Abstract: To find out the solution for barrier-free design of passenger trains in China, three models were proposed by analyzing the passengers' special needs, including the demand model of passenger with reduced mobility, the accessible passageway model of coach, and the basic layout model of wheelchair accessible zone. Then, the theoretically optimal layout was obtained by comparing the all schemes. By both human tests and virtual simulations, some key dimensions were determined for barrier-free design of passenger trains, such as wheelchair turning space, passage width, and the controllable range of wheelchair users' hands. Further, the accessibility information symbols in passenger trains were introduced and some suggestions were provided for their places. The results show that trains should be equipped with priority seats, accessible coach and accessibility information symbols. Wheelchair accessible seat and individual washroom for wheelchair users should be arranged on both sides of the coach entrances. The number of the priority seats is no less than 5% of the seats. When the number of the coaches is no more than 8, one wheelchair accessible seat is required. But when the number of the coaches is more than 8, two wheelchair accessible seats are required. The diameter of wheelchair turning area is no less than Φ1 500 mm, and there should be one at the every corner of the accessible passageway. The passage width for passengers with reduced mobility is no less than 950 mm. All of the controllers should be installed on the wall with 389-1 354 mm far away from the floor. The depth of the table surface should be less than 423 mm.