Fly in to Bristol Airport and drive away in an affordable rental car
Across the channel from Wales, tucked away between North 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 car rentals at Bristol Airport, from a range of suppliers both local and international. And, there is no extra charge or hidden fees to use this service!
Yes, you are able to compare thousands to rent, but it is highly recommended that you use the filters to narrow the list down by vehicle type, transmission, passenger capacity and more, to pinpoint your ideal car hire - 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. Get the best car hire deals from trusted companies including Budget, Avis, Europcar, Enterprise, Green Motion, and Sixt UK.
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
Ready to explore Bristol? The city 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.
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Bristol Airport Car Hire Useful FAQs
Which car hire companies in Bristol have updated their vehicle cleaning and safety policies because of coronavirus (COVID-19)?
All companies providing hire car services in Bristol have aligned their health and safety practices with the standards imposed by the UK government.
How do I find the best car hire deals at Bristol Airport?
You have landed at the correct website for the best rent a car Bristol Airport deals! No need to scour the Internet for discount codes or other promos. We have partnered with the best local and international Bristol Airport rent a car brands to acquire the unbeatable offers you may access here.
How much does it cost to hire a car at Bristol Airport?
£21 per day is the lowest we have recorded for car rental Bristol Airport, and on a November. The tables at the right portion of this page will give you an idea of averages for an economy rental. However, using our booking search widget with your travel details will give you the exact figures.
What is the cheapest car hire company at Bristol Airport?
Green Motion, Budget, and Avis are among the car rental companies which are first to bring out the cheapest offers for Bristol Airport car hire.
How do I pick up my car rental?
Good news! Near the Silver Zone Car Park, Bristol Airport has a convenient Car Rental Centre, a central rental station to address the needs of people who booked car hire at Bristol Airport (BRS). From the Arrivals Hall, just go straight to the facility which is a few minutes walk or one short shuttle bus trip away. Every national car rental company has a desk here, where instructions not only about the pick up location but also other important details like pick up time are provided to customers. Be sure to prepare the important requirements beforehand, your valid credit card, driving licence, the rental agreement (sent via email), and other supporting documents like international driving license or permit especially if your drivers licence is not in English.
What is the minimum age to drive a car in Bristol?
The minimum age to hire and drive a car in Bristol is 21 years old but the young drivers surcharge policy is already applied, an additional fee to pay for drivers under 25 years of age.