Bristol Airport Transport Plans Include Trams, Light Rail, or Bendy Buses

The West of England Combined Authority plans new public transport links to Bristol Airport, including trams, light rail, or bendy buses, aiming to start projects within five years with further funding needed beyond the £752m government allocation.

New Transport Links Proposed for Bristol Airport

New public transport connections between Bristol city centre and Bristol Airport could feature bendy buses, an electric-powered tram, or a light railway system.

Bristol Airport, located in North Somerset, is currently the largest airport in the UK without a mass transit link. Passengers typically travel by car, taxi, coach, or the Airport Flyer bus service.

The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) has identified the North Somerset Gateway, which includes Bristol Airport, as a key focus area in its transport vision.

"Together, we can and must deliver the integrated transport system that people need and deserve,"

said West of England Mayor Helen Godwin.

Mayor Godwin was accompanied by council leaders when Weca's transport plans for the area were unveiled at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol.

Last year, Bristol Airport opened a new £60 million transport interchange featuring thousands of parking spaces and facilities for additional buses and coaches. This development aims to encourage greater use of public transport.

However, the interchange is currently served only by the A1 and A3 Airport Flyer routes from Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, the A4 Air Decker from Bath, and national coach services.

Weca has proposed that mass transit options between Bristol and the airport could include an electric-powered tram or a light rail system. Another possibility is the deployment of bendy buses operating on segregated roads, equipped with low floors and additional decks featuring separate entry and exit points.

Weca Concept image of Bristol Airport with a new mass transit system. The terminal can be seen behind a platform/stop for a green light rail link. There is a plane in the sky above the terminal and people walking around the entrance of the building. — The West of England Combined Authority has proposed ideas for a mass transit system to and from Bristol Airport

Timeline and Funding for Delivery

Although Weca received £752 million from the UK government's 2025 spending review, Mayor Godwin indicated that additional investments will be necessary to realize these transport plans.

"We are working to develop a 15-year plan to deliver mass transit to the area, with an ambition to start delivery of the first projects within four to five years,"

she added.

Weca continues to advance its strategy to improve connectivity to Bristol Airport through integrated and sustainable transport solutions.

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