Eurostar Wheelchair Assistance
We’ve had this Paris trip booked for ages, but between my health issues and the lack of clear accessibility info, we kept putting it off. Honestly, we probably would have postponed again (Eurostar lets you move your booking as many times as you like), but since it’s our 10-year anniversary this month, I finally decided we had to go! I’m so glad we did, as this turned out to be one of our best trips ever! I’ll be sharing a lot about Paris accessibility soon, but let’s start with Eurostar Wheelchair Assistance from London to Paris.
Booking Passenger Assistance
We booked Passenger Assistance from Sheffield to London through a simple form on the Passenger Assistance website. They confirmed via email and updated my ticket space, though it didn’t adjust Alfie’s, which might be frustrating if you need your carer seated with you. It’s worth checking if they can manually change this.
At Sheffield station, we let the front desk know it was our first time using assistance, and they made a note for the team. As soon as we reached the platform, staff approached us, which was really reassuring. When the train arrived (I forgot how massive they are!), they escorted us to the right spot, set up the ramp, and made sure we were comfortable before wishing us a happy trip.
When we arrived in London, we weren’t sure whether to wait in our seats or by the door. After a short wait with no assistance in sight, I decided to walk off, and Alfie carried my chair down, partly because we had to catch the Eurostar wheelchair assistance service and partly because my anxiety was through the roof.
A minute later, as we made our way through St Pancras, an assistance staff member rushed over, apologising. We explained it was our first time using the service and that we’d been nervous. He completely understood, which was a relief!
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Eurostar Wheelchair Assistance
How early do you need to arrive for the Eurostar?
90 minutes is recommended, especially if you need Eurostar wheelchair assistance, as there’s only so many staff members and for busy periods, there needs to be enough time to get you and anyone else through. If you arrive too late during a busy period, we were told that you would get moved onto a later train so keep this in mind.
Where do you go for Eurostar Wheelchair Assistance?
Desk 5. It’s right at the end and the easiest one to get to. There’ll be a big sign too, and staff will wave you over.
How does Eurostar Assistance work?
For us, we were basically assigned someone who escorted us through everything to make it as easy as possible. You’d usually go to the front of queues for border control and security. They’ll also help with your luggage and items if needed.
If you’re within time, Eurostar disabled passengers are automatically upgraded, giving you access to the First Class lounge. It’s a little tight at St Pancras due to the long, thin layout, but there’s free food, drinks, and magazines to enjoy. When it’s time, someone will collect you and take you up the lift to the train. They’ll then get out the incredible ramp, and you’ll be on board within minutes.
How roomy are the Eurostar Wheelchair Spaces?
I was really surprised—they’re a lot more spacious than standard trains. The table also lifts up to help maneuvering into the space even easier. If the train is quiet and you’re the only wheelchair user, you may have the option of sitting on the opposite side to choose which way you’d prefer to travel.
Is there an accessible toilet on board the Eurostar?
There is and it’s huge, you’ll pass it on the way to your seat.
Where is the luggage located when you’re using Eurostar Wheelchair Assistance?
It’s right next to your seat and the staff on board will make sure no luggage is in your way so you can move around and get to the toilet with ease.
Does the Eurostar offer assistance to non-wheelchair users?
They do, they have a really great section on their website about who they can help and what they offer.
Is there food on board the Eurostar?
As wheelchair users are upgraded to First Class, you do get a meal included. Online you’re able to select any dietary requirements too.
What’s assistance like when you arrive in Paris?
Someone will be waiting with a platform lift, it’s a little tricker to navigate and a lot slower but it does the job! You then follow everyone out and you’re in Paris!
How is Eurostar wheelchair assistance coming back to London from Paris?
When you enter the train station, you’ll want to go up the nearest lift (it’s signed but not easy to spot), which is the first step in the Eurostar wheelchair assistance process on the way back to London. There is a waiting area for assistance at the opposite side of the boarding desk. If you’re unsure, just head to the desk, and they’ll point you in the right direction.
At the assistance area, there’s a small waiting area while your assigned member of staff comes to get you. They’ll then lead you through everything, from security to border control. Again, they’ll help with any bags and luggage before guiding you through the train station. You can also choose to go through on your own and meet them at the platform, but since we hadn’t been to this station before, we decided to wait for help and we’re so glad we did.
Paris’ Eurostar area is very overwhelming. Our assigned assistance staff did an incredible job of getting everyone to move their luggage and themselves out of the way (it’s a very narrow area, and naturally, people were in their own worlds!). We were then put in a waiting area right next to the boarding doors.
As soon as we were able to board, I was led to a one-person-only lift and then met on the platform with the platform lift to get back on board. It was a little chaotic since everyone else was boarding at the same time, and again, the trains are just SO long, but the staff were really friendly and helpful.
Would you recommend the Eurostar?
100%! It’s the smoothest journey we’ve ever had. The train from London to Paris is a quick 2 hours and 20 minutes, and it flies by. The staff on board can’t do enough for you, and it’s a really comfortable journey.
Passenger Assistance in London St Pancras
We almost missed this, but there’s an assistance lounge right next to Greggs with an accessible toilet, desks, seats, and, most importantly, it’s warmer than the rest of the freezing train station! Just let them know what train you’re on and that you’ll need assistance, and someone will come to get you when it’s time to board.
Let me know if you have any questions about the Eurostar wheelchair assistance or if I’ve missed anything that will help others, let me know below!
