Mobility, Transport & Travel (UK Disability Guide)

This guide is for disabled people, people with long-term health conditions, mobility difficulties, sensory 
impairments, learning disabilities, neurodivergent people, mental health conditions, older adults, carers, and anyone needing accessibility support.

Many transport providers, local councils, airports, and travel companies must make reasonable adjustments 
under the Equality Act 2010 to help disabled passengers travel safely and independently.

Blue Badge Scheme

The Blue Badge Scheme helps eligible disabled people park closer to their destination.

A Blue Badge may allow you to:

• Park in designated disabled bays
• Stay longer in some parking areas
• Access parking closer to services
• Receive parking concessions in many locations

Eligibility may include:

• Receiving certain disability benefits
• Significant walking difficulties
• Hidden disabilities in some circumstances
• Severe mobility impairments
• Registered blindness or severe visual impairment

Eligibility rules vary slightly between local authorities.

Official Information

• Blue Badge Scheme (GOV.UK)
• Check Blue Badge Eligibility (GOV.UK)

Help

Contact your local council:

• Find Your Local Council (GOV.UK)

Motability Scheme

The Motability Scheme allows eligible people to exchange certain mobility benefits for:

• Cars
• Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs)
• Powered wheelchairs
• Mobility scooters

The scheme typically includes:

• Insurance
• Servicing and maintenance
• Breakdown cover
• Tyres and repairs

Eligibility usually depends on receiving qualifying mobility benefits.

Official Information

• Motability Scheme
• Motability Eligibility Information

Contact

Motability Customer Services:

• Telephone: 0300 456 4566

Disabled Persons Railcard

The Disabled Persons Railcard can reduce rail travel costs.

Benefits include:

• Up to one-third off many rail fares
• Discount for an accompanying adult in many cases
• Available across Great Britain

Many disabilities and long-term conditions qualify.

Official Information

• Disabled Persons Railcard

Contact

Disabled Persons Railcard Helpline:

• Telephone: 0345 605 0525

Accessible Public Transport

Public transport providers must make reasonable adjustments for disabled passengers.

Support may include:

Buses

• Priority seating
• Wheelchair spaces
• Audio announcements
• Visual information displays
• Assistance from staff

Trains

• Passenger assistance booking
• Boarding ramps
• Accessible toilets
• Priority seating
• Staff support

Trams and Metro Systems

• Step-free access
• Priority areas
• Audio and visual announcements

Transport for London (TfL)

Support may include:

• Step-free route planning
• Travel mentoring
• Turn-up-and-go assistance on many services

Official Information

• Passenger Assistance (National Rail)
• Accessible Transport Guidance (GOV.UK)
• Transport for London Accessibility

Passenger Assistance Booking

National Rail Passenger Assist:

• Telephone: 0800 022 3720
• Textphone: 0800 015 0512

Bus Travel Concessions

Many disabled people can receive free or discounted bus travel.

Depending on where you live, you may qualify for:

• Free local bus travel
• Companion travel schemes
• Reduced travel fares

Official Information

• Free Bus Passes (GOV.UK)

Taxi & Private Hire Accessibility

Under equality legislation:

• Assistance dogs must usually be accepted
• Wheelchair users have legal protections
• Drivers may need to provide reasonable assistance

If you experience discrimination, support may be available through local authorities and equality organisations.

Help

• Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

EASS Contact

• Telephone: 0808 800 0082
• Textphone: 0808 800 0084

Air Travel Assistance

Airports and airlines must provide free assistance for disabled passengers.

Support may include:

• Airport navigation assistance
• Wheelchair assistance
• Boarding support
• Assistance through security
• Help with baggage
• Communication support
• Visual or hearing impairment assistance

Important

Request assistance at least 48 hours before travel whenever possible.

Available Support

• Mobility assistance
• Transfer assistance
• Hidden disability support
• Assistance for autistic travellers
• Hearing and visual impairment support

Official Information

• Air Travel Assistance (CAA)
• Accessible Air Travel Rights (GOV.UK)

Aviation Complaints

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)

• Telephone: 0330 022 1500

Accessible Holidays

Many organisations specialise in accessible travel.

Support may include:

• Accessible accommodation
• Wheelchair accessible rooms
• Hoists
• Adapted bathrooms
• Accessible excursions
• Equipment hire
• Assistance dog friendly accommodation

When booking:

✓ Ask for accessibility information in writing
✓ Confirm room measurements if needed
✓ Confirm equipment availability
✓ Check airport transfer accessibility
✓ Ask about emergency evacuation arrangements

Information & Advice

• Tourism for All UK
• VisitEngland Accessibility Information

Mobility Scooters & Wheelchairs

You may be eligible for support through:

• NHS Wheelchair Services
• Local authority support
• Motability
• Charitable grants
• Independent suppliers

NHS Information

• NHS Wheelchair Services Information

Speak to:

• GP
• Occupational Therapist
• Physiotherapist
• Local Wheelchair Service

Community Transport Services

Community transport may help people who:

• Cannot access ordinary transport
• Live in rural areas
• Have disabilities
• Have mobility difficulties

Services may include:

• Door-to-door transport
• Accessible minibuses
• Volunteer drivers
• Medical appointment transport

Information

• Community Transport Association UK

Hidden Disabilities & Neurodivergence Support

Many transport providers now recognise:

• Autism
• ADHD
• Learning disabilities
• Mental health conditions
• Cognitive impairments
• Non-visible disabilities

Support may include:

• Quiet areas
• Priority assistance
• Accessibility lanyards
• Communication support
• Travel training

Information

• Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme

Travel Insurance for Disabled Travellers

Always declare:

• Existing medical conditions
• Mobility equipment
• Accessibility needs

Failure to disclose medical conditions may affect cover.

Advice

• MoneyHelper Travel Insurance Guidance

NHS Travel Costs Support

Some people may receive help with healthcare travel costs.

You may qualify if you receive certain benefits and need NHS treatment.

Official Information

• Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (NHS)

Disability Rights & Travel Complaints

If you experience accessibility barriers or discrimination:

Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

• Telephone: 0808 800 0082
• Textphone: 0808 800 0084
• Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

Citizens Advice

• Telephone: 0800 144 8848
• Citizens Advice

Emergency & Essential Contacts

Service

Contact

Emergency Services

999

NHS Non-Emergency

111

National Rail Passenger Assist

0800 022 3720

Disabled Persons Railcard

0345 605 0525

Motability

0300 456 4566

Equality Advisory Support Service

0808 800 0082

Citizens Advice

0800 144 8848

Quick Accessibility Checklist

✓ Apply for a Blue Badge if eligible
✓ Check eligibility for Motability
✓ Consider a Disabled Persons Railcard
✓ Register for Passenger Assist before rail journeys
✓ Request airport assistance at least 48 hours before travel
✓ Check eligibility for a disabled bus pass
✓ Explore community transport options
✓ Research accessible holiday providers before booking
✓ Keep accessibility documentation when travelling
✓ Know your rights under the Equality Act 2010

Accessible transport support exists across the UK to help disabled people and those with long-term health conditions travel more independently, safely and confidently.