Train operator Eurostar has revealed that requests for accessible and assisted travel have risen by by 15.34%.

While passengers made 21,854 requests for assistance in 2023 and 28,080 in 2024, in 2025 they asked for help on 32,998 occasions. These figures do not include travel in the month of December.

Demand grew by 16.6% year on year at London St Pancras International and by more than 10% at Paris, despite demand being unusually high in 2024 due to the Paralympic Games being held in the French capital city.

The cross-Channel operator, which last year welcomed its 400 millionth passenger, points out that requests come from passengers with mobility requirements, and also from those with other access needs, including those related to neurodivergence.

Eurostar provides an accessibility guide for its passengers, which includes information on pre-booked assistance and accessible facilities at stations and onboard trains.

Provision includes:

• accessibility support staff in stations and contact centres
• coordination of assistance across stations and borders
• guidance for passengers through stations and to and from trains
• special fares for people accompanying passengers who are unable to travel independently
• priority check-in for those travelling on London routes
• onboard assistance, wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets
• waiting assistance areas

Eurostar also promises support for passengers with non-apparent impairments, including working with the Sunflower Scheme.

Eurostar boasts that it took into account the views expressed by more than 4,500 passengers with accessibility needs each year. It also works with disability organisations, ‘customer panels’ and accessibility specialists.

The operator has recently improved accessibility in various ways, including improved digital accessibility, upgrading accessible waiting areas in Brussels and Amsterdam, providing more wheelchairs at stations and better assistance services across international routes.

Feedback from passengers consistently highlights the crucial role of frontline workers, who receive regular training in accessibility issues.

We know that accessible travel is about far more than mobility. Customers are increasingly telling us they want journeys that feel clear, supportive, and confidence-building from start to finish. Whether that’s physical assistance, better information, support for non-visible disabilities or simply knowing help is there if needed.

Kirsty Hollywood, Customer Accessibility Manager at Eurostar