Getting to Bristol
Bristol is well served by all major transport forms and offers good links to most areas and major cities around the United Kingdom, and in some cases, across the world. Some of Bristol's wealth and tradition was built on the strategic location of Bristol at the head of the Bristol Channel. In recent times, Bristol's docks now only offer passage to freight traffic
Bristol can also lay claim to being well known for it's railway heritage, thanks to a certain Isambard Kingdom Brunel
By Road
Bristol can be easily reached by the national road network, with both M4 and M5 Motorway networks passing through the city. The A38 running from Plymouth to Birmingham also crosses the city South to North. Heading from the east the A4 brings travellers from London, Reading, Marlborough and Chippenham areas
Bristol currently has three park & ride sites available to make getting into the city centre easier. These services run during the daytime from the sites located at The Portway - just off Junction 18 of the M5, Long Ashton - just south of the city, and Brislington on the eastern outskirts of the city. Most services take between 15-30 minutes to reach the centre dropping off at major shopping points and the central area by the Waterfront depending on the site used.
By Bus
There are two main Bus compaines that operate within the greater Bristol area - FirstBus and Wessex Connect. Most bus routes terminate or pass through either the Bus Station - located just off The Haymarket, or 'The Centre' - which is the area in front of the Bristol Hippodrome, known officially as St Augustines Parade.
The Travel Bristol shop is located under Colston Tower, and is provided by Bristol City Council. It provides information on all public transport around the city, including bus tickets and timetables.
By Coach
National Express serve the city from various destinations across the country including the major airports of Heathrow & Gatwick, and major locations such as London, Birmingham, Manchester and outlying areas of the country.
The low cost operator, Megabus, also operate to destinations such as Plymouth, Exeter and London
By Rail
In 1833, Isambard Kingdom Brunel was appointed chief engineer for the Great Western Railway, with the responsibility of devising a route from London to Bristol. The line's promoters in Bristol were facing stiff competition from Liverpool as a rival port and needed to enhance the transport and communication facilities offered by the city
Thanks to Brunel's efforts, Bristol can still be reached easily by the national rail network. Bristol has two main railway stations, Temple Meads and Parkway. Bristol Temple Meads, a short walk from the city centre, is a beautiful struture dating from 1871, and resides next to Brunel's original train shed, now housing the British Commonwealth Museum.
Intercity express trains running from London Paddington to Penzance or Cardiff travel through Bristol. Cross Country routes from Plymouth to Glasgow and Leeds also wind their way through Bristol. Local express services from Cardiff to Brighton, Portsmouth and Weymouth also use Bristol as a hub. Mostly all services are operated by First Great Western, with Cross Country routes being operated by Arriva Cross Country Trains.
By Air
Bristol International Airport is located around ten miles to the south of the city, and has coach shuttle links to the city. It became the second fastest growing airport in the UK in 2004 with 4.6 million passengers using the airport.
Flights to most European locations, North America & Africa use the airport, as well as charter flights to popular holiday destinations. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and Easy-Jet also run many services from the airport
