Compare cheap car hire at Bristol Airport with practical information on rental desk locations, vehicles, driving routes and prices.
Bristol Airport (BRS) is the main airport serving the South West of England and is located about 13km south of Bristol city centre. It is a popular arrival point for visitors heading to the cities of Bristol and Bath, as well as scenic areas such as the Cotswolds, Somerset and the coastline of Devon and Cornwall.
Hiring a car directly at the airport gives visitors the flexibility to explore the wider region. From Bristol, travellers can easily reach national parks, historic towns and coastal destinations across southern England.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Bristol Airport has regular direct flights from Ireland throughout the year.
- Dublin → Bristol (Ryanair, Aer Lingus)
- Cork → Bristol (Ryanair)
- Knock → Bristol (Ryanair)
Flight time from Dublin to Bristol is typically around 1 hour.
Location of the Car Hire Desks
The car hire desks at Bristol Airport are located inside the Arrivals area of the main terminal building. After collecting luggage, travellers can complete their rental agreement at the desk.
Vehicles are collected from the Car Rental Village, which is located just a short walk from the terminal building in the airport’s parking complex.
The walk between the terminal and the vehicle collection area usually takes around 3–5 minutes.
Airport maps and passenger information can be found on the official Bristol Airport website.
Rental Companies at Bristol Airport
A range of major car hire providers operate from the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis / Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Enterprise / Alamo / National
Most vehicles are collected from the airport’s Car Rental Village located adjacent to the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Bristol Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | £25 – £45 per day | £45 – £75 per day | £75 – £130 per day |
| April – June | £30 – £60 per day | £60 – £95 per day | £95 – £160 per day |
| July – August | £40 – £85 per day | £85 – £140 per day | £140 – £220 per day |
| September – October | £30 – £65 per day | £65 – £110 per day | £110 – £180 per day |
| November – December | £25 – £50 per day | £50 – £85 per day | £85 – £150 per day |
Vehicles Commonly Rented at Bristol Airport
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are popular for city visits and short journeys between towns in the South West.
Family Cars
Larger compact or estate vehicles are useful for travellers visiting multiple destinations such as Bath, the Cotswolds and coastal areas.
SUVs
SUVs provide additional comfort for longer road trips across the region.
Driving from Bristol Airport
Bristol Airport connects to the regional road network via the A38 road, which links with the M5 motorway.
- Bristol city centre – about 25 minutes
- Bath – around 45 minutes
- Cardiff – roughly 1 hour
- Exeter – about 1 hour 45 minutes
The M4 and M5 motorways provide access to many destinations across southern England and Wales.
Travellers continuing their journey across the UK sometimes compare other nearby arrival points such as Heathrow Airport, Birmingham Airport or Manchester Airport.
Driving Tips in the UK
In the United Kingdom, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Motorways are generally well maintained and signposted, and most are toll-free.
Parking restrictions are common in city centres, so visitors should check local signs carefully.
Further travel information can be found on the official VisitBritain tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Bristol
The South West of England offers many destinations that are easy to explore by car.
- Bath – historic Roman spa city and UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Cotswolds – scenic countryside with traditional villages
- Cheddar Gorge – limestone gorge and famous cheese region
- Devon and Cornwall – coastal landscapes and seaside towns
Many visitors combine several of these destinations during a road trip through the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Bristol Airport?
The rental counters are located inside the arrivals area of the main terminal.
Which companies operate car hire at Bristol Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Enterprise.
How far is Bristol Airport from the city centre?
The airport is located about 13km south of Bristol.
Is driving in the UK easy for visitors?
Yes, although drivers should remember that traffic drives on the left-hand side of the road.
Do UK motorways have tolls?
Most motorways are toll-free, although a few bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Bristol Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are still more common in the UK.
Should I book Bristol Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Bristol Airport to Bath?
The journey usually takes around 40–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Is parking easy in Bristol?
Parking is available in public car parks and on-street locations but can be busy in the city centre.
