Bristol Airport

Bristol Airport (BRS) is the primary airport serving the South West of England, located approximately 13 km southwest of Bristol city center near the village of Lulsgate Bottom. The airport handles around 9 million passengers annually and provides access to Bristol, Bath, the Cotswolds, and the wider South West England region.

The airport has a single terminal building with a straightforward layout:

• Main terminal: All check-in, security, and departures from one building
• Departures: Single security screening area leading to the departure lounge
• Arrivals: Ground floor with baggage reclaim and arrivals hall
• Gates: Mix of walk-out gates and bus-boarding gates for remote stands

Bristol Airport operates primarily point-to-point services rather than hub connections. Major carriers include easyJet (the dominant airline), Ryanair, TUI, Jet2, and seasonal operators. The airport specializes in European leisure destinations and has limited long-haul connectivity.

The terminal underwent significant expansion in recent years, with an enlarged departure lounge and improved retail and dining facilities. Navigation is simple due to the single-terminal design.

Bristol Airport is located 13 km (8 miles) southwest of Bristol city center and 35 km (22 miles) from the historic city of Bath.

Typical travel times:

• Bristol Temple Meads station: 30-40 minutes by bus
• Bristol city center by taxi: 25-35 minutes (traffic dependent)
• Bath city center: 45-60 minutes by bus or car
• Weston-super-Mare: 30 minutes by car

The airport is accessed via the A38 road. There is no direct rail connection; the primary public transport link is the Bristol Flyer express bus service.

Uber

Uber operates at Bristol Airport with straightforward pickup.

• Pickup location: Ground Transportation area outside arrivals
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber XL
• Fare to Bristol city center: GBP 25-40 depending on traffic and demand
• Fare to Bath: GBP 45-65

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. Pre-booked taxis often provide better rates than rank taxis.

Destination	Fare	Time
Bristol Temple Meads	GBP 30-40	25-35 min
Bristol city center	GBP 25-35	20-30 min
Bath city center	GBP 50-70	40-55 min
Weston-super-Mare	GBP 35-45	25-35 min
Cardiff	GBP 90-120	60-75 min

Tip: Pre-book taxis online for fixed rates. Airport-authorized operators include Bristol Airport Taxis and ABC Taxis. Ride apps (Uber, Bolt) are typically 20-30% cheaper than rank taxis.

Bristol Flyer (A1 Bus)

The Bristol Flyer (previously Bristol Airport Flyer) is the dedicated express bus connecting the airport to Bristol city center and Temple Meads station.

To Bristol Temple Meads Station:

1. Exit arrivals and follow signs to bus stops
2. Take the A1 Bristol Flyer from Stop 1
3. Journey time: 30-40 minutes (via city center)

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult	GBP 9
Return adult	GBP 15
Single child (5-15)	GBP 5
Family return (2+2)	GBP 35

Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes (peak) / Every 20-30 minutes (off-peak) Operating hours: 04:00-00:30 daily

Key stops:

• Bristol Temple Meads (main railway station)
• Bristol Bus Station
• Cabot Circus (shopping center)

Buses to Bath

The A4 Air Decker provides direct service to Bath city center.

To Bath Bus Station:

1. Take the A4 Air Decker from Stop 2
2. Journey time: 50-60 minutes

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult	GBP 15
Return adult	GBP 22

Frequency: Every 30 minutes Operating hours: 05:30-22:00

National Express

Long-distance coach services operate from Bristol Airport to destinations across the UK.

Destination	Journey Time	Fare From
London Victoria	2h 30min	GBP 15
Birmingham	2h	GBP 20
Cardiff	1h 15min	GBP 12

Bristol Airport offers various parking options with significant discounts for advance online booking.

On-Site Parking

Facility	Location	Rate
Silver Zone (Short Stay)	2-min walk	From GBP 6/hour, GBP 45/day
Multi-Storey	1-min walk	From GBP 50/day
Long Stay	Free shuttle	From GBP 35/day
Premium Parking	Adjacent to terminal	From GBP 65/day

Tips

• Book online at bristolairport.co.uk for savings of up to 60%
• Meet and Greet valet service available from GBP 55/day
• Electric vehicle charging available in Multi-Storey car park
• Long Stay car parks require a shuttle bus (runs every 10-15 minutes)

Bristol Airport has expanded its food options in recent years, with most outlets located in the departure lounge.

Departures (Airside)

• Frankie & Benny's: Italian-American casual dining
• The Air Bar: Pub-style food and drinks
• Caffe Nero: Coffee and light snacks
• Upper Crust: Baguettes and sandwiches
• Burger King: Fast food option
• The Cabin: Bar with local ales
• Wetherspoons (The West Cornwall Pasty Co. adjacent): Affordable pub food
• Krispy Kreme: Doughnuts and coffee

Arrivals (Landside)

• AMT Coffee: Coffee and pastries
• Subway: Sandwiches
• WHSmith: Snacks and drinks

Budget tip: Wetherspoons offers the most affordable hot meals airside. Bring an empty water bottle to refill at water fountains after security.

Free WiFi is available throughout Bristol Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	_Bristol Airport Free WiFi
Registration	Email address required
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email; streaming may buffer

Faster connections available in the Aspire Lounge.

SIM cards can be purchased at the airport, though better deals are often available in Bristol city center.

Airport Locations

• WHSmith (Arrivals and Departures): Basic prepaid SIM options
• Duty Free shop: Limited selection

Pricing

Provider	Price	Data
Vodafone Pay As You Go	From GBP 10	3 GB
EE	From GBP 15	5 GB
Three (3)	From GBP 10	5 GB
Lebara/Lycamobile	From GBP 5	Budget options

Note: For better selection, visit Carphone Warehouse or network stores at Cabot Circus in Bristol city center.

ATMs are located in both the arrivals hall and departure lounge. Major UK banks have machines available.

Currency

• United Kingdom: British Pound Sterling (GBP)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 GBP = 1.27 USD, 1 GBP = 1.18 EUR

ATM Locations

• Arrivals hall: Near exit doors
• Departure lounge: Near WHSmith

Currency Exchange

Moneycorp operates exchange counters in arrivals and departures. Airport exchange rates include significant markups (typically 5-10% worse than market rates).

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw GBP from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (Starling, Monzo, Wise)
• UK is card-friendly; contactless payment accepted almost everywhere
• Pre-order currency for collection, or use Wise/Revolut cards

Tip: Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) at ATMs and shops—always pay in GBP when given the choice.

Bristol Airport has moderate shopping options, primarily in the departure lounge.

Duty-Free

• World Duty Free: Main tax-free shop with alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, and cosmetics
• Tax-free savings: Available for flights outside the UK

Retail Shops

• WHSmith: Books, magazines, travel essentials
• Accessorize: Fashion accessories and jewelry
• Boots: Pharmacy and health products
• Superdry: British fashion brand
• JD Sports: Sportswear
• Tech Travel: Electronics and accessories

Tips

• Shopping selection is more limited than major UK hubs (Heathrow, Gatwick)
• Arrivals has minimal retail—stock up in departures if needed
• Reserve and Collect available from World Duty Free website

Bristol Airport has one main lounge option available to all passengers.

Aspire Lounge

Location: Departure lounge, past main shopping area

Access methods:

• Priority Pass: Accepted
• Credit card access: Various cards with lounge benefits
• Paid entry: From GBP 30 (book online for best rates)

Amenities:

• Hot and cold buffet
• Complimentary drinks including beer, wine, and spirits
• WiFi
• Newspapers and magazines
• Runway views

Hours: 04:00-20:00 (may vary seasonally)

Notes: The lounge can become crowded during peak morning departures. Book in advance during busy holiday periods.

Airline Lounges

Bristol Airport has no dedicated airline lounges. Business class passengers on easyJet (easyJet Plus) receive Fast Track security but no lounge access included.

Several hotels are located near Bristol Airport, though none are directly connected to the terminal.

Near the Airport

Bristol Airport Hotel Collection (official partner hotels):

Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport

• 5-minute drive from terminal
• Free 24-hour shuttle service
• 3-star, modern rooms
• From GBP 85/night

Holiday Inn Bristol Airport

• 10-minute drive from terminal
• Free shuttle (may need to book)
• 3-star, restaurant on-site
• From GBP 75/night

DoubleTree by Hilton Bristol North

• 15 minutes from airport
• 4-star option
• From GBP 95/night

Budget Options

• Travelodge Bristol Airport: Budget-friendly, short taxi ride, from GBP 45/night
• Premier Inn Bristol Airport (Sidcot): 10 minutes away, from GBP 50/night

Tips

• Book "park and stay" packages for savings if driving
• Most airport hotels offer free parking with stays
• Temple Meads area hotels (30 min by bus) offer more dining options

Bristol and the surrounding South West England offer a compelling mix of vibrant city life, Georgian elegance in Bath, and stunning Cotswolds countryside.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time from Airport	Route
Bristol city center	30-40 min	Flyer A1 bus
Bath city center	50-60 min	A4 Air Decker bus
Clifton Suspension Bridge	35 min	Bus + short walk
SS Great Britain	40 min	Bus to harbor
Roman Baths (Bath)	55 min	A4 bus
Cotswolds (Tetbury)	45 min	Car/taxi only
Glastonbury	45 min	Car/taxi only

Bristol Highlights

• Clifton Suspension Bridge: Brunel's iconic Victorian bridge with city views
• SS Great Britain: Historic ship and maritime museum at Bristol Harbor
• Bristol Harbor: Waterfront bars, restaurants, and cultural venues
• Cabot Circus: Major shopping center
• Street art: Bristol is Banksy's hometown—walking tours available
• St Nicholas Market: Local food and craft market

Bath Highlights

• Roman Baths: 2,000-year-old bathing complex (UNESCO World Heritage)
• Bath Abbey: Gothic church in city center
• Royal Crescent: Iconic Georgian architecture
• Thermae Bath Spa: Modern spa using natural hot springs
• Pulteney Bridge: Shops lining a historic bridge

Cotswolds

The Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is within easy reach:

• Castle Combe: Picture-perfect village (25 min by car)
• Tetbury: Antique shops and royal connections (35 min by car)
• Cirencester: Market town and Roman museum (50 min by car)
• Bourton-on-the-Water: "Venice of the Cotswolds" (60 min by car)

Note: Cotswolds villages are best explored by car—public transport is limited.

Wider South West England

• Wells: England's smallest city, stunning cathedral (30 min by car)
• Glastonbury: Famous tor and alternative culture (40 min by car)
• Cheddar Gorge: Dramatic limestone cliffs (25 min by car)
• Stonehenge: 1 hour by car (consider day tour)
• Cardiff, Wales: 1 hour by car or bus

Travel Tips

• Oyster cards do not work outside London; use contactless or buy local tickets
• Bristol and Bath are walkable cities—taxis rarely needed downtown
• Book Bath attractions online in advance during peak season
• Bristol has a vibrant food scene; try independent cafes around Stokes Croft
• Weather is changeable—bring layers and rain gear year-round
• Pubs typically serve food until 21:00-22:00; restaurants close earlier in Bath

Layover Recommendations

• 3-4 hours: Not recommended—stay at airport
• 5-6 hours: Quick visit to Bristol city center; see harbourside
• 8+ hours: Day trip to Bath (essential if visiting the region)
• Full day: Combine Bath with a Cotswolds village visit