To get to Bristol Airport at 4am, the Airport Flyer (A1) bus is a viable option, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a single ticket costing £9.50. However, the common advice to 'just get a taxi' might be overpaying for a slot that is actually covered by this bus service. The real challenge is getting to the bus stop at 3am, which is why many people book a car.
Comparing your options
| Option | Cost | Time from the centre | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Flyer (A1) bus | £9.50 single, £16 return | About 25 to 30 min | Solo travellers, hand luggage, tight budgets |
| Licensed taxi or private hire | About £25 to £50 | 25 to 30 min off-peak | Groups, cases, early or late flights |
| Uber | About £43 average (VAT + surge) | 25 to 30 min drive, plus ~20 min wait | App users, off-peak only |
| Drive and park (Silver Zone) | Parking from about £9.40 a day for a week booked well ahead pre-booked | About 30 min plus the shuttle | Longer trips, families with a car |
| Rail then Flyer | From about £16 combined | 45 to 60 min | Anyone coming in by train first |
For more information on getting to Bristol Airport, see our guide to getting to Bristol Airport. If you're coming from Temple Meads, you can also check our guide to Bristol Airport to Temple Meads. For reference, Tick Taxi quotes a pre-booked fixed fare of £39 for a standard saloon from Bristol Airport to Temple Meads.
The last-mile problem
Getting to the bus stop at 3am can be a challenge, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling with a group. In this case, booking a taxi or private hire might be the better option, despite the higher cost. However, if you're travelling solo or have minimal luggage, the Airport Flyer bus is a cheap and convenient option. We give a price for every option on this page, including the bus, so you can compare them side by side. For more on how we work, see our transparency page.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get to Bristol Airport at 4am?
The Airport Flyer (A1) bus is the cheapest option, with a single ticket costing £9.50.
How often does the Airport Flyer bus run?
The Airport Flyer bus runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is the best option for groups or those with a lot of luggage?
Booking a taxi or private hire might be the better option for groups or those with a lot of luggage, despite the higher cost.
Can I pre-book a taxi from Bristol Airport to Temple Meads?
Yes, Tick Taxi offers a pre-booked fixed fare of £39 for a standard saloon from Bristol Airport to Temple Meads.