Strategically positioned as the gateway to the south west, Bristol is the nexus of all major travel routes in this part of Britain. The city enjoys an excellent location in relation to both the national motorway and rail networks, enabling London to be reached in 90-150 minutes. InterCity services are available from Temple Meads and Parkway stations, the M4/M5 interchange lies just north of the city, and Bristol Lulsgate is one of the fastest-growing regional airports in the country.

Rail
Road
Bus & Coach
Sea

Situated eight miles south west of Bristol alongside the A38 Bristol to Bridgwater road, Bristol Airport operates a schedule of international and domestic services linking Bristol directly to 15 destinations in the UK and Europe including Amsterdam, Paris and Brussels. Connections around the world can be made by changing at these cities. Services are also available to New York via Dublin and Amsterdam. Package tours are available to a variety of European destinations. The airport is open 24 hours a day.

No hotels are based at the airport and the nearest is the Town & Country Lodge located four miles away on the A38 towards Bristol. Heathrow airport is less than two hours away by road and offers a comprehensive air service around the globe.

Rail

Rail services operate from Bristol's two major stations, Temple Meads (city) and Parkway (outer city at Stoke Gifford). There are over 40 services daily from the two stations to London, reaching Paddington in 90-105 minutes. Over 20 passenger stations in the Avon area serve local needs, running from settlements such as Yatton, Yate and Keynsham.

Road

By road, the main north to south west (Birmingham to Exeter) routes are the M5 and A38 whilst west to east (South Wales to London) travel is quickest via the M4. The two motorways' intersection to the north of the city of Bristol is reached quickly using the M32 from the city's St Werburgh's suburb. Major road changes have resulted from the construction of the new Second Severn Crossing. The pre-existing section of the M4 where it crossed the Severn has become the M48, and the new bridge is now the M4. A new branch motorway, the M49, leaves the M5 at junction 18a, also crossing the new bridge. The new crossing rejoins the old M4 on the Welsh side at junction 23a. Exactly the same toll is charged on both bridges.

Direct routes to the southern coastal resorts of Weymouth and Bournemouth are provided by the A37 and A36/A350, whilst Southampton can be reached via the A4 and A36.

It is always difficult to estimate driving times but the journey to London may take approximately two hours and 20 minutes, depending on road conditions, traffic and stops.

Bus and Coach

First Bristol and First Badger Line operate frequent bus services within and around Bristol using single deck, double deck and mini buses. Regular express coach services link Bristol directly to towns and cities throughout the country and to Heathrow and Gatwick. Bristol International Flyer also provides regular services between Bristol Bus Station, Temple Meads Rail Station and the airport at Lulsgate.