Sunderland Railway Station

dystrophydad

16 Mar 2026

Sunderland Station

3

3

Date of visit: March 2026

I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.

I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair

Overall Rating

Average

Opened in 1879, Sunderland Train Station is a little unusual in that it serves both National Rail trains and the Tyne & Wear Metro. The platforms are also underground. I generally had a pleasant experience in the station, but I did have a few issues with the accessible toilet and parking options.

Disabled Access In and Around

Good

Access features throughout the station are generally good, with ramped access and automatic doors at the main entrance and level access at both side entrances. There are lifts to the platforms, all of which are spacious enough for most mobility devices and feature braille buttons inside and out, as well as a hearing loop. Loops are active throughout the station, at the assistance desk and on the platforms. The stairs throughout had contrasting stair nosing, and rails, both of which are bright yellow. The platforms have tactile paving at the edges, with black strips and metal studs, and audio announcements are used. There are benches and seats throughout the station for those who need to sit. I will say, however, that I found the platforms very cold when I was waiting for my train. Signage is clear enough, although most of it is overhead. The ticket and assistance office has automatic doors and a lowered counter for wheelchair users. The ticket machines throughout are accessible from a seated height, though some may need to stretch to reach the keypad if entering a PIN. Tickets can also be purchased online as an alternative.

Accessible facilities: Lift to all areas, Step-free entrance

Parking & Transport

Poor

I travelled to this place by walk or wheel

Parking near the station is rather limited, with the closest on-street spaces located on Fawcett Street where there are four accessible parking spaces. A separate car park can be found 160 metres away on Holmeside Road, which has 22 EV charging bays, 12 accessible parking spaces and 160 standard spaces, I've reviewed this separately.

Accessible Toilets

Poor

I would rate the accessible toilet higher if it wasn’t for the challenge in accessing it. The door has a standard key lock, which means your RADAR key is no use here. I had to ask a member of staff to open the door for me. Inside, the snib is high up on the door, which made it difficult for me to reach while using my wheelchair. The toilet is small but practical. The toilet pan has a contrasting seat and contrasting rails on either side. The red cord hung freely, and the right-side transfer space was clear. The sink has contrasting rails on either side of the small basin and a lever-style tap. The toilet was in reasonable condition, but until such time as the toilet can be accessed without having to notify staff, I can’t rate it any higher.

Facilities: Accessible toilet

Staff

Good

The staff were helpful when I asked for accesss to the loo.