Transport
Transport in and around Bristol
One of the best things about Bristol is that our students don't often need to use public transport. Most of the things you need are within walking distance and walking is a great way to save money and keep fit at the same time!
The large majority of our accommodation is within 30 minutes' walking distance from the school and the city centre is just 20 minutes from school on foot.
However, we understand that some students just don't like walking and may prefer to use public transport.
Need help? Try the South West Travel Line website where you will find a great journey planner app that you can download to your smartphone.
Did you know?
Students get a discount on all bus tickets across Bristol! All you need to do is show your ELC student card when you buy your ticket, or you can download the First Bus App and buy tickets on your smartphone. The app is the quickest and most convenient way to get tickets.
Bristol Airport
Bristol International Airport is only 20 minutes' drive from the centre. Taxis from Bristol airport cost around £30 and transfers that we organise cost £45. Therefore, it is much cheaper to take a taxi when you arrive!
Cheaper still is the Airport Flyer bus, which costs £8 for a single journey and £13 for a return (or £6/ £9 with a valid student card). There are even cheaper prices if you book ahead online. However, if you take the bus, remember you will leave from/ arrive at Bristol bus station.
Other airports
Taxis to London airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick are expensive, however National Express runs direct buses from Bristol bus station (click here for more information). To get to airports such as Luton or Stanstead, you will have to go via central London.
You can travel very easily and cheaply by coach from Bristol to other cities in Britain, such as London, Oxford, Cambridge, Cardiff, Manchester, Liverpool, etc.
This is a great way to get to see other parts of the country!
Click on the following links for more information about times and prices and to buy tickets online:
Young Persons Coachcards cost £12.50 and give you 1/3 off National Express coach journeys. For details and an application form, click here.
Transport Options
Buses
Buses are easy to use and run along most major routes.
See the First Bus website for more information and to buy cheaper tickets online.
You can also buy your ticket from the driver when you get on the bus, although it is a little more expensive. Always try to have coins ready to pay, as drivers may not have change if you give them a note.
The most convenient bus stops for our students are at Clifton Down Shopping Centre and at Queen's Road.
Popular routes with our students:
- City Centre, Cabot Circus Shopping Centre and Temple Meads Station. The cheapest option is the 8 or 9 from Queens Road. You can also catch a bus from Whiteladies Road (opposite the shopping centre). Most buses going down Whiteladies Road go to the centre. If you are not sure, ask the driver as you get on.
- Redland/Cotham (8) Stoke Bishop (3 or 4), Sneyd Park (4) and Henleaze (1 or 2) leave from the bus stop outside Clifton Down Shopping Centre.
There is more information available about Bristol bus fares and passes here (and for information on where to buy passes click here).
Trains
Bristol has 2 main train stations: Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway. You will normally need to travel from Temple Meads, as this is in the city centre and Bristol Parkway is on the outskirts of town.
You can always buy a train ticket when you arrive at the train station. However, it is normally cheaper to book it via Trainline online in advance. Avoid peak times if you can and always buy a return ticket as this is cheaper than two single tickets.
Railcards: Save 1/3 on each journey. Cost: £30. For more information, click here.
Bristol has its own city train line, which runs between Clifton Down (near the school), Redland (where we have many homestays) and the main train station in Bristol, Temple Meads. For train times from Clifton Down to Temple Meads click here. Buy your ticket from the ticket machine at the station or the guard on the train.
Taxis
Bristol is generally a safe city, but sometimes late at night, rather than walking home alone, it might be better to take a taxi. It is cheaper to share taxis with friends, so it is good to know which other students live near you.
There are convenient taxi ranks outside Clifton Down Shopping Centre, in Cifton Village, by Wilkinson's shop on the Triangle and in the centre.
If you are hailing one in the street, you should always make sure you do this on a main road and you should always make sure it is a licensed taxi service with a taxi sign on it. Bristol City Council taxis are blue.
Private Taxis
You can also phone and book a taxi in advance. We recommend the company Veezu Cars which you can reach on 01179 25 26 26.
Taxis always have a meter and the charge will be indicated on the meter. Drivers appreciate a tip, but it is not required.
Car hire
By hiring a car, you will be able to see the UK's hidden gems! Why not explore the beautiful coastline of Devon and Cornwall, for example, or the picturesque villages in the Cotswolds? For full information about hiring a car see here.
Bicycle hire
Why not get off the beaten track and explore the countryside around Bristol? Favourite rides include the towpath along the River Avon from Bristol to Pill and the Bristol to Bath cycle path. There are many shops which hire out bikes, but we recommend Blackboy Hill Cycles. You can find the shop on the left-hand side at the top of Whiteladies Road.