Transportation Assistance Resources in Kansas
Last updated September 11, 2026
Getting to medical appointments, job training, or essential services can be a serious barrier for Kansas residents without reliable transportation — especially in rural areas where public transit is limited or nonexistent. Fortunately, several state and federally funded programs exist to help low-income individuals, seniors, people with disabilities, and others access the rides they need.
Kansas administers Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) for eligible enrollees, and the state's network of Area Agencies on Aging coordinate transportation support for older adults across all 105 counties. Many counties also operate local transit programs funded through federal sources such as the Federal Transit Administration's Section 5310 program, which specifically supports seniors and people with disabilities.
The fastest way to find transportation help near you is to call 2-1-1, Kansas's free statewide helpline available 24/7. Trained specialists can connect you to local transit programs, volunteer driver networks, and other resources based on your ZIP code. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or search online at 211kansas.org.
Key programs in Kansas
Kansas Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT)
Provides free rides to and from covered medical appointments — such as doctor visits, dialysis, and pharmacy trips — for Kansas Medicaid (KanCare) enrollees who have no other means of transportation.
How to access: If you are enrolled in KanCare, contact your managed care organization (Aetna Better Health, Sunflower Health Plan, or UnitedHealthcare Community Plan) to request a NEMT ride. Requests should be made at least two business days before your appointment. You can also call KDHE's KanCare helpline at 1-800-792-4884 for guidance.
Area Agencies on Aging — Transportation Services
Kansas's 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) coordinate or fund local transportation options for adults age 60 and older, which may include volunteer driver programs, subsidized taxi or ride vouchers, and accessible van services depending on the region.
How to access: Call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 (free, nationwide) to be connected to the AAA serving your county. You can also find your local AAA through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) at kdads.ks.gov.
2-1-1 Kansas
A free, confidential statewide helpline that connects Kansas residents to local transportation resources including community transit, volunteer driver programs, medical ride assistance, and other social services.
How to access: Dial 2-1-1 from any phone, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also text your ZIP code to 898-211 or visit 211kansas.org to search for transportation help in your specific county.
Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) Public Transit Program
KDOT administers federal FTA funding — including Section 5311 (rural transit) and Section 5310 (seniors and people with disabilities) — to local transit agencies and nonprofits across Kansas that provide low-cost or free rides.
How to access: Visit KDOT's public transit page at ksdot.org to find transit providers in your area. Because services vary widely by county, calling 2-1-1 is often the quickest way to identify which local provider serves your location.
VA Transportation Services for Veterans
Eligible veterans may receive transportation to VA medical appointments through the Beneficiary Travel program, which can reimburse mileage or arrange rides. Some VA facilities also work with Volunteer Transportation Networks for veterans who cannot drive.
How to access: Contact your nearest VA medical center or community-based outpatient clinic (CBOC) directly, or call the VA national helpline at 1-800-827-1000. Veterans can also manage travel pay claims through the VA's Beneficiary Travel Self-Service System (BTSSS) online.
Transportation Assistance resources for Kansas
211 Transportation Assistance
NationwideReferrals to local transportation and medical-ride programs. Dial 211.
Eldercare Locator — Transportation
NationwideConnects older adults and caregivers to local transportation services.
Free Charity Cars
NationwideThe Original 1-800-Charity Cars, 800CharityCars.org (Charity Cars, Inc. DBA: Free Charity Cars), non-profit car-donation / distribution program in the nation. Struggling families nationwide apply for a free charity car. MUST REAPPLY EVERY 3 MONTHS!
GoGo Grandparent
NationwideConnects seniors and people with disabilities to essential services. With just one phone call, you can order rides, groceries, meals, prescriptions, and even home help—without needing a smartphone or app.
National Aging & Disability Transportation Center
NationwideTransportation options and assistance for older adults and people with disabilities.
Progressive’s Keys to Progress®
NationwideAnnual vehicle‑giveaway program that provides about 100 donated cars each November to U.S. veterans, their families, and veteran‑focused organizations, with over 1,200 vehicles gifted since 2013. A nationwide veteran‑support initiative run by Progressive Insurance.
Other resources in Kansas
- Housing Assistance in Kansas
- Food Assistance in Kansas
- Utility Assistance in Kansas
- Funeral & End-of-Life Assistance in Kansas
- Mental Health Resources in Kansas
- Domestic Violence Resources in Kansas
- Disability Resources in Kansas
- Veteran Resources in Kansas
- Child & Family Assistance in Kansas
- Senior Resources in Kansas