If you’re planning a trip to Bristol, you’ll be happy to know that there are several Park and Ride options available to help you avoid the city centre traffic. Bristol Park and Ride is an affordable and convenient way to get to your destination without worrying about parking or navigating through busy streets. With several sites located around the city, you can easily find a location that suits your needs.
One of the most popular Park and Ride sites in Bristol is Brislington Park and Ride. This site is located just off the A4 Bath Road, making it easily accessible from the east and west of the city. Service 9 connects Brislington and Portway Park and Ride sites with Bristol City Centre, running up to every 12 mins. Another popular option is Long Ashton Park and Ride, which is located just off the A38. This site is ideal if you’re travelling from the south of Bristol, and offers easy access to the city centre and Southmead Hospital.
If you’re not familiar with Park and Ride, it’s a simple concept. You park your car at a designated site outside the city centre, and then hop on a bus that takes you directly to your destination. The buses run frequently, so you don’t have to worry about waiting around for too long. Plus, the cost of parking and the bus fare is often cheaper than parking in the city centre. So, if you’re looking for a stress-free way to explore Bristol, consider using one of the city’s Park and Ride sites.
Understanding Park and Ride in Bristol
Concept and Benefits
If you’re planning to travel to Bristol City Centre, you might want to consider using the Park and Ride service. Park and Ride is a convenient and cost-effective way to travel to and from Bristol City Centre. It involves parking your car at a designated car park on the outskirts of the city and then taking a bus into the city centre.
The benefits of using Park and Ride in Bristol are numerous. Firstly, it reduces traffic congestion and air pollution in the city centre. Secondly, it saves you money on parking fees, as the car parks are cheaper than the city centre car parks. Thirdly, it saves you time, as you don’t have to spend time driving around looking for a parking space. Finally, it’s a stress-free way to travel, as you don’t have to worry about navigating the city’s busy streets.
Bristol City Council’s Role
The Bristol City Council is responsible for managing the Park and Ride service in Bristol. The Council operates five Park and Ride sites across the city: Portway, Brislington, Long Ashton, Lyde Green, and Parkway North. Each site has its own bus service that operates at regular intervals throughout the day.
The Council is committed to making the Park and Ride service as accessible as possible. All of the sites are wheelchair accessible, and there are designated parking bays for disabled drivers. The Council also offers discounted fares for students and senior citizens, as well as season tickets for regular commuters.
In addition to the Park and Ride service, the Bristol City Council also operates a number of car parks in the city centre. These car parks are located in strategic locations, such as near shopping centres and tourist attractions. The Council aims to provide affordable and convenient parking options for visitors and residents alike.
In conclusion, the Park and Ride service is a great way to travel to and from Bristol City Centre. With its numerous benefits, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to use this service. The Bristol City Council’s commitment to making the service accessible and affordable is a testament to its dedication to improving the city’s transport infrastructure.
Key Locations and Facilities
If you’re planning on using the Bristol park and ride system, it’s important to know the key locations and facilities available at each site. Here’s a breakdown of the four main park and ride sites in Bristol:
Portway Park and Ride
Located in Avonmouth, Portway Park and Ride is a popular site for commuters coming from the north of the city. With 1,000 parking spaces available, it’s a great option for those who need to leave their car for the day. The site also offers toilets and cycle parking facilities, as well as electric vehicle charging points for those with electric cars.
Brislington Park and Ride
Brislington Park and Ride is located on the A4 Bath Road, making it a convenient option for those coming from the east of the city. The site has 1,200 parking spaces available, and also offers toilets and cycle parking facilities.
Long Ashton Park and Ride
Long Ashton Park and Ride is located to the south west of the city, and is a popular option for those coming from the M5 motorway. The site has 850 parking spaces available, and also offers toilets and cycle parking facilities. In addition, Long Ashton is serviced by the metrobus m2 and bus service 505.
Lyde Green and Yate
Lyde Green and Yate is the newest park and ride site in Bristol, and is located to the east of the city. The site has 450 parking spaces available, and also offers toilets and cycle parking facilities. Lyde Green and Yate is serviced by the metrobus m3, m3x and bus services 462 & 86.
To help you find your way around the Bristol park and ride sites, you can use this Google Map. This map displays all the park and ride locations in Bristol, making it easy to plan your journey.
Operating Hours and Accessibility
Weekday and Weekend Schedules
Bristol’s park and ride services operate on weekdays and weekends. On weekdays, the park and ride services run from early morning until late evening. The first bus usually departs from the park and ride site at around 6:00 am, and the last bus departs from the city centre at around 8:00 pm. On Saturdays, the park and ride services run from early morning until late afternoon, with the first bus departing at around 7:00 am and the last bus departing at around 7:00 pm. On Sundays, the park and ride services run from late morning until early evening, with the first bus departing at around 9:00 am and the last bus departing at around 6:00 pm.
Accessibility Features
Bristol’s park and ride services are designed to be accessible to everyone. All park and ride buses are fully accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility impairments. The buses have low floors, wheelchair spaces, and ramps for easy access. Assistance dogs are also welcome on board.
Moreover, the park and ride sites have accessible parking spaces close to the bus stops, and the ticket machines are at an accessible height. The staff at the park and ride sites are available to assist passengers with any questions or concerns they may have.
In summary, Bristol’s park and ride services are convenient and accessible for everyone. With their extended operating hours and accessibility features, they provide a stress-free and affordable way to travel to and from the city centre.
Tickets and Pricing
If you are planning to use the Bristol park and ride service, you will need to purchase a ticket. In this section, we will cover the fare structure, concessionary passes and discounts, and purchasing options.
Fare Structure
The fare structure for the Bristol park and ride service is straightforward. A single adult ticket costs £3.50, while a return ticket costs £4.50. Children under the age of 5 can travel for free, while children aged 5-15 can travel for £2.00. It’s worth noting that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest fares before you travel.
Concessionary Passes and Discounts
If you are eligible for concessionary travel, you can purchase a concessionary pass that will give you discounted travel on the Bristol park and ride service. Concessionary passes are available for people who are aged 60 or over, have a disability, or are a carer. You can find more information about concessionary passes on the Travelwest website.
Purchasing Options
There are several ways to purchase tickets for the Bristol park and ride service. You can buy tickets from the ticket machine at the park and ride site, or you can pay with contactless on the bus. If you prefer, you can also purchase tickets in advance using the operator’s app. This is a convenient option if you want to avoid queues at the ticket machine.
In summary, the Bristol park and ride service offers a simple and affordable way to travel around the city. Whether you are commuting to work or exploring the sights, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs.
Transport Links and Additional Services
Bus Services to City Centre and Beyond
Bristol Park and Ride offers several bus services that connect you to the city centre and beyond. The m3 metrobus service is a fast and frequent service that links Emersons Green, Lyde Green Park & Ride, Bristol and Bath Science Park, UWE Frenchay campus, Cabot Circus and the city centre. The m3x is an express commuter service based on the m3 route but does not stop at UWE, Stoke Park or Begbrook. The 462 bus service connects to the Science Park and Bristol City Centre.
Connections to Train Services
Bristol Park and Ride services provide excellent connections to train services. Bristol Temple Meads is the main railway station in Bristol and is served by Great Western Railway. The m3 and m3x metrobus services offer a direct connection to Bristol Parkway Railway Station, which is served by Great Western Railway and CrossCountry.
Park & Cycle and Other Amenities
Bristol Park and Ride also offers Park & Cycle facilities at Long Ashton and Portway Park and Ride locations. The Park & Cycle facilities provide a secure place to park your bike and continue your journey to work or university. Additionally, Long Ashton Park and Ride is located near the beautiful Harbourside area, which is ideal for a leisurely stroll or cycle. The University of the West of England is also easily accessible from the Bristol Park and Ride services, with the m3 metrobus service stopping directly outside the university.
In summary, Bristol Park and Ride services offer convenient and affordable transport links to the city centre and beyond. With excellent connections to train services, Park & Cycle facilities, and easy access to popular destinations like Cabot Circus and the Harbourside, the Bristol Park and Ride services are an excellent choice for commuters and visitors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for the Bristol Park and Ride services?
The operating hours for the Bristol Park and Ride services vary depending on the site. The services usually operate from early morning until late evening, with some sites operating on weekends and bank holidays. For more information on specific operating hours, please visit the Travelwest website.
How much does it cost to use the Bristol Park and Ride facilities?
The cost of using the Bristol Park and Ride facilities also varies depending on the site. Some sites offer free parking, while others charge a fee. The fees range from £2.40 to £4 per day, with some exceptions. For more information on specific fees, please visit the Travelwest website.
Can vehicles be left overnight at any of the Bristol Park and Ride sites?
No, vehicles cannot be left overnight at any of the Bristol Park and Ride sites. The sites are intended for daily use only, and any vehicles left overnight may be subject to towing or other enforcement measures.
Where can I find a map of all the Park and Ride locations in Bristol?
You can find a map of all the Park and Ride locations in Bristol on the Travelwest website. The map shows the locations of all the sites, as well as information on the services that operate from each site.
Are there any Park and Ride options available directly into Bristol City Centre?
Yes, there are several Park and Ride options available directly into Bristol City Centre. The following sites offer services that operate directly into the city centre: Brislington, Long Ashton, and Portway. For more information on specific services, please visit the Travelwest website.
What are the locations of Bath Park and Ride services?
There are three Park and Ride sites in Bath: Newbridge, Lansdown, and Odd Down. For more information on specific services and operating hours, please visit the Bath and North East Somerset Council website.
