Bristol

The questions people ask first about Bristol, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Currency is the pound sterling (GBP, £).United Kingdom-wide
• SIM or eSIMEE, Vodafone (merged with Three in 2025) and O2 run the networks; prepaid SIMs sell in supermarkets, phone shops and airport vending machines…United Kingdom-wide
• Tap waterTap water is safe everywhere.United Kingdom-wide
• TippingcheckRestaurant with table service: 10–12.5% if no service charge is on the bill; check before adding more.United Kingdom-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United Kingdom-wide
• SafetyBristol is a normal British city: central areas are fine by day and on busy nights out, and the usual rules apply…

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• Coffee£3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
• BeerPint of ale / lager£5–7 (≈ US$7–10)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, 3 km (1.9 mi) in the centreTaxi, 1.9 mi (3 km) in the centre£8–12 (≈ US$11–16) (check)
• Metro or bus rideBus single in the city£2–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check)
• Museum or sight ticketMuseum entry (many are free; SS Great Britain and some attractions charge)£0–20 (≈ US$0–30) (check)
• Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person£25 (≈ US$35)
• Mid-range bedDouble room, mid hotel or pub, a night, per room£120 (≈ US$160)
• High-end bedDouble room, mid hotel or pub, a night, per room£220 (≈ US$300)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget £45 (≈ US$60) · Mid £90 (≈ US$120) · High £160 (≈ US$250)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

BRS Bristol Airport (13 km (8 mi) south-west of the centre; no rail link. Bus A1 (Flyer) to Temple Meads and Marlborough Street, about 35 min, up to every 8 min; £9 single / £15 return (check). Cheaper U2 and WESTlink options exist but are slower and less frequent.) · LHR London Heathrow (About 2 h by road on the M4; direct National Express and Megabus coaches take 2–2.5 h and are often cheaper than rail.) · BHX Birmingham (About 2 h by car; rail via Birmingham New Street takes 2–2.5 h.)BRS Bristol Airport (8 mi (13 km) south-west of the centre; no rail link. Bus A1 (Flyer) to Temple Meads and Marlborough Street, about 35 min, up to every 8 min; £9 single / £15 return (check). Cheaper U2 and WESTlink options exist but are slower and less frequent.) · LHR London Heathrow (About 2 h by road on the M4; direct National Express and Megabus coaches take 2–2.5 h and are often cheaper than rail.) · BHX Birmingham (About 2 h by car; rail via Birmingham New Street takes 2–2.5 h.)

Where it is, and the guides within about 120 km.

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

£45–70 (≈ US$60–95) excl. bed

Mid

£80–130 (≈ US$110–180) excl. bed

High

£150 (≈ US$200)+ excl. bed

• Hills and potholes: Clifton and the West End are uphill from the harbour.
• Broken glass on some cycle paths; watch the surface.
• St Paul's is best visited in daylight.
• Airport drop-off by car costs £8.50 (≈ US$12) for up to 10 min; use the free waiting zone and shuttle instead.
• Book rail and coach tickets in advance: walk-up fares are far higher than advance ones.