Tag: train

Helsinki commuter trains are very wheelchair accessible

Helsinki commuter trains are very wheelchair accessible

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It’s always great when public transit is easy and accessible and requires no intervention from staff to get my wheelchair on a train. Helsinki’s train system falls into this category.

The train is perfect for getting from/to the airport to the Helsinki city center. There are two trains, the I train and the P train that make a loop with points at the airport and the main downtown Helsinki train station. You can take either, the only difference is the direction they move — either clockwise or counterclockwise around the loop.

There is no need for a ramp and there is ample space on board and a designated are to park your chair. People were very nice when moving their baby strollers or bikes and in general the Finnish people will be helpful whenever necessary.

The train is inexpensive and fast and I was glad to have used it during my trip. It runs frequently and the stations were level and accessible. You can check out the routes and timetables on the HSL website.

Book wheelchair space on Amtrak trains

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Trains are a great way to travel while remaining in your wheelchair. I take the Milwaukee to Chicago Amtrak route several times a year. It’s easy, accessible, and once you get the hang of it you will wonder why you never did it before. I’ve also taken a much longer overnight journey from Milwaukee to Portland in addition to a shorter LA to San Diego trip.

Amtrak has some very spacious areas on their trains for chairs. They’ll also coordinate getting you on board with manual lifts. The Milwaukee and Chicago Amtrak crews are amazing at making this easy for me.

When you want to reserve a wheelchair space on Amtrak, it’s as easy as selecting the correct option on their home page. After you enter your train options, just make sure you specify wheelchair space. Click on the “Adult” link in the Traveler box.

Then select “Passenger with a Disability” under the discounts area. If you are traveling with a companion you can get a discount for them too. Just make sure you select two adults and make one a PWD and one the Companion.

It’s a small discount but it’s definitely better than nothing! In the pages that follow you will be asked about your chair and any service animals. Then you’ll buy your ticket.

Check out Amtrak here and enjoy the ride!