Norfolk rail

County advice overview

There are several rail providers operating within the Norfolk region, all of which provide a Passenger Assist service to support passengers with a disability to travel safely. Detailed information on Passenger Assistance when travelling by rail can be found here.

Greater Anglia, Great Northern railway and East Midlands railway are the main providers in Norfolk.

You can find out about accessibility at stations on the National Rail website.  

Key tips 

When planning a journey by rail, you may want to consider:

• Where the nearest train station is and how you will get there
• Which train operator(s) you will be travelling with and whether they have any specific guidance for travelling with mobility equipment on their trains
• If the train stations and platforms are accessible
• Booking outside of peak times (if possible) as this may improve your comfort if the train and platform is less crowded
• If you require passenger assistance (this can be booked via individual train operators or using the app)
• Using a travel card to reduce travel costs (if eligible)
• How you will travel to your onward destination after your rail journey (For example, will you need to book an accessible taxi or catch a bus)
• Arranging scooter/electric wheelchair breakdown cover if you intend to travel with one, for additional reassurance.

Operators

Greater Anglia

Greater Anglia website

Provides train services to Norwich from all over East Anglia. Popular journeys are to London Liverpool Street, Stansted Airport, Cambridge and Cromer. 

Great Northern Railway

Great Northern Railway website

Operating regular services from Kings Lynn to London King’s Cross station

East Midlands Railway

East Midlands Railway wesbite

Operating regional trains to and from Norwich from popular destinations including Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield and Nottingham

Help with cost

A Senior Railcard is available to people over 60 and costs £30 for a year or £70 for three years. It gives a discount of 1/3 off rail journeys.

The Disabled Person’s Railcard costs £20 for a year and £54 for three years. It will entitle you to a saving of 1/3 off rail journeys.

You are eligible for the Disabled Person’s Railcard if you:

• receive Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
• receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) at either:

the higher or lower rate for the mobility component, or the higher or middle rate for the care component

• have a visual impairment
• have a hearing impairment
• have epilepsy
• receive Attendance Allowance or Severe Disablement Allowance
• receive War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
• receive War or Service Disablement Pension for 80% or more disability
• buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme

Special assistance

Passenger Assist is a national system used by all train companies, which allows them to make the necessary arrangements for your journey. 

You can request assistance either via the train company you are travelling with or nationally through National Rail by pre-booking or simply ‘turn up and go’ without booking in advance. 

You can also download the passenger assistance app.

The Sunflower Scheme provides assistance for passengers with non-visible disabilities. Passengers can wear a sunflower lanyard if they wish, to indicate to staff that they may need additional assistance. You can purchase a lanyard here.

Requesting passenger assistance via individual train operators in Norfolk:

• Greater Anglia Telephone: 0800 028 2872 
• Great Northern Railway Telephone: 0800 058 2844
• East Midlands Railway Telephone: 08000 11 33 23

Travelling with Mobility Equipment

All train operators in Norfolk can carry manual or powered wheelchairs up to a maximum size of 700mm wide by 1200mm long and not exceeding a weight of 300kg including the passenger.

As there are a limited number of spaces available for wheelchair users on each train, it is important that you book your space in advance.

The rules for scooters are different for each operator.

Greater Anglian Trains

• These trains can carry scooters up to a maximum size of 700mm wide by 1200mm long and not exceeding a weight of 300kg (including the passenger).
• All trains have spaces in carriages that are clearly marked on the outside of the train. Wheelchair spaces are available within standard class accommodation only. 

East Midland Railway

• Can carry scooters up to a maximum size of 700mm wide by 1200mm long and not exceeding a weight of 300kg (including the passenger). 

You will need to apply for a Scooter Card prior to travel, if your mobility scooter meets the following criteria:

• Is three-wheeled or with a triangular footprint (front wheels close together)
• Is no more than 700mm wide and 1200mm long
• Weighs no more than 300kg, including passenger
• Has a maximum speed of 4mph
• Has a free-wheeling facility for use in case of power failure
• Has sealed batteries
• Is able to negotiate gradients of eight degrees or more

You can check the details for your mobility scooter at ridc.org.uk

To apply for a Scooter Card, you can telephone: 08000 113323.

Great Northern Railway

You can bring a manual or electric wheelchair or a mobility scooter onto any train. The size and weight limits restrictions are:

• width: 700mm
• length, including footplates: 1200mm
• weight, including your weight: 300kg (or just over 47 stone)

There are ramps to help you on and off the train at all their step-free stations and on most of the trains. All trains have spaces in carriages that are clearly marked on the outside of the train. Wheelchair spaces are available within standard class accommodation only. Some trains also have accessible toilets – you can contact the operator directly to check. 

Routes and timetables

Greater Anglia can help you plan your journey and help with train times and operators. For official departure information and ticket prices, visit the National Rail website  or call 03457 48 49 50 (lines open 24 hours, except Christmas Day).