Find out how to get to Bristol with our directions by road, train or plane
There are nearly as many ways to get to Bristol as there are reasons to go. The city is one of the most vibrant in the UK, with a flourishing scene for foodies, a music scene that any city would be proud of, some of the best pubs in the country, a colourful past beautifully represented by galleries and museums, and so much more besides. Whether you’re heading to this jewel of the West Country by plane, train or automobile, follow our guide to get there as quickly as possible and start your Bristolian adventure as soon as you can.
By road
Bristol is situated at the meeting point of the M4 and the M5, making it easily accessible for those travelling to the city by car. The M4 offers a quick route that links the city with London via Reading and Swindon. For those coming from Wales, the M4 also runs all the way from Swansea to Bristol, via Cardiff, Port Talbot and Newport. The M5 connects Bristol with Birmingham to the north, via Gloucester and Cheltenham, and Exeter and Taunton to the south. The Mercure Bristol North Grange Hotel is a four-star hotel located in a 19th-century estate on the way into the city from the north, near the intersection of the M4 and the M5, yet still in idyllic country surroundings, while the Bristol Grand, Holland House and Brigstow hotels are all conveniently located in the city centre and all have private parking. Bristol Parkway train station, on the outskirts of the city, has ample parking spaces for those who want to park and continue into the city by bus or train. National Express run a regular coach service from London Victoria Coach Station to Bristol, with the journey taking around two hours and 45 minutes.
By train
Bristol Temple Meads station is the largest railway hub in the west of England. Direct trains run from Cardiff, London, Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester, Penzance and Scotland, while local services cover Gloucester, Weston-Super-Mare and Taunton. Trains from London take around an hour and 45 minutes and leave from London Paddington in the north-west of the capital. Bristol Temple Meads station is a short walk into the city centre, and under 15 minutes by foot to any of the Bristol Mercure hotels, but take the time to appreciate the station itself before heading off on your way. It was designed by the renowned engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel – the second most important Briton of all time according to the BBC – and the designer of impressive engineering feats from the SS Great Britain to the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The Grade I Listed station is considered to be one of his greatest achievements.
By air
Bristol international airport is located to the south-west of the city and is about a half an hour drive from the Mercure hotels in the centre of Bristol. The airport connects Bristol with a wide array of destinations around the UK, Europe and the rest of the world. Flights operate to and from major airports in Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, as well as European cities from Dubrovnik to Reykjavik and Paris to Prague. There are even flights to and from some far-flung destinations, such as Cancun and Orlando. The airport is connected to the city centre by train and bus.
