Bristol Airport is quickly becoming one of the UK’s go-to regional hubs for travel. Situated in England’s Southwest, it not only brings travellers from all around the world to the many delights of Bristol itself, but also allows you to take advantage of easy day trips such as to Stonehenge, Bath, Glastonbury, the Cotswolds, and the stunning coastlines of Devon and Cornwall.

Bristol Airport also offers non-stop flights to over 115 destinations across 34 countries, meaning it’s becoming popular with both international tourists visiting Bristol and Southwest England, as well as local native Bristolians looking to travel around Europe to places like France, Italy, and Spain.

Due to the increase in passenger numbers flowing through Bristol Airport, planning ahead when it comes to things like airport parking is becoming essential. Doing a bit of prior planning and following some helpful tips can help save you time, money, and pre-flight stress. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly long-stay options, premium meet-and-greet services, or something in between, this guide to parking at Bristol Airport has you covered.

The Savvy Traveller’s Guide to Parking at Bristol Airport Without the High Fees

Book Early and Save Instantly

One of the easiest ways to cut costs is to book your airport parking in advance. Whether you need short-term or long-term parking, pre-booking almost always guarantees a lower rate compared to paying on the day. 

Just like flights and hotels, airport parking prices at Bristol Airport are demand-based. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure discounted rates, promotional deals, better value for longer stays.

It’s ideal for well-organised travellers, and the savings can be significant. Use a comparison site like bookfhr.com to view available options and secure discounted prices with just a few clicks.

Keep in mind that as airport car parking spaces fill up, prices are almost guaranteed to increase during popular travel periods like school holidays, weekends, or peak season summer travel. 

Think Off-Site for On-Budget Parking

While parking directly at the airport may seem convenient, off-site car parks near Bristol Airport can offer excellent value without sacrificing much efficiency. Most provide complimentary shuttle buses that run frequently to and from the terminal. 

Some services may also be more valet-style, where you drop off your car at the terminal, and then someone else parks it off-site for you. Or you may be met at an off-site car park by someone who then handles your luggage and car.

Off-site car parks are secure, budget-friendly, and particularly useful for longer trips. Just make sure to check shuttle schedules and travel times, especially if you’re flying at unusual hours. 

Some off-site parking companies may even offer price-match guarantees or online-only deals when you book in advance. In terms of security, you will often find there are things like 24/7 CCTV, secure access gates, and possibly even patrols that monitor the lots. 

Consider Park and Ride for Stress-Free Savings

Park and Ride is a specific type of off-site airport parking that provides a great option for cost-conscious travellers. You simply park at a designated facility and hop on a shuttle bus straight to the terminal. 

These services are often more affordable than on-airport options and usually include added perks like CCTV surveillance and secure entry as mentioned previously with off-site parking.

Just remember to plan a bit of extra time for checking in to the airport when using park and ride since you need to factor in shuttle wait times, however, they often run reliably every 10-20 minutes and in some cases 24/7.

Hunt for Deals and Discounts

Before locking in your airport parking booking, it’s worth doing a quick check for discount codes or seasonal offers. Booking platforms and Bristol Airport itself often promote limited-time deals. 

Signing up for newsletters or following them on social media can give you early access to these promotions and potentially bigger savings on your parking.

Certain memberships may also provide discounts like those offered through specific credit cards like American Express or dedicated travel reward cards that may offer discounted parking at certain airports as part of their perks. Auto clubs such as AA or RAC also may offer member-exclusive discounts, as may certain airline loyalty programs.

Beat the Rush and the Price Hikes

As mentioned before, parking prices at Bristol Airport tend to climb during peak travel times like school holidays, the summer period, and the Christmas season. If you’re travelling during these periods, book as early as possible to lock in a better rate. 

Alternatively, if you have some flexibility, travelling off-peak can help you avoid both the crowds and inflated prices.

Go Long for Longer Trips

If you’re heading away for more than a few days, long-term parking is often your most budget-friendly option. These car parks are usually located a bit further from the terminal but come with regular shuttle services. They’re ideal for holidays or business trips and much cheaper than short-term parking.

Long-term parking is usually priced at a lower daily rate than short-term options. For trips lasting several days, weeks, or longer, this can lead to substantial savings compared to daily or hourly parking.

For travellers coming from out of town or more rural areas, choosing long-term parking will allow you to drive yourself to the airport without having to worry about organising other forms of transport which may not be available or very experience if it is available. 

Just remember to book your long-term parking in advance to guarantee a space, especially during peak travel periods. This reduces the stress of searching for a spot at the last minute.

Final Thoughts

When choosing airport parking, whether you’re traveling to or from Bristol Airport, it’s important to consider more than just price. Factor in your flight time and how early you’ll need to arrive, as some car parks require longer transfer times than others. 

Check whether the provider operates 24/7, particularly for early morning or late-night flights. Always confirm whether you’ll need to hand over your keys or park the car yourself. Accessibility is another key consideration for travelers with mobility needs, as not all shuttle services or parking areas are equally accessible. 

Ultimately, the best parking option strikes a balance between budget, convenience, and reliability. Taking extra time to compare and plan ahead can go a long way in making sure airport parking is one less hassle or stress to worry about.

With Bristol Airport undergoing a £400 million renovation project over the next five years, this will no doubt see more and more travellers passing through its doors. Finding ways to navigate these larger crowds and save money in the process will be key.