There is no train to Bristol Airport. The nearest station, Nailsea & Backwell, is physically closer but useless without a taxi leg. The 'train plus Flyer' answer everyone gives means backtracking through the city, so the direct bus or a car usually beats the rail leg entirely.
getting to the airport
The quickest cheap way to Bristol Airport from the city is the Airport Flyer (A1) bus: £9.50 single and about 25 minutes from Temple Meads, running 24 hours a day. A taxi or private hire is faster door to door at roughly £25 to £50 and around 25 to 30 minutes off-peak.
comparison of 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 £6.62 a day 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 on five ways to get to the airport. For details on the cost of a taxi from the airport to Temple Meads, see our guide on Bristol Airport to Temple Meads: taxi, bus and the real cost of each. We also have a guide on Bristol Airport drop-off and pick-up charges, which includes information on how to avoid paying for drop-off. Using a Tick Taxi, the group that publishes this site (disclosed), can cost £39 for a pre-booked standard saloon from the airport to Temple Meads, which is a fixed price with flight tracking and 45 minutes of free waiting after landing.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get to Bristol Airport from the city?
The Airport Flyer (A1) bus, which costs £9.50 single and takes about 25 minutes from Temple Meads.
How much does a taxi cost from Bristol Airport to Temple Meads?
A pre-booked taxi with Tick Taxi, the group that publishes this site (disclosed), costs £39 for a standard saloon.
Can I get a train to Bristol Airport?
No, there is no train to Bristol Airport. The nearest station is Nailsea & Backwell, but it is not a viable option without a taxi leg.
How much does it cost to drop someone off at Bristol Airport?
The kerbside drop-off charge is £8.50 for up to 10 minutes, but you can use the free Waiting Zone at the Car Rental Centre for up to 60 minutes at no charge.
What is the best way to get to Bristol Airport for a group of people?
A licensed taxi or private hire may be the best option for a group of people, as it can be faster and more convenient than the bus.