One of the region’s largest public transport interchanges was officially opened today – providing more frequent connections for people to travel to and from Bristol Airport by bus and coach.
This new £60 million development forms a key part of Bristol Airport’s wider £400 million transformation plan, aimed at modernising infrastructure and promoting greener travel choices. The facility will handle around 250 public transport movements a day, significantly enhancing sustainable transport access to the airport.
The construction of the Public Transport Interchange (PTI), completed over two years, delivered a major boost to the local economy. The two-year build of the Public Transport Interchange (PTI) boosted the local economy providing 120 jobs on site during the peak of the project with over 60 new jobs created, as well as supporting the local supply chain with the concrete supplier being based less than five miles from the Airport and 30% of suppliers within a 50-mile radius. The project also contributed to workforce development, offering experience and placements for aspiring professionals. It also provided work opportunities for those looking to get into engineering and construction careers, with apprentices and T Level placements from Weston College among those to work on the project.
The Public Transport Interchange was opened today by Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, Sadik Al-Hassan MP and Dave Lees, CEO, Bristol Airport.
The transport interchange, which is located on the top of a new multi-storey car park, boasts 16 bus/coach bays, whereas previously there were five. It means for the first time customers can benefit from a dedicated bay for each service, sheltered bus canopy including a covered Silver Zone bus waiting area, live transport information screens, and Great Western Railway customers can now add on an Airport Flyer ticket when booking train travel. There’s also level access to the terminal forecourt via a new covered bridge link.
A record number of people are now using public transport to commute to and from Bristol Airport. The A1 Flyer bus service alone carried more than 1 million passengers in 2024 with a further 300,000 using the A3 Flyer service. Currently there are 135 daily movements on the A1 flyer with a 44% increase in the last year.
Work on the PTI began in May 2023 and has seen more than 100,000 tonnes of stone and material crushed and reused on site and 90% of wood and metal has been recycled. The construction site also enabled the new Volvo EC230 electric excavator, which was the first of its kind in the UK, to be trialled.
Dave Lees, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport said:
“We’re delighted to open the Public Transport Interchange ahead of schedule and on budget transforming our customers’ experience during the busy summer holidays.
“The Public Transport Interchange has provided vital skills and employment for local people and apprentices, and sourced regional suppliers, helping to boost the local economy. Engagement with local schools and charities has also been at the heart of the development.
“And we’re delighted to announce that the A1 and A3 Flyer bus service will be completely electric from 2026. This is all part of our commitment to net zero operations, and by more than doubling the number of bus and coach bays this demonstrates we are committed to encouraging customers to use public transport where possible. The increase of passengers using the Flyer bus service, as well as 20% of staff is a step in the right direction.”
Customers will benefit from modernised facilities and easy onwards travel with a simple road layout leading to an enlarged Drop Off and Pick-up on the top tier of the four-storey car park. The facility offers new waiting areas, rest facilities, flight information, touch points for passenger assistance, live public transport screens and a bigger and better M&S with a bakery and fresh coffee. Taxis will be able to drop off and collect from level four and parking for passengers with reduced mobility and Bristol Airport’s official Meet and Greet is on level two. The old drop and go is for over-height minibuses only.
Cllr Mike Bell, leader of North Somerset Council, said:
“We fully support Bristol Airport’s ambition to see more passengers and staff travelling by public transport, and the opening of the new Public Transport Interchange marks a major milestone in achieving that goal. As the West of England’s gateway to the world – and the world’s gateway to our vibrant region – Bristol Airport plays a vital role in connecting people and places. With the launch of the new Public Transport Interchange, travelling to and from the airport is now easier, more convenient, and more sustainable than ever.
“Throughout this significant construction project, we’ve worked closely with the Airport to ensure real benefits for the local area – from creating apprenticeships and supporting local charities to providing valuable work experience for North Somerset residents. Our partnership with Bristol Airport is firmly focused on ensuring it delivers lasting opportunities for North Somerset.”
North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan said:
“It was fantastic to be able to open this £60m new facility. It’s a big step forward for public transport capacity in North Somerset. The new facilities mean it’s now much better to travel by bus or coach to the Airport – encouraging people out of their cars. For the thousands of people that work here, I hope as many as possible take advantage of the free staff travel and this modern new facility.”
Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said:
“Bristol Airport’s welcome investment in public transport has tripled the number of bus and coach bays, creating one of the West’s largest transport interchanges. This is an important step forward, though we all know much more has to be done to connect public transport to the airport. Recent record transport funding from the government in the Spending Review for mass transit development could help us unlock further improvements. I’ll be working with the Airport and other partners on how we can make it easier to get around our region, ahead of a transport vision being published in the autumn.”
