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train travel for the disabled

Does anyone know if the Spanish train system offers assistants to disabled people like the French SCNF system does?

My traveling companion is elderly and walks with a cane. She can roll her 4 wheeled suitcase easily but I don't see how she could lift it onto a train or into a luggage rack. She couldn't lift even a small carry-on because she is not that steady and has had shoulder surgery on her dominant shoulder. I am able to board a train with my suitcase but I am half her size and cannot assist her too. We are traveling from Perpignan, France to Barcelona Sants and it looks like if we go by train we will be on a Spanish Renfe train. The Renfe website does not mention anything about travelers with limited mobility.

Posted by
3742 posts

One of the issues you may encounter is that RENFE is operating the train, but Perpignan is operated by SNCF. RENFE does not have any staff there. I wonder what this means for assistance, especially since RENFE and SCNF are at war with each other.

On the other hand, European railways are obliged to offer assistance to persons with mobility issues. So yes, contact RENFE, and see what they offer.