Accessible Travel in Bristol

There are several initiatives and facilities in Bristol to make travel to and around the city as accessible as possible, whether you’re travelling by car or by public transport. If you require any additional information to that provided on this page, please contact Bristol City Council.

By Train

Temple Meads is Bristol’s primary railway station, based a few minutes’ walk away from the city centre, with regular bus services running to the city centre and beyond. Its accessibility features include:

Step-free access throughout the station, with lifts to all platforms.
Wheelchairs
Low-level ticket machines, and a hearing induction loop in the ticket office
Accessible toilets, waiting rooms, and seating areas.
A ramp for train access

Staff assistance is available 24 hours a day, and can be requested in advance of your journey. Full details of accessibility at Bristol Temple Meads can be found on the National Rail website. You can also find out more on our Travelling to Bristol page, and on the TravelWest website.

By Bus

All buses in Bristol welcome recognised assistance animals, and are fully wheelchair accessible. Most bus stops in Bristol feature raised pavements, which work in conjunction with low-floor buses to provide level access, and drivers can also provide ramps on request. All buses have dedicated spaces for wheelchair users on board.

The majority of bus services in Bristol are operated by First Bus. You can find a full guide to their accessibility features on the First Bus website.

First Bus also offer a range of Extra Help cards, which can be shown to drivers to request extra help for yourself, a friend, or a family member without having to ask aloud. The cards can be downloaded and printed from the First Bus website.

By Car

You can park free of charge with a valid Blue Badge in several places within the city of Bristol, including the following:

All day in any on-street pay and display parking bay.
All day in any permit holder parking bay, shared use parking bay, or pay and display bay in a residents’ parking scheme (RPZ) area.
All day in any on-street limited waiting bay.
In any on-street disabled parking bay showing the Blue Badge sign. Some are limited to three hours, which will be shown on the signs.
On a single or double yellow line for up to three hours, unless there’s a ban on loading or unloading. There may be other local restrictions, so always check any signs before you park.

Find full information on Blue Badge parking in Bristol on the Bristol City Council website.

There are also a range of private car parks in Bristol, all of which offer disabled parking bays. Find out more on our Bristol Parking page.

By Taxi

Wheelchair accessible taxis can be found at taxi ranks throughout Bristol. There is no charge for assistance dogs for disabled people, or for carrying equipment such as wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

By Air

Bristol Airport offers a comprehensive guide to their special assistance services. Familiarise yourself with accessibility arrangements from before you begin your journey to navigating the airport on the dates of travel.