If you are visiting Dublin and need extra help using the Luas tram system, you can request free Luas Travel Assistance before your journey. Support can include having a staff member accompany you, helping you become familiar with the tram network or advising you about how to plan your route.
The service is available to passengers with disabilities, including autistic travellers and people with non-visible disabilities. It can also be helpful if you are unfamiliar with Dublin’s public transport system and have additional access needs.
If you’d like to see what we are getting up to as it’s happening, please give our Instagram a follow @autismfamilytravelguide
This guide explains how to request assistance, what information to provide, how accessible the trams and stops are, and what to consider when travelling with an autistic child, wheelchair, mobility scooter or disability pushchair. For wider holiday planning, read my Dublin with autistic children guide and Ireland travel guide.
Luas Travel Assistance: Quick Facts
- Cost: Luas Travel Assistance is free.
- Availability: Assistance can be requested during all Luas operating hours.
- Booking: Contact the TFI Help Centre before travelling so staff arrangements can be made.
- Telephone: 0818 294 015.
- Online: Use the Transport for Ireland website to find the TFI contact webform.
- Support: Staff may accompany you, familiarise you with the network and advise on journey planning.
- Accessibility: Luas states that all trams and platforms are wheelchair accessible, although individual lift availability should be checked.
- Tickets: Free assistance does not mean free tram travel.
These arrangements are described on the official Luas accessibility page. Check the operator’s latest information before travelling.
What Is Luas Travel Assistance?
Luas is Dublin’s light rail tram network, operating Red and Green Line services. Its Travel Assistance programme is intended for passengers who need additional help using the network. Luas recognises that disabilities are not always visible and that people with the same condition may have very different support needs.
When assistance has been arranged in advance, a member of staff can be available to help. Depending on your needs, this may involve accompanying you during a journey, helping you learn how to use Luas or giving advice about the route you intend to take.
This is not a guarantee of one-to-one care, a reserved seat or an accessible lift being operational. Explain exactly what help you require and ask Luas to confirm what can be arranged for your journey.
How to Book Free Travel Assistance on Luas
Luas asks passengers to make contact in advance so arrangements can be made for a staff member to assist. Its accessibility guidance does not give a universal minimum notice period, so contact the operator as early as you can rather than assuming assistance can be organised immediately.
- Plan the journey, including your departure and arrival stops.
- Contact the TFI Help Centre on 0818 294 015 or use the TFI webform linked from the Luas accessibility page.
- Explain your disability-related needs and what practical assistance would help.
- Confirm whether you need help at departure, arrival or throughout the journey.
- Ask how to meet the staff member and what to do if your travel plans change.
The operator also mentions info@luas.ie for advance assistance enquiries in its boarding guidance. However, its official page gives the TFI Help Centre and webform as the main arrangement methods.
What Information Does Luas Need When You Request Assistance?
According to Luas, you should provide:
- Your date and time of travel.
- Your departure and arrival Luas stops.
- The nature of your disability and the assistance required.
- Whether you are travelling alone or with someone else.
- Whether assistance is needed at both ends of the journey.
- A description that will help staff identify you.
- Any additional information that may help staff prepare.
For example, if you are travelling with an autistic child, explain whether they need extra time to board, simple verbal instructions, help identifying the correct tram or support with unfamiliar surroundings. These are examples of needs you can discuss, not services guaranteed for every passenger.
If you cancel a journey for which special arrangements have been made, let Luas know so staff can be available to assist other passengers.
Luas Travel Assistance for Autistic Travellers
Luas explicitly includes autism among the non-visible disabilities recognised in its accessibility policy. You do not need to use a wheelchair or have an obvious physical disability to enquire about assistance.
Before travelling, consider whether help with familiarising yourself with the tram system would make the journey easier. Luas can discuss how the network works and how to plan a journey, which may be particularly useful for someone who finds unexpected changes, crowds or new transport routines difficult.
Useful preparation may include showing your child the stop names, explaining that the tram doors are opened using a green flashing button, and practising the sequence of arriving at the platform, waiting, boarding, travelling and getting off. On-board audio announcements and electronic displays identify upcoming stops. Personally, I like to follow the route on Google Maps so I have a visual representation of where we are in comparison to where we need to go.
What Is the JAM Card on Luas?
Luas supports the JAM Card and app developed by NOW Group. JAM stands for Just A Minute. It is a discreet way to tell staff that you may need a little extra time to communicate, process information or find your ticket.
The scheme can be useful for autistic passengers, people with learning or communication difficulties and others who need more time. Luas says its staff, including drivers and customer assurance officers, have received JAM Card awareness training.
JAM Cards are available for collection from Connolly, Pearse and Heuston stations, or can be requested through JAM Card’s official website. The card is a communication aid, not a travel ticket or proof of entitlement to free travel.
Wheelchair Accessibility on Luas Trams
Luas states that all its trams and platforms are wheelchair accessible. Platforms are raised approximately 280 mm above the track, with short access ramps where required. Some stops also have lifts.
Each tram has two designated wheelchair areas, reached through the central sets of double doors. These spaces are marked with wheelchair symbols. Wheelchair users have priority for these areas because they are the designated safe places to travel.
The operator recommends applying wheelchair brakes and positioning the wheelchair rear-facing against the side grab rails while travelling. If you cannot board or need assistance, use the Emergency Help Intercom at the stop to contact the Luas Central Control Room.
Although platforms are designed to be accessible, check the latest lift updates before your journey, especially if your route depends on a particular lift.
Which Luas Stops Have Lifts?
The official Luas accessibility page lists lift access at the following stops:
- Kilmacud
- Balally
- Ranelagh
- Charlemont
- Connolly
- Dundrum
- Phibsborough
Lift arrangements differ by stop. For example, Kilmacud has a lift serving each platform, while Phibsborough has two lifts. Check Luas travel updates before travelling for information about temporary lift outages.
Can You Take a Mobility Scooter on Luas?
Yes. Luas states that mobility scooters are permitted on board. The operator recommends entering through the double doors, applying the scooter brake and positioning the scooter rear-facing against the side grab rails for safety.
If you have concerns about the size or manoeuvrability of your scooter, contact Luas before travelling to confirm suitable arrangements.
Travelling on Luas With a Buggy or Disability Pushchair
Luas has two designated areas for buggies, accessed through the central double doors. A buggy can remain unfolded in the designated area when space is available, provided it is safely positioned with its brake applied.
Unfolded buggies cannot be left in the aisle, and a driver may refuse boarding if the tram is too crowded for safe travel. Wheelchair users have priority over unfolded buggies in the shared designated space. If a wheelchair user needs the area, staff may ask you to fold your pushchair.
If your child uses a disability pushchair that cannot safely be folded, discuss this with Luas before travelling rather than assuming the ordinary buggy arrangements will meet your needs.
Support for Visually Impaired Passengers
Luas provides audio announcements of upcoming stops in English and Irish. Trams have audible warning signals when doors are closing, and bells indicate tram movements near platforms.
Passengers can use the Emergency Help Intercom at a stop to ask the Luas Central Control Room about the destination of an approaching tram. On board, passenger communication devices near the double doors allow travellers to contact the driver if they are unsure of their location.
Support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Passengers
Luas trams have electronic displays showing current and upcoming stops, external destination displays and flashing lights that indicate when doors are closing.
The middle third of each tram has an induction loop for compatible hearing aids with a T-switch, allowing passengers to hear recorded announcements and messages from the driver.
Can Assistance Dogs Travel on Luas?
Yes. Assistance dogs are welcome. Luas says they should wear an appropriate harness or jacket identifying them as assistance dogs and must remain under their owner’s control. They must not block the aisle or occupy a seat.
Space is provided for guide dogs beneath designated seats. Contact Luas in advance if you need advice about travelling with your assistance dog.
Is Luas Travel Assistance Free?
Yes, arranging LuasTravel Assistance is free. However, you still need a valid tram ticket, validated Leap Card or qualifying Free Travel Pass unless you are otherwise entitled to free travel.
Luas accepts Ireland’s Public Services Free Travel Pass, subject to the scheme’s eligibility rules. A UK concessionary travel pass or disability identification card should not be assumed to provide free tram travel in Dublin.
Ticket vending machines are available at every stop, and Leap Card validators are located on platforms. Remember to validate your card before boarding and follow the applicable tap-off instructions after your journey.
What to Do If You Need Help at a Luas Stop
Luas stops have Emergency Help Points, generally located near the ticket vending machines. These connect passengers to the Central Control Room. They can be used to request assistance if you are unable to board or need help identifying the tram.
For planned journeys, contacting the TFI Help Centre beforehand is preferable because it gives staff time to arrange appropriate assistance.
Accessible Parking at Luas Park and Ride Facilities
Luas lists seven Park and Ride facilities with designated Blue Badge parking spaces. Parking is free for Blue Badge holders in designated spaces when the badge is displayed. The operator also states that, if designated spaces are full, Blue Badge holders can park free in another space with their badge displayed.
Parking spaces are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Check the current car park rules and your badge’s eligibility before arriving.
Learn more about using a UK Blue Badge in Europe.
FAQ About Luas Travel Assistance
Do You Need to Book Luas Travel Assistance in Advance?
Yes, Luas asks passengers to contact the operator ahead of travel so staff can be arranged. Its accessibility page does not specify a fixed minimum booking period.
Can Autistic Passengers Request Luas Travel Assistance?
Yes. Luas specifically recognises autism as a non-visible disability and encourages passengers who need extra help to contact the TFI Help Centre.
Can Someone Accompany Me on the Tram?
Luas states that its Travel Assistance service can include a staff member accompanying you during your journey. Confirm the arrangements when booking.
Are All Luas Trams Wheelchair Accessible?
Luas says all its trams and platforms are wheelchair accessible, with designated wheelchair spaces on board. Check lift availability at stops where step-free access depends on a lift.
Can I Use a JAM Card on Luas?
Yes. The JAM Card and app can discreetly communicate that you need a little more time. It is not a ticket or a substitute for arranging more extensive assistance.
Can I Bring an Unfolded Pushchair on Luas Trams?
Yes, if there is space in the designated area. Wheelchair users have priority, and staff may ask you to fold your buggy if that space is needed.
Who Do I Contact for Luas Assistance?
Contact the TFI Help Centre on 0818 294 015 or use the webform linked from the official Luas accessibility page.
Before your journey, check your tram route, the accessibility of the stops you plan to use and whether any lifts are temporarily out of service. If you need a staff member to assist you, contact Luas in advance and explain what support would be most useful.
Continue Planning Your Ireland Trip
- Spending time in the capital? Explore Dublin with autistic children
- Plan your onward journeys with our guide to accessible transport in Ireland
- Learn more about using the “please offer me a seat” badge in Ireland
- If you plan to travel more rural Ireland you should learn more about Local Link buses
- Learn more about travelling to Ireland with prescription medication
- Read about special assistance at Dublin Airport to understand how to arrange airport support
- Familiarise yourself with disabled facilities at Dublin Airport before travelling
- Including Northern Ireland in your itinerary? Read our separate guide to Northern Ireland with autistic children
Continue Planning Your Europe Travel Itinerary With Children
- Start with planning your overall Europe family trip, including flights, transport, pacing and choosing destinations that suit your child’s needs
- Looking for an easier first-time Europe destination? Consider visiting Denmark with kids for organised cities, reliable transport and family-friendly attractions
- Prefer beaches and slower-paced travel? Find out more about Greece with children for island stays, outdoor dining and flexible family days out
- Planning big city adventures? Discover what to expect in Paris with autistic children, including transport, attractions and sensory considerations
- Want scenic train journeys and nature? Learn more about Switzerland with autistic children for mountain views, calm towns and predictable travel routines
Continue Planning Your Trip With Autistic Children
- Find out about the help available if you are travelling through an airport
- Discover whether a cruise with an autistic child would work for your family
- Find out how to make travelling with ADHD manageable
- Learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard
- Check out guides to all of the different destinations we have travelled to with autistic children
- Learn step-by-step how to set up the accessibility feature on Google maps
- Learn more about our favourite sensory toys for travelling
- Discover an app that helps you locate a playground anywhere in the world
- Always alerted at the last minute that the little one needs a toilet? Find a toilet anywhere with this app
Continue Planning Your Accessible Travels Using Our Guides
You can click on each image to go directly to the guide for that topic.
