Accessibility

Bus Éireann is committed to the provision of a fully accessible public transport system incorporating fully accessible vehicles and infrastructure. All vehicles operating on our scheduled services have:

  • A suspension-lowering feature that can be used to assist passengers with boarding, simply request the driver to kneel the vehicle
  • Entrance areas fitted with grab rails in contrasting colours that feature stop request buttons
  • Public Address systems
  • Destination displays
  • On-board monitors
  • We are rolling out on‐board “next stop” audio announcements across our network. This initiative has already commenced with all stops in Waterford, Sligo, Athlone, Galway and Limerick live. More routes to follow throughout 2019 and 2020.

Additionally, the Bus Éireann website complies with web content accessibility guidelines, WCAG 2.0 AA.

Wheelchair Accessibility

The overall percentage of wheelchair accessible vehicles within the Bus Éireann fleet will continue to grow alongside investment in new vehicles. As it currently stands the bus fleet that operates on our Regional PSO services and on City and Town services are 100% wheelchair accessible.

We continue to work with the National Transport Authority (NTA) regarding the bus station and stop infrastructure.

City and Town Services

All of Bus Éireann’s City and Town services have low-floor buses and are 100% wheelchair accessible. Access to the vehicle is via a fold out ramp, and each bus has a designated wheelchair space. An occupied pram or buggy may be parked in this designated space only when it is not required by a wheelchair user. Click here for a full list of City and Town services operated by Bus Éireann.

Expressway and Regional Services

While wheelchair accessibility is available on many Bus Éireann coaches operating on Expressway and Regional services, routes may be limited due to constraints regarding accessible bus stops. The introduction of additional fully accessible routes is dependent on the provision of suitable bus stop infrastructure. 

We are working with the NTA and local authorities regarding the design of new bus stop developments, which will facilitate our customers being collected and delivered at these designated bus stops in a safe manner.  We are also working with the National Transport Authority (NTA) regarding the bus station and stop infrastructure and to identify vehicle types best suited to the varying needs of all our customers while also suitable for roads and associated infrastructure. 

Full List of Wheelchair Accessible Routes

City and Town Services
The bus fleet that operates on City and Town services is 100% wheelchair accessible and does not require booking in advance

Southern Region:

  • Cork   
    201, 202, 202A, 203, 205, 206, 207, 207A, 208, 209, 209A, 212, 213, 214, 215, 215A, 216, 219, 220, 220X, 223, 223X, 225, 225L
  • Waterford
    360, 360A, W1, W2, W3, W4, W5

Western Region:

  • Limerick
    301, 302, 303, 304, 304A, 304X, 305, 305A, 306, 313
  • Galway
    401, 402, 404, 405, 407, 409
  • Athlone
    A1, A2
  • Sligo
    S1, S2

Eastern Region:

  • Balbriggan
    B1
  • Drogheda
    D1, D2, D4, D5, 173
  • Navan
    N1, N2
  • Dundalk
    174, 174A, 174B

Expressway Services

To reserve accessible transport on an Expressway service, intending passengers should book online at https://www.expressway.ie/journey-search at least 24 hours in advance of travel.

  • Route 4, Dublin/Waterford. Accessible stops at Busáras (Dublin), Dublin Airport & Waterford Station only
  • Route X4, Dublin/Waterford. Accessible stops at Busáras (Dublin), Dublin Airport & Waterford Station only
  • Route 32, Dublin/Letterkenny. Accessible bus stops at Busáras (Dublin), Dublin Airport, Ardee, Monaghan Bus Station, Lifford and Letterkenny only
  • Route 40, Waterford/Cork. Accessible stops at Waterford & Cork
  • Route 51, Cork/Galway. Accessible stops at Cork, Limerick, Ennis & Galway Bus Stations.
  • Route 55, Waterford/Limerick. Accessible stops at Waterford & Limerick.

PSO Routes

To reserve accessible transport on a Regional PSO service, intending passengers must contact us on LoCall 0818 836 611 (or +353 1 836 6111 if calling from outside of the Republic of Ireland) at least 24 hours in advance of travel.

  • Route 70, Athlone/Mullingar. Accessible stops at Athlone Bus Station, Moate, Kilbeggan, Mullingar Rail Station.
  • Route 109, Dublin to Kells. Accessible Stops at Busaras (Dublin), Dunshaughlin, Navan Abbey Road, Kells.
  • Route 109A  Kells/Dublin Airport.Accessible Stops at Dublin Airport, Ashbourne, Ratoath, Navan, Dunshaughlin, Kells.
  • Route 109X, Dublin/Cavan. Accessible Stops at Busaras (Dublin), Dunshaughlin, Navan Abbey Road, Kells, Maghera, Virginia, Cavan.
  • Route 111, Trim/Dublin. Accessible Stops at Busaras (Dublin), Blanchardstown (Crown Plaza), Blanchardstown SC (Slip Road Eastbound) and Trim. 
  • Route 103, Dublin/Ratoath. Accessible stops at Dublin, Ashbourne, Ratoath.
  • Route 103X, Dublin/Duleek. Accessible stops at Dublin, Ashbourne, Duleek.
  • Route 105X, Dublin/Fairyhouse Cross. Accessible stops at Dublin Ratoath, Fairyhouse Cross
  • Route 226, Kent Rail Station/Cork Airport. All Stops between Kent Rail Station and Cork Airport
  • Route 271, Killarney/Tralee. Accessible Stops at Killarney, Abbeyfeale and Tralee Stations.
  • Route 272, Listowel/Tralee. Accessible Stops at Tralee Station and Listowel
  • Route 279, Tralee/Killorglin. Accessible Stops at Tralee Station, Tralee General Hospital, Fossa, Killorglin Library.
  • Route 279A, Killarney/Tralee. Accessible Stops at Killarney Station, Cahirsiveen and Tralee Stations, Killorglin.
  • Route 284, Killarney/Tralee. Accessible Stops at Tralee Station, Tralee General Hospital, Tralee IT Campus, Killarney Station.
  • Route 350, Galway/Ennis. Accessible stops at Galway Station, Oranmore, Ennis Bus Station
  • Route 417, Galway/Ballinastack. All Stops Accessible
  • Route 419, Galway/Clifden. All Stops Accessible
  • Route 423, Clifden/Westport. All Stops Accessible
  • Route 424, Galway/Lettermullen/Carna. All Stops Accessible
  • Route 425, Galway/Longford. All Stops Accessible
  • Route 425A, Galway/Mountbellew. All Stops Accessible
  • Route 429, Galway/Ballaghaderreen. All Stops Accessible
  • Route 434, Galway/Gort. All Stops Accessible
  • Route 440, Westport/Athlone. Accessible Stops at Westport Mill St and Athlone Bus Station
  • Route 456, Galway/Westport. Accessible Stops at Westport Mill St and Athlone
  • Route 458, Sligo Enniskillen. Accessible Stops at Sligo Bus Station and Enniskillen Station.
  • Route 466, Athlone/Longford. Accessible Stops at Longford Station, Glasson, Golden Island, Athlone Bus Station
  • Route 480, Sligo to Ballyshannon. Accessible stops at Sligo & Ballyshannon only
  • Route NX,  Navan/Dublin. All Stops Accessible

Station Accessibility

All new station facilities are specified to be accessible and we are continually making investments to improve access to our existing stations and facilities.

  Athlone Ballina Bally-shannon Busaras Cavan Cork Drogheda Dundalk Ennis Galway Killarney Letter-kenny Limerick Monaghan Sligo Tralee Water-ford
Accessible Toilets yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Accessible parking yes yes yes no yes no yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Sheltered waiting facilities yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Seating Area yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Dished Paving yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Tactile Paving yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Step free access to station facilities yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes yes
Staff available to provide Accessible ticket
offices with low-level counters assistance		 yes yes no yes no yes yes yes no yes no yes yes no yes yes yes
Hearing Loop no yes no yes no no no no yes yes no yes yes no yes no no

How to Book

The bus fleet that operates on City and Town services is 100% wheelchair accessible and does not require booking in advance.

To reserve accessible transport on an Expressway service, intending passengers should book online at https://www.expressway.ie/journey-search at least 24 hours in advance of travel.

To reserve accessible transport on a Regional PSO service, intending passengers must contact us on LoCall 0818 836 611 (or +353 1 836 6111 if calling from outside of the Republic of Ireland) at least 24 hours in advance of travel.

FAQ

What size is the wheelchair space on each bus?

The wheelchair spaces on our buses and coaches allows floor space of 1,200mm by 700mm to accommodate a wheelchair.

Is there a weight limit for wheelchairs?

Accessible coaches in the Bus Éireann fleet are fitted with a hydraulic wheelchair lift that has a safe working load of 300kg, to include the wheelchair, its occupant, and any other baggage to be lifted.

Why do I have to book in advance to travel with my wheelchair?

To accommodate a wheelchair on our coaches, a number of seats have to be removed, additional equipment must be installed, and safety checks must be carried out. Booking your travel in advance allows us to prepare the vehicle as these tasks must be done by a qualified vehicle maintenance worker at a garage.

Can I bring a powered wheelchair?

As powered wheelchairs are heavier than their manual counterparts, and on some models the position of the battery pack may make it difficult to secure, we are unable to accommodate all makes and models. You can contact us on LoCall 0818 836 611 (or +353 1 836 6111 if calling from outside of the Republic of Ireland) and our team will be able to establish whether or not we can safely accommodate your powered wheelchair.

Can I bring a mobility scooter?

Mobility scooters are typically too large or heavy to be transported safely or easily on board a coach or bus. We will do our very best to assist passengers intending to travel, however, our ability to do so depends on a number of factors, so please contact us on LoCall 0818 836 611 or +353 1 836 6111 for further information. We will be introducing an Assessment Scheme for Mobility Scooters for carriage on our city buses only later this year.

Accessibility Policy

Bus Éireann remains committed to the provision of a fully accessible public transport system.

Bus Éireann also has an active accessibility user group whose members include the Irish Wheelchair Association, NCBI (National Council of Blind Ireland), Irish Guide Dog Association, Dublin City Public Participation Network (PPN), Naas Access, National Disability Authority, Autism Advocate, Epilepsy Ireland, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, Down Syndrome Cork and the Accessibility Officer NBRU and the VVI (Voice of the Blind and Visually Impaired)