Changes have divided opinion
09:44, 27 Jul 2025Updated 09:57, 27 Jul 2025
Bristol Airport following the opening of the new transport hub(Image: John Ford/submitted)
Following the grand opening of Bristol Airport’s new parking and transport hub, passengers have offered varied opinions. Airport executives have celebrated it as the most significant development since the terminal building opened in 2000.
The £60m Public Transport Interchange has substantially expanded the airport’s capacity for buses and coaches, alongside a newly unveiled ‘drop-off and pick-up’ zone situated atop a multi-storey car park.
Additionally, the interchange boasts fresh amenities, including an M&S Food store. During BristolLive’s attendance at the launch event, it engaged with some of the first travellers utilising the new facility.
James Collett, an Australian who once resided in Bristol, was visiting with his family and commended the contemporary facilities and the enhanced traffic flow around the airport.
“I’ve flown in and out of Bristol so many times I can’t remember,” he shared. “I’ve never been in this new facility and I was just commenting how nice it is.”
“I’m very impressed, as an engineer I can appreciate the layout, they’ve obviously put a lot of thought into how it’s been designed so that it all flows well. It was no trouble to drop the rental car off and hop on the bus to come here.
“A bit more seating would probably be a good idea, that would be my only comment. There’s nice new toilets, that’s very important.”
One frustrated traveller expressed his astonishment at the absence of clear pricing information in Bristol Airport’s new ‘Drop Off and Pick Up’ parking zone. John Ford, who reached out to BristolLive following the opening of the facility, recounted his experience of bewilderment regarding the fees.
The starting rate is £7 for a mere 10-minute stopover, which isn’t exactly economical, although this price hasn’t changed from the previous location. Mr Ford acknowledged that the updated system was an enhancement but criticised the signage as “unclear”.
He shared his interactions with fellow motorists and taxi drivers within the area, noting: “I spoke with a number of other drivers and taxi drivers in the pick up and drop off area and everyone appeared confused.”
While there is a sign indicating the charges on the way to the airport, there’s nothing within the actual zone.
Mr Ford commented on the airport’s historically steep parking fees, saying: “Bristol airport’s parking rates have been known to be expensive and when it’s a clear option of what to pay for and what to expect, I am normally happy to pay,” adding, “However this is a different situation.”
A Bristol Airport spokesperson said the price of parking was clearly displayed. They did not respond when asked if new signage would be installed in the area.
“Our Drop Off and Pick Up area is now located in our brand new transport interchange,” the spokesperson said. “Passengers are able to easily transfer from there to terminal, with step-free access across a new glazed bridge. Charges for our Drop Off and Pick Up area are clearly displayed.”
Passengers can utilise a complimentary drop-off area near the Silver Zone car park for up to an hour, although this does necessitate a bus transfer to reach the main terminal.
The new interchange has received a mixed response online, with some users decrying the £7 fee for a brief 10-minute stopover. One disgruntled reviewer lamented: “New Rip off drop-off road layout is a massive design mistake…Long queues to get in really slow to find a spot to stop, and £7 for 10 minutes! Absolute robbery!”.
Conversely, another user praised the facility for its improved accessibility, particularly for those with mobility challenges. They shared their positive experience: “I use the passenger assistance at Bristol airport and they couldn’t be more helpful,” adding, “Now that they have opened the transport interchange for all the buses etc, it’s so much easier to get about with mobility issues.”