Search car rental at Bristol Airport

Across the channel from Wales, tucked away between Somerset and Gloucestershire, is lively Bristol. This city is known for its maritime history and for being the birthplace of Banksy (whose influence is visible), and in recent years it has added to its list of assets a fun, exciting creative vibe which draws in visitors and residents from all over the United Kingdom and beyond.

Bristol also makes a great base from which you can explore England’s Southwest, particularly when in possession of a car hire. Plymouth and the beautiful, sunny Cornwall region are just a few hours’ drive away, as are London with its many things to do, Brighton, Southampton and Birmingham, among other fabulous cities and towns. Historical Bath is very close to Bristol, as well as the famous Stonehenge near Salisbury.

Find your Bristol Airport car rental

The perfect rental car will get your Bristol trip off to a great start, and at Airport Rentals we make it our job to find it. Simply enter your dates and details into the search panel and wait a few seconds for a list of rentals at Bristol Airport, from a range of suppliers both local and international.

Use the filters to narrow the list down by vehicle type, transmission, passenger capacity and more to pinpoint your ideal rental - whether that’s a big luxury vehicle or a small economy car. From there, it’s easy to pick the one you want and begin the secure booking process.

Bristol Airport (BRS)

Situated eight miles to the Southwest of Bristol, Bristol Airport is a bustling travel hub serving a wide range of airlines which fly to many destinations around the UK and Europe. The terminal keeps passengers fed, watered and well-supplied with a range of dining establishments and shops, including Duty Free shops where international travellers can pick up a bargain. WiFi is free for up to two hours, and computers and printing services are also available.

Eight car hire companies are based right on the airport grounds, a short walk from the terminal and near the onsite hotel.

Guide to driving in Bristol

Getting from Bristol Airport to the Bristol city centre

The trip from Bristol Airport into the city in your car hire should take around 20 minutes in light traffic. Take North Side Road from the airport and head north following signs for Bristol on the A38/Bridgwater Road. Turn right near Parson Street train station and cross the railway lines, then left onto Bedminster Road/B3122. At the roundabout, turn left again onto St John’s Lane/B3120 and after re-crossing the railway lines, turn right on Malago Road which becomes Dalby Ave. Go right onto East Street and continue across the river onto Redcliff Hill which will take you into the centre of Bristol.

Driving tips for your Bristol rental car

Bristol is known for congestion, so have some patience and avoid peak commute times! Note that the Severn Bridge connecting Bristol to Wales is tolled - take a look at our post about tolls in the UK and Europe for more information.

UK driving tips

● Drive on the left side of the road.

● Beware of narrow lanes! While there is plenty of room on the highways, you may have to slow down and even pull over to let others pass on the country roads.

● Speed limits are posted in miles per hour.

● Seatbelt usage is mandatory for all drivers and passengers. Children under the age of 12 must also use an appropriate child restraint.

● It gets cold, even in the south of England. Take note of our winter driving tips if you will be there during the winter months.

Parking options at Bristol Airport and in downtown Bristol

Bristol Airport has several options for parking. There is a Premier Car Park and a Short Stay Car Park close by the terminal, a Long Stay Car Park which is a short walk from the terminal (or a very short bus ride), and a Silver Zone Car Park which requires a short bus ride. The prices can be determined by entering your details for a quote on the Bristol Airport website.

There are plenty of carpark buildings dotted around Bristol, most charging £1-£2 an hour. Check for time limits before you park! Parking on the street is free in any areas which are not part of the Residents’ Parking Scheme or the Controlled Parking Zone. In the Controlled Parking Zone, there are fees and time limits which will be specified by signage. Expect to pay £2-£3 for an hour of on-street parking - and nothing on Sundays or bank holidays.