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Original poster

To ask about taking autistic child in wheelchair space on eurostar?

31 replies

newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 20:55

Autistic dc - can walk but would be comfortable in a wheelchair

Want to go on a day trip to France - what will happen if I take them on the eurostar using the wheelchair space - i would go with them for free

This might be the only way we can afford the eurostar

Has anyone done this? Please dont flame me

OP posts:
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Ladybug777 · 03/05/2026 03:10

Lived in Paris for 20 years - just so you know, Paris is not the most wheelchair-friendly city! Narrow sidewalks and low accessibility of public transport in general.
It's also a "compact city": high population density and road traffic (meaning city noise and sensory stimulation).
Between the journey and the stress of getting around a new city, it's quite intense to do as a day trip for anyone, let alone children.
That being said, if you decide to go, it sounds like the need to book a wheelchair seat would be justified indeed.

Ladyzfactor · 03/05/2026 00:20

Honestly, I just don't think your child is ready for a trip like this. Perhaps when he is older and can walk fine. Paris isn't the most wheelchair assessable city and this sounds like it will be too much.

audiehd · 03/05/2026 00:09

It sounds like your DC needs the wheelchair to be able to access such a trip, in which case I would say it's fully justified. I absolutely get the worry about taking space from another person in need of it, but at the end of the day that's unfortunately the reality of being disabled and needing adjustments and adapted access. Many other people needing a wheelchair-accessible space will have had that same thought and that same guilt, I'm sure, especially the first few times using accommodations. If you need one to go on the trip, then you need one- I'm not going to rank that need against other wheelchair users because each person is so different that it's not really comparable.

There are limited accessible spaces, so somebody will always be second in the first-come first-served of booking them. You don't know if that person is in the same situation as your DC or needing a wheelchair for an entirely different reason, so try not to judge yourself too harshly for using the resources that are there to help you.

hahabahbag · 03/05/2026 00:02

Is he likely to be ok in Paris? Enjoy it? Autistic people are all different, some will enjoy a trip to Paris for others it’s completely inappropriate. My dd is autistic and loved Paris. Using a folding buggy may be a better option as you can use the metro in Paris and won’t need a wheelchair space, companion fares are not only for people in wheelchairs but it’s still £39. If money is tight consider if the coach is suitable or driving is usually cheaper still, parking in the suburbs and train in

Hallamule · 02/05/2026 23:50

Whyare you so keen to take him to Paris for the day? Is he likely to enjoy it?

squashedalmondcroissant · 02/05/2026 23:39

I didn’t actually end up doing it in the end for other reasons but I was planning to do exactly this OP. Profoundly autistic adult DS who is a flight risk and needs the wheelchair to keep him safe. It has been issued to him by the wheelchair service and he would not be able to make the trip without it even though he is physically mobile (he also has a blue badge). I think it’s ok to do so in these circumstances!

Rainbowlou0001 · 02/05/2026 22:15

Can you not take him in the buggy?

Thechaseison71 · 02/05/2026 21:52

Does your DS actually want to go to Paris? And how are you planning to get around once you hit Gare de Nord

Original poster
newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 21:49

Thank you @ValleyClouds @MedusasHead

OP posts:
Original poster
newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 21:49

Terfedout · 02/05/2026 21:23

You may already know this, but just in case. You can use tescos clubcard points towards the cost of the tunnel, if you happen to shop there?

Will check it out now thank you

OP posts:
Terfedout · 02/05/2026 21:23

You may already know this, but just in case. You can use tescos clubcard points towards the cost of the tunnel, if you happen to shop there?

MedusasHead · 02/05/2026 21:18

People who use wheelchairs don’t always use them full time. They are a mobility aid to assist moving around - some people use them full time, others don’t, there isn’t a hierarchy so long as the use is legitimate.

ValleyClouds · 02/05/2026 21:15

In which case you are actually using the wheelchair, it’s not just for appearances only and not just to get the discount. It’s legit. Don’t overthink it.

Original poster
newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 21:12

ValleyClouds · 02/05/2026 21:07

No one thinks you’re a dick. You’re trying to get a reasonable adjustment for your child but you can do that without needing to take someone else’s. Are you hoping to take them to Disney? If memory serves it has a train station.

Be BRAVE!

True. We would use the wheelchair! Honestly, they'd sit in it while we walk around Paris.

But I dont want to cause harm to someone in a chair who can't walk at all.

OP posts:
Delici · 02/05/2026 21:10

If you are doing it due to the costs then yes you are being a dick.

If you are doing it because your dc needs to use a wheelchair to be able to make that trip than no, you are not being a dick.

PrawnAgain · 02/05/2026 21:07

Would you be ok with your child being blocked from a dedicated service by non-autistic child with a parent doing what you are planning to do to do to save cash? If the answer is yes, crack on....

ValleyClouds · 02/05/2026 21:07

No one thinks you’re a dick. You’re trying to get a reasonable adjustment for your child but you can do that without needing to take someone else’s. Are you hoping to take them to Disney? If memory serves it has a train station.

Be BRAVE!

JLou08 · 02/05/2026 21:07

My autistic DC has a disability chair. If I had to go on a train, he would be in the chair because he would likely be overwhelmed and trying to run off the train. I wouldn't take him on a long train journey for this reason, unless necessary. Nor would I use his disability as a way to get cheaper travel, especially if that meant sitting him in the chair when he didn't need it. We do our best to avoid it because I want to maximise his independence as much as is safely possible.

Original poster
newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 21:04

NoYouCantComeToTheWedding · 02/05/2026 21:01

So go on a coach, it will be cheaper.

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I cant do that to them. Will cause all kinds of distress due to the length of the journey

OP posts:
Original poster
newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 21:04

DreamyJade · 02/05/2026 21:01

I’m a wheelchair user. You don’t get a free companion ticket on Eurostar, but both wheelchair user and companion pay for seats at a reduced price.

ETA: You can get a companion ticket to travel with your DC without sitting in a wheelchair space.

Edited

Just seen it.

Apologies if I sound like a dick. I am not trying to be, just trying to take them to france as cheaply as possible.

I'm rethinking it tbh as I am not that brave

OP posts:
ValleyClouds · 02/05/2026 21:03

Ah @DreamyJadeyou know more than me. I’m also a wheelchair user but have never been on Eurostar!

Original poster
newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 21:02

Latenightreader · 02/05/2026 21:02

Does your child use a wheelchair on a regular basis or would you be looking at borrowing one for the trip?

I have a wheelchair for them, and we still use their buggy for days out sometimes

Bought the wheelchair on sale, as i thought it might come in handy as they grow/in an emergency

OP posts:
Original poster
newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 21:02

ValleyClouds · 02/05/2026 21:01

You would have to book the space in advance. If your child DOESN’T actually need it you are potentially taking the space from someone who did. Because DC is autistic you should still go free as a carer whether you use the wheelchair space or not? I don’t see why you wouldn’t? Have you got a Disabled Child Railcard or an Access Card?

Not on the eurostar, its only for those with wheelchairs

OP posts:
Latenightreader · 02/05/2026 21:02

Does your child use a wheelchair on a regular basis or would you be looking at borrowing one for the trip?

NoYouCantComeToTheWedding · 02/05/2026 21:01

newyorknewyorkforevernewyork · 02/05/2026 21:00

Thats £200 which is a lot right now

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So go on a coach, it will be cheaper.