Shropshire rail

Country advice overview

A number of train companies operate in Shropshire, including Avanti West Coast, South Western Railway (both to London), West Midlands Railway (services to Birmingham and beyond) and Transport for Wales (services into Wales).

Bridgnorth is also served by the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway. This is a working passenger funicular service that operates between Bridgnorth Low Town and High Town.

Not all stations are fully accessible or have accessible facilities. If you require accessible facilities, it is advisable to plan a route carefully. 

For official departure information and ticket prices, see the National Rail website.

Contact National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 (lines open 24 hours, except Christmas Day).

Key Tips

If you have additional mobility needs, contact your train company or use Passenger Assist to arrange travel assistance in advance of your train journey. 

The train operator must provide assistance to the best of their ability even if you did not provide advance notice of your journey. Just ensure the station will be staffed at the time you are travelling.

If you are older or disabled, you may be able to buy a Railcard and save money on your fares (if you intend to travel regularly).

Book well in advance – fares will be lower. Fares booked online are also likely to be cheaper.

Operators

Avanti West Coast

https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Bridgnorth Cliff Railway

https://www.bridgnorthcliffrailway.co.uk/

South Western Railway

https://www.southwesternrailway.com/train-times/london-euston-to-whitchurch-shropshire

Transport for Wales

https://tfw.wales/

West Midlands Railway

https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Help with cost

Senior Railcard

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.

Disabled Person’s Railcard

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

Bridgnorth Cliff Railway Concession Vouchers

For regular users of the Bridgnorth Cliff Railway who live in Shropshire, you can apply for concession vouchers from the Shropshire Council website.

You will need evidence of identity and proof of Shropshire residency.

Special Assistance

If you are planning on travelling on National Rail services, you can request an assistance booking in advance – now up to 2 hours before your journey is due to start, any time of the day. 

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 through National Rail website.

Telephone: 0800 030 9224 (Freephone, including from mobiles)
Lines are open 24 hours a day (except Christmas Day and Boxing Day)

You can also download the Passenger Assist App on your smartphone.

Station accessibility varies widely and it is always best to check carefully before you travel.

You can access and download information regarding accessibility arrangements at Transport for Wales stations.

Travelling with Mobility Equipment

Wheelchairs and Mobility Scooters

All train operators 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.

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

As rules and guidelines for travelling with wheelchairs and scooters vary, you should check the relevant information provided by individual train operators:

• Avanti West Coast
• Bridgnorth Cliff Railway (The railway was constructed in 1892 and some difficulties for disabled passengers may remain)
• South Western Railway
• Additional advice from South Western regarding wheelchairs, scooter and ramps
• Transport for Wales
• West Midlands Railway

Assistance Dogs

Assistance dogs can travel free-of-charge across the network.

Routes and timetables

Various commercial websites allow booking of train tickets, irrespective of the operator.

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).

Plan well in advance and use Passenger Assist in good time. Book tickets online if you are able. Consider purchasing a Railcard to reduce costs further.