Travel to Bristol from outside the UK
Plan your journey to the UK and how you will travel to Bristol when you arrive.
On this page
Before you travel
Make sure you:
- book your coach or train tickets to Bristol in advance, as services can sell out in September
- check luggage allowances for your airline or coach, and book extra luggage if needed
- make sure your travel insurance is valid
- check the pre-arrival healthcare checklist for international students
- check what items you can bring into the UK
- check any restrictions on taking money out of your home country
- read UK government guidance on entering the UK and information about faster border checks
Arriving at Bristol Bus and Coach Station
Meet and greet
During the main arrival days from 11 to 14 September 2026, the Global Lounge Team will be at Bristol Bus and Coach Station to welcome you and help you get to your accommodation.
Free shuttle bus to allocated University accommodation
- Friday 11 September to Monday 14 September
- 9 am to 7:30 pm
The shuttle bus runs regularly between Bristol Bus and Coach Station and allocated University accommodation.
You do not need to book this service. At busy times, you may need to wait for the next available bus.
If you are staying in private accommodation, the Global Lounge team can help you find public transport or arrange a taxi.
Travel to Bristol from Bristol Airport
To travel from Bristol Airport to the city centre, you can use:
Taxi
Find taxies at Bristol Airport. Check the cost and book in advance where possible.
Airport Flyer Bus (A1)
The Airport Flyer Bus (A1) runs 24 hours a day, between the airport and Bristol City Centre.
This service stops at:
- Bedminster
- Temple Meads
- Bristol Bus and Coach Station.
Travel to Bristol from major UK airports
Coach
National Express and FlixBus run services from Heathrow and Gatwick. Coaches arrive at Bristol Bus and Coach Station. You many need to change coaches on some other routes. Check luggage allowances and book extra luggage if needed.
Train
You can travel by train to Bristol Temple Meads station. You may need to change trains during your journey, and space for luggage can be limited. Tickets are usually cheaper if you book in advance using Trainline.
Taxi
Some companies offer long-distance airport transfers to Bristol. You can share the cost if travelling with others. Compare prices and read reviews before booking.
These companies offer a small discount for University of Bristol students:
Travel to Bristol from elsewhere in the UK
You can travel to Bristol by coach or train.
Coach
- usually the cheapest option
- National Express and FlixBus run services to Bristol Bus and Coach Station
- book in advance, especially in September as services can sell out
Train
- usually faster than coaches, but more expensive
- you may need to change trains
- luggage space can be limited
- book in advance with Trainline for cheaper tickets
- use National Rail to plan your route
If you arrive outside the main arrival period
- travel by bus or taxi to your accommodation
- use a journey planner such as Google Maps or the First Bus app.
Further support
Read the How to get here page for more information about travelling to Bristol.
If you have any questions about travel to the UK, email: gl-welcome@bristol.ac.uk.