Veterans Transportation Benefits: Free Rides & Travel Reimbursement for Veterans

To every veteran reading this: thank you for your service. You answered the call when your country needed you. You sacrificed time with your families, put your lives on hold—and for many, put your lives on the line. The freedoms we enjoy today exist because of your willingness to serve.

The founder of MedTransportFinder is a U.S. military veteran. This isn't just a business—it's personal. Now it's our turn to serve you.

One of the most important ways we can honor that service is by ensuring every veteran can access the healthcare they've earned. Yet transportation remains one of the biggest barriers preventing veterans from getting to their medical appointments—especially for those in rural areas, those with disabilities, and those facing financial hardship.

This guide exists to make sure you know about the transportation benefits available to you. These aren't handouts. These are benefits you've earned through your service to this nation.

Veterans Transportation Service (VTS): Free Rides to VA Care

The Veterans Transportation Service is the VA's program to ensure that all qualifying veterans have access to care through convenient, safe, and reliable transportation.

What VTS Provides

Free transportation to and from participating VA medical centers
Multi-passenger van services operated by trained drivers
Transportation to authorized non-VA (community care) appointments
Service for veterans who lack transportation due to financial, medical, or other barriers

Who Qualifies for VTS

VTS serves veterans who cannot access their own transportation to reach VA medical facilities. This includes veterans who:

Don't have a vehicle or can't drive
Have medical conditions preventing them from driving
Face financial barriers to transportation
Live in areas without public transit options

How to Schedule a VTS Ride

Online: Visit VetRide.va.gov to schedule rides at participating facilities
By phone: Contact your local VA medical center's transportation coordinator (directory includes phone numbers by state)
In person: Ask at your nearest VAMC's travel office

Where VTS Operates

VTS is available at VA medical centers across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and U.S. territories. Each participating facility has dedicated transportation coordinators to help you arrange rides.

To find your nearest VTS coordinator, visit the VA Transportation Program Map.

VA Beneficiary Travel: Mileage Reimbursement

If you drive yourself or have someone drive you to VA appointments, you may qualify for mileage reimbursement through the VA's Beneficiary Travel program.

Who Qualifies for Travel Reimbursement

You may be eligible if you're traveling for VA or VA-approved care and meet at least one of these criteria (VA.gov):

Eligibility Criteria
VA disability rating of 30% or higher
Traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition
Receiving VA pension benefits
Income below the maximum annual VA pension rate
Cannot afford travel costs (financial hardship)
Traveling for VA claim exams
Traveling for service dog care
Receiving VA-approved transplant care

What's Covered

Mileage for personal vehicle travel
Transportation costs for car, plane, train, bus, taxi, or light rail
Meals and lodging for approved overnight travel

Current Reimbursement Rates

The VA reimburses mileage at 41.5 cents ($0.415) per mile for approved health-related travel (VA.gov). The VA uses Bing Maps to calculate distances based on the fastest and shortest route from your home to the nearest qualifying facility.

Monthly Deductible

Before receiving reimbursement, veterans must pay a small deductible (VA.gov):

$3 one-way or $6 round-trip per appointment
Maximum of $18 per month — after reaching this cap, all approved travel is fully covered for the rest of the month

Deductible waivers are available for veterans receiving a VA pension, traveling for VA claim exams, or meeting specific income requirements.

How to File for Travel Reimbursement

File within 30 days of your appointment to ensure reimbursement (VA.gov).

Three ways to file:

Online (fastest): Use the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS)
During check-in: File mileage-only claims through smartphone check-in at your appointment
Paper form: Submit VA Form 10-3542 by mail or in person

Keep your receipts for any transportation costs, meals, and lodging. Reimbursements are deposited directly to your bank account through electronic funds transfer.

DAV Transportation Network: Volunteer Drivers Serving Veterans

The Disabled American Veterans (DAV) operates one of the largest volunteer transportation networks for veterans in the country. Since 1987, DAV has been providing free rides to help veterans get to their VA medical appointments.

Program Statistics (DAV.org)

247+ VA locations served nationwide
3,833 vehicles donated by DAV departments and chapters
269 vehicles contributed by Ford Motor Company
Over $100 million invested in the program since inception

How DAV Transportation Works

DAV volunteer drivers operate vehicles at VA medical centers across the country. These dedicated volunteers give their time to ensure their fellow veterans can access the care they've earned.

To request a DAV ride:

Find your nearest DAV Hospital Service Coordinator
Contact them to check vehicle availability in your area
Schedule your ride to your VA appointment

Become a Volunteer Driver

If you want to give back to your fellow veterans, consider becoming a DAV volunteer driver. It's a meaningful way to serve those who served. Visit DAV.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Special Mode Transportation

Some veterans require specialized transportation due to medical conditions. The VA provides Special Mode Transportation for veterans who cannot travel by regular means.

What Qualifies as Special Mode

Ambulance transport
Ambulette services
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles
Stretcher transport
Other medically necessary specialized vehicles

Eligibility

Special Mode Transportation is available when:

A VA clinician determines it's medically necessary
You cannot safely travel by regular car, bus, or train
Your condition requires medical monitoring during transport

Contact your VA healthcare team to determine if you qualify for Special Mode Transportation.

State Veterans Transportation Programs

Many states offer additional transportation assistance for veterans beyond federal VA benefits:

State Veterans Affairs offices — May provide transportation grants or services
County veteran service officers — Can help connect you with local resources
State-funded veteran shuttles — Some states operate dedicated veteran transportation
Nonprofit veteran organizations — American Legion, VFW, and local groups may offer rides

Contact your state Veterans Affairs office to learn about programs in your area.

Tips for Veterans Accessing Transportation

Know Your Benefits

Many veterans don't know about all the transportation benefits available to them. If you're unsure whether you qualify:

Ask your VA healthcare team — They can review your eligibility
Visit your local travel office — Located at every VAMC
Call the VA Health Benefits Hotline: 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387)

Plan Ahead

Schedule transportation at least 48-72 hours in advance when possible
For recurring appointments (dialysis, physical therapy), set up a standing ride schedule
Have a backup plan in case your primary transportation falls through

Keep Records

Save receipts for all travel expenses
Track mileage for personal vehicle trips
File reimbursement claims within 30 days

Advocate for Yourself

You've earned these benefits. Don't hesitate to:

Ask questions about eligibility
Request assistance from patient advocates
File appeals if claims are denied
Contact your Veterans Service Organization (VSO) for help

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get reimbursed for travel to non-VA appointments?

Yes, if the appointment is authorized through VA Community Care. The VA must approve the outside provider before your appointment for travel reimbursement to apply.

What if I need a wheelchair-accessible vehicle?

Both VTS and DAV can arrange wheelchair-accessible transportation. When scheduling, specify that you need an accessible vehicle. For private NEMT providers that serve veterans, search our directory.

Can a family member drive me and get reimbursed?

The mileage reimbursement goes to you, the veteran—not to the driver. However, you can use that reimbursement however you choose, including compensating a family member who drives you.

What if I live far from a VA medical center?

Veterans in rural areas face unique challenges. Options include:

VTS van services (may have longer routes for rural veterans)
Higher mileage reimbursement for longer distances
VA's Highly Rural Transportation Grants program
Telehealth appointments to reduce travel needs

I'm a caregiver for a veteran. Can I get travel pay?

Yes. Caregivers may qualify for travel reimbursement if they are:

Family caregivers enrolled in the VA Caregiver Support Program
Serving as a medically required attendant during transport
Supporting a veteran receiving transplant care

You've Earned This

Let us be clear: these transportation benefits are not charity. They are earned benefits—part of the commitment this nation made to you when you raised your right hand and swore to defend the Constitution.

Every veteran deserves access to healthcare, regardless of where they live, what disabilities they may have, or what financial challenges they face. Transportation should never be the reason a veteran misses a medical appointment.

If you're struggling to get to your VA appointments, reach out. Use the programs described in this guide. Ask for help. You served when your country called—now let your country serve you.

Find Transportation Near You

Need help finding transportation to your medical appointments? MedTransport Finder lists NEMT providers across all 50 states, including many that specialize in veteran transportation.

Search for providers in your area or contact us with questions.

To all who have served: Thank you. Your sacrifice is not forgotten, and your service matters. We are committed to helping you access the care you've earned.

Sources:

VA Veterans Transportation Program — VTS program information and facility locator
VA Travel Pay Reimbursement — Eligibility and filing instructions
VA Travel Expenses and Mileage Rate — Current mileage rates and deductible information
VetRide — Online ride scheduling for VTS
DAV Transportation Network — Volunteer driver program statistics and ride requests
38 CFR § 70 — Federal regulations governing VA beneficiary travel