Bristol Airport Terminal
Bristol Airport is the main international gateway for the South West of England, located at Lulsgate Bottom, North Somerset. With a history stretching back to 1930, the airport has evolved into a modern, efficient facility serving millions of passengers annually.
Historical Background
Bristol’s aviation story began in 1927 when local businessmen founded a flying club at Filton Aerodrome, later inspiring the development of a full airport at Whitchurch. Opened in 1930 by Prince George, Bristol became the UK’s third civil airport. During WWII, it played a key role, hosting statesmen like Winston Churchill. In 1957, the airport moved to its current Lulsgate Bottom site, replacing Whitchurch and expanding commercial operations.
Terminal Description
Bristol Airport operates a single passenger terminal, designed for efficiency and ease of use. The terminal is spread over several levels:
Ground Floor:
- Arrivals and Check-in: The ground floor houses all arrivals and check-in desks, with baggage claim, currency exchange, car hire desks, and an information desk. Shops like M&S Food and WHSmith, as well as Costa Coffee and Caffe Ritazza, are located here.
The airport offers Fast Track security from just £6-ideal to save time during busy periods.
Mezzanine Level:
- Departures and Security: After passing through security, passengers enter the departures area with access to a wide range of shops and restaurants. Facilities include Burger King, Soho Coffee, Upper Crust, and Dexter’s Bar. There are also executive lounges and designated smoking areas.
Booking an airport lounge can provide a quieter, more comfortable space with complimentary food and drinks.
First Floor:
- Shops and Relaxation: Here you’ll find additional shopping (duty-free, gifts, accessories, books, and magazines), Viva Coffee Shop, a games zone, and more toilets and baby-changing rooms.
For families, the games zone is a great way to keep children entertained before boarding.
Shops and Restaurants
Bristol Airport offers a diverse selection of shops and dining options:
Before Security:
- Caffe Ritazza (24 hours), Costa Coffee, M&S Food, WHSmith.
After Security:
- Burger King, Brunel Bar & Kitchen, Cabin Bar (with rooftop terrace), Frankie & Benny’s, Tortilla, Starbucks, SOHO Coffee Co., Upper Crust, and The Voyager.
You’ll also find World Duty Free for tax-free shopping, plus a range of newsagents, gift shops, and essentials.
Selection of shops at Terminal
- Duty Free: World Duty Free.
- Food: M&S Simply Food.
- Stores and accessories: In Motion, JD Sports, Accesorize, WHSmith, The Bookshop, Boots, curi.o.city.
- Gifts:
- Cafeterias: Soul and Grain, Starbucks, Caffè Nero, Ritazza.
- Fast food: Burger King.
- Restaurants: Cabin Bar, Brigg&Stow Bar, Frankie and Benny’s, Soho Coffe Co., Tortilla.
Most restaurants and cafes are open from the first to the last flight, ensuring food and drink are available whatever your schedule.
Popular Flights Table
| Destination | Flight Duration | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam (AMS) | 1h 15m | easyJet, KLM |
| Dublin (DUB) | 1h 10m | Ryanair, Aer Lingus |
| Edinburgh (EDI) | 1h 15m | easyJet |
| Paris (CDG) | 1h 20m | easyJet, Air France |
| Palma de Mallorca | 2h 20m | easyJet, Jet2, TUI |
| Alicante (ALC) | 2h 30m | easyJet, Ryanair |
| Faro (FAO) | 2h 40m | easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 |
| Malaga (AGP) | 2h 45m | easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 |
| Tenerife (TFS) | 4h 15m | TUI, easyJet |
| Istanbul (IST) | 4h 10m | Turkish Airlines |
| Flight times are approximate and may vary by season and airline. | ||
For the best fares on popular routes, book flights several months in advance, especially for summer and school holidays.
Bristol Airport’s single terminal is designed for smooth passenger flow, combining historical charm with modern facilities. Whether you’re looking for quick snacks, leisurely dining, or last-minute shopping, the terminal has you covered-making it a convenient and comfortable starting point for your journey.
Distance inside the terminal
Distances in that terminal can be huge. Please, check walking times here:
Walking times from security check to gates:
Time to gates: 2 to 8 minutes.
Services
Free Wi-Fi available.
At Bristol Airport, passengers can connect to free Wi-Fi for 2 hours.
Lost and Found
If you lost items within the Airport Terminal, please send an email to [email protected]. You can collect your items at the Lost Property Desk from Monday to Friday between 08:00h and 16:00h. Notice that items are kept for tree months and there is an admin fee. For more information, you can contact at +44 0844 824 3103.
If you lost something on the plane, please contact your airline.
Smoking area
There are two designated smoking areas at BRS Airport, one in the Ground Floor and one in the First Floor.
Luggage storage
There aren’t lockers available at Bristol Airport.
Paging
Please, notice that Bristol Airport is a silent airport, which means there is no paging. Passengers should check the flight screens regularly in order to be informed about boarding and gate closure.
Trolley services
Passengers will find trolleys at the vending machines throughout the Airport. The total cost is £2 or €2. Also, if you need help with your baggage, there is a Porter Service available at Bristol Airport. For more information, please go to the Information Desk.
Family facilities
Find baby changing rooms and several services for families.
For those passengers travelling with children, Bristol Airport offers several family facilities. For example, baby changing rooms, baby milk guidelines at Security, high chairs and baby food-warming units in all cafes and restaurants, among others.
Other Services
- Toilets
- Wi-Fi
- Lost and Found
- Smoking area
- Luggage Storage
- Lounges
- Trolley services
- Baby changing rooms
- Shops and Duty Free
- Bars and restaurants
- Baby changing facilities
- Water refill station
- ATMs
- Currency exchange
- Post box
- Information Centre
- Mobile charging station
- Multi-Faith Area
- Special Assistance
Lounges
AspirePlus Lounge: Main Terminal, inside Security. Services: Premium food, Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.
Aspire Lounge: Mezzanine level. Open from 04:00h to 20:00h. Services: Snacks, Alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, Flight monitors, Newspapers, Magazines, Internet terminals. Please note it is a non-smoking facility.
Purchase your pass to Bristol Airport lounges