Bristol Airport Car Rentals

Bristol airport, located in North Somerset, serves the city of Bristol and the surrounding area. Opened in 1930, the airport has undergone several renovations to keep up with the changing times. During WWII,  Bristol was the only civil airport operating in the UK, and over 4,000 passengers passed through the facility annually during that time. Today, the airport handles nearly 6 million passengers annually. Prior to 2010, the facility did not operate jetways, so passengers were required to either walk out to their flights, or take a shuttle bus to their awaiting airplane. There are currently 19 airlines offering service out of Bristol, with some destinations available on a seasonal basis. Passengers are requested to check with their individual carriers during time of booking to ensure their arrival destination is available during the desired time.

Arriving to the airport is possible by a variety of methods, including buses, taxis, and personal vehicle. If arriving by private vehicle, there is plenty of parking available on site. Passengers can choose from Silver Zone, Long Stay, or Premier Parking car parks, with the first two offering a free shuttle to the terminal. Additionally, the facility offers a Meet and Greet/Valet service, allowing customers a quick trip to the terminal building. If arriving by motorbike or scooters, parking is available on site free of charge.

If Bristol is your destination, there are six car hire services available on site, including Avis, Europcar, National, and Hertz. The minimum age varies depending on the company and type of vehicle, with some allowing customers as young as 17 years of age to rent, as long as they have held their license for at least 36 months and have a valid credit card. 

However, a Young Driver Surcharge is applicable to drivers under the age of 25. Additionally, some vehicle types require the driver to be a minimum of 30 years of age and have had their license for at least 1 year, so it is recommended that customers double check with the individual car hire company at the time of booking.

Car types vary, from small economy cars that seat 4 adults, to minivans that can accommodate up to 7 passengers. Some vehicles do not come equipped with air conditioning, so if travel is scheduled for during the summer months, it may be of interest to look into during booking. Additional drivers, special equipment such as satellite navigation equipment, booster seats, and additional insurance coverage can be added at the time of booking, allowing customers to customize their trip. During booking it is suggested that customers identify if they intend to take the vehicle outside of the United Kingdom, as some vehicle groups are not allowed to cross the border.