Bristol · United Kingdom
Bristol Airport (BRS)
Bristol Airport is situated in North Somerset, approximately 8 miles (13 km) southwest of Bristol city centre. Operating entirely from a single passenger terminal, it serves a mix of domestic destinations and short- to medium-haul international flights. It acts as the primary international gateway for South West England and South Wales.
Terminals
- Main Terminal
Arriving
Arrivals follow a straightforward path through passport control, baggage reclaim, and customs on the ground floor.
- Follow signage along the arrival corridor to the UK Border Control hall.
- Passport control features automated eGates for eligible biometric passport holders (UK, EU/EEA, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, and South Korea aged 10 and over) and staffed desks for other nationalities or families travelling with young children.
- Proceed to the baggage reclaim hall after immigration to collect checked luggage from the assigned carousel.
- Pass through the customs channel (Green channel for nothing to declare, Red channel if exceeding allowances or carrying restricted goods).
- Exit into the main public arrivals concourse for ground transport options, onwards buses, taxis, and airport services.
Getting to the city
Train
Express Bus (A1 Bristol Flyer)
Direct express bus service running from outside the terminal to Bristol Temple Meads train station and Bristol Bus Station.
- Time:
- Typically 30-45 minutes
- Typical cost:
- Roughly £9 single / £15 return
Taxi
Taxi / Private Hire
Official airport taxis operated on-site by Arrow Cars, available immediately outside the terminal.
- Time:
- Typically 25-40 minutes
- Typical cost:
- Roughly £30-£45 to central Bristol
Car rental
Car Rental
Major vehicle hire desks are situated inside the dedicated Car Rental Centre.
- Time:
- Typically 25-40 minutes to city centre
- Typical cost:
- Varies by vehicle type and rental duration
Connections & transfers
Bristol Airport does not have an integrated rail station, so transfer to onward transport requires road transit.
- For onward rail connections across the UK, take the A1 Flyer bus directly to Bristol Temple Meads railway station.
- For connections to Weston-super-Mare, the A3 Flyer bus operates regular services directly from the terminal.
- Connecting passenger flights require collecting luggage, exiting to landside, and checking in again at the main departures concourse.
Wi-Fi & staying connected
Free Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal building.
- Connect to the network named Bristol Airport Wi-Fi on your device.
- Complimentary access is provided for up to 2 hours per session.
- Registration requires accepting standard terms and conditions via a browser landing page.
Money, cards & tipping
Currency exchange desks and cash machines are available landside and airside.
- ATMs accepting major UK and international debit/credit cards are located in arrivals and departures.
- Bureau de change desks operated by ChangeGroup offer foreign currency exchange.
- Card and contactless payments (Visa, Mastercard, Apple Pay, Google Pay) are accepted almost everywhere across Bristol and the UK.
Food & drink
Food and drink options in the arrivals area are limited, but basic options are available.
- A coffee shop and convenience outlet operate in the main landside arrivals concourse.
- More extensive dining options (pub, fast food, casual dining) are located after security in the departures lounge.
- Vending machines serving drinks and snacks are present near the ground transport zones.
Lounges & rest
Executive lounges are located in the departures area after security clearance.
- The Aspire Lounge and 1903 Lounge operate in the departures lounge.
- Access can be pre-booked online or paid for at the door subject to space.
- Note that lounges are accessible to departing or transiting passengers only, not arriving passengers exiting to the city.
Airport hotels
Accommodation is available within walking distance or a short shuttle ride from the terminal.
- Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport is directly connected to the terminal via a covered walkway.
- Several budget and independent hotels and bed-and-breakfasts operate along the A38 corridor within 1-3 miles of the site.
- Hotels off airport grounds are reachable via local taxi or private arrangements.
Baggage & customs
Baggage facilities handle lost luggage queries and left luggage services.
- Lost or delayed checked luggage is managed by your airline's ground handling agent inside the baggage hall.
- A left-luggage service is available landside near the main terminal desks for short- or long-term storage.
- Trolleys are accessible in the baggage reclaim hall and outside the terminal.
Family & accessibility
Basic facilities are available to assist travellers travelling with babies and young children.
- Baby changing amenities are located alongside main toilet blocks in both landside and airside areas.
- Pushchairs/strollers are returned either at the aircraft door or in the baggage reclaim hall depending on airline protocol.
- Highchairs and family seating can be found at food outlets in the departures hall.
Facilities
- ATMs
- Bureau de Change
- Car Rental Centre
- Charging Points
- Disabled Parking & Assistance
- Left Luggage
- Pharmacy
- Smoking Area (outside terminal)
Emergency & safety
Local emergency number: 999 (Emergency) / 111 (NHS non-emergency)
- In a life-threatening emergency, dial 999 from any phone.
- For non-emergency health advice, dial 111 to reach the UK NHS health service.
- If you lose your passport, contact your embassy or consulate in the UK immediately; airport staff can direct you to quiet communications facilities if required.
- First aid support inside the terminal can be requested by contacting any uniformed member of airport staff.
Before you leave home
- Check your passport validity and any visa, ETA or entry declaration required.
- Confirm your departure terminal on your boarding pass the day before.
- Activate a travel eSIM so you are online the moment you land.
- Download offline maps and screenshot your hotel address and booking reference.
- Tell your bank you are travelling and carry a backup payment card.
- Save the local emergency number and your embassy contact in your phone.
- Photograph your passport and store the copy somewhere you can reach offline.
- Check baggage allowance and any restricted items for your destination.
Official sources
Airport operations change. Always confirm terminals, fares and timetables with the official sources below before you travel.
- Bristol Airport Official WebsiteOfficial airport source
- UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UKGovernment source
- UK Duty Free and Customs Allowances - GOV.UKGovernment source
- First Bus South West - Bristol Airport FlyerOfficial transit source
- NHS UK Emergency Medical ServicesGovernment source
Guide last reviewed October 1, 2026
Airport information can change. Verify terminal assignments, schedules, fares, entry requirements and operating hours with the official provider before travel.
Land connected
Airport Wi-Fi is slow, time-limited and not private. A travel eSIM activates before you fly, so maps, ride-hailing and your booking emails work the second you switch off airplane mode.
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Build my trip planTravel information disclaimer: passport, visa and entry requirements change frequently and vary by nationality, route and purpose of travel. Everything published here is general guidance only and is not legal or immigration advice. Always verify current requirements with the official government sources for your citizenship and your destination before booking and before travel.