Getting to the 2025 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

The iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, in partnership with Albert Goodman, is a free-to-attend, three-day celebration of the city's rich heritage in hot air ballooning, taking place from 8 to 10 August at Ashton Court Estate.

As visitors prepare to witness over 100 hot air balloons take flight and enjoy a weekend filled with entertainment, organisers and the Fiesta’s official travel partner, GWR, are urging visitors to make sure travel plans are in place in advance.

Whether visitors plan to travel by car, train, bus, taxi, foot or cycle, all attendees are reminded to plan their route in advance and follow the official guidance from event organisers.

By Train

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.

By Shuttle Bus

In partnership with Stagecoach, a Fiesta Shuttle Bus will run between Bristol Temple Meads, Queen Square (Prince St, Stop Q2) and Balloon Fiesta, to transport visitors directly to and from the event.

The service will run on Friday from 10.00am 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, we strongly recommend booking your shuttle bus tickets in advance, which can now be booked via www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk

Image - Bristol Balloon Fiesta

By Car

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.

By Taxi

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. Please note that 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.

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. Please note that these routes are shared with pedestrians and can get busy so please ride carefully and dismount as you arrive into the site.

On Foot

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. Please note these routes are shared with cyclists so take care during busy periods.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

As in previous years, the Clifton Suspension Bridge will be closed to all pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles between 6pm and midnight on Friday 8 August, and Saturday 9 August.

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta offers a unique and breathtaking experience. Each day, the central arena will showcase a vibrant display of hot air balloons at dawn (approximately 6 am) and dusk (approximately 6 pm), weather permitting. On Friday and Saturday nights, the Fiesta's famous Night Glows will light up the sky as dozens of balloons glow in time to music, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

During the day, the event spans across the scenic countryside estate, featuring entertainment, activities, food and drink stalls, trade stands, and exhibitions. Even if weather conditions prevent balloon flights, there are numerous opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of ballooning, including In The Clouds, an immersive attraction featuring a cold-inflated hot air balloon that visitors can step inside, complete with a soundscape replicating the experience of pilots in flight.

Join us for a weekend of awe-inspiring sights and family-friendly activities. While the event is free to attend, charges apply for onsite car parks and hospitality packages to enhance your experience. For more information and to book your travel arrangements, visit www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk.