Getting around Bristol

Travelling between campuses  

Travel between campuses is an essential part of daily life at a multi-campus university, allowing students, staff and visitors to move efficiently between academic buildings, housing, and shared resources. The University collaborates with Local Authorities and Operators to ensure options are available to users.  

Read about travelling to Temple Quater Enterprise Campus (TQEC).

Walking

The University has multiple campuses across Bristol and North Somerset. The buildings on the Clifton Campus (main teaching campus) are close by and you can walk between most buildings in less than ten minutes. It takes around 40 minutes to walk between the Clifton campus and TQEC.

Most University buildings are within walking distance of the city centre, Bristol Temple Meads train station and Bristol bus and coach station. 

Visit Bristol has maps of Bristol and information on where to get hard copies.

Cycling

Cycling is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get around town, and there are many cycle lanes for safe access. Try Better by Bike to plan your route.

Students and staff can access a map showing University cycle parking, cycle repair stations and showers (and directions) on the Visit University of Bristol app. Download from Google Play or the App Store. More information for staff. Many of the residences have locked cycle parking facilities.

Visitors can use the many external cycle parling spaces around the University estate.  

Students and Staff can find out about the cycling initiatives, events and communities for staff and students at the University.

Bus

Bristol is well served by public transport and the principle bus operator is First, supplemented by Stagecoach and Big Lemmon.

The Clifton, TQEC and Langford campuses and student residences are linked to the city centre and other places by frequent bus services, along with transport hubs such as train stations, the bus and coach station and Bristol Airport. Park & Ride facilities on the outskirts help reduce inner-city car traffic.

Ticketing and route/timetable information are available from the Operator’s websites, however there are some specific staff discounts and student discounts available from First Bus.

Students can find information about travelling to or from Stoke Bishop and Langford campuses.

Train

Bristol has good train connections for getting around the city. Clifton Down station is the nearest station to the Clifton Campus. Temple Meads station is the nearest station to Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. 

Students can get reduced rail fares with a 16-25 Railcard (also available to full-time mature students).

Staff can apply for a train season ticket through the University of Bristol interest free loan scheme. 

Car

We do not recommend bringing a car to Bristol unless it is essential. The University is working towards achieving carbon neutrality, and not traveling by car will aid its progress.

There are residential permit areas, pay and display meters and waiting restrictions in and around the Clifton Campus. Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is a pedestrianised campus where car parking is limited to disabled spaces and operational vehicles. The Clifton Campus operates a University parking policy, with a limited number of permits available for staff and disabled students.

Bristol City Council introduced a Clean Air Zone in Bristol in 2022. You must pay to drive within the zone if your vehicle does not meet the zone's emission standards, unless you have an exemption. 

Students and staff can benefit from joining a car club, with many pay-as-you-go cars located across Bristol.

Park and Ride Services

Bristol has many frequent Park and Ride services, offering an alternative to driving into the city.

Electric scooters

Electric scooters are a common sight across Bristol and a popular way of getting around for many.

University staff and students can apply for a 35% discount.