English (United States)

Car hire at Bristol Airport, UK

Bristol is a vibrant city in the southwest of England, known for its rich maritime history, colorful street art, and thriving cultural scene. The city boasts historic landmarks, scenic harborside areas, and numerous green spaces, making it a popular destination for travelers in the UK.

Bristol Airport is located about 8 miles (13 kilometers) southwest of the city center, in North Somerset, making it easily accessible from the city. The airport offers a range of facilities, including restaurants, cafes, shops, lounges, and car hire services. It’s a compact airport with a single terminal but provides all the essentials for a comfortable travel experience.

Bristol and its airport provide easy access to the city and surrounding regions, making it a convenient gateway to explore the beautiful South West of England.

If you're looking for car and van rental in Bristol Airport, look no further! When you rent your car or van with us in Bristol, you get an environmentally friendly vehicle without having to compromise on service or cost. We offer low CO2 vehicles that are at the cutting edge of environmental technology, with a choice of rental vehicles right across the range, from small city cars to SUVs, all of which give our customers the opportunity to reduce their CO2 emissions.

We also have cars available for rent for a variety of budgets - from cheap economy cars such as the Peugeot 208, to more luxurious models such as the Honda CR-V, we've got the right car for the occasion. We also have the fully electric Volkswagen ID.3 available at this location, meaning you can be even more environmentally conscious with your rental choice.

Tips for renting a car at Bristol Airport

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

Green Motion Car Rental United Kingdom England Bristol Airport 1400x400

Why choose Green Motion for car rental?

Our pricing is transparent

With Green Motion, you always easily see the total final price. Car rental insurance can sometimes be difficult to understand - by booking with us, you always get the right insurance easily.

Get your car with ease

Our car rental points are located within easy distances from central locations - near airports and train stations, as well as in the heart of cities.

We are eco-friendly

We strive to minimize our environmental impact. We invest in, among other things, biodegradable chemicals and less water-consuming methods to clean our cars, such as steam cleaning.

We are always happy to help

You can reach us by phone from 9 am to 5 pm and at other times by email, [email protected].

Green Motion Car Rental England Bristol Airport 767x767

Good to know about car hire at the Bristol Airport


Once you have landed at Bristol Airport and picked up your rental car from the designated office, we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey around the UK!

For those driving in the UK for the first time, it’s essential to get comfortable with your rental car and familiarize yourself with local traffic laws – driving in the UK is generally straightforward and pleasant.

In the UK, driving on the left side of the road is standard, and a valid driver’s license from your home country should be sufficient for most visitors. An International Driving Permit may be required, depending on your country of origin.

Speed limits in the UK are typically 30 mph (48 km/h) in urban areas, 60 mph (97 km/h) on single-carriageway roads, and 70 mph (113 km/h) on dual carriageways and motorways.

Bristol’s roads are well-equipped with fuel stations, ensuring convenience for longer drives. Most UK roads are toll-free, although there are some toll roads, such as the M6 Toll and certain bridges and tunnels, where fees apply. Cash and card options are usually available.

If you need assistance while in Bristol or anywhere else in the UK, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. In an emergency, the national emergency number is 999. Safe travels!

Useful information when renting a car or van at Bristol Airport

Nearest Petrol Station

Gulf Petrol Station, Bristol BS48 3ST

Side of road

Drive on the left side of the road in Bristol

Local currency

GBP (£)

Average temperatures

4°C (39°F) - 15°C (59°F)

Nearest Train Station

Nailsea & Backwell (NLS)

Top places to visit in Bristol

St. Mary Redcliffe

A beautiful church located a short walk from Temple Meads Station (where we also have a rental branch). Construction on the church started in the 12th century and it is still open to the public today. Queen Elizabeth I said it was "the fairest, goodliest, and most famous parish church in England”.

Brunel's SS Great Britain

A must visit when in Bristol, the SS Great Britain is a museum ship and former passenger steamship. The ship is open to the public and a typical visitor can spend up to 4 hours in the shop, exploring everything there is on offer.

We The Curious

We The Curious is a science centre and educational charity on Bristol Harbourside. The centre is a fantastic day out for the whole family, with various theme days, workshops and planetarium shows on daily to help spark your curiosity and learn more about the world, and sky, around us.

Aerospace Bristol

Aerospace Bristol is an aerospace museum at Filton, to the north of Bristol, England. The galleries will walk you through the last 100 years of aviation history, a fun and interesting look on the importance of flight through the two world wars. You can also step aboard the last Concorde in the Concorde Hangar!

Bristol Zoo Gardens

A fantastic day out for the whole family, Bristol Zoo Gardens has 300 varieties of animals to visit from the red panda, to the African penguin, to the mighty Asiatic lions. You can also enjoy the aquarium, bug world, butterfly forest and reptile house during your visit - there's something for everyone!

Bristol Aquarium

A beautiful and colourful aquarium, the Bristol Aquarium is well worth the trip and is home to a mix of fish, sharks, rays, a giant octopus, and Amazonian and tropical fish in huge tanks with underwater tunnels. It is also the only aquarium in the UK to feature a giant botanical house.

Clifton Suspension Bridge

Spanning the Avon Gorge and River Abon, the Clifton Suspension Bridge is 412m long and is a popular tourist spot, being the most Instagrammable place in Bristol! The upkeep of the bridge is possible through the tolls collected however the visitor centre is funded fully by donations so do pop by when you visit!

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

A must visit if you're exploring the city, the museum is home to fascinating archaeology, geology and art including fossils, a Romany caravan and artwork by local boy Banksy!

Bristol Floating Harbour

Another picturesque location in Bristol, this modern development has fantastic places to eat and drink and is a great spot for some dinner after a day exploring the city, where you can sit as the sun sets looking over the harbour.

FAQ about car rental in Bristol Airport, England

Is driving in Bristol difficult?

Driving in Bristol is generally easy, but may present challenges, especially if you're new to the area. Many streets in central Bristol are narrow, especially around the older parts of the city. These can require careful maneuvering and may be congested during busy hours. Bristol is known for its traffic, particularly during peak commuting times (early morning and late afternoon). Main routes and roads around the city center, especially near the M32, often experience congestion. Planning to drive outside peak hours can help reduce delays.

Can I drive a rented car from Bristol to other parts of UK?

Yes, you can drive across the country. Please let us know your travel plans before-hand!

Will I get charged for driving through Bristol?

Yes, if you're driving through certain parts of Bristol, you may incur charges. Bristol operates a Clean Air Zone (CAZ) in the city center to reduce pollution. Certain vehicles that do not meet specific emissions standards (especially older diesel and petrol cars) will be subject to a daily charge if they enter the CAZ. The charge is typically around £9 per day for private cars. Some vehicles, like electric cars, are exempt!

How do I know if I have to pay the Bristol Clean Air Zone?

We will tell you about this and help you with the payments when you rent a car from us! You can also use the government's checking tool to check if you'll be charged to drive your vehicle in Bristol's Clean Air Zone.