A taxi from Bristol Airport to Bristol Zoo Project at Blackhorse Hill takes around 25 to 35 minutes and indicatively costs £50 to £65. By public transport, expect around an hour to an hour and a quarter combining the A1 Flyer or a MetroBus service with the local Stagecoach route 12, for a combined fare of roughly £12.
Note on the name
The site north of Cribbs Causeway that many visitors still know as Wild Place Project was rebranded Bristol Zoo Project in 2024, following the closure of the original Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. If you're searching for either name, they now refer to the same site at Blackhorse Hill, Bristol BS10 7TP.
How far is it from the airport
Bristol Zoo Project sits just north of Cribbs Causeway, about 12 miles from the airport, close to the M5's junction 17. It's slightly further out than Cribbs Causeway itself, which the airport's other route guides put at roughly 13.7 miles by taxi, so expect a broadly similar journey time and fare.
Getting there by bus
There is no single direct bus from the airport to Bristol Zoo Project. The practical route combines the A1 Flyer or a MetroBus service into central Bristol or Cribbs Causeway, then Stagecoach's Route 12, which runs between Bristol Parkway, Cribbs Causeway and Severn Beach and stops on request at Blackhorse Hill, close to the zoo entrance. Total journey time is typically an hour to an hour and a quarter with the change, and the combined single fare (Flyer plus local bus) is roughly £12, in line with the fare the airport's own Cribbs Causeway guide quotes for a similar-length public transport journey.
Getting there by taxi
A direct taxi avoids the change and cuts the journey to around 25 to 35 minutes. Based on the airport's fare pattern for comparable distances, and consistent with the £30 to £55 range quoted for the nearby Cribbs Causeway run, a Bristol Zoo Project taxi works out at roughly £50 to £65 indicatively. This is the more practical option for families travelling with young children or buggies straight off a flight.
Comparing your options
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Direct taxi | 25 to 35 min | Indicative £50 to £65 | Families, young children, luggage |
| A1 Flyer/MetroBus + Stagecoach Route 12 | About 1h to 1h15 | Roughly £12 combined | Budget travel, no time pressure |
| Hire car | 25 to 35 min | Car hire rate + on-site parking | Combining with other North Bristol stops |
What changed when the zoo moved
The original Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton closed permanently in 2022 after more than 180 years, with the collection and the zoo's conservation work relocating to the larger Blackhorse Hill site, which reopened progressively as Wild Place Project expanded and was then renamed Bristol Zoo Project. The Clifton site itself is being redeveloped for housing, so it is no longer an option for visitors, and Blackhorse Hill is now the only Bristol Zoological Society site open to the public in the area.
Planning your visit
Bristol Zoo Project is set across a large outdoor site with walking trails between enclosures, so most families need three to four hours to see it properly, more with young children who want to stop often. On-site parking is available for visitors arriving by car or taxi. If you're travelling by bus, check the current Route 12 timetable before you go, since request stops mean you need to flag the bus down at Blackhorse Hill rather than relying on an automatic stop.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bristol Zoo Project the same as Wild Place Project?
Yes. The site was rebranded from Wild Place Project to Bristol Zoo Project in 2024, following the closure of the original Bristol Zoo Gardens in Clifton. It's the same location at Blackhorse Hill.
How far is Bristol Zoo Project from the airport?
About 12 miles, close to the M5's junction 17, a little further out than Cribbs Causeway.
How much does a taxi from Bristol Airport to Bristol Zoo Project cost?
Indicatively £50 to £65, based on the airport's fare pattern for a trip of this distance. Confirm the exact fare with the operator.
Is there a direct bus from the airport?
No. You need the A1 Flyer or a MetroBus service to central Bristol or Cribbs Causeway, then Stagecoach Route 12 to Blackhorse Hill, a combined journey of about an hour to an hour and a quarter.
How much does the bus option cost?
Roughly £12 combined for the Flyer or MetroBus fare plus the local Route 12 fare.
How long should I allow for a visit?
Most families need three to four hours to see the site properly, since it's spread across a large outdoor area with walking trails between enclosures.
Checked 2026. Related reading: see Bristol Airport to Cribbs Causeway for the nearest comparable route, the A1 Flyer bus guide for city-centre connections, and the public transport hub for full timetable links.