Public transport discounts
The Disability Railcard gives the cardholder, and accompanying adult where applicable, a discount of at least one-third off the price of certain rail tickets in England, Wales and Scotland.
If you don’t have a disability railcard, you can still get 34 percent or 50 percent off rail travel on certain tickets, or travel for free with a companion if you travel on a season ticket. To qualify, you must be travelling with another person and have documentation confirming their registration both at the time of buying the ticket and at the time of travel.
For more information call 0845 605 0525 or visit the Disability Railcard website.
Assistance for visually impaired people is available at the start and end of your rail journey – please contact the relevant train operator in advance to arrange this. For more information, see the National Rail website.
There may also be community transport services such as Shopmobility or taxi discount schemes available in your area, such as Greater London’s Taxicard scheme.
You can get a bus pass that allows you to travel around the country at discounted rates and for free.
If you live in Scotland, you can get a National Entitlement Card (NEC) which gives you free bus travel across Scotland and free and discounted travel on standard class transport. For more information, see entitlementcard.org.uk.
If you live in Northern Ireland you can get a Smart Pass which gives you free or half price travel on almost all scheduled bus and rail services – visit nidirect.gov.uk or email us. [email protected].
If you live in London, a Freedom Pass gives you free travel on almost all of London’s public transport. To find out if you’re eligible, visit londoncouncils.gov.uk or email us. [email protected].
If you live in Wales, you can travel for free on most bus services within Wales and the borders with a Wales Discount Travelcard, which gives you and your travel companions discounted or free travel on many rail services. Visit portal.tfw.wales/en or email us. [email protected] For more details:
In some parts of the UK there are free or discounted local ferry services available.
For more information about travel discounts in your area, contact your local government or local transport authority.
Parking – Blue Badge Scheme
If you are registered as blind (severely visually impaired), you may be eligible to apply for the Blue Badge scheme, run by your local government and which allows you to park your car in designated parking spaces for disabled people. These spaces are often located very close to buildings and facilities to make them easily accessible for disabled people.
A Blue Badge is issued in your name and can be used in any vehicle you travel in, although you cannot drive yourself due to your vision impairment.
For more information about this scheme, contact your local government or visit one of the following websites:
Download our travel booklet for more travel discounts and tips and advice on travelling on public transport.
Living with Confidence – Travel (PDF)
Live with confidence – Travel (Word)
Complimentary movie ticket for accompanying person
While you may not be able to get a discount if you buy your own cinema ticket, you may be able to get a free ticket for your companion if you apply for a Cinema Exhibitors Association (CEA) card.
To apply for the card, you will need to prove that you are receiving eligible benefits (such as Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Allowance or Carer’s Allowance) or that you are registered as blind (‘severely blind’).
To find out how to apply and for more information on participating cinemas visit the CEA Card website, call 01244 526 016 or email us.[email protected].
Admission to attractions and events
Most museums, galleries, exhibitions, theatres, concert venues and points of interest in the UK usually offer discounted entry (where an admission charge applies) to disabled people, including those who are blind or partially sighted.
Some venues may offer more accessible services for people with visual impairments: museums, for example, may offer guided tours or audio guides that you can listen to as you move through the exhibits, concert venues may reserve special seats close to the stage, and theaters may offer performances with audio description and even the chance to meet the performers and touch their costumes beforehand.
Contact the establishments you want to visit to see what discounts you can get and what services they offer that will make your visit more enjoyable.