Accessible transport for groups and travellers
Travelling with a wheelchair user or someone with limited mobility should not mean compromise. We arrange accessible minibuses and private transfers through licensed partner operators, and we ask the right questions before anything is booked.
What to tell us about each traveller
The more we know, the better the match. Tell us how many people use wheelchairs, whether they stay in their chair for the journey or transfer to a seat, and whether the chairs fold. Mention scooters, walking frames, oxygen or other medical equipment too, and anyone who needs extra time to board.
A wheelchair-accessible minibus typically has 10-16 seats plus wheelchair spaces, and one Sprinter layout pairs a lone wheelchair space with 10+1 seats. Wheelchair spaces reduce luggage room, so let us know about suitcases as well.
What the rules require
- Carriers may refuse boarding only when vehicle, stop or terminal design makes it impossible
- Regulation 181/2011 mainly covers scheduled services, not private charters
Passenger rights on private hire
Under Regulation (EU) 181/2011, disabled passengers have rights when they travel on regular, scheduled bus and coach services in the EU, including full compensation for lost or damaged mobility equipment when the carrier is at fault. Its focus is scheduled services rather than private charters, so on a private transfer the arrangements are agreed directly with the operator.
That is one more reason to describe everyone's needs clearly in your request. The operator can then confirm in writing what the vehicle and driver will provide.
Where city access rules help
Some cities recognise disabled travellers in their coach rules. Rome's historic centre, ZTL BUS C, is closed to tourist buses but makes an exception for transport of disabled passengers. Amsterdam can grant groups of disabled passengers an exemption to drive inside the S100 ring. The operator applies for these permits where your trip qualifies, which can mean a drop-off much closer to the door.
Questions
How many wheelchairs fit in an accessible minibus?
It depends on the layout. One common setup combines a single wheelchair space with 10+1 seats; tell us your needs and we will match a vehicle.
Does EU passenger rights law cover private hire?
Only in part. Regulation 181/2011 mostly concerns scheduled services, so on a private charter the terms are agreed with the operator.
Can an accessible vehicle enter central Rome?
Yes, with a permit. Vehicles carrying disabled passengers are exempt from the closure of ZTL BUS C to tourist buses.
Cities
Vehicles
- Full-size coach — 49-57 seats
- Midi coach — 29-35 seats
- Minibus — 16-19 seats
- Executive van (Mercedes V-Class / Sprinter class) — up to 8 seats
- Executive car (E-Class sedan class) — 1-3 seats
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces seats
Need accessible transport?
Tell us about your group and we will look for a licensed partner operator with a vehicle that fits.
Request a quote or call 442046529800