Skip to Buy Tickets Skip to Content Skip to Recite Me Skip to Footer
departures
arrivals
There are also planned engineering works for today Check before travelling
Last updated: 10:54

Priority seat card

Your questions about priority cards on Thameslink answered here…

No, it’s just for people for who are holding a child, not for when the child is going to be in the buggy during the journey.

No, you have to use the application form and the postal address to get a card.

No – not unless you have a First Class ticket.

Yes, we can help you fill in the form and then send it to you to sign.

 

Call us on 0800 058 2844 if you need help.

No, the card can only be used for getting a priority seat.

No, not if the priority seats are already taken by others with priority cards or who otherwise need to sit down.

No, not at all. The idea of the card is to save you the need to explain why you need a seat.

Yes, you must always buy a valid ticket for your journey before you travel. A priority card isn’t a ticket.

Yes, we can send you a large print form or we can talk you through the form over the phone.

 

Call us on 0800 058 2844 if you need help.

You won’t. They might show you their card, if they have one. They may still need the seat, even if they don’t have a card.

If they don’t give up their seat then try showing your card to someone in another priority seat.

You can show the priority card to someone sitting in a priority seat to ask them to give up the seat for you.

The card will last for four years, unless you’re pregnant, have a temporary disability or are travelling with a young child.

  • If you are pregnant: the card is valid till two weeks after your due date
  • If you have a temporary disability: the card is valid till two weeks after the expected recovery date
  • If you are travelling with a child under three: the card is valid till the child’s third birthday

Nothing. The card is free, but we may charge you a replacement fee if it’s lost, stolen or damaged.

We’ve introduced the card to help those who find it hard or painful to stand, especially during rush hour. These are the people who will need the seats the most, and we thank you for your help and understanding with this.

First show your card to everyone in the priority seats in your carriage.

If nobody offers you a seat you can try showing your card to passengers in the other seats.

If there’s a conductor on board they may be able to help you find a seat on the train.

Report it to the police and let us know as soon as possible.

 

We’ll send you a free replacement once we have confirmation of the theft from the police.

You’ll need to apply for another card, and you might have to pay a fee for the replacement.

Priority seats are clearly labelled and usually near the doors. 

There will be P signs on the chairs, the windows by the seats and sometimes on the seat covers.

You can call us on 0800 058 2844 or use the textphone number 0800 138 1018.

You can also give us feedback at our meet the manager events

You can use your card on Great Northern, Gatwick Express, Southeastern, Southern and Thameslink trains.

Priority seats are supposed to be for passengers who have problems standing, including those with visual impairments and temporary or hidden disabilities.

You can apply if you can’t stand up safely on the train – for example, if you’re elderly, disabled, pregnant or travelling with a child under three.

Call us on 0800 058 2844 and let us know what the problem is. We’ll do what we can to help.

Explore FAQs

My question isn't here...

If you can't find the answer to your question then use our online form

Contact us