The new drop-off and pick-up area was unveiled two weeks ago and the airport has detailed seven key changes, impacting areas such as the meet-and-greet zone and the short-stay parking area
What the Bristol Airport looks like after the new transport hub was opened(Image: John Ford/submitted)
Regulars at Bristol Airport have divulged a savvy tip to avoid the car park charges for pick-ups and drop-offs. The airport has recently revealed its £60m transport interchange, which has expanded its bus and coach facilities and introduced a new ‘drop-off and pick-up’ zone atop a multi-storey car park. Read the seven significant changes introduced to Bristol Airport here.
As the summer holiday season approaches, those flying from Bristol Airport should be aware of the “significant” changes made outside the terminal, which were announced a fortnight ago.
The airport has outlined seven principal modifications affecting areas like the meet-and-greet service, the multi-storey car park, and the short-stay parking zone.
Under the new arrangements, anyone arriving by car, bus, coach, or shuttle will now access the terminal through a sheltered walkway. Read Ryanair passengers’ “horror as ‘every single’ suitcase was left behind in Bristol airport
Upgrades include an enlarged multi-storey car park, a relocated meet-and-greet area, and a larger space dedicated to passenger drop-offs and collections.
The designated area for picking up passengers, previously located in the short-stay car park, has been shifted to the transport interchange.
There’s also a fresh zone tailored for minibuses and ‘over-height vehicles’ for dropping off and collecting travellers. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
The 10-minute stay fee remains at £7, consistent with the charge at the former drop-off point, which became cashless in May. Despite not being a new fee, some individuals still consider it excessive, reports Bristol Live.
Commenting on a Bristol Live article about the airport’s new interchange, Sonic Bath expressed frustration: “Charging £7 for someone to get out of a car at a drop off point is a joke.”
Airmarshall shared similar sentiments: “I find it quite disgraceful that you have to pay £7 just to drop someone off. It usually takes me 3-4 minutes to drop off and for that privilege you have to pay £7. Come on Bristol make drop off free for say 10mins and after that charge.”
The cost escalates to £9 for 20 minutes, £13 for 40 minutes, and a steep £30 for an hour. The airport suggests using its short-stay car park for those needing more time, which costs £15 for an hour.
Yet, there’s also a ‘Waiting Zone’ offering up to one hour of free parking.
BMushroom pointed this out on Bristol Live: “No one is forcing you to pay £7. Use the free drop off / pick off zone by the Silver Zone car park and bask in 60 (sixty) glorious minutes of free waiting.”
Thecookedsock concurred: “Free drop off exists just outside the airport on the roundabout entry. Quicker and easier than the Silver Zone car park drop off.”
BMushroom further clarified: “Great to see that the free drop off/pick up point is still available for 60 (sixty) minutes, no matter how confusing it is for some people. Use the free drop off/pick up area by the [Silver] Zone car park then.”
The airport’s official website details: “Located close to Car Rental Centre, the Waiting Zone allows up to one hour free of charge parking for those waiting for a passenger, prior to collection from the Drop Off and Pick Up Car Park (charges apply).
“There is access to a frequent bus service to the transport interchange, which is short walk to the terminal building via covered bridge. Please follow pedestrian signage to the bus stop at the car rental centre.”
Mictorveldrew suggested skipping driving entirely, commenting: “Forget parking altogether! My last trip from BRS was £15 return for the week.
“Train from Highbridge and Burnham, then the A3 bus from Weston to the airport. Leaving the car at home doesn’t always work but compared with forking out up to £180 for a week’s parking it was a no brainer.”
