From art galleries to bars on boats, we welcome you to a city that is thriving with an independent spirit –Bristol. The city is the birth place of Wallace and Gromit, Banksy and is famed for inventing Ribena.
So if your next tourist destination involves a trip to this beautiful, creative haven, here is our guide on all the means of transportation the city has to offer.
Public Transport
Taxi
Taxis can be really expensive in Bristol due to the heavy traffic. The taxis in Bristol (Hackney carriages) can easily be spotted thanks to the distinguished signboard on their roofs. Other than that, Bristol also offers car rental services (private hire) that can be pre-booked for a special occasion. All the taxis in Bristol have to have a yellow, council-issued number plate both at the front and back of the taxi. Alternatively is possible to book minicabs through online websites as for example minicabit.com
Bus
Thanks to the exceptional bus system in Bristol, getting from one place to another isn’t a thing to worry about. There are many convenient and fast services available with bus routes mapped out and their timetables scheduled. The city also has a Tourist Information Centre where all those travellers who have a difficult time getting around in Bristol can get help. Hop on any of the tour hop-on hop-off buses for a sightseeing experience worth remembering. Most of the city’s buses operate under the “First Bristol”.
Car hire
Travellers can also opt for private hire car rentals and enjoy Bristol rather than missing out on its beauty while driving. These private hires are available at reasonable pricing and their drivers are very happy to show you around.
Train
Situated at a distance of a 15-minute walk from the City Centre is the Bristol Temple Meads Station. Every day, many regional and intercity train services from Birmingham, Bath, Edinburgh, Cardiff, London, Exeter, Glasgow, South Hampton and Swansea find themselves stopping at Bristol. Bristol Temple Meads Station is the oldest, still operating railway system in the world. There is also a second railway system in Bristol known as the Bristol Parkway, but that is mostly used by suburban residents.
Boat
Explore Bristol in a ferry boat ride that is quite similar to the one in Venice. Bristol Ferry Boat, the city’s official passenger ferry boat service provider are centred at the Bristol Harbor. Since Bristol is artistically interwoven with the “Floating Harbour”, a ferry boat is an excellent means of sightseeing and touring around Bristol. Many tours are available on scheduled times for travellers that take them to and from Bristol’s waterfront, stopping at many quays on the way.
Private transport
Cycling
Bristol was the first cycling capital of the UK. Even though Bristol is commonly known for being hilly, there are hundreds of cyclists that can be seen on the streets of Bristol on a daily basis. Those who don’t know, Bristol has given birth to Sustrans, the national cycling campaigning team. There are plenty of urban cycling routes that directly link to London and Bath, to south-western peninsula and from Wales to Gloucester. Bristol is one of those states whose 7.7% of the population goes to work on a bicycle. Recently, the city won the title of being the “Cycling City” and was awarded £22.8m to encourage more people to use bicycles.
Motorcycles
Bristol residents equally love motorcycle rides. The City Council plans to motivate the use of motorcycles as it reduces on-road and parking congestion.