Coach Rental Across France

Accessible transport for groups

On a private hire, accessible transport is arranged with each booking. Say early who needs what, because that decides the vehicle.

Start with the needs

Tell us how many people use wheelchairs, whether each stays in the chair or transfers to a seat, and whether anyone brings a mobility scooter. The accessible minibus comes with a ramp or a lift, plus points to tie the chair down. Each wheelchair position replaces seats and takes luggage room.

For a mixed group, a coach with an accessible minibus alongside can work better than one vehicle for everyone. Give both the same pickup point so the group stays together.

Sprinter 19-seat minibus, side view
Sprinter 19-seat minibus, side view

What EU passenger rights cover

Under EU rules for bus and coach passengers, a disabled traveller who warns the operator 36 hours ahead gets assistance on scheduled routes of 250 km or longer. If safety calls for it, someone the passenger chooses rides along at no charge.

A private hire is not a scheduled route, so none of that applies automatically. The adapted vehicle and any help getting on board are written into your booking.

Rules organisers should know

  • EU bus and coach passenger rights give disabled passengers assistance on scheduled services of 250 km or more, if they tell the operator at least 36 hours before the trip
  • The French carte mobilité inclusion (CMI) with the 'stationnement' mention lets the holder, and the person accompanying them, use public parking places, whether the holder drives or is a passenger
  • The Nantes Atlantique airport shuttle is wheelchair accessible

Parking and town-centre access

A CMI card marked 'stationnement' (the carte mobilité inclusion) opens public parking places to its holder and their companion, at the wheel or not. In Lyon, a CMI holder has permanent access to the Presqu'île limited traffic zone by showing the card at the bollard. At the Fête des Lumières, Lyon sets aside reduced-mobility parking and adapted routes.

Organisers ask

Does a full-size coach have a wheelchair lift?

Do not assume it. Ask for one when you request a quote, and the operator confirms what it can supply.

Is the Nantes airport shuttle accessible?

Yes, the Nantes Atlantique shuttle takes wheelchairs. A group with luggage may still be easier in one booked vehicle.

When should we mention access needs?

In the first request, not later. The number of wheelchair positions changes the vehicle, the seat count and the room left for luggage. A late change can mean a different vehicle altogether.

Cities

Vehicles with a driver