You can reach Bristol Zoo Project without a car on the number 12 bus, which stops on request at Blackhorse Hill right by the entrance, or by bike along National Cycle Route 4, which passes close to the site. There's no train station within easy walking distance.
Bristol Zoo Project moved out to Blackhorse Hill in South Gloucestershire when the old Clifton site closed, and that move has genuinely made it trickier to reach if you're relying on public transport. Here's what actually works.
By bus
The Stagecoach number 12 runs between Bristol Parkway, Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach, and it's the bus that gets you closest. Ask the driver for the Blackhorse Hill stop, which is between Cribbs Causeway and Easter Compton, close to the M5 junction 17 roundabout. It's a request stop, so make sure the driver knows you want it, and don't assume it's announced automatically.
Before you travel, check current times and any service changes with the TravelWest journey planner, since bus timetables in this part of Bristol do get revised. If you're coming from the city centre, you'll likely need to change buses or pick up the 12 from Cribbs Causeway or Bristol Parkway rather than starting it from the Harbourside or Clifton.
By bike
Bristol Zoo Project is a short detour off National Cycle Route 4, so it's a realistic option if you're already comfortable cycling in and around Bristol. There are cycle racks at the entrance, next to the main sign, plus a dedicated parking spot for Dott e-bikes and e-scooters if you've hired rather than ridden your own.
The zoo also hosts one of South Gloucestershire's council-funded Emergency Bike Repair Kits, stored at admissions, with pumps, tyre levers, patch kits and lights available to borrow free of charge if you get caught out.
By car-share, taxi or rideshare
If public transport times don't line up with your day, a taxi or rideshare is the practical fallback, though as with anywhere on the edge of the city, prices climb the further out you go. Our guide to getting a taxi in Bristol covers ranks and apps if you'd rather not pre-book.
Planning your visit
| Method | How | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bus | Stagecoach 12, request stop at Blackhorse Hill | Runs Bristol Parkway–Cribbs Causeway–Severn Beach |
| Bike | National Cycle Route 4 | Cycle racks and e-bike parking at entrance |
| Taxi/rideshare | Book ahead | Most flexible, but pricier the further you travel |
Whichever way you're travelling, build in extra time. Blackhorse Hill is genuinely on the edge of the city, and if your bus connection doesn't line up, you could be waiting a while for the next one. For ticket prices and whether the zoo itself is worth the trip, see our Bristol Zoo Project tickets and prices guide, and if you're weighing it up against the old Clifton site, our piece on what happened to Bristol Zoo Gardens explains the move. For wider transport options around the city, our getting around Bristol guide is a good starting point.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a direct bus from Bristol city centre to Bristol Zoo Project? Not a single direct route from the Harbourside or city centre. The number 12 serves Blackhorse Hill from Bristol Parkway, Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach, so you may need to change buses depending on where you're starting from.
Which bus stop do I need for Bristol Zoo Project? Ask for Blackhorse Hill, between Cribbs Causeway and Easter Compton near the M5 junction 17 roundabout. It's a request stop.
Can I cycle to Bristol Zoo Project? Yes, it sits just off National Cycle Route 4, with cycle racks and e-bike/e-scooter parking at the entrance.
Is there a train station near Bristol Zoo Project? No, there isn't a station within reasonable walking distance. Bus, bike or road transport are your realistic options.
Is it easier to just drive? If you have access to a car, it's the simplest option, since Blackhorse Hill sits close to the M5. If not, the 12 bus or a taxi are your best bets.
Where can I check live bus times before I travel? Use the TravelWest journey planner or check directly with Stagecoach, since routes and timetables in this area can change.