Bristol Airport moves free waiting area for two months
Drivers must use a new location until December 18 while the airport spends £1M on upgrades.
By Bianca Herrera ·
Drivers looking for free parking at Bristol Airport must use a different spot starting October 19. The airport is moving its waiting zone to a neighboring area to clear space for construction. This temporary shift will last until December 18, 2026.
The waiting zone serves people picking up passengers. It offers one hour of free parking next to the car rental center. The airport is refurbishing the customer facilities in the original spot. This includes adding EV charging points and new bus stops for drop-offs and pick-ups.
The move is part of a £1M project. Bristol Airport stated the work will enhance customer facilities. Signposts now direct drivers to the new location. Pedestrian and bus links are also clearly marked. A spokesperson confirmed the relocation dates in a statement.
The rules for the waiting zone remain the same. Parking is free for up to 60 minutes. If drivers stay longer, the cost is £20 for the first two hours. Each additional hour or part of an hour costs another £20. Drivers cannot re-enter the zone within 30 minutes of leaving.
A strict no stopping policy is in force across the site. Drivers cannot stop, unload, or park on the airport's road networks or red routes. This applies even for quick pick-ups or drop-offs. The airport cites road safety as the reason for these restrictions.
Violators face fines of up to £100. Double-red-line markings identify these areas. North Somerset Council and police manage the red routes on the A38 and the layby by the entrance. The airport manages the internal roads.
Bristol Airport charges £8.50 for 10 minutes in its standard drop-off and pick-up zone. Only Gatwick and Stansted charge more. The airport is currently seeking public feedback on its £500m expansion plans. These plans aim to handle 15 million passengers a year by the late 2030s.
