Travel within the region

Find out more about travel within the region below.

Jump to: Local rail services | Local bus services | Park and Ride | Cycling and Walking | Ferry Boats in Bristol | Taxi | Electric Scooter Hire

Local rail services

GWR operate local as well as mainline services through the region. A network map, including access information, can be downloaded from here.

Bristol’s historic Severn Beach Line includes many stops within the urban area. Other services connect to Somerset and Wiltshire towns and villages including Weston-super-Mare, Bradford-on-Avon and Salisbury (for Stonehenge).

Local bus services

There are several bus operators that provide regular services in and around the Bath and Bristol region. First Bus is the largest operator, running some services 24-hours a day.

In Bath, many services operate from the main bus station in Dorchester Street, adjacent to Bath Spa railway station. In Bristol services run from the Bus and Coach station on Marlborough Street and from stops across the central area.

You will find excellent bus links to neighbouring towns and cities, as well as a regular bus service direct from Bristol Airport. You can plan your journey and Bath and Bristol by bus and search for local timetables on TravelWest.

Explore Bath or Bristol using the hop on hop off Tootbus service. The open-top buses stop at over 20 locations around each city, covering many of the most popular sights and attractions. There are frequent departures from all over the city centre areas, and all buses provide an audio guide in multiple languages, as well as a live guide in English on some buses.

Park and Ride

Bristol has three main Park and Ride sites, operating a mixture of six or seven days a week. Buses run up to every 12 minutes. Brislington (south east), Long Ashton (south west) and Portway (north west) services all run through the city centre.

Bath has three Park and Ride services, which operate seven days a week. Buses run into the city from all three Park and Ride sites at least every 15 minutes, with a journey time of just ten minutes. All buses are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Height restrictions apply at some sites and drivers are advised to check before travelling.

You can view a live update of the spaces that are currently available at Bath's main car parks, including the three Park and Ride sites.

Bath is now operating a Clean Air Zone in the central area. While private cars are not charged in the zone - and drivers may be able to apply for an exemption or discount if travelling in certain motorcaravans - we advise all visitors to consider using the Park and Ride. 

Cycling and Walking

The Bristol and Bath Railway Path was the first off-road route in the country, running for 23 kilometres, and makes for a great day out or means of travelling between these two great cities. The route provides plenty of stopping points for drinks and snacks, including some recommended pubs. There are many cycle routes around the area and the Sustrans website gives full details. See our Activities and Experiences page for details of some bike hire companies locally, or contact us directly for recommendations.

The city centre areas of both Bath and Bristol are very walkable for those able to do so and the surrounding countryside provides a wealth of landscapes and viewpoints to keep even the keenest hikers happy. The Cotswold Way and Bath Skyline Walk are particular highlights; Bristol also has an annual WalkFest.

Ferry Boats in Bristol

Bristol Ferry Boats (year round) and Number 6 Boats (seasonal) operate services around the Harbour. Visitors arriving at Bristol Temple Meads station can catch a scheduled ferry from the Temple Quay landing for a very different journey to their hotel or attraction. Single, return and day passes are available on board.

Bristol Packet Boat Trips run scheduled seasonal trips along the river towards Bath or upstream and out of the Harbour underneath the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Private hire tours are available for groups and they can pick up at pontoons around Bristol’s Harbourside.

Taxi

Bristol operates blue hackney carriage taxis who pick up from taxi ranks across the city. There are a number of private hire taxi firms operating across the region. Most accommodation providers have arrangements with local firms and are able to provide taxis on demand for their guests from reception.

Electric Scooter Hire

Voi Scooters offer short-term hire of electric scooters in Bath and Bristol. Users can download an app to hire and ride. These scooters make a fun and environmentally friendly way of getting around. Find our more information here.