The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta returns to Ashton Court Estate in just a matter of weeks. This year’s event will see six mass ascents across the weekend (if weather allows), with more than 100 hot air balloons taking to the skies.
There will also be two Night Glows, arena entertainment, and many more activities – some new for 2025.
The event takes place from Friday, August 8, to Sunday, August 10. You’ll be able to meet balloon crews and try your hand at the burners in the basket, walk inside a real life hot air balloon envelope, enjoy top-notch grub and, of course, spot some special shape hot air balloons, too.
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While you anticipate just what you’re going to see and do first when you step on site at the free-to-attend family-friendly event, organisers have put together a handy guide on how best to get to the Fiesta this year.
Whether you prefer walking, cycling, bussing or train spotting before your balloon adventures, we’ve got you covered…
Train travel
For visitors coming from further afield, Fiesta-goers can travel by train with GWR. The closest train station to Ashton Court Estate is Bristol Temple Meads, which is served by the Fiesta Shuttle Bus to easily plan direct onward travel to the Fiesta.
Shuttle buses
In partnership with Stagecoach, a Fiesta Shuttle Bus will run between Bristol Temple Meads, Queen Square (Prince St, Stop Q2) and the Balloon Fiesta, to transport visitors directly to and from the event.
The service will run on Friday from 10am until 9pm to the Fiesta, and from 10.30am until 11.30pm back to Bristol Temple Meads.
On Saturday, the service will run from 10am until 9pm to the Fiesta, and run return journeys from 10.30am to 11.30pm.
On Sunday, the service will run from 10am until 7pm to the Fiesta and return journeys will operate from 10.30am until 9.30pm.
To ensure you secure your spot, it is strongly recommended you book your shuttle bus tickets in advance, which can now be booked via the Balloon Fiesta’s official website.
-Credit:PAUL GILLIS / Reach PLC
Car parking
For those planning to drive, car parking, sponsored by GoSkippy, must be booked in advance. From those planning to attend a morning mass ascent, both the Blue and Red Car Parks open from 5am. The Blue Car Park is the closest car park to the Fiesta site, just a short walk from the main arena.
The Red Car Park is the main public car park and there is a walk downhill to get to the Fiesta site, entering at the top of the arena.
Disabled and motorbike parking is also available, accessed via Orange Gate. Last entry to all car parks is strictly 5pm.
There will be various road closures and diversions in place to keep traffic moving around the site during the event, so drivers are urged to follow traffic signs, rather than sat navs.
Taxi top tips
Visitors arriving by taxi should ask their driver to follow the road signs to the designated drop-off/pick-up location at the Long Ashton Park and Ride point. This location is a short walk from the event site.
This area is only operating as a drop-off/pick-up point during the Fiesta, and you will not be able to park your vehicle here.
The meet the pilot event on the first day of the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, where festivalgoers can step into baskets, light burners and get to know pilots and their crews -Credit:Paul Gillis/Reach Plc
By bicycle
Cyclists can take the ‘Festival Way,’ a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond. Starting in Bristol, cyclists can use the National Cycling Route 33, which takes them on a traffic-free path from Queens Square out of the city via Cumberland Road.
Upon crossing the River Avon, you join Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court.
Bike parking is available on-site by the Mansion House and the Fallow Deer Park. These routes are shared with pedestrians and can get busy so ensure you ride carefully and dismount as you arrive into the site.
A walker’s guide
For those on foot, there are two main routes into the Fiesta site from Bristol City Centre: via Festival Way or the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Festival Way, Route 33 on the Cycle Route Network, offers a scenic walk from the city centre. These routes are shared with cyclists so take care during busy periods.
Clifton Suspension Bridge closures
As in previous years, the Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed to all pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles between 6pm and midnight on Friday, August 8, and Saturday, August 9.