Transport and getting around Surrey
Contents
Need help getting to appointments, shops or social activities?
Whether you're going to a hospital, visiting friends or popping to the shops, there’s support to help you travel safely and independently. This page shows what’s available and how to get started.
Community transport
Need help getting to appointments, shops or social activities?
If you can't use regular public transport, local services and volunteers offer door-to-door travel and accessible minibuses.
To find community transport near you, use this website. You can:
- search by keyword, like community transport or Good Neighbours
- enter your postcode
- use filters to narrow results - on desktop, filters are on the left. On mobile, they appear at the top
Surrey Connect flexible minibus service
Surrey Connect is a bookable minibus service for people who can’t easily use regular public transport. It offers door-to-door travel within your local area.
You can book rides in advance
Find out more about Surrey Connect
Buses and trains
Buses
Most buses in Surrey:
- have low floors and ramps
- have space for wheelchairs
- welcome assistance dogs
Bus drivers must help you get on and off safely.
Free bus travel
You can get free local bus travel in Surrey if you qualify:
- 9.30am to 11pm, Monday to Friday
- all day on weekends and bank holidays
You can apply for:
- a free bus pass for older people (from age 66)
- a free bus pass for disabled people (from age 5 to 66)
Companion Permit
If you need help to travel, you can apply for a Companion Permit. This gives you and your companion free travel in Surrey.
Find out more about the Companion Permit
Trains
Many train stations in Surrey offer:
- step-free access
- help from staff
- space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters
You can ask for help at the station or book it in advance using the Passenger Assist service. If a station isn’t accessible, the train company must offer an alternative - like a taxi to the nearest accessible station - at no extra cost.
You can:
- book assistance up to 2 hours before travel
- use the Passenger Assistance app or website
- request help on arrival at staffed stations or via a Help Point
Train discounts
A Disabled Persons Railcard gives you a third off most train fares.
Find out more about the Disabled Persons Railcard
Travel apps to help you get around Surrey
You can use free and easy-to-use apps to plan journeys, get help while travelling and find accessible services.
Apps include:
- Trainline app (Android)
- Trainline app (Apple)
- UK live train times (Apple)
- Passenger assistance app
- Blue Badge parking sites
- Aira Explorer
Taxis in Surrey
Licensed taxis and private hire vehicles in Surrey must follow the law to support disabled passengers.
What drivers must do
By law, drivers must:
- carry disabled passengers and their mobility aids
- help passengers get in and out of the vehicle
- accept assistance dogs, unless medically exempt
- not charge extra for any of this support
Drivers must also help visually impaired passengers identify their vehicle if asked.
Booking and availability
You can book accessible taxis online, by phone or through mobile apps. Local councils must keep a list of wheelchair-accessible vehicles.
Find accessible taxi services in Surrey
Driving and parking support
Blue Badge disabled parking scheme
If you have mobility problems, you could qualify for a Blue Badge. A Blue Badge lets you:
- park closer to where you're going
- use disabled bays
- park on yellow lines (with limits)
- stay longer in time-limited bays
Vehicle tax exemption or reduction
You do not need to pay vehicle tax if you get:
- the higher rate mobility part of Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
- the enhanced rate mobility part of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
- War Pensioner’s Mobility Supplement
You may get a discount if you get the standard rate of PIP.
You can apply when you renew your tax:
- online on the Gov.uk website
- by phone at 0300 123 4321
- at the post office
Mobility scooters and class 3 powered wheelchairs are always exempt.
Motability scheme
The Motability scheme helps you lease or buy a car, scooter or powered wheelchair using your mobility benefit.
You can choose:
- contract hire – get a new car every 3 years with insurance, servicing and breakdown cover
- hire purchase – own the vehicle at the end
You can also lease a scooter or powered wheelchair. Adaptations are available.
Find out more about the Motability scheme