Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the London 2012 Paralympic Games this summer. If you are planning to attend as a group, it’s important you plan ahead to ensure your group has a fantastic Games experience.
Tips for travelling as a group
– Taking a large group to the Games requires careful planning, especially as the transport system will be much busier than usual. Think about how you are going to get to your venue, even if you regularly travel as a group. Use the spectator journey planner to help you. For most venues there's a range of transport options, including trains, coaches and river services - so pick the option that best suits your group and book your travel in advance.
– Check your journey again before you set off. It is advisable to have a plan B in case your first option doesn't work out as you can't rule out any delays or changes. You should also check the Get Ahead of the Games website for travel hotspots and other advice.
– If you're travelling by National Rail or London Overground, let your train operator or Transport for London know so they can help make your journey as smooth as possible. On the day you may find it easier to split up into smaller groups, spread out along platforms and use multiple doors to board trains to make sure you all get on.
– If you are travelling by rail to the Olympic Park, use West Ham to avoid the crowds and queues at Stratford for the Olympic Park, enjoying the spectacular views of the Park during the 20 to 25 minute walk to the entrance. Spectators with mobility difficulties should use Stratford station where assistance and accessible shuttle services are available.
– Using a coach service may be a good option, as coaches are able to drop off and pick up at London 2012 venues, without passengers needing to interchange in central London. Please check with your coach operator that they have pre-booked a slot to pick up, drop off and pick up as there is nowhere for coaches to park around venues. If you need assistance, call 0844 921 2012.
– In London, you may also want to consider travelling by river. A number of London 2012 venues are accessible by river, including Greenwich Park, North Greenwich Arena and the Royal Artillery Barracks. River services offer a great way to get to your venue, avoid traffic and see some of the best sights London has to offer along the way.
– There is limited parking available at venues for people with accessibility needs and only at Brands Hatch for all ticketed spectators. These must be booked in advance – call 0844 921 2012 or find out more online
– If you have an accessibility requirement or are travelling as part of a group of disabled people, allow extra time to travel to the venue - your journey may take longer due to the capacity of station lifts of accessibility shuttles. If you are travelling by bus, be aware that London buses can only accommodate one wheelchair each. If taking a train, you should let the operator know at least 24 hours in advance - visit the National Rail website for details or call 0844 693 2898.
– It might be difficult to get your group into one train carriage or on one bus. Make sure all members of your group have their own ticket, a map, know where they are going, and where to meet if you get separated. Help and advice is on hand at London rail stations – look out for people wearing a magenta uniform.
– Avoid arranging to meet at the entrance or exit to National Rail or London Underground stations, as these will be very busy.
– If you’re a teacher, why not make your journey planning part of a class activity using the information and resources on this website?
The London 2012 Games will be a fantastic experience for spectators, schools and families. However, it will be much busier than usual – so it’s important you start arranging travel now.
