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Finding Escalators and Elevators at train stations

  • April 21, 2025
  • 2 replies
  • 247 views

nomnomnomasaurus
Keeps calm and carries on
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Bonjour! I’m traveling through France and I’m wondering if there’s an efficient way to figure out if a train station has escalators or elevators? I’ve tried to look at Gare SNCF websites (but it’s not always clear), or trying to use Google or Apple maps to see if there are elevator icons. I downloaded Ma Gare but it’s not super clear to me since they lump “disability services” together with everything. 

I have two suitcases (one very large) and a backpack so stairs were doable. Trying to plan more efficiently and get more accurate information. (also trying to plan for the future when I bring stroller) 

I discovered at Toulouse Matabiau there was only one hall with escalators to the platforms (luckily I was early so I walked over to the other hall. I only knew this because I happened to leave from there the week prior).

Is there a way to see which platform/halls to take to make transit easier? Or is it just a no-go if you have luggage and just need to deal? 

I arrived in Narbonne two days ago, and there were zero elevators or escalators. 

MY rough itinerary if it helps: 

  • I’m leaving Narbonne > Beziers tomorrow just one stop away (I think there should be lifts/escalators in Beziers… i couldnt find any info on Narbonne website) 
  • Beziers > Periguex 
  • Periguex > Pavillon Rose 
  • Pavillon Rose > Rennes (was going to Saint Malo but I think Rennes will be better since I need to fly out of Paris on 4/30) 

Thanks in advance for your advice! 

Best answer by BrendanDB

You can check open street map to see if there’s lifts, escalators, ramps or stairs in the station.

2 replies

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  • Keeps calm and carries on
  • April 21, 2025

@nomnomnomasaurus 

I cannot answer your question, but, if you travel by train in Europe, I think that you must be able to carry your luggage up or down the stairs, or take less luggage. Lifts/escalators are often out of service. You may also have unplanned changes or your seat can be on the upper deck of the carriage. With very large suitcases it could be difficult to store them.

You can also find information here:

https://www.sncf-voyageurs.com/en/travel-with-us/in-france/tgv-inoui/your-luggage-and-lockers/


BrendanDB
Full steam ahead
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  • Full steam ahead
  • Answer
  • April 21, 2025

You can check open street map to see if there’s lifts, escalators, ramps or stairs in the station.