Iron wheels: train travel

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Scenic train routes are a great way to relax and explore

Content updated March 20, 2025

Have you ever been on a train? Do you know the pain of travel by train? Here are some tips and stories in New Zealand, Europe and North America to help you book better experiences on railroads

New Zealand – Kiwi Rail

Travel by Train – Scenic trains are a great way to relax and see the nation

Kiwi Rail – Great journeys of New Zealand

‘We are pleased to make our great New Zealand tourism experiences welcoming, comfortable and safe for as many people as possible’, they say at Kiwi Rail.

Each train service has two designated wheelchair spaces available in the café carriage. There is also a lift fitted to assist passengers on and off the carriages. In the café carriage you find an accessible toilet as well as a hearing loop.’

Interislander ferries have gangway access, so whether you have a walking stick or baby buggy, getting aboard is easy.

Mobility carts are also available in each terminal and our staff are on standby to assist; please just ask. Each ferry has different accessibility characteristics and we recommend that you find out more on the ferry pages for Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi.

Europe

Germany

In Germany you can use the DB (Deutsche Bahn) for all train routes of your choice.

The Mobility Service Centre organizes any assistance you may require when boarding, alighting or getting around the train, such as a lift for your wheelchair. We can also answer questions about suitable trains, accessibility at stations and minimum transfer times.

Italy

In Italy you need the services ItaliaRail.

Belgium

If you are traveling in Belgium you can use the Flanders and Brussels Public Transport Guide (available in English) published by the Tourism Office.

Romania

In Eastern Europe, in Romania, a beautiful country and very affordable, you can also choose the train to travel. To know all details in this large country, it is best to contact Accessible Romania by Sano Touring, they can help you with all details.

The rail network CFR (Romanian Railways) is quite developed, with trains linking Bucharest to Romania’s tourist areas and trains linking tourist towns together (for example Braşov – Sibiu).

The main railway station is the Northern Railway Station but there are also Obor, Băneasa or South Titan Stations which are rarely used by locals, never by tourists. There are facilities for people with special needs.

Switzerland

Iron wheels and your wheels - train travel — SWITZERLAND

In Switzerland you find all you need to know here: SBB The Swiss Railway Passenger Traffic / Digital Business. Find information on how to plan accessible travel in Switzerland and to Europe using the online timetable at SBB.ch and plan and purchase tickets with the SBB Mobile app.

Eurostar

Eurostar – excellent services. Trains go to France, Belgium, the Netherlands. Via this link you can read all you need to know, even about connecting to other trains in other countries.

– 138 stations in the United Kingdom.

France

In France the national train company SNCF has detailed information available in English and in French about all services in train stations and on board.

Scotland

A great website is called the Accessible Travel Network – an extensive website with detailed information on this accessible travel hub in Scotland.

North America

Canada

ViaRail Canada – (Rate and review here on the review site AccessAdvisr you can place reviews).

More detailed information about different services available on their website you can find here.

United States

Amtrak train travel

Amtrack – accessible Travel Services
Amtrack – routes and stations

To ensure that you have the most up-to-date information regarding the accessibility of the stations on your itinerary, find your station and review the accessibility information provided, or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).