Disabled transport
Transport
The holiday island Texel offers diverse facilities for people with a physical disability, enabling them to independently enjoy a holiday on Texel. The feeling of freedom which is part of being on holiday can be experienced for everyone on Texel.
Transport to and from Texel
The ferry to Texel leaves every hour on the half hour from Den Helder. The departures from Texel are every hour on the hour. The crossing takes approx. 20 minutes. The ferry offers people with a physical disability several facilities, so they also can enjoy the short trip to and from Texel. There are extra crossings on busy days, information: TESO-ferry service, tel. +31(0)222 369 600 or see Internet: www.teso.nl
By public transport
Train passengers to Texel arrive in the centre of Den Helder. The platforms at the NS-station Den Helder are accessible without the help of NS staff. There is a moveable bridge available. An adapted toilet is located in the station hall. The distance from the station to the ferry is approx. 2 km. Connexxion-bus line 33 to the ferry leaves the bus stop next to the NS station at approx. 10 minutes past the hour. This bus is not accessible for wheelchairs. For wheelchair transport in Den Helder contact Taxi Noordwest BV, tel. 0900-8322 (this number is only available within The Netherlands).
By Valys
For those travelling to Texel with ‘Bovenregionaal Gehandicaptenvervoer' handicap transport via Valys, the journey from Den Helder to Texel is provided by a Texel taxi firm. The taxi from Den Helder drives onto the ferry, meaning that the passenger can stay in the taxi when aboard the ferry!
By car to the ferry port in Den Helder
The shortest route to the ferry harbor is signposted in Den Helder. For dropping-off and picking-up passengers or for parking the car, follow the signs to the entrance building and the adjacent car park. A invalid toilet is located in the entrance building of the TESO ferry service in Den Helder. The key is available at the main desk.
Without a car on the ferry
Those wishing to avoid the stairs can board the ferry via the bicycle ramp outside the station building. You can purchase a return ticket for wheelchair or walking frame at the bicycle desk.
The Dokter Wagemaker ferry has a lift from the bicycle deck (and the car decks) to the passenger deck. On this deck is also an invalid toilet. There are no bumps on the ferry itself, making the sun terraces and outside promenades easily accessible. There is not a lift on the Schulpengat ferry and for this reason there are sitting areas and toilets on the bicycle deck.
For those being met by car in Den Helder on the homebound journey it is advisable to agree upon a pick-up point. To avoid confusion it is best to agree to be met either at the car park next to the TESO entrance building (Wadden Sea side) or by the restaurant ‘Landsend' at approx. 300 m (North Sea side). It is advisable to take this into consideration when boarding the boat on Texel (left for the entrance building or right for the restaurant). For more information: TESO- ferry service: +31(0)222 369 600 (24 hours per day).
When stating this upon buying a card at the ferry terminal, the TESO staff will be pleased to help. Luggage trolleys are also available.
By car to Texel
The TESO car ferry terminal consists of two levels. Those wishing to use the invalid toilet should drive onto the lowest level.
It is difficult for wheelchair users to leave the car on the boat. The parking lanes are narrow and only the Dokter Wagemaker ferry has a lift to the salon deck.
Transport on Texel
There is a frequent bus service from the ferry harbor to all Texel villages. The buses are not accessible for wheelchairs. Taxis are present at the harbor.
To reserve a wheelchair taxi contact:
TBO-Texel, tel. +31(0)222 312 000 (6 taxi's and 7 taxi buses, of which 5 suitable for one or more wheelchairs) or Taxi and coach company Texeltours, tel. +31(0)222 315 555 (coach and large taxi, both equipped with wheelchair lift).
Disabled parking license
Those with a disabled parking license can park their car on a public disabled parking space. There are various disabled parking spaces in the villages. Although all beach car parks are spacious, some also have disabled parking spaces.
Disabled parking license holders are exempt from parking taxes on Texel.
Bike rental
At diverse Texel cycle hire companies you can rent tandems and motorized bicycles as well as standard bicycles. See the Directory for all bike rentals.
Three-wheeler scootter rental
A three-wheeler scooter can be hired from Thuiszorgwinkel Texel. More information is avaible at working days between 13.00 and 14.00 hours in 'het Kruiswerkgebouw', Schoonoordsingel 44 in Den Burg, tel. +31 (0)222-314887 or check their website Omring.
