Access

Stations 

The closest underground tube stations with step-free access are Tottenham Court Road and Westminster stations.

Tottenham Court Road is on the Central, Northern and Elizabeth underground lines. Westminster is on the Jubilee, District and Circle lines. 

The nearest overground train station with step-free access is Charing Cross, which is about 200 metres from the Gallery. 

Bus stops 

The nearest bus stops are: 

• St Martins Place (Stop K) 
• Trafalgar Square Charing Cross Station (Stop C, D or G) 
• Leicester Square Station (Stop L) 

Live information 

For the latest travel information, please check TFL [external link, opens in a new tab].

There is one designated parking space on Orange Street at the back of the National Gallery. From here, you can use the nearby Sainsbury Wing or Getty Entrance. On Saturdays and Sunday you can also access the Galleries via the Roden Centre For Creative Learning. All entrances have step-free access.

You are required to book this space 48 hours in advance by phoning: +44 (0)20 7747 2885. 

There are five alternative parking spaces available nearby in St Martin's Street. 

The space on Orange Street is not on the National Gallery premises. Should another Blue Badge holder park there before you arrive, unfortunately, we cannot send them away. If this occurs, there are alternative parking spaces available in St Martin’s Street and Leicester Square Car Park. Please phone Westminster Parking Information Service on +44 020 7823 4567 for more information. 

Public car parks are available nearby in Leicester Square [external link, opens in a new tab] and Trafalgar Square [external link, opens in a new tab].

If you would like to preview what to expect on your visit please see our visual story

The Gallery offers British Sign Language-interpreted talks on paintings for visitors who are d/Deaf or hard-of-hearing, and art sessions for visitors who are blind and partially sighted. See all Access events coming up at the Gallery. 

Hearing loops

Hearing loops are provided at all information desks.

BSL talks and events 

We offer British Sign Language-interpreted talks on paintings and exhibitions. See all Access events coming up at the Gallery.  

Transcribed talks and events 

Some talks at the National Gallery are accompanied by live speech-to-text transcription supported by STAGETEXT. This converts the spoken word into visible text. 

Find out more about STAGETEXT [external link] 

Painting descriptions 

A range of free introductions to our paintings are available with BSL interpretation. 

See the full list on our website. You can also watch these on the Smartify app [external link].  

Audio guides 

Our Collection Audio Tour and Exhibition Audio Tours are all available to buy in BSL versions. These are self-guided tours on your own mobile device. 

Find out more about audio guides.    

For school groups, the Gallery can also offer sessions using multi-sensory materials for students who are blind and partially sighted, and for students with learning disabilities. 

Find out more about our SEND programme.

Seating is available around the Gallery.

• On Level 2, in rooms with paintings 
• Near the Getty Entrance
• In cafes and restaurants

Folded stools are available to pick up across the Gallery and outside exhibitions for use during your visit. Please ask a member of staff if you need help finding one. 

You are also welcome to bring your own folding stool.

Transport and standard manual wheelchairs as well as a rollator are available to book in advance. Please call +44 (0)20 7747 2885. 

A limited number are available on a first come, first served basis at the Sainsbury Wing Entrance and the Getty Entrance on Level 0. Please ask at the desk when you arrive.

There are lifts throughout the Gallery. These are marked on the floorplan. The lifts have the following dimensions: 

• Getty Entrance Lift - door opening is 900cm wide x 2100cm high. It can hold 15 people (1125kg)
• Annenberg Court Lift - door opening is 1100cm wide x 2100cm high. It can hold 19 people (1450kg)
• Ground Floor Galleries/Central Hall Lift - door opening is 800cm wide x 2000cm high. It can hold 10 people (750kg)
• Ground Floor Galleries/Room 26 Lift - door opening is 800cm wide x 2000cm high. It can hold 8 people (630kg)
• Sainsbury Wing Lift - door opening is 1200cm wide x 2100cm high. It can hold 21 people (1600kg)
• Roden Centre for Creative Learning - door opening is 800cm wide x 2000cm high. It can hold 8 people (630kg).

If you would like further information, please contact hello@nationalgallery.org.uk.

Please ask a member of staff if you wish to use a First Aid room or if you require assistance. 

There are accessible and ambulant toilets near all our entrances. 

Accessible toilets 

Accessible toilets are available on all floors of the Sainsbury Wing. 

There are two accessible toilets located in Annenberg Court on Floor 0. 

The Roden Centre for Creative Learning has one accessible toilet on Floor 0. 

One accessible toilet is located on Floor 0 between Muriel’s Cafe and Ochre restaurant. 

Changing Places toilets 

A Changing Places toilet is available on Floor 0 of the Roden Centre for Creative Learning and on Floor 0 the Sainsbury Wing. You will need a radar key to enter – please ask a member of staff.

The Changing Places toilet includes a toilet, sink, hoist, screen and shower.

You can help yourself to water at two locations in the Gallery. 
 
These are Annenberg Court on Floor 0 and in the Sainsbury Wing on Floor 1. To find them, follow signs to the toilets. 

There is a third water station outside the Pigott Theatre in the Sainsbury Wing.  

You are also welcome to ask for tap water at our cafes and restaurants.

Assistance animals are welcome here.