Minibus Hire Across France

Accessible transport for the whole group

When one of you uses a wheelchair, the plan changes: the vehicle, the time it takes to board and the places to stop. Say so from the start and the trip can be arranged around everyone.

What we need to know

Tell us the number of wheelchair users, whether each person transfers to a seat or stays in the chair, and whether the chair is manual or powered. Add walking aids, a carer who travels along and any equipment that must come too.

Accessible minibuses have a lift or a ramp and securing points. Every wheelchair space costs a few seats and part of the luggage area, so the full passenger count shapes the choice of vehicle.

Minibus rear seating and luggage space
Minibus rear seating and luggage space

Scheduled lines and private hire

EU passenger rights give disabled travellers assistance on scheduled coach services of 250 km or more, provided the operator is warned 36 hours or more before departure, and a companion can travel free where that answers a safety concern.

Those rights belong to scheduled lines. On a private hire, the accessible vehicle and any help are arranged with each booking, which is why the details above matter so much.

Rules worth knowing before you go

  • On those scheduled services, the operator must let a person of the passenger's choice travel free of charge where that solves a safety concern
  • In Lyon's Presqu'île limited traffic zone, people with reduced mobility have permanent access by showing their CMI at the access bollard

Parking and city access

A CMI, the French carte mobilité inclusion, marked 'stationnement' allows the holder to use public parking places, disabled bays included, whether they drive or ride, and the person accompanying them too. Bring it on the trip.

In Lyon, people with reduced mobility may enter the Presqu'île limited traffic zone at any time by showing their CMI at the access bollard. The Fête des Lumières sets aside parking places and adapted routes for visitors with reduced mobility, and the Nantes Atlantique airport shuttle is wheelchair accessible.

Your questions, answered

Can a wheelchair user stay in the chair while travelling?

In a vehicle with securing points, yes, if the chair is suitable. Give its type, size and weight so the lift and the positions can be checked.

How much notice is needed?

As much as you can give. Accessible minibuses are a specialised vehicle, so an early request leaves a wider choice.

Can the rest of the group ride in the same vehicle?

Often, yes, when the numbers allow. Otherwise a second vehicle follows on the same timetable so nobody is split from the day.

More places to explore

Other vehicles with a driver