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Facilities and services

Accessible train travel

Services for accessible travel

This page contains information about assistance available at railway stations, taking assistive devices on trains, accessibility of trains and measures in disruptions.

You can call our customer service for accessible travel with issues related on accessible travel services. Service hours Mon–Fri 5am – 10 pm and Sat–Sun 7am – 10 pm. Calling is toll free.

This is how you book an accessible train journey

1

Buy the journey

Buy your journey in advance on VR.fi, the VR Matkalla app or by calling our customer service. If necessary, add a wheelchair and a personal assistant’s ticket to your order. A guide dog, service dog or hearing dog travels with you free of charge, you do not have to purchase a separate ticket for the dog.

2

Order the assistance service or ramp, if needed

If you need mobility assistance at the station, you can order the free assistance service. Order the service from our accessibile travel service number no later than 24 hours before the departure. If you are travelling with a wheelchair on a commuter train (R or Z), you can order a ramp service at the station.

3

Read more about the services on the train and the dimensions

A train trip is nothing to be afraid of. At the bottom of this page, we have gathered answers to the most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find an answer to your question, do not hesitate to call us. We would be happy to help you!

Planning an accessible train trip

Detailed information about the train types

Train accessibility details

The accessibility of different types of trains varies. Many trains can also be accessed with a wheelchair or walker, for instance. Read more about our different train types and their services and dimensions.

Read more

Accessibility during the train trip

Accessible travel on routes Kotka-Kouvola and Iisalmi-Ylivieska

Information on the accessible taxi service

We use a taxi service on the Kotka–Kouvola route to replace our inaccessible train services for our customers with visual impairments and customers who require a wheelchair or rollator. You can also use the service if you have a permanent disability that makes it difficult for you to use our inaccessible train services. We will also start using the service on the Iisalmi–Ylivieska route from 15 December.

To make up for our inaccessible fleet, our journey together goes as follows;

  • Please ring the toll-free number for accessible travel at 0800 188822 at least 24 hours prior to travel
  • We book your trip and make a taxi reservation with the price of the train ticket.
  • The taxi driver will check your eligibility to travel
  • We take you smoothly from one station to the other

Accessible travel to Turku port

Are you looking for an accessible trip from Helsinki to Turku port? Please reserve a wheelchair space to Kupittaa and contact the accessible travel number or chat to book an accessible bus transfer from Kupittaa to Turku port.

Travelling between Tampere and Nokia

Unfortunately, our trains on the M commuter train route between Tampere and Nokia are not accessible. If you travel with a wheelchair, we offer you a journey on a long-distance train for the same price. Call us to buy the ticket.

Tel. 0800 188 822

Train services for different categories of disabled passengers

Visually impaired

  • The seat numbers of seats on long-distance trains are written in braille.
  • When travelling with an assistance dog, we recommend travelling in the service car.
  • High-visibility colours are used in the interior decoration of trains. 
  • Most trains feature an accessible toilet.
  • The access ways and accessible toilets of trains feature support railings and handles. 
  • Most stations are accessible. 
  • You can find the assistance point at the Helsinki railway station with the help of a sound beacon. 
  • There are public announcements on trains and at stations. 

Passengers with reduced hearing

  • The downstairs of service car of Intercity trains feature induction loops (hearing loops).
  • When travelling with a hearing dog, we recommend the service car.
  • There is visual information at stations and on trains. 
  • Journey data is shown on the train displays during the journey.
  • Stations feature digital guide displays.
  • Most stations are accessible. 

Assistant’s ticket

The assistant of a passenger with reduced mobility or disability is eligible for free travel in long-distance and commuter traffic, including the sleeping berths of night trains.

Saattajalippu-sivulle

Rail services updates

You can check all train timetables and any disruptions on the Rail Services Updates page and on the Live Train Map service.

Liikennetilanne

Customer service

Our customer service provides assistance in all matters relating to train travel. On weekdays, we also offer customer service in sign language. Go to Customer service page.

Customer service

Answers to other most frequently asked questions