our Assisted Travel team.

Discounts for Visually Impaired Passengers

If you’re registered as visually impaired and don’t hold a railcard, you can travel with a companion and get the following discounts on Anytime tickets for both of you:

Disability Anytime Tickets

• First/Standard Class Anytime Single or Return – 34% off​
• First/Standard Class Anytime Day Single – 34% off
• First/Standard Class Anytime Day Return – 50% off

If you’re visually impaired and don’t have a railcard but you’re travelling alone, there’s no discount.

You’ll need a document confirming your disability, issued by a recognised institution such as:

• Social Services Department
• Local Authority
• Guide Dog Ownership certificate
• Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) or St Dunstans

Disability Season Tickets

If you’re blind or partially sighted, you can get one adult Season Ticket to cover two people travelling for the price of one. You can take a different companion on different days.

Travelling in your own wheelchair

If you’re travelling in your own wheelchair throughout your journey on our trains and don’t hold a railcard, you can get the following discounts on Anytime tickets:

• First/Standard Class Anytime Single or Return – 34% off
• First/Standard Class Anytime Day Single – 34% off
• First/Standard Class Anytime Day Return – 50% off
• The same discount will apply to one friend travelling with you.

Disability Railcards

Get a Railcard for disabled persons and save an average of £113 a year on train travel.

• 1/3 off rail travel for you and an adult companion.
• Available for one or three years, this gives you discounts of up to a third on most rail tickets.
• One adult accompanying the railcard holder can also travel at the reduced fare.

• Just £20 for 1 year or £54 for 3 years

There is also the Senior Railcard – if you’re 60 or over, you can buy a one-year or three-year railcard and get up to a third off most rail fares.

How to Apply for a Disabled Rail Card

You must provide proof that you qualify for the Disabled Persons Railcard. You might qualify if you have a visual impairment, a hearing impairment, have epilepsy or are in receipt of a disability related benefit.

The Disabled Person's Railcard can either be purchased online, via telephone or by completing the form available on the Disabled Person's Railcard website and send to the address given in the Rail Travel Made Easy leaflet with proof of your entitlement.

Find out more about the Disabled Person's Railcard.

How to Book Disabled Assistance with EMR trains

Passenger Assist is a UK-wide service which allows you to book help on any train or at any station. Using it means we’re aware of when you’re travelling, where you’re seated,

There are a number of ways to book assistance through Passenger Assist:

• Call 08000 11 33 23
• Call our customer service centre on 03457125678, we are open 24/7, 7 days a week.
• Message us on WhatsApp on +447501330988.
• Book online
• You can also request assistance via Passenger Assistance by Transreport – a new smartphone app. To download the app, follow the link below most suitable for your device: Download the Android App or Download the IOS App

Disabled Train Ticket FAQs