Transportation
Veteran transportation includes several options to support access to VA medical care. Eligible Veterans may receive mileage or travel cost reimbursement for approved medical visits. The Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) provides safe and reliable transportation to Veterans who require assistance traveling to and from VA health care facilities and authorized non-VA health care appointments. Shuttle services provide scheduled routes between clinics. Special Mode Transportation, such as wheelchair and gurney vans, may be arranged when medically necessary and pre-approved.
For shuttle reservations or door-to-door service, please call 415-221-4810, ext. 23080 (3 to 5 business days in advance)
Eligibility
VA offers 2 types of travel benefits under the Beneficiary Travel Program:
- General health care travel: Covers regular transportation such as by car, plane, train, bus, taxi, or light rail. Pre- authorized meals and lodging expenses.
- Special Mode Transportation: Transport by ambulance, wheelchair van, or other special type of vehicle.
As a Veteran, you may be eligible for one or both. If you meet the criteria below, you may be eligible if you:
- Have a service-connected rating of 30% or more
- Are traveling for treatment of a service-connected condition
- Receive a VA pension, or your income does not exceed the maximum annual VA pension
- Are traveling for a scheduled compensation or pension exam
- Have vision impairment, spinal cord injury or disorder, double or multiple amputation, enrollment in VA Rehab Programs
File for travel pay reimbursement
VA travel pays travel reimbursement to eligible Veterans and caregivers for mileage and other travel expenses to and from approved health care appointments.
Find out if you’re eligible and how to file a claim: www.va.gov/health-care/file-travel-pay-reimbursement/
Go to the Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) to file your travel claim online.
How to access BTSSS video guides
- Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) introduction
- How to access BTSSS and create your login
- How to set up direct deposit and access BTSSS
- How to submit a travel reimbursement claim for a VA facility appointment
- How to submit a travel reimbursement claim for a non-VA facility
- How to check the status of your travel reimbursement claim
Transportation services for eligible Veterans
Veterans Transportation Services (VTS)
Notice: This page provides transportation details for those served by San Francisco VA Medical Center only. If you are not served by San Francisco VA Medical Center, please visit the national Veterans Transportation Program site located here: www.va.gov/HEALTHBENEFITS/vtp/.
To make a reservation with Veterans Transportation Service (VTS) for shuttle service or door-to-door service, please call
Veterans Transportation Self Service Portal
Veterans who are eligible for VA health care benefits and have a VA-authorized appointment are automatically eligible for transportation through the VTS program. You can use our self-service portal to request a ride to your appointment. With this Portal you will have the ability to track your driver’s location and estimated pickup time. You can use a computer, Android device or an Apple product.
For those who would like to schedule a ride with VTS, they can go to VetRide: Home.
This website provides a safe and reliable transportation portal to all Veterans requiring assistance traveling to and from VA health care facility and authorized non-VA health care appointments. This program offers these services at little or no cost to eligible Veterans.
If you need assistance accessing VetRide, please send us a message via VA VetRide Travel Portal .
Passengers using this service have the ability to request rides at their own leisure. Intuitive interaction will allow you to create your schedule in minutes. Safety is our number one priority. We will make sure you arrive in your destination as safely as possible.
SFVAHCS Shuttle Service: Here to serve you!
San Francisco VA Health Care System provides shuttle transportation free of charge to accommodate Veterans with scheduled appointments. This system is operated by San Francisco VA Medical Center and provides service between Eureka VA Clinic, Ukiah VA Clinic, North Santa Rosa VA Clinic, South Santa Rosa VA Clinic, and Oakland Clinics.
Shuttle reservations must be made 72 hours before your scheduled trip. You must have a shuttle reservation to take the shuttle. Shuttles are only used for medical appointments. You will not be able to use the shuttle service if you don’t have a medical appointment.
If you have any issues with the shuttle service, please contact us at
Please note:
All shuttle requests must be tied to a scheduled appointment. Any request to use the shuttle without a scheduled appointment will require approval from a Motor Vehicle Supervisor or Mobility Manager.
How to make a reservation
Call us at 415-221-4810, ext. 23080.
Yes, you must have an ID (i.e., Driver’s License, State ID, or Passport), appointment letter, or proof of Hoptel reservation. If you can’t provide these documents, you must reschedule your reservation.
If you miss the shuttle before 4:00 p.m., please call us at 415-221-4810, ext. 23080.
If you miss the shuttle after 4:00 p.m., please contact the Administrative Office of the Day (AOD) at
Special Mode Transportation (SMT)
If you are eligible for beneficiary travel and you have a medical condition that prevents you from using regular transportation, you may qualify for Special Mode Transportation (SMT) such as a wheelchair van, gurney van, or ambulance. To arrange SMT transportation, talk to your VA primary care provider.