Travelling around the UK – Buses, Coaches & Taxis

In the UK those that are registered disabled can travel for free across the country using the bus network. Passes are issued by your local council and can be used anywhere in England. 

The UK's coaches are run by independent companies, all of which have their own accessibility policies. Contact the company you are planning to travel with for the full details of their accessibility facilities and policies. There are companies that have space for wheelchairs, ramps to help with boarding and disembarking. 

You can find taxi companies that have accessible and adapted vehicles for hire. It is always best to book your taxi journey in advance to ensure that there is a vehicle available for you. You can find reputable taxi firms from your accommodation provider and also the local area's council. 

Travelling by bus

You can get a bus pass for free travel, if you’re disabled. Passes from Councils in England can be used anywhere in England at anytime on a Saturday, Sunday or Bank holiday or from 9.30am – 11pm at all other times.
The law says bus and coach drivers must give reasonable assistance to disabled people for example, by helping them get on and off the bus or coach, however, this does not include physically lifting passengers or mobility equipment.

You can however, ask the drive to help you get up the ramp on a bus, help you with your luggage and wait until you’re seated before driving.

Apply for a bus pass for free travel via your local council if you are a UK resident. For those travelling to the UK from elsewhere, please speak to your travel agent or provider about travel cards. Apply for a bus pass here. In London, visitors and residents can also apply for a Freedom Pass which allows free transport on busses around London and nationally. Find out more here. https://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/disabled-persons-freedom-pass

Sunflower lanyards are available for those with Hidden Disabilities, bus drivers and staff are trained to observe these and offer assistance where needed.

Travelling by coach

There are several coach companies offering longer journeys around the UK including National Express, Megabus and others. The majority of these coaches offer wheelchair and mobility scooter spaces and have their own passenger assistance, please contact the coach company themselves to book these.

Each company supports the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme and are also happy to welcome assistance and service animals onboard. Disabled Coachcards are available for individual services and can offer discounted travel.

Travelling by taxis

It is against the law for Taxis and Minicabs to refuse a journey because of a disability or for bringing an assistance dog. Drivers and operators have to give you help, including getting in and out of the vehicle, finding a vehicle, putting a mobility aid in the boot, reading out the total on the taximeter, explaining the route.

In some areas, licensed taxis have to be wheelchair accessible. The area’s council will have a list of wheelchair accessible vehicles that are available.

Find out more about wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAVs) here. 

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