Bristol Airport (BRS) is the gateway to the South West of England — a busy airport just 13 kilometres from the city centre that serves one of the most creative and vibrant cities in the UK. Bristol is a city of street art (Banksy was born here), maritime history (the SS Great Britain), and a nightlife that rivals any in the country. The airport is close to the city, making it an ideal entry point for exploring Bristol, the Cotswolds, Bath, Cardiff, and the beaches of the South West. Hiring a car here lets you explore the Roman baths, the prehistoric sites of Wiltshire, the surfing beaches of North Devon, and the stunning countryside of Somerset.

We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators at Bristol Airport. Compact cars start around €20/day. The airport is 190 kilometres west of London.

Why Hire a Car at Bristol Airport

• Bristol: The city of Banksy, with the Clifton Suspension Bridge (designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel), the SS Great Britain (the world’s first iron-hulled ship), the harbourside, and the street art of Stokes Croft.
• Bath: 45 minutes east. A UNESCO World Heritage city with Roman baths, Georgian architecture, the Royal Crescent, and the Jane Austen Centre.
• The Cotswolds: 1 hour east. A region of honey-coloured stone villages, rolling hills, and country pubs — Castle Combe, Bibury, and Bourton-on-the-Water are the most famous.
• Stonehenge: 1.5 hours east. The most famous prehistoric monument in the world, a circle of standing stones that is 5,000 years old.
• Cardiff: 1 hour west. The capital of Wales, with the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Castle, and the Wales Millennium Centre.
• The Mendip Hills: 30 minutes south. A range of limestone hills with caves (Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole), and the city of Wells (the smallest city in England, with a magnificent cathedral).
• Exmoor: 1.5 hours southwest. A national park of moorland, woodland, and coastline, with wild ponies, red deer, and the highest sea cliffs in England.
• Glastonbury: 45 minutes south. The town of the famous festival, with the Tor (a hill with a tower), the Abbey, and a New Age atmosphere.

Driving from Bristol Airport

The UK drives on the left. The M4 and M5 motorways connect Bristol to London, Cardiff, and the rest of the country. The roads are good. Speed limits are 70 mph on motorways, 60 mph on main roads and 30 mph in towns.

Parking at Bristol Airport is in front of the terminal. In the city, parking is in multi-storey car parks — expect £10–£15 per day. At Stonehenge, parking is at the visitor centre.

Booking Tips for Bristol Airport

• Book 2–3 weeks ahead for summer.
• If visiting Stonehenge, book tickets online — they are timed entry.
• GPS is useful — the rural roads in the Cotswolds are narrow and winding.
• If combining with London, the drive is 2.5 hours east.

Frequently Asked Questions About Car Hire at Bristol Airport

How far is Bristol Airport from the city centre? 13 kilometres — 20 minutes by car.

Is Bristol worth visiting? Yes — it is one of the most creative and vibrant cities in the UK, with street art, maritime history, and a legendary nightlife.

Do I need an SUV? No — a compact car is fine for the region.

Can I use my driving licence? Yes — most national licences are valid. An International Driving Permit is recommended for non-EU licences.