Transport and travel discounts
Whether you regularly use public transport or prefer to get around by car, it's worth being aware that there are often discounts available for those travelling with a disability or as a carer.
What options are available?
Support with cars, trains and buses
What's the Blue Badge scheme?
Parking can be expensive and problematic or even impossible if you have a disability.
The Blue Badge scheme enables those with disabilities, and those accompanying them, to park closer to their destination. There may also be free street parking or concessions you will be entitled to with the Blue Badge.
A Blue Badge can be up to £10 in England and Northern Ireland and £20 in Scotland. It’s free in Wales.
Am I eligible for a Blue Badge?
The eligibility criteria for getting a Blue Badge will differ according to where you live. See the following:
England Wales Northern Ireland Scotland
You can apply for a Blue Badge through your local council or apply here if you live in Northern Ireland.
What's the Disabled Persons Railcard?
The Disabled Persons Railcard can offer good discounts on rail travel costs for regular travellers.
You can get up to a third off rail travel tickets. This also includes an adult companion so you could also claim a third off for accompanying someone with a disability. See this website for more information and to see if someone you care for would be eligible: https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/
You can also buy one on behalf of someone you care for. Find out more about the costs and whether you can apply on this page.
How can we get extra support if we require some assistance?
The best approach is to contact the rail company in advance of travelling to let them know what kind of support you would require. See this webpage for more guidance.
What's available where I live?
There are a number of different types of discounted travel pass available, and which will apply to you will depend on where you live. We have listed some of the main ones we know of below. We realise this might not cover all, but these tend to be used the most. You could enquire through your local authority if you are unsure.
Disabled person’s bus pass (Contact your local council - England only)
Older person's bus pass (England/ Wales)
National Entitlement cards – if you're 60+ or disabled (Scotland – and as a carer, you can travel free with someone who has one of these)
Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel Card and Companion Card (Wales)
Free bus travel and concessions | nidirect (Northern Ireland)
Some local councils (and health and social care trusts in Northern Ireland) offer reduced fare taxi schemes for people with disabilities and carers. To see if this is available and whether you/ someone you care for would be eligible for this, contact your local authority.
Community transport schemes: There may be a "dial-a-ride" type of service offering door-to-door transport for anyone who is unable to use public transport. You may be able to accompany them for free as a carer.
Some local carers' organisations can advise on local transport schemes to help make travel more affordable in your local area. See if there is a local carers' organisation near you: Support where you live | Carers UK.
Support with travelling abroad
Can I arrange support in advance?
If you are travelling by plane and will require some assistance, it is important to plan ahead and ask about this at least 48 hours in advance.
This gov.uk page outlines the various rights disabled people have: https://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/planes
Please note that if you have a disability, you can also travel freely with up to two items of additional mobility equipment. This is not charged for like typical luggage.
Contact the airline and airport to find out what other allowances can be made if needed.
Can I arrange support in advance?
If you are accompanying someone with a disability or condition, it's important to let the ferry or cruise service know as soon as possible. It may be possible to travel for free (for example, sometimes this is possible on some ferry services) or at a discounted rate.
Any assistance needed with boarding and getting off a boat should be provided, but you will need to give the service operator at least 48 hours' notice. Before booking anything, it's a good idea to also enquire about other access needs you might have if looking after someone to make sure these can be met.
For more information, see this guidance: https://www.gov.uk/transport-disabled/ships
Finding affordable accommodation for a break
Our factsheet provides tailored guidance for carers on taking a break including information on how to get support and discounted accommodation.
See our breaks page for more information about funding, options of where to go and how to arrange a break. You can also download our breaks factsheet from this page.
