What travel training covers
Travel training is about building the skills and confidence to get from A to B without someone with you. It is planned around a real trip you want to make, such as to TAFE, work, a day program or the shops. Training often covers:
- Planning the trip: reading timetables, using journey planner apps, knowing when to leave
- Paying: using a transport card, topping it up and using concession entitlements
- Getting on and off at the right stop, and changing between services
- Road safety and crossing safely
- What to do if something goes wrong: a late or cancelled service, getting lost, or feeling unsafe
- Asking for help from drivers and staff, and carrying contact details
How it usually works
Most programs follow the same pattern. The trainer meets you and assesses your current skills and the route. Then you travel the route together several times, with the trainer giving less help each time: first beside you, then a few seats away, then meeting you at the destination. You finish when you can do the trip safely on your own, and many people then learn a second route faster.
Training is usually delivered by a skilled support worker. An occupational therapist may assess your skills, plan the program or advise on safety, especially if you have complex needs.
Cost and which budget pays
Travel training is listed in the NDIS Pricing Schedule as skill development and training including public transport training. The 2026/27 price limit is $73.58 an hour in most of Australia, higher in remote and very remote areas. An occupational therapist's time is charged at their own limit of $193.99 an hour.
It is a Capacity Building support, usually paid from the improved daily living skills budget. Since 1 October 2026 that budget is reduced by 10% when a plan is created, reassessed or renewed, so it is worth planning the number of sessions with your provider. Travel training for work can also be part of employment assistance in your finding and keeping a job budget.
How it differs from transport funding
Transport funding in your Core budget helps pay for getting around when you cannot use public transport, such as taxis or rideshare. Travel training builds your skills so you rely less on that help.
A good outcome from travel training can change what you need at your next reassessment, so keep a record of trips you can now do on your own.
Is travel training right for you?
Travel training suits many people with intellectual disability, autism, acquired brain injury, psychosocial disability or low vision, as well as school leavers getting ready for work or study. It may not be suitable if your disability means public transport is not safe for you, even with training. A therapist can help you decide.
- Choose one trip that matters to you to start with
- Practise at the times you will really travel, including busy periods
- Agree a safety plan with your family and trainer
- Ask about concession cards and companion cards in your state
For providers
Write a clear training plan with steps and a target date, record progress after each session, and agree with the participant when support will fade. That evidence supports the participant at reassessment and shows the training is building capacity, which is what planners look for.