Getting To Bristol

With Bristols convenient geographical location, situated as it is between the cities of London and Cardiff, getting here by car, train and bus is easy. Motorways approach from all directions and fast, efficient trains serve the city from London's Paddington Station. Bristol also has an international airport that is well connected with the city centre by public buses and taxis, while those who fly into London, Cardiff or Birmingham can access the city via National Express coaches.

By car

Bristol is easy to get to by car from any direction, with the M4 motorway linking the city with London and the M5 approaching from the north and south. If you are driving from London, take the M4 west and exit at Junction 19 onto the M32 spur for Bristol; the A4032 continues into Bristol from the M32. The M5, M4 and the M32 come in from a northerly direction; the A4 and the A369 come in from the west, either side of the River Avon; and the M5 and the A38 provide access from the south, along with the A4 from Bath. Driving through Bristol city centre during morning and afternoon rush hours can be tough, owing to heavy traffic, the bus and taxi lanes and the many one-way systems.

By rail

Bristol is well served by rail, with fast transfer times from London's Paddington Station to Temple Meads Station, situated to the east of Bristol city centre. Services also come in from other major UK centres including Birmingham and Cardiff. The journey time from London is only 1 hour 30 minutes and first-class seats are available; travel time to and from Bath is only 25 minutes.

By bus

With the excellent rail services into Bristol, travelling by bus is not really necessary. However, if you are on a tight budget, National Express run coaches to Bristol on a regular basis from towns and cities all over the UK, either directly or with a change. Bristol Bus Station is located on Marlborough Street, close to the city centre. Local buses serve important tourist destinations in the city and are run by First.

By air

Bristol International Airport receives flights from many domestic and European destinations and is located to the southwest of the city centre. Although situated a distance from Bristol, getting to the city from the airport is straightforward, with the popular and frequent Bristol International Flyer shuttle providing fast access. Taxis also serve the city from the airport.

Bristol: Bristol International Airport

Bristol International Airport (BRS) is situated eight miles to the southwest of the city centre, along the main A38 road. The airport is a single-terminal facility, handling about four million passengers every year to and from other UK and European destinations. Several low-cost airlines fly to Bristol International Airport including easyJet, Ryanair and Flybe, while British Airways and Air France also fly here regularly. The terminal has excellent passenger facilities, with bureaux de change booths, cash machines, information desks and a host of shops and eateries.

Bristol International airport transportation

The best way to get to Bristol city centre from Bristol International Airport is to take the regular Bristol International Flyer express coach, which is fast and reasonably priced. The Bristol International Flyer makes stops in the city centre and at Temple Meads Station. You can also travel by coach to Bristol city centre and destinations beyond.

Taxis are a more convenient way of getting to Bristol and the hotels, and they leave from directly outside of the terminal exit, near Arrivals. It is always best to use an official Bristol taxi, as these use meters by law and are the safest option. If you catch a taxi from the airport, there will be an airport surcharge automatically added to the meter upon boarding and extra charges for luggage.

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