Getting around in a new city can be daunting, and for wheelchair users or travelers with disabilities, transportation can be even more challenging. From paratransit vans in Sacramento and low-floor buses in San Diego to wheelchair-friendly train stations in Oakland and lift-equipped RV rentals in Palm Springs, California offers a wide range of options designed for mobility and inclusion.
Here's how to navigate California with ease—whether you’re flying into a major hub or planning a road trip down the coast.
Accessible Services at California Airports
California is home to 10 different international airports and over a dozen more that service regional flights. Thanks to the Air Carrier Access Act, which created the Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights, all airports must provide the option to request a wheelchair, extra time and assistance during boarding, as well as restrooms, ticket counters, elevators, and signage that are accessible to all.
Several airports also go further to improve accessibility:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), and more have designated Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinators to help with questions or concerns.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) has a free app that provides visual guidance for neurodivergent travelers.
Ontario International Airport (ONT) has implemented an optional self-identification program for travelers with autism, supported by trained staff.
Many California airports are part of the Aira Airport Network, a mobile service tailored to support visually impaired travelers.
All airports in California offer ADA-accessible drop-off and pick-up zones as well as wheelchair assistance to and from the gate. This service can be requested curbside the day of travel from all airports, but it’s a good idea to contact your airline at least 72 hours in advance to ensure they’ll have a chair reserved.
Wheelchair-Accessible Car and RV Rentals
If you prefer your own vehicle, there are a number of services that cater to different ADA needs. Most rental car companies, including Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz, provide a range of adaptive driving devices (hand controls, left-foot accelerators, transfer boards, spinner knobs, and pedal extenders). These companies also allow surrogate drivers for customers with disabilities who do not have a driver's license.
For lift-equipped vans, it’s best to rent from companies that specialize in this service (the major carriers don’t typically provide vehicles with lifts).
MobilityWorks offers wheelchair-accessible van rentals equipped with features like power ramps and hand controls, with nine different locations in California
United Access has vans and SUVs with lowered floors, powered doors, and ramps in a number of cities, including Long Beach, Santa Rosa, and San Bernardino.
Lifestyle Mobility services Bay Area visitors looking for wheelchair-accessible vans.
Wheelers Accessible Van Rentals has locations across Southern California and Palm Springs.
For those planning a road trip along Highway 1 or a national parks adventure, an accessible RV is a great option. San Diego RV Experience has vehicles with ramps wide enough for wheelchairs as well as extra space in the interior to accommodate mobility aids. You can also find a set of wheels on Outdoorsy and RVshare, a peer-to-peer rental marketplaces with accessible RVs all over the state.
Accessible Public Transit and Paratransit Services
If you don’t plan on driving, California’s public transit systems offer many ADA-compliant options. Most city buses are equipped with ramps or lifts, priority seating, and securement areas for wheelchairs.
Systems like SacRT in Sacramento, San Francisco’s Muni, LA Metro, and San Diego’s MTS all offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles, level boarding where possible, and trained drivers who can assist with boarding and securing mobility devices.
For travelers who can’t easily use fixed-route transit, paratransit is available to help passengers with extra mobility needs. These services, which include accessible vans and taxis, can be scheduled in advance and often operate the same hours as local public transit. SacRT GO in Sacramento, SF Paratransit in San Francisco, VTA Access in Santa Clara County, Access in Los Angeles County, MTS Access Services in San Diego, and more provide services for locals and travelers alike.
Eligibility requirements vary by region, but most services require prior enrollment and typically serve passengers who are unable to ride regular buses or trains due to a disability. Some cities also offer discounted taxi vouchers or same-day rideshare support for people with disabilities.
Helpful Resources for Accessible Travel in California
Whether you’re flying in, driving along the coast, or relying on public transit, California offers accessible options to help you move freely. For more detailed information, visit the California Department of Transportation website.
Agencies and organizations like Access Northern California, Americans with Disabilities Association, Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality, and National Aging and Disability Transportation Center also provide helpful guidance to plan your trip.
For more resources, check out these Wheelchair-Accessible Hotels in California, Autism-Certified Cities and Attractions, and Frequently Asked Questions about Accessibility.