Travelling to Bristol

Bristol International Airport

Bristol International airport is by far the largest airport in the south west of the UK and  flies directly to over 125 destinations(Opens in a new tab/window), with connections to hundreds more across the world.

The following are some of the airlines that use Bristol airport: Aer Lingus, EasyJet, KLM, Jet2, LoganAir, RyanAir, Swiss Airlines, TUI.
KLM/Air France will connect Bristol to many destinations via Amsterdam airport.

Once you arrive at Bristol airport you can travel to your accommodation or the school via:

  • Private taxi transfer arranged by IH Bristol - see our pricing page
  • Airport Flyer Express - a bus shuttle service into Bristol City Centre:
    • A1 - at peak times it runs multiple times an hour to key locations including Bristol Harbourside, Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Bus Station. £9 for adult single. Prebook online or pay the driver when you board. 
      For your onward journey, taxis are available from both Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Bus Station.

  • Public taxi - for instance Arrow Cars(Opens in a new tab/window), operating directly outside the terminal.
  • Uber - see here(Opens in a new tab/window)
  • Bolt - see here(Opens in a new tab/window)

To see all the places that fly to Bristol, click here(Opens in a new tab/window)

Bristol airport arrival

Heathrow and Gatwick airports

Heathrow and Gatwick are the UK's main airports for long haul flights and are relatively close to Bristol.

Once you arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick airport you can travel to your accommodation or the school via:

  • Private taxi - transfer arranged by IH Bristol - see our pricing page
  • Direct bus - there are regular direct buses (also often called 'coaches' in the UK) from Gatwick and Heathrow airport to Bristol.
    Taking a direct bus from Heathrow or Gatwick is generally quicker and cheaper than travelling by train.
    Several different companies operate these routes so check the following for the best departure times and prices:
    • National Express(Opens in a new tab/window) - buses normally run every hour from Heathrow to Bristol, about 2 - 2.5 hours (depending on Heathrow terminal). Fully flexible tickets will be around £35 - £45 one way. From Gatwick Airport, buses leave every 2 hours, journey time is about 3.5 hours and a fully flexible tickets will be around £45 - £60. All buses arrival at Bristol Bus Station.

    • Flixbus (Opens in a new tab/window)- buses run every 1 hour 45 from Heathrow to Bristol and cost around £10 - £15 one way. From Gatwick, buses leave every 2 hours, journey time is 3.5 hours and tickets are from £17.99. All buses arrive at Bristol Bus Station.

    • Megabus (Opens in a new tab/window)- buses from Heathrow only to Bristol run a few times per day

  • Train (Opens in a new tab/window)- You will normally have to change trains at least once. We recommend you get a train ticket that allows for a later departure in case of flight delays.

For your onward journey, taxis are available from Bristol Marlborough Street Bus Station.

Heathrow terminal 3