Wheelchair Accessible Taxi UK | Airport Transfers Guide (2026)

• Checkedvehicle suitability before booking
• £0extra for wheelchairs or assistance
• Seated or transferboth options planned
• Returnjourneys planned together

Book a wheelchair accessible taxi in the UK

To book, send your journey, your wheelchair details and who is travelling with you; we check availability with our local partner and confirm a suitable vehicle and price before you pay. Use the request guide below, or call or WhatsApp +44 20 3002 9040, or email bookings@globalairporttaxi.com.

Airport pickups and drop-offs

We arrange accessible collections from airport arrivals and drop-offs for departures. For arrivals, your driver meets you at an agreed, step-free point, which can be the airport's assistance area or help point once airport staff have brought you through. Pickups follow your flight's actual landing time when you give us the flight number.

Local and long-distance accessible transfers

Wheelchair accessible vehicles are available through our partners at some UK airports, not every airport on our network, and availability varies by date. Journeys can run between the airport and your home, hotel or another address, including longer trips; tell us the full route and we confirm whether a suitable vehicle can cover it.

Advance booking and vehicle confirmation

A booking for someone travelling seated in a wheelchair is only accepted once a vehicle has been matched to the wheelchair's size and type. This protects you from a vehicle arriving that cannot take your chair. Book as early as you can; for accessible vehicles, several days' notice gives the best chance of a match.

What is a wheelchair accessible taxi?

A wheelchair accessible taxi is a vehicle that lets a wheelchair user board using a ramp or lift and travel safely while seated in their wheelchair, secured by a tie-down system with a separate seatbelt for the passenger. The Department for Transport defines a wheelchair accessible vehicle as one that can carry a user of its "reference wheelchair", which is 700 mm wide, 1,200 mm long and 1,350 mm high when occupied. Every licensed London black cab is designated wheelchair accessible; our black cab vs minicab guide explains how London's taxi types differ.

Travelling while seated in your wheelchair

You stay in your wheelchair, which is secured to the vehicle floor, and you wear a separate lap and diagonal seatbelt. Specialist guidance from the Posture and Mobility Group recommends facing forwards, using a four-point tie-down system that meets ISO 10542-1, and a wheelchair tested to ISO 7176-19 for use as a seat in a vehicle. The wheelchair's own lap belt is not enough on its own. If your wheelchair is not crash-tested, transferring to a vehicle seat is safer where possible.

Travelling in a passenger seat with a folded wheelchair

If you can move into a car seat, a standard saloon, estate or people carrier may suit you, with your folded manual wheelchair or mobility aid carried in the boot. Tell us the folded size and any other luggage so the vehicle has space for everything. An estate car or people carrier gives the most boot space.

Wheelchair accessible vs wheelchair friendly

An ordinary people carrier that can carry a folded wheelchair is not automatically suitable for someone who needs to stay seated. Only a vehicle with a ramp or lift, enough headroom and a proper restraint system should be used for occupied-wheelchair travel.

Wheelchair accessible airport transfers across the UK

We take accessible transfer requests for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton and London City airports and confirm, for each booking, whether a suitable vehicle is available. Every UK airport offers free special assistance inside the terminal, booked through your airline at least 48 hours before you fly. The CAA's latest airport accessibility report, for April 2025 to March 2026, rated Gatwick, Luton and London City "very good" and Heathrow and Stansted "good".

Heathrow Airport wheelchair taxi transfers

Heathrow has assistance areas in every arrivals hall and help points in car parks and drop-off areas. Registered Blue Badge holders do not pay the £7 drop-off charge, even when travelling by taxi, if they register at least 7 days ahead; tell your driver at the start of the trip; see our UK airport drop-off charges guide. Pickups cannot use the drop-off zones, so your driver will meet you at the agreed point and take you to the vehicle in Terminal Parking, or at Terminal 4's pickup area. See our Heathrow airport transfers.

Gatwick Airport wheelchair taxi transfers

Gatwick has Assisted Travel receptions in the drop-off zones at both the North and South Terminals. For Blue Badge pickups, the vehicle can use the drop-off zone, but should be called forward only once you have reached the Assisted Travel reception, and the vehicle plate must be registered in advance. Confirm which terminal you are using, as North and South are separate buildings. See our Gatwick airport transfers.

Stansted Airport wheelchair taxi transfers

Stansted's Blue Badge bays are in Zone C beside the assistance help point, and the airport lists wheelchair accessible vehicles among its accessible transport options. Express Set Down does not list a Blue Badge exemption, so allow for the charge when dropping off. See our Stansted airport transfers.

Luton Airport wheelchair taxi transfers

At Luton, Blue Badge holders and passengers with booked assistance get 30 minutes free in Terminal Car Park 1, validated at the Priority Parking office, with help points on several levels. This is often the easiest place to meet your driver; our Luton drop-off charges guide covers the main zone. See our Luton airport transfers.

London City Airport accessible taxi transfers

London City Airport is compact, and Blue Badge holders are exempt from its drop-off charge and get 1 hour free in the main car park. It is close to central and east London, so journeys are usually short. See our London City Airport transfers.

Other UK airports

For Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow and other UK airports, send your request and we will tell you whether a suitable accessible vehicle can be arranged for your date before you book. See our Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh and Glasgow airport pages. We do not promise accessible vehicles at every airport.

Our wheelchair accessible vehicles and equipment

Accessible vehicles are provided by our licensed local partners, so the exact model differs by airport; we confirm the entry method, space and seating for your booking rather than publishing one specification for every location.

Companions, carers and luggage space

Once the wheelchair space is allocated, the remaining seats and boot space vary by vehicle. Tell us how many companions or carers are travelling and how many cases you have, so we can confirm everyone and everything fits in one vehicle, or arrange a second where needed. For larger parties, see group transfers.

How to check whether a taxi can take your wheelchair

Measure your wheelchair with you in it, and tell us these details when booking; we ask only for what is needed to match a safe vehicle, and never for medical history or a diagnosis.

1. Will you stay seated in the wheelchair? This decides whether you need a WAV.
2. Wheelchair type: manual or powered.
3. Overall width at the widest point.
4. Overall length, including footplates.
5. Height when occupied, from the ground to the top of your head, for headroom.
6. Combined weight of chair and passenger, only for heavier powered chairs, to check ramp or lift limits.
7. Special seating or positioning that affects how you sit or face.
8. Number of companions and carers.
9. Luggage and other mobility aids.
10. Boarding or communication preferences, such as help finding the vehicle.

How to send your accessible transfer request

Send your details by WhatsApp, phone or email. The table shows what to include, an example and why each detail matters; anything you do not know yet can be confirmed later.

Example request you can copy and adapt:

In this example the occupied height of 1,380 mm is taller than the 1,350 mm DfT reference wheelchair, so we would look for a vehicle with extra headroom and confirm it before booking. If all your measurements are within the reference size, we still confirm the vehicle for your date.

• Measure with the passenger seated in the wheelchair
• Include footplates and any tray in the length
• Measure height from the ground to the top of the head
• Mention headrests, tilt or recline features
• Say if a scooter or second mobility aid is coming
• Tell us if airport assistance is booked

Wheelchair accessible taxi prices in the UK

An accessible transfer is quoted for the journey before you book, and the law says you must not be charged extra for being disabled, for carrying your wheelchair or mobility aids, or for assistance.

How much does an accessible airport transfer cost?

The price depends on the route, the distance, the time of travel and the vehicle needed for your group and luggage, the same factors as any transfer. We do not publish a fixed accessible price list because availability and vehicle type vary by airport; we quote each request. For typical journey prices, see our London airport transfer price guide.

Are wheelchair users charged extra?

No. Since 28 June 2022, the Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act has required every taxi and private hire driver, and every private hire operator, not to make an additional charge for carrying a disabled passenger, their wheelchair or mobility aids, or for giving reasonable assistance. Breaches can lead to fines of up to £1,000. A quoted fare for the journey itself is lawful; a surcharge because you use a wheelchair is not.

Getting an accurate accessible taxi quote

A clear quote should state the pickup and destination, date and time, the vehicle type and whether you will travel seated, the number of passengers, waiting arrangements, and any genuine extras such as additional stops. If anything is unclear, ask before you pay.

Airport pickup assistance for wheelchair users

Airport assistance helps you through the terminal; your driver helps you from the meeting point into the vehicle and to your destination.

Meeting your driver at airport arrivals

Agree a step-free meeting point when booking, such as the arrivals assistance area or an accessible help point; our meet and greet guide explains how arrivals pickups work. Keep your phone on after landing, and tell assistance staff where your driver is waiting. Our guide to common mistakes at London airports has more arrival tips. Under the 2022 Act, private hire drivers must help you find the vehicle if you ask in advance.

Flight delays and pickup coordination

Pickups follow your flight's actual landing time when you give us the flight number. Waiting terms are shown in your quote. Assistance through passport control and baggage can take longer, so tell us when you have booked airport assistance and we will allow for it. For very early or late flights, see late-night and early-morning transfers.

Assistance with wheelchairs and luggage

Drivers must give reasonable assistance, including help getting in and out, securing the wheelchair, loading mobility aids and luggage, and helping you find the vehicle. They should always ask before helping and follow your instructions about how to handle your wheelchair. TfL also says the London taxi meter should not run while a driver is helping you in or out.

Airport special assistance vs taxi driver assistance

Airport assistance is free, booked through your airline, and covers you inside the terminal, including on and off the aircraft. Your driver's role starts at the agreed meeting point. A driver cannot provide airline or airside ground-handling services, so book both if you need help in the terminal and in the vehicle.

Accessible taxi services for different travel needs

Your rights when booking a wheelchair accessible taxi

UK law protects disabled passengers in taxis and private hire vehicles: drivers and operators must carry you and your wheelchair, give reasonable assistance, carry assistance dogs and not charge extra. The main rules apply in England, Wales and Scotland.

• Equality Act 2010: drivers of vehicles on a council's list of wheelchair accessible vehicles must carry you in your wheelchair or carry the wheelchair if you choose a seat, give reasonable assistance and not charge extra.
• Taxis and Private Hire Vehicles (Disabled Persons) Act 2022: in force since 28 June 2022, it extended these duties to all taxi and private hire drivers, and made it an offence for a private hire operator to refuse a booking because of disability, or to charge extra.
• Reasonable limits: a driver need not carry a wheelchair that cannot be carried safely, and an operator may refuse if no suitable vehicle is available. Councils can exempt drivers from assistance duties on medical grounds, and exempt drivers must display a notice.
• Assistance dogs: taxi and private hire drivers must carry assistance dogs at no extra charge unless they hold a medical exemption.
• Lists of accessible vehicles: councils must keep and publish lists of designated wheelchair accessible taxis and private hire vehicles.
• Raising a concern: complain to the council that licensed the driver or operator; in London, that is TfL. Give the licence number or vehicle registration. Unresolved complaints can go to the Local Government Ombudsman.

This is general information, not legal advice for individual disputes.

How to book an accessible airport transfer

Enter your journey details

Give the pickup, destination, date, time and flight number, and say whether a return journey is needed. In your reservation, say clearly that you need a wheelchair accessible vehicle; if you book online, add it in the special assistance or notes section before you pay.

Share your wheelchair and passenger requirements

Say whether you will stay seated, the wheelchair type and measurements, companions, luggage and any boarding or communication preferences.

Confirm your accessible vehicle

We check with our local partner that a suitable vehicle is available for your date and confirm the entry method and seating. If no suitable vehicle is available, we tell you before you pay rather than sending an unsuitable car.

Review your quote and pickup instructions

Your confirmation sets out the price, the vehicle, the meeting point and the driver's contact details. Your invoice is emailed automatically. You can also book online, read our FAQs or contact us.

What happens if a vehicle is not suitable?

If we cannot match a suitable accessible vehicle for your date, we tell you before you pay rather than sending a car that cannot take your wheelchair. If a vehicle arrives that is not right for you, do not travel in it.

1. Before booking: we check your measurements with our local partner and confirm the vehicle, or explain why we cannot.
2. On the day: if the vehicle cannot take your wheelchair safely, call or WhatsApp +44 20 3002 9040 straight away so we can look for an alternative.
3. Afterwards: tell us what went wrong. You can also complain to the council that licensed the driver or operator; in London, that is TfL.

Why choose Global Airport Taxi for accessible transfers?

• Vehicle suitability checked before you book
• Seated and transfer options planned
• Airport pickups and drop-offs
• Clear quote before payment
• No extra charge for wheelchairs or assistance
• Driver contact details in your confirmation
• Return journeys planned together
• Licensed local partners

Frequently asked questions about wheelchair accessible taxis