Bristol Airport opens new transport interchange with key changes for taxi drivers picking up and dropping off
- Perry Richardson
- Aug 26
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Bristol Airport has opened its new Public Transport Interchange (PTI), marking a major shift in how taxis and private hire vehicles operate on-site. The PTI, which opened in July 2025, is now one of the largest transport hubs in the region and introduces a new road layout and updated driver procedures.
Taxi and PHV drivers should now follow signs for the new ‘Drop Off & Pick Up’ car park, located on the top level of the PTI. This area has replaced the old Drop & Go zone and now offers more than double the parking spaces.
The car park operates a cashless system using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) with no physical tickets. Cameras record vehicle registration on entry, and payment is made at the exit barrier by contactless or Chip & PIN.
Prices begin at £7.00 for stays of up to 10 minutes. Between 10 and 20 minutes costs £9.00. The express area is not designed for long stays. Vehicles are permitted to remain for a maximum of two hours, but any stay beyond 20 minutes will incur steep charges, including £60.00 for one to two hours.
Those needing longer stay periods should use the nearby Short Stay car park instead, where prices start from £7.00 for 30 minutes. This area is a short walk from the terminal and can offer more flexibility.
Drivers should also note the height restriction of 2.5 metres in the Drop Off & Pick Up car park. Only vehicles with a maximum of nine seats can use this facility. Larger vehicles must use the Minibus & Over Height car park, which is now located in the former drop-off area. This site offers level access, with prices starting at £7.00 for up to five minutes.
Airport officials are also asking all drivers to avoid stopping or waiting in surrounding villages. Concerns have been raised by local residents about antisocial behaviour, including late-night noise, littering and inappropriate stopping outside homes. Drivers are reminded to respect the local community and use designated facilities.
To help with this, the airport’s Waiting Zone remains in place. Located just over a mile from the terminal near the car rentals area, this zone offers one hour of free parking, toilet facilities and bins. A free shuttle bus service runs from this area to the PTI 24 hours a day.
Drivers unfamiliar with the new road layout are advised to visit the Bristol Airport website. Maps, videos and directions are available online, and drivers are reminded that stopping outside of designated car parks is not allowed.
The PTI itself includes a new indoor waiting area with seating and modern toilets. Assistance call points for passengers needing extra support are located inside, opposite the new M&S store.
Further upgrades to the airport are in the pipeline, including an electric vehicle charging hub.
Bristol Airport is also preparing to retender its taxi concession contract later this year. Interested operators can register their details via the procurement portal to receive updates:
