Travelling within the UK or abroad can require a little bit of extra planning if you have a disability. Whether you use a wheelchair, travel with a guide dog or require an adapted hire car, considering accessibility in advance can help your journey go smoother. To help, we have gathered everything you need to know about accessible modes of travel and transport in the UK and Europe.
Planes✈️
If you would like assistance for an upcoming flight, GOV.UK recommends letting your airline know at least 48 hours in advance.
To manage the distance between check in and departure at the airport, transportation options are available.
Those with less visible disabilities such as autism or dementia can also request assistance, such as fast track boarding.
You are able to get assistance for your journey through the airport, onto and off the plane, onto a connecting flight (if applicable) and out of your destination airport.
Can guide dogs go on planes?
Guide dogs and assistance dogs are generally allowed on planes. You’ll just need to inform your airline at least 48 hours in advance. According to Guide Dogs UK, airlines may ask for evidence that your dog has been trained by a recognised organisation.
When you arrive at the airport, a Persons with Reduced Mobility (PRM) agent will meet you at an agreed location, assist you through the terminal and help you board the aircraft. There will also be an opportunity for your dog to relieve itself before boarding.
The PRM agent may check that you have the correct paperwork for travelling abroad and returning to the UK. Onboard, your dog will usually be given floor space next to your seat. As arrangements can vary between airlines, it’s worth discussing options with your operator in advance and comparing carriers if needed.
Hire Cars🚘
For travellers with a disability, hiring a car in the UK or Europe is entirely possible as many rental companies offer adapted vehicles to suit a range of needs.
As with air travel, it’s best to request any adaptations in advance. These can include:
- Foot pedal extensions
- Indicator extensions
- Steering balls
- Portable hand controls for throttle and brake
- Assisted handbrake releases
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles are also available and may come equipped with external or internal lifts, handrails, floor tracking and high-visibility seatbelts.
Before setting off, always check the vehicle for any signs of damage or mechanical issues so that unwanted surprises don’t happen and you aren’t unfairly charged excess fees. In the unfortunate scenario that you are charged, having an excess insurance policy for hire cars will remove the stress of being left out of pocket.
Trains🚆
When travelling by train in the UK, you will be able to get a third off rail tickets with a disabled person’s railcard if you are eligible.
You can request a copy of the Accessible Travel Policy, or ATP, which your chosen train company follows.
Most mainline trains that run through cities, suburban areas and cross-country will have dedicated spaces for wheelchairs. If you require further assistance you can give National Rail advance notice so that staff are ready to help.
It’s also advisable to check if your departure and arrival stations have accessible facilities which you can do via the National Rail website.
In Europe train travel operates in a similar way with most trains having spaces for wheelchairs available alongside accessible toilets, priority seating and low-floor boarding areas.
It is best to contact the rail operator in advance so you are sure that your needs will be met when it comes to it. If you are planning a multi-journey trip with an Interail or Eurail pass, be aware that you be using different rail networks.
Larger train stations in Europe will have step-free routes, lifts, ramps, tactile paving and designated meeting points for assisted travel; the smaller, older stations are more likely to have limited facilities so it’s worth checking in advance.
Coaches and Buses🚌
Taking a coach holiday in the UK or further afield is a convenient way to travel without needing to drive.
In the UK, National Express offers a Disabled Coachcard, giving eligible passengers a third off their travel. Their coaches are designed to accommodate wheelchair users and have lift access available at designated stops.
Megabus also provides wheelchair spaces on many of its services but you’ll need to request this at least 36 hours in advance so staff can make arrangements.
If you want a more structured holiday experience, there are also specialist coach tour operators that cater specifically to disabled travellers, such as those operated by Limitless. These tours often include accessible accommodation, tailored itineraries and knowledgeable guides.
Across Europe, coach travel follows similar principles. Most operators will offer accessible vehicles equipped with wheelchair lifts, priority seating and onboard assistance where needed. As accessibility can vary between countries and companies, it’s a good idea to contact the operator in advance.
Cruises and Ferries⛴️
Whether you’re taking a ferry across the Channel or setting off on a cruise, it’s important to let the operator or your travel agent know about your disability at the time of booking to ensure the right assistance and accessible facilities can be arranged.
Most ferry and cruise companies offer support with boarding and disembarking, including help with navigating ramps, carrying luggage and settling into your cabin or seating area. Larger ships also tend to have accessible cabins, priority boarding options, adapted bathrooms and step-free routes around key areas of the boat.
Assistance dogs and guide dogs are generally allowed on ferries and cruises as long as certain safety and animal-movement regulations are met. You may be asked to show evidence of your dog’s training and that they meet the animal health requirements for the countries you’re visiting. Operators can also advise where your dog can relieve itself and what facilities are available on board or at the port.
If you are after a cruise, Limitless offers fully accessible cruise holidays – fantastic if you’re after a trip that is completely planned and guaranteed to meet your accessibility needs.
Main European Travel Operators
Train Operators
- Eurostar: UK ↔ France, Belgium, Netherlands
- SNCF: France
- Deutsche Bahn: Germany
- Trenitalia: Italy
- Renfe: Spain
- ÖBB: Austria
- SBB: Switzerland
- NSB: Norway
- Vy: Scandinavia
Coach and Long-Distance Bus Operators
- National Express: UK
- Megabus: UK & Europe
- FlixBus: Europe-wide
- Eurolines: Europe-wide
- BlaBlaBus: France & Europe
Ferries and Cruise Operators
- P&O Ferries (UK & Europe): UK ↔ France, Netherlands, Ireland
- DFDS Seaways (UK & Europe): UK ↔ France, Denmark, Netherlands
- Stena Line (UK & Europe): UK ↔ Ireland, Netherlands, Scandinavia
- Brittany Ferries (France & UK/Spain): UK ↔ France, Spain
- Tallink Silja (Baltic States): Sweden ↔ Finland, Estonia
Final Thoughts
Accessible travel in the UK and Europe is getting easier thanks to a improving services for people with disabilities. Notifying operators ahead of time, making use of specialist services and sorting travel cards to save time and money, will all make your holiday as stress-free as possible.
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