The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta runs from 7 to 9 August 2026 at Ashton Court Estate, around 7 miles and a 20 to 25 minute drive from Bristol Airport off-peak. Because the airport sits on the same south-western side of the city as the venue, a taxi from the terminal is usually quicker than travelling in via the city centre, though a dedicated drop-off point applies during the event rather than general parking.
Why this is a different trip to a normal airport transfer
Ashton Court has its own event-specific transport rules that only apply during Fiesta weekend, run jointly by the organisers, Stagecoach and the local park-and-ride network. None of this applies for the rest of the year, so if you are visiting Ashton Court Estate on any other date, ordinary taxi or bus directions to the estate will do.
Taxi and drop-off during the Fiesta
If you are travelling by taxi during the event, tell your driver to follow the road signs to the designated drop-off and pick-up point, which during the Fiesta is Long Ashton Park and Ride rather than the estate itself. This is a short walk from the event site. You cannot park a private vehicle at this location during the event; it operates as a drop-off point only. Given the volume of event traffic, book your taxi in advance rather than expecting to hail one nearby, and build extra time either side for the road closures and diversions that go up around the estate for the weekend.
Shuttle bus from Bristol Temple Meads
A shuttle bus run by Stagecoach links Bristol Temple Meads and the city centre to the Fiesta. It runs from 10:00am on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event, with return services running until 11:30pm on Friday and Saturday and 9:30pm on Sunday. Tickets need to be booked in advance, with day, 2-day (Saturday and Sunday), 3-day (Friday to Sunday) and single return options, plus group tickets for up to five people travelling together. If you are coming from further afield and connecting via the airport first, you would take a taxi or public transport into Temple Meads and pick up the shuttle from there, though a direct taxi from the airport straight to the Long Ashton drop-off point is usually the faster option.
The m2 Metrobus option
The m2 Metrobus also runs between Bristol Temple Meads and Long Ashton Park and Ride, which is a short walk from the event site and doubles as the taxi drop-off point during the Fiesta. On Fiesta days it starts early, from 06:13 on the Friday and 06:20 on the Saturday, with the last return buses leaving Long Ashton Park and Ride at 8:50pm on both days. It does not run on the Sunday of the event, so plan an alternative for a Sunday visit.
By train and on foot
There is no train station directly at Ashton Court. The nearest is Parson Street, about a 30-minute walk from the estate, or you can travel to Bristol Temple Meads and use the Fiesta shuttle bus or Metrobus from there. Some visitors walk or cycle in along the signposted Festival Way route from Temple Meads.
Driving yourself
The Fiesta operates its own official car parks within Ashton Court Estate, and all tickets must be purchased in advance; they are single-entry only, so you cannot leave and re-enter on the same ticket. Expect road closures and diversions around the estate for the whole weekend, and follow the signed diversion route even if it appears to be taking you away from the venue, since it is designed to keep event traffic moving.
Bristol Airport to Balloon Fiesta at a glance
| Option | Timing | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi (direct) | ~20-25 min off-peak | Use the Long Ashton Park and Ride drop-off point during the event; book ahead |
| Stagecoach shuttle bus | From 10am Fri-Sun | Links Temple Meads/city centre to the Fiesta; book tickets in advance |
| m2 Metrobus | From 06:13 Fri (varies by day) | Temple Meads to Long Ashton Park and Ride; does not run Sundays |
| Drive and park | N/A | Official car parks only, pre-booked, single-entry tickets |
Frequently asked questions
When is the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta in 2026?
7 to 9 August 2026, at Ashton Court Estate, south-west of Bristol city centre.
How far is Ashton Court from Bristol Airport?
Around 7 miles, roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive off-peak. Allow extra time during the Fiesta itself for road closures and event traffic.
Can I park my own car at Ashton Court during the Fiesta?
Only in the official car parks, which require advance-purchase, single-entry tickets. There is no casual parking at the estate during the event.
Where do taxis drop off during the Fiesta?
At the Long Ashton Park and Ride site, which is signposted and a short walk from the event. It's a drop-off point only during the Fiesta; you cannot leave a car there.
Is there a shuttle bus to the Fiesta?
Yes, a Stagecoach shuttle runs from Bristol Temple Meads and the city centre from 10am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with tickets bookable in advance. The separate m2 Metrobus also connects Temple Meads to the Long Ashton drop-off point, but does not run on the Sunday.
Is there a train station near Ashton Court?
The nearest is Parson Street, about a 30-minute walk away. Most visitors travel via Bristol Temple Meads and connect onward by shuttle bus or Metrobus.
Checked 2026.