Swindon and Bristol Airport are well-connected, making travel between the two quite straightforward. There are options, whether you prefer the convenience of driving, the lower cost of public transport, or the luxury of a private transfer. Here’s a breakdown of the main ways to get from Swindon to Bristol Airport:
By Car
Driving is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to travel from Swindon to Bristol Airport. Depending on traffic, the journey typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Here are the steps to follow:
From Swindon, take the M4 motorway heading west towards Bristol. After approximately 35 miles, take exit 18 for the A46 toward Bath/Stroud. Follow signs for the A4, eventually leading you to the A38. Bristol Airport is signposted from the A38.
Bristol Airport offers various parking options, including long-stay, short-stay, and premium parking. To secure the best rates, it’s advisable to book your parking in advance.
The pros are flexibility with your travel times and the convenience of door-to-door service.
The cons of driving to the airport include fuel costs, parking, and potential traffic congestion during peak times.
By Train and Bus
Combining a train and bus journey is a viable option if you prefer public transport.
Start by taking a train from Swindon to Bristol Temple Meads. Trains are frequent, with services running every 20-30 minutes during peak times. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.
Once at Bristol Temple Meads, take the Airport Flyer Express (Bus A1), which leaves every 10 minutes. The bus ride to Bristol Airport takes around 30 minutes.
You can buy a combined train and bus ticket, which may offer savings. Alternatively, buy separate tickets for each leg of the journey.
The pros of taking public transport to the airport is it is cost-effective, there is no need to worry about parking, and it’s an environmentally friendly option.
The cons are it requires a transfer between train and bus, and the overall journey time is longer than driving.
By Coach
National Express offers direct coach services from Swindon to Bristol Airport. This option is straightforward and economical.
Depending on traffic, the coach journey takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Coaches typically run several times a day, though frequency can vary based on the day of the week and time of day.
Tickets can be booked online in advance, often with discounts for early reservations.
The prose of taking a coach it it is a direct service, no transfers are needed, and it is affordable.
The cons include less flexibility with departure times and longer travel time than driving.
By Taxi or Private Transfer
A taxi or private transfer is an excellent choice for those who prioritise comfort and convenience.
Taxis can be booked on the day or arranged in advance. Several private transfer companies also offer pre-booked services tailored to airport transfers.
As with driving, a taxi or private transfer takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
This is typically the most expensive option but offers the highest level of comfort and convenience.
The pros of taking a taxi as the best airport transfer from Swindon are that it offers door-to-door service, there’s no need to worry about parking or navigating public transport, and you get personalised service.
The cons are it a higher cost compared to other transport options.
Conclusion
Travelling from Swindon to Bristol Airport can be as quick or economical as you need, with options ranging from self-driving to public transport or private transfers. Driving or taking a taxi is ideal if you’re looking for the fastest route. The train and bus combination or a direct coach service works well for a budget-friendly option. Your choice will ultimately depend on your priorities regarding time, cost, and convenience.
