Accessible Travel

Southampton is a welcoming and inclusive destination for all. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip, a cruise departure, a short break or an extended stay, the city offers a wide range of accessible travel options and facilities to ensure your experience is smooth, safe and enjoyable. From accessible transport links to adapted venues and detailed planning tools, Southampton continues to improve its infrastructure so that everyone, regardless of ability, can explore with confidence and comfort.

Getting to Southampton – accessible transport options

Travelling to Southampton is straightforward thanks to its excellent transport links and commitment to accessibility. The city is well-connected to major destinations by road, rail, air and sea. Accessible travel routes are available on most modes of transport, and operators have invested in features such as step-free access, low-floor vehicles and trained assistance staff to support disabled passengers.

For additional support on the Bluestar buses click here and Unilink click here. If you are unable to use mainstream public transport and live in Southampton, please call Dial a Ride on 023 8022 2289 for more information and an application form, or email dialaride@sciagroup.co.uk.

Southampton Central Station, the city’s main rail hub, is fully accessible and operated by South Western Railway, which provides mobility assistance, accessible ticket counters, ramps for train boarding, and accessible toilets. National Express coaches and local bus companies such as Bluestar and Unilink offer low-floor, wheelchair-accessible buses, while drivers are trained to assist passengers with additional needs.

For those flying in, Southampton Airport is just a short train or taxi ride from the city centre. The airport offers accessible parking, dedicated check-in lanes, accessible toilets and a special assistance service for passengers who require extra support. If arriving by cruise, the Port of Southampton is equipped with adapted facilities at each terminal, including step-free boarding areas, assistance services and accessible restrooms.

Getting around the city – step-free and supported travel

Once you’ve arrived, navigating Southampton is made easier thanks to its relatively flat layout, step-free pedestrian zones, and well-maintained pavements. The city centre is walkable and compact, with clear signage, dropped kerbs and tactile paving in key locations.

Taxis and private hire vehicles are widely available, including wheelchair-accessible taxis operated by companies such as Radio Taxis Southampton and West Quay Cars. These companies offer vehicles with ramps or lifts, along with trained drivers who can support passengers with mobility or communication needs. Pre-booking is advised, especially during busy periods or cruise days.

For short journeys, Shopmobility is available at Westquay Shopping Centre, offering mobility scooters, wheelchairs and powerchairs for hire. This service can be reserved in advance and is an excellent option for those who want to explore the city centre, visit the waterfront or enjoy shopping and dining without mobility challenges. For more information on the Westquay Shopmobility service click here.

Accessible parking and Blue Badge facilities

Southampton offers a wide range of parking options for Blue Badge holders. Most city centre car parks, including Westquay PodiumWestquay Multi-StoreyNCP Portland Terrace and West Quay Retail Park have designated accessible bays close to entrances and lifts. These spaces are clearly marked and offer extra room for vehicles with ramps or for passengers who require additional space to enter or exit the car.

On-street parking for Blue Badge holders is available throughout the city centre, and badge holders may also park on yellow lines for up to three hours where it is safe and legal to do so. The city follows national Blue Badge guidance, and signage is displayed to support ease of navigation. More information can be found on Southampton City Council’s website, which provides up to date information on accessible parking zones and restrictions. You can also view the council’s Interactive Parking Map, which helps you locate Blue Badge bays near shops, cultural venues, and public transport links.

Plan ahead with confidence

To make your visit to Southampton as smooth as possible, planning ahead is highly recommended. Use the AccessAble guide, check venue websites for their most up-to-date accessibility information, and contact transport or hospitality providers directly if you require specific adjustments or assistance.

Shopping in Southampton

With more than 400 shops, ranging from department stores and high street favourites in our two shopping centres, to small independent boutiques and a retail park right in the city centre, Southampton’s shopping scene gives online purchasing a run for its money.

Some customers find the hustle and bustle of shopping demanding, so to enhance your experience The Marlands Shopping Centre have launched Sensory Sunday. On the last Sunday of the month, the Centre and their retailers turn music off or down low and will only use the tannoy system for emergencies. For more information, please email helpdesk@intomarlands.co.uk. To help make your visit as enjoyable as possible, The Marlands have created several helpful resources for people with autism and their parents/ carers. These are available to download here.

Several shops are currently introducing loop systems via Let’s Loop Southampton.

Accessible trail -from Parks to Port 

Free, and available in a digital and printed map format, the From Parks to Port route by See Southampton offers a sensory self-guided trail in and around the city with a focus on textures, smells and sounds. 

Using dyslexic-friendly text, ideal for mobility-scooter and wheelchair users and accessible to as many audiences as possible, the map highlights the historic and natural richness of Southampton. Practical points of interest including ramps, accessible toilets, lifts and venues with audio guides and description/audio tours also feature on the map. Plus, for the online version, each location can be accessed and heard by the visually impaired via optical character recognition (OCR) software.

You can download the free digital version of the map here.  For more information go here.