Getting to and around Bristol

By Rebecca Burns

A great location next to two of the UK’s largest motorways, a busy central train station, and a rapidly expanding international airport with planes arriving from as far as North America, make Bristol an incredibly convenient place to reach.


Getting here

By train

Bristol Temple Meads is the main railway station, situated about 15 minutes’ walk from the city centre. The 8 and 9 bus services run frequently between Bristol Temple Meads Station and the city centre, Broadmead and Cabot Circus. Regular trains operate between Bristol Temple Meads and stations between London Paddington, Cardiff, Edinburgh and Penzance. Bristol Parkway station is situated to the north of the city and can be accessed via bus service no. 73, which runs regularly between Bristol Parkway and the city centre.

By bus and coach

Bristol Bus Station is situated on Marlborough Street, near Broadmead shopping centre. National Express coach services operate from the bus station to cities across the UK, including direct bus services to London Heathrow (approximately two hours) and Gatwick Airport (approximately three and a half hours). London Flyer coaches run between Bristol and London, and Megabus operates from Bristol to London and Cwmbran.

Direct flights operate to Bristol International Airport from across the UK, Europe and North America

Direct flights operate to Bristol International Airport from across the UK, Europe and North America

By air

Bristol Airport is situated just eight miles south of central Bristol, and is easily accessed via the A38. Direct flights operate to Bristol Airport from across the UK, Europe and North America. Bristol International Flyer express coach service offers a convenient way to get to the airport, with regular coaches running from Bristol city centre bus and train stations to the airport throughout the day. The journey takes around 30 minutes and tickets are available from the driver.

By Park & Ride

Park & Ride offers a comfortable and easy way of travelling to Bristol without the stress of navigating your way through the central roads and car parks. All Park & Ride services provide convenient access to attractions, leisure and shopping developments in the centre of Bristol.

By car

Bristol is easily accessible from the M5 and M4 motorways. From the M4, exit at junction 19 (signpost to Bristol) and follow the M32 into the city centre. From the M5, exit at junction 18 and follow the A4 Portway (signpost Bristol Airport) into the city centre.

Getting around

Walking

Bristol’s central area – including the Harbourside, Old City, Broadmead and Cabot Circus – is well signposted for visitors on foot. Look out for the blue information points dotted throughout the city, which feature detailed street maps and key points of interest to help you find your way.

Bristol’s central area is well signposted for visitors on foot

Bristol’s central area is well signposted for visitors on foot

Cycling

Bristol is the hub of Britain’s national cycle routes and home to Sustrans – Britain’s leading sustainable transport charity. It’s no wonder then that Bristol has been crowned the UK’s First Cycling City, acknowledging the city’s growing status as a cycle-friendly destination. For detailed maps of cycling routes in and around Bristol go to sustrans.org.uk.

By car

Bristol has plenty of city centre car parks, including a new state-of-the-art site offering 2,500 spaces for Cabot Circus shoppers. You can find out more about Bristol car parks and travelling by car at the Bristol City Council website. If you’re driving to Bristol, why not take advantage of one of the fantastic Park & Ride services? Avoid all of the stress of driving around a new city, save money and do your bit for the environment.

By bus

It’s really easy to get around the city by bus, with plenty of fast and convenient services available from key locations such as Temple Meads train station, the city centre and Clifton village. A great way to see the city is through a guided tour on-board a Bristol InSight bus. Let the expert driver tell you all about the sights and scenery along the way, and hop on and off as many times as you like.

First Bus are the main operator of buses in Bristol with over 50 services making it easy to get around. Their local services all travel into the city centre and connect around the city to take you to all the main attractions. If you want to travel further afield for a day out, head to Bristol Bus Station on Marlborough Street. From here First run regular buses to the historic city of Bath, the seaside at Weston-super-Mare or Clevedon, Wells with its spectacular cathedral and quaint ancient streets, plus many more destinations.

The city is easy to navigate by bus

The city is easy to navigate by bus

By train

Bristol is at the hub of the national rail network in the West of England. First Great Western and other major train operators run local, regional and inter-city services from the main station at Temple Meads. Bristol has many suburban rail stations serving Lawrence Hill, Stapleton Road, Montpelier, Redland, Clifton Down, Sea Mills, Shirehampton, Avonmouth, Bedminster and Parson Street, as well as a branch line to Severn Beach.

Ferry and boat trips

The Bristol Ferry Boat Company operate regular ferry services to and from waterfront attractions and key points along the Harbourside. The Bristol Packet runs guided trips around Bristol and along the river Avon to Bath. The historic steamer Balmoral and the paddle steamer Waverley run day excursions along the Bristol Channel.

Read more about Bristol

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Image credits: ©Antonioguillem/stock.adobe.com; Courtesy of Bristol Airport; Madrugada Verde/stock.adobe.com; Shutterstock.com

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