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Travelling Around Bristol

Bristol is at the hub of Britain's national cycle routes, surrounded by scenic waterways, canals and unspoiled countryside - ideal for leisurely walks.

The city is surprisingly easy to get around, so why not leave the car behind and walk, cycle, or use the bus, ferry and rail services offering easy access to the city, coast and countryside.

For detailed information on getting around the city, visit Bristol City Council's Travelinfo web page.

Planning your Journey
To help plan your journey, Travel Bristol's Journey Planner offers useful information for visitors, or alternatively you can download free maps of Bristol. You can also buy a selection of maps from Bristol Tourist Information Centres. Why not take a map or a guidebook from the Tourist Information Centre and discover unspoilt villages and beautiful countryside.

The Visit Harbourside microsite has handy hints on getting around Bristol's harbourside.

Walking
The central area is well signposted for walkers. Maps of Bristol and the surrounding area can be purchased from all Tourist Information Centres.

Cycling
Bristol is the hub of Britain's national cycle routes and home of Sustrans, Britain's leading sustainable transport charity.

If you're cycling in Bristol or are a cycling enthusiast, make sure you visit Mud Dock - this revolutionary combination of cycle works and café provides everything a cyclist could need, from repairs, lockers and showers to a great cup of coffee! While you're here, take part in one of the many cycling events happening in the summer.

Travel by Car
Bristol has 3 Park and Ride routes allowing you to park your car and take a bus into the city centre - saving you money on parking and helping the environment too.

Bristol City Council has details of car parks in the city.

Bus
It's really easy to get around the city by bus. First Group and other bus services operate regular bus services. Click here for a map of bus routes. Or enjoy a scenic guided tour on a City Sightseeing bus.

Night Flyer buses operate on Friday and Saturday nights from Bristol city centre to destinations across the city.

Train
Bristol is at the hub of the national rail network in the West of England. First Great Western and other companies operate local, regional and inter-city services from the main station at Temple Meads.

Bristol has suburban rail stations serving Lawrence Hill, Stapleton Road, Montpelier, Redland, Clifton Down, Sea Mills, Shirehampton, Avonmouth, Bedminster and Parson Street and there is a branch line to Severn Beach.

Ferries and Boat Trips
The Bristol Ferry Boat Company operate regular ferry services to and from all the waterfront attractions, and the Bristol Packet run guided trips around Bristol and along to Bath.

The historic steamer Balmoral and the paddlesteamer Waverley run day excursions into the Bristol Channel. For a journey with a difference, try a trip with Avon River Cruises and enjoy the delights of this mobile floating restaurant.

Travel by Coach
If you are interested in private coach hire in the Bristol area, why not try Bakers Dolphin, Peter Carol Prestige Coaching or Turner Coachways.