TRAVEL
This information for people in England. See also Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. If you’re outside the UK, your local epilepsy group may be able to help.
In this section
The Disabled Persons Railcard
Free bus travel
Access to Work
Air Travel
The Disabled Persons Railcard
If you have epilepsy, you are eligible for a Disabled Persons Railcard if you either:
Still have seizures even though you take epilepsy medicine or
You are not allowed to drive because of your epilepsy
To prove this you will either need to provide a copy of your Exemption Certificate for epilepsy medicine, and a photocopy of your prescription for your epilepsy medicine or a letter from the DVLA stating you are unable to drive.
https://www.disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk/are-you-eligible/
You will probably not be entitled to a Disabled Person’s Railcard if you don’t have epilepsy You will need to pay for a Disabled Persons Railcard, but it will save you money if you regularly travel by train.
Adults get a discount of up to a third on a range of rail tickets. One adult travelling with you will get the same discount as you.
Children aged from five to 15 years will pay the normal child’s train fare. However, if a child has a Disabled Persons Railcard,
one adult who is travelling with them can claim a discount of one third off their own adult’s fare.
You can get an application form for a Disabled Persons Railcard from any of the following places:
Some railway stations
The Disabled Persons Railcard website: disabledpersons-railcard.co.uk
Rail Travel Made Easy, tel: 0845 605 0525
Updated April 2024
Free bus travel
If you would be refused a driving licence because of your epilepsy, you are entitled to a free bus pass. You are not eligible to hold a free bus pass just because you have epilepsy. The rules state that the condition must have lasted 12 months or be likely to last 12 months or to happen again. So you are unlikely to qualify if you have had an isolated seizure, or are waiting for a diagnosis.
There is no age limit for this bus pass. It applies to adults and disabled children.
A free bus pass can be used for free travel in England between 9.30am and 11.00pm Monday to Friday and
all day at weekends and Bank Holidays. In some areas, you may also be able to travel free at other times.
You may also get reduced local rail fares.
For more information about how to get your free bus pass, contact your local council or your local passenger transport authority.
You can find details of these in your local Phone Book, or by contacting. a list of local councils in England is on the government ,
website: gov.uk/find-your-local-council
Bus passes in London - the Freedom pass
If you are eligible for a free bus pass and you live in Greater London, you can apply for a Freedom Pass. This gives you free travel on the entire Transport for London network. On most services, you can use the pass at any time. On other services, you may only use it at certain times.
Contact Freedom Pass for more information about using the pass and how to apply: Tel: 0845 275 7054
Website: http://www.londoncouncils.gov.uk/services/freedom-pass/disabled-persons-freedom-pass/eligibility
Updated Sep 2020
Access to Work
Some people who can’t drive because they have epilepsy, may be entitled to help with the additional costs of travel to and from work, and also travelling while at work. This comes under the Access to Work scheme.
Talk to your employer about changes they must make in your workplace
Your employer must make certain changes (known as ‘reasonable adjustments’) to make sure you’re not substantially disadvantaged when doing your job. These could include changing your working hours or providing equipment to help you do your job.
You should talk to your employer about reasonable adjustments before you apply for Access to Work.
You apply by ringing 0345 268 8489. Website: gov.uk/access-to-work/overview
Access to Work information for employers: gov.uk
https://www.gov.uk/definition-of-disability-under-equality-act-2010
Updated Jan 2018
https://www.insureandgo.com/travel-insurance
New guidance on air travel published to support people with hidden disabilities
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has published new guidance for airports to help support passengers
with hidden disabilities when they travel.
The new CAA guidance has information to help airports communicate more effectively with people before
and during travel, which could help reduce stress and anxiety for people.
Epilepsy is a hidden condition, and many people with epilepsy can be concerned about travelling. As well as the condition itself, stress and anxiety can play a part in epilepsy. The new guidance will help airport staff to support people with epilepsy, as well as others with hidden disabilities.
The guidelines suggest that airport staff should have training on hidden disability awareness and communication techniques. The new information says that airports should provide detailed information for people with hidden disabilities before they travel. It adds that clear images and audio messages should be put in place to help people find their way around the airport.
Among other things, the guidance suggests that airport staff explain the security search procedure to people with hidden disabilities in advance. The CAA added that staff should ensure that people are not separated from the parents or friends they are travelling with during this time. People should be given the option to wear a bracelet or lanyard to help staff identify people who may need extra support.
According to the CAA, UK airports have welcomed the guidance and 30 of the UK’s largest airports will make the changes. The CAA will report on the impact of the changes next year.
“We are working hard to ensure people with epilepsy have fair access to air travel and can receive the support they need to feel more comfortable when going on holiday. This new guidance is an encouraging and positive step in making travelling a safer and a more pleasant experience for people with epilepsy.”
Updated April 2024
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