Bristol Airport’s new public transport interchange is now open, providing better connections for people travelling to and from the airport by bus and coach. The £60 million project is part of the Airport’s £400 million transformation programme, and has been designed to enable more sustainable journeys. It is expected to see around 250 public transport movements a day.
The two-year build of the new transport interchange boosted the local economy providing 120 jobs on site during the peak of the project, the airport says, with over 60 new jobs created, as well as supporting the local supply chain with the concrete supplier being based less than five miles from the Airport and 30% of suppliers within a 50-mile radius. It also provided work opportunities for those looking to get into engineering and construction careers, with apprentices and T Level placements from Weston College among those to work on the project. The Public Transport Interchange was opened by Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, Sadik Al-Hassan MP and Dave Lees, CEO of Bristol Airport.
The interchange is located on the top of a new multi-storey car park, and boasts 16 bus and coach bays; previously, there were just five. It means, says the airport, that for the first time customers can benefit from a dedicated bay for each service, sheltered bus canopy including a covered bus waiting area and live transport information screens, whilst Great Western Railway customers can now buy an Airport Flyer ticket when booking train travel. There is also level access to the terminal forecourt via a new covered bridge link.
A record number of people are now using public transport to commute to and from Bristol Airport, the airport reports, with route A1 alone carrying more than 1 million passengers in 2024 with a further 300,000 using the similar A3 service. Currently there are 135 daily movements on the A1, with a 44% increase in the last year, the airport says.
Work on the interchange began in May 2023, and more than 100,000 tonnes of stone and material were crushed and reused on site, whilst 90% of wood and metal has been recycled. Chief Executive of Bristol Airport Dave Lees said: “We’re delighted to open the Public Transport Interchange ahead of schedule and on budget transforming our customers’ experience during the busy summer holidays. The interchange has provided vital skills and employment for local people and apprentices, and sourced regional suppliers, helping to boost the local economy. Engagement with local schools and charities has also been at the heart of the development.
“And we’re delighted to announce that the A1 and A3 Flyer bus service will be completely electric from 2026. This is all part of our commitment to net zero operations, and by more than doubling the number of bus and coach bays this demonstrates we are committed to encouraging customers to use public transport where possible. The increase of passengers using the Flyer bus service, as well as 20% of staff is a step in the right direction.”
Leader of North Somerset Council Cllr Mike Bell added: “We fully support Bristol Airport’s ambition to see more passengers and staff travelling by public transport, and the opening of the new Public Transport Interchange marks a major milestone in achieving that goal. As the West of England’s gateway to the world, and the world’s gateway to our vibrant region, Bristol Airport plays a vital role in connecting people and places. With the launch of the new Public Transport Interchange, travelling
to and from the airport is now easier, more convenient, and more sustainable than ever.”
