Wheelchair access & avoiding stairs

Step-free journeys

We're introducing more and more step-free access, but it's important to plan your step-free route in advance and check before you travel in case of disruptions.

Watch these completely step-free journeys on our network, including Tube, bus and river services, to popular venues across London.

Step-free stations and vehicles

All our bus routes are served by low-floor vehicles, with a dedicated space for one wheelchair user& and an access ramp. Buses can also be lowered to reduce the step-up from the pavement.

Around a third of Tube stations, half of Overground stations, most piers, all tram stops, the IFS Cloud Cable Car and all DLR stations have step-free access.

Many boats have boarding ramps to give step-free access.

All taxis (black cabs) have a wheelchair ramp and some private hire vehicles (minicabs) have step free access.

Lifts out of service

If you arrive at a Tube, Elizabeth line or Overground station and the lift is unavailable, staff will help you to plan an alternative journey to your destination. If there isn't a reasonable alternative route, we'll book you a taxi (at our cost) to take you to your destination or another step-free station from where you can continue your journey.

Maps and guides

Some step-free stations still have a gap and step between the platform and the train. The Tube map shows which Underground, Overground and DLR stations are step-free. The blue symbol shows step-free access from street to train and the white symbol shows step-free access from street to platform.

We also produce detailed maps for step-free journeys and avoiding stairs.

We know some customers find being underground difficult, so we have a map which shows where the tunnels are across our network.

Find accessibility guides and maps.

Level access at platforms

An increasing number of our platforms give step-free access onto trains.

This is provided in three ways:

Level access along the whole platform
This is available on newly built services such as the Jubilee line east of Westminster, the whole DLR network and new stations on London Overground.

Level access along part of the platform (platform humps)
We are increasingly using these at stations. Look out for the signs for these on platforms and for information about where to find them in Journey Planner.

Manual boarding ramps
At some stations staff will deploy manual boarding ramps to help you get on and off. This service is available at many Overground, Elizabeth line and Tube stations. To use manual boarding ramps, ask for help from staff.

There are some steps that station staff will follow to deploy ramps:

• A member of staff will place a ramp to help you get from the platform into the train
• If a ramp is needed at your interchange or alighting station, they will contact the station to make sure a member of staff is waiting to meet you to help you get off the train

We are currently trialling a bridging device at a small number of stations on the Jubilee line which have level access. The bridging device covers the remaining gap between the train and the platform. You can use the device in the same way that you would a manual boarding ramp.

If you need step-free access onto the train, use the accessibility features of the TfL Go app or select 'accessibility and other travel options' in Journey Planner, and select 'I need step-free access from street to the train'.

If you prefer to plan your own route, use Tube map for an overview of step-free access and the step-free Tube guide for detail, including which stations have ramps.

Find accessibility guides and maps.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters

You can use wheelchairs and some mobility scooters on many services, including buses, Tubes, trains and trams and some boats including Thames Clippers.

Mobility scooters can't be taken on some boats, taxis or the IFS Cloud Cable Car.

On almost all buses, the wheelchair ramp is located at the exit door (in the middle of the bus).

Mobility Aid Recognition scheme

This scheme is a way to let bus drivers  that your mobility aid - for example, a mobility scooter - has been approved and to automatically let down the ramp for you.

When you apply for a card, a travel mentor will confirm your mobility aid is suited to bus travel, and will give you guidance to ensure you're able to safely manoeuvre it to get on and off the bus.

You will also be offered the opportunity to have an accompanied journey, and they will also provide useful tips for how to get safely on and off the bus and plan your journeys.

You can apply for the card if you use a mobility scooter, walking aid or wheelchair buggy. Please note not all mobility aids are suitable for travel on public transport.

If your mobility aid is suited to bus travel, you will be given a Mobility Aid Recognition scheme card which you can show to bus drivers.

To join the scheme, or to find out more, email us at travelmentor@tfl.gov.uk or call us on 020 3054 4361 between 09:00 - 16:00 Monday to Friday to book an appointment (network charges may apply).

Thames Clippers offer a similar scheme on the river.