Help with transport and travel costs

This page explains the main schemes available across the UK, and where to find more information.

Most transport and travel support are organised by your local council or transport authority. You can find your local council’s website here to check what’s in your area.

Free or discounted bus passes

If you have a disability or long-term health condition, you may be eligible for a free or reduced-price bus pass. Most passes offer:

• Free local bus travel during off-peak times (usually from 9:30am on weekdays and all day on weekends and public holidays)
• All-day free travel in some areas

Each UK nation has its own national scheme:

• England: English National Concessionary Travel Scheme (ENCTS)
• Northern Ireland: SmartPass
• Scotland: National Entitlement Card
• Wales: Concessionary Travel Card

In some areas, passes can also be used on other types of public transport like trams, ferries, and coaches.

Check your local council or transport authority’s website to see what’s available in your area and how to apply.

Freedom Pass (London only)

If you live in a London borough, you may be able to get a Freedom Pass. This gives free travel on:

• London buses, Underground, Overground, DLR, Elizabeth line and trams
• Local trains within London
• Local buses across England (outside London) during off-peak hours

There are two types of Freedom Pass: one for older people and one for disabled people. You can apply through your local council.

For more information: London Councils – Freedom Pass

Disabled Persons Railcard

The Disabled Persons Railcard gives you 1/3 off train fares across the UK. If you’re travelling with someone else, they also get 1/3 off their ticket.

• Cost: £20 for one year or £54 for three years
• Who can apply: people with a disability or health condition that affects their ability to travel, including those on PIP or DLA

Disabled children can also get a Disabled Persons Railcard. It will not give them an extra discount (children already get 50% off train fares), but it means the adult travelling with them gets 1/3 off their own ticket.

For more information: Disabled Persons Railcard

Local rail discounts

Some councils or transport providers offer extra discounts for disabled passengers. For example:

• free or reduced train travel with a bus pass
• Local travel cards or schemes

Check with your local council or regional transport authority to see what’s available.

Eurostar

If you’re travelling to mainland Europe by Eurostar, there is help available for disabled passengers and wheelchair users.

• Discounted fares and spaces for wheelchair users
• Reduced fares for companions in some cases (even if you’re not a wheelchair user)
• Priority boarding and assistance

For more information: Eurostar – Accessible Travel

If you need help to travel, some schemes let someone travel with you for free. These are sometimes called companion passes or carer passes.

They’re usually available for:

• Bus travel (in many parts of the UK)
• Some train services (less common)

You usually need to show that you need help to travel, such as a PIP award for mobility or daily living support.

Contact your local council or transport provider about a companion or carer pass.

If public transport is not suitable for you, there may be other travel options to help you get around locally. These include community transport services and subsidised taxi schemes.

Community transport and Dial-a-Ride

Local schemes may provide door-to-door transport using accessible vehicles. These services are often low-cost or free, and used for things like:

• Shopping trips
• Social activities
• Appointments

They are often run by councils, charities, or local community groups.

Search online for ‘community transport’ or ‘Dial-a-Ride’ in your area or contact your local council’s community transport team for details.

Subsidised taxi travel

You may be able to get help with the cost of taxi travel for essential journeys. These schemes let you book taxis or minicabs at a reduced cost.

Examples include:

• London Taxicard – for people with serious mobility or sight problems
• Taxicard in Scotland – available in some council areas
• Local Access to Travel or Assisted Travel schemes

Each area has different rules and application processes. Check your council’s website or search online for ‘taxicard’ or ‘subsidised taxi scheme’ in your area.

Motability Scheme

If you need a vehicle to stay independent, the Motability Scheme can help you lease one that meets your needs. It lets you lease a car, scooter, powered wheelchair, or wheelchair-accessible vehicle using your disability benefits.

The scheme includes:

• Insurance, servicing, and breakdown cover
• Maintenance and tyre replacement
• Many common adaptations at no extra cost

You may be eligible if you receive a qualifying disability benefit and mobility allowance, with at least 12 months left on your award.

For more information: Motability Scheme

Blue Badge

The Blue Badge scheme helps you park closer to where you need to go. It allows:

• Parking in designated disabled bays
• Free or extended parking in some areas
• Use across the UK and parts of Europe

You can apply whether you drive or are a passenger, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.

For more details on how to apply and who’s eligible, see our getting a Blue Badge page.

If you drive or travel by car, you might have to pay tolls or extra charges in some areas – especially in cities or on certain bridges, roads, or tunnels. These include:

• Congestion charges
• Clean air zones (CAZ) or low emission zones (LEZ)
• Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ)
• Toll roads, bridges, and tunnels

If you have a disability, you may not have to pay some of these charges. You usually need to register in advance and provide proof of eligibility to the relevant scheme. Exemptions are different in each area, and some need to be renewed regularly.

For more information:

• GOV.UK – Drive in a clean air zone
• GOV.UK – Toll concessions if you have a disability
• Transport for London – ULEZ, LEZ, Congestion Charge, tunnel charges
• Your local council or transport authority website

If you’re travelling somewhere new, it’s good to check ahead for local schemes or charges.

NHS Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS)

If you’re on certain benefits or meet the criteria for the NHS Low Income Scheme, you might be able to claim back the cost of travelling to NHS hospital appointments under the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme (HTCS).

You can claim for:

• Bus or train fares
• Petrol if you drive
• Taxi fares, if there’s no other reasonable way to travel
• Travel costs for your child, if they have a hospital referral
• Travel costs for a carer, if it’s medically necessary for someone to travel with you

For more information: NHS: Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme

Author: Muscular Dystrophy UK
Last reviewed: June 2025
Next review due: June 2028