Elevators In U K Railroad Stations
 

Are there elevators available in the railroads stations in England and Scotland. My husband has limited mobility, but he wants very much to take a train trip from London to Edinburgh or either from Edinburgh back to London. He has trouble with steps and we use elevators in airports. I feel that with luggage we might do better to fly there. Maybe he would enjoy a day train trip through an area of Scotland. We plan on renting a car to see the country, but could leave it at a station for a day trip. Any suggestions. Thank you for your help.

Serena, there are very few elevators (lifts) in the smaller stations. However, if you took a non-stop train from London to Edinburgh (just so you do not have to change trains at a small station) you should be just fine. I didn't check for an elevator in Edinburgh, but it is a large, busy station and I'm quite sure it will have one.

The classic route by day is Kings Cross to Edinburgh. At both stations you have no steps. At Kings Cross taxis drive in beside the westernmost main line platform, and you and your luggage transfer to the train, a walk of fifty to a hundred yards on the level. The station has porters, in red caps. At Edinburgh taxis drive down to a concourse which is level with all day-use platforms. From taxi to train is thirty to fifty yards, on the level.<BR><BR>At both stations the climb from platform to train is a step of about nine inches. If that is a problem, you can ring in Britain 08457 48 49 50, and ask for the name and phone number to the train operating company, who will book a staff member to see to the transfer, and can supply a wheelchair for the transfer if so asked. Train Operating Companies can offer this service at two days' warning at any big station in Britain. Usually, they lead or wheel passengers via luggage lifts.<BR><BR>You will want to book seats. You can do this at any big station, and should specify that you need a seat near a door, and if you plan to lunch that you need one near the restaurant car.<BR><BR>All these services are on offer also for the sleeping car that run between Euston and Edinburgh, and in this case Euston has level approach from taxis, and the sleepers halt at an island platform in Edinburgh that has lifts, operated by passengers, up to the passenger bridge and down to the taxi rank. The toilets (bathrooms) are at ends of corridors, which may be an element in planning.<BR><BR>Please write if I can help further. Welcome to Britain.<BR><BR>Ben Haines, London<BR>

Make sure you get out at Edinburgh Waverley and not the previous stop, Edinburgh Haymarket.

Tony, I don't remember the train from London going through Haymarket. How do they manage that?

It's about a mile and a half from waverley. In fact, it may only be certain trains - I could be wrong.

Hi,<BR><BR>Some trains from London Kings Cross go to Glasgow. They stop at Edinburg Waverley (the main station) then go to Edinburgh Haymarket ( west end ) before going to Glasgow Central ( I think this route is still faster than taking most trains from London Euston to Glasgow)<BR><BR>Regards<BR><BR>Gregory