Disabled travel to london on bus, train

Hi, I'm hoping someone has knowledge of the easiest travel method for someone with mobility problems who wants to go into London. I live in Reading and have knee problems which prevent me from walking more than a block, two at the most before it gets too painful. I don't use a wheelchair. I could take a cab to the bus or train station here and again when I arrive in London, but I'm wondering -- what would be the easiest mode of transporation for me, a bus or train?

With a train, I have to be able to get through the train station here and again in London (probably Waterloo or Paddington). How much walking would it involve to get through the train station? Since I also walk slow, crowds pushing and going fast are a problem for me. If I took a bus, would I be able to basically get on and off at my destination without having to go through a big terminal? Could I just get off, have a seat on a bench, and let my husband go find a cab?

Hello groovy_yank

Paddington and Waterloo are both pretty big stations, and you would definitely have to walk more than a block just going from the entrance to the platform--unfortunately.  I think busses and taxis are your best bets!

The Tube would be too difficult for you probably, lots of stairs (most stations are not equipped with lifts) and walking. 

As far as I know, in my experience there aren't really many bus terminals, just stops.  You may have to walk to get to the stop though.

Good luck!

This site may have some of the answers you're looking for.

http://www.london.gov.uk/london-life/transport-and-travel/accessible-transport.jsp

Also, I know you're not in a wheelchair, but there's loads of information here:

http://www.wheelchairaccess.fsnet.co.uk/index.html

This site may have some of the answers you're looking for.

http://www.london.gov.uk/london-life/transport-and-travel/accessible-transport.jsp

I'll call the numbers for the railway listed and see if the staff assitance they mentioned includes providing a wheelchair to get me to and from the train (like airports do). Thanks!

At Paddington it really depends which platform your train arrives at, but you'll have roughly the same distance walk to the tube, bus or taxi rank, maybe slightly longer to the tube.   Most bus stops in central London don't have benches either so don't count on sitting down while you're waiting. From what you've said, I think you'd be best off getting a taxi to be honest.  People do tend to push & shove on the buses and tubes.  You might also want to consider getting a coach from Reading to London and avoid the train altogether, I am pretty sure there is a National Express one. Hope you have a good day out!

Train stations will supply wheelchairs (or those cool little motorised things) to pick you up from the train if you request it in advance.  You should say so when you book your ticket and also tell the guard on the train so he can call ahead to the station just in case they have forgotten.

Buses shouldn't be a problem, although you might have problems getting a seat unless you have a visible disability.  And most stops in Central London do have somewhere to sit while you wait.

I think that the coach might be a good idea too.  It really depends on where you are planning on going in London - the coaches will all go to Victoria / Marble Arch, so it depends on your plans while here.

There is a sticky on transport in London for those with mobility problems, and Tfl are VERY helpful if you call them.

Vicky

Train stations will supply wheelchairs (or those cool little motorised things) to pick you up from the train if you request it in advance.  You should say so when you book your ticket and also tell the guard on the train so he can call ahead to the station just in case they have forgotten.

That's good to know! I have a friend who'll be in London doing her stand-up show next month, and I really wasn't sure how I could make it with my knee problems as they are. If I can get wheelchair or scooter assistance in the train station, my problem is solved!

Also, I guess I didn't explain what I meant properly earlier, is that I wondered if it would be easier to arrive in London by train or bus (rather than get around London itself by bus-- I need a cab once I'm there for easiest transport). But I haven't been able to find bus (or "coach") service from Reading to London other than to the airport itself, which isn't where I need to go. However, if I can get assistance at the train station, that will save the day. I'll look into it, maybe give the train stations a call and see how it works.

http://www.nationalexpress.com/bp/b2.cfm?id=86487662

There is a sticky on transport in London for those with mobility problems, and Tfl are VERY helpful if you call them.

Vicky

What is Tfl?

TFL=Transport for London.

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/gettingaround/transportaccessibility/1167.aspx