Bristol Airport's Car Rental Centre is a short bus ride from the terminal, not inside it, and it's home to nine car hire brands. A dedicated shuttle bus runs every 15 minutes from the Transport Interchange between 06:00 and midnight, and on demand overnight, so allow an extra 15 to 25 minutes on top of your rental company's counter time.
Where is car hire at Bristol Airport?
Unlike some regional airports, Bristol doesn't have hire car desks in the main terminal. Instead, all nine car rental brands are based together at a purpose-built Car Rental Centre on the airport site, reached by a free shuttle bus.
- Shuttle pick-up point: the Transport Interchange, Bay 1, which is a short covered-bridge walk from the terminal building
- Frequency: every 15 minutes between 06:00 and 00:00
- Overnight (00:00 to 06:00): on-demand service, requested using the contact number posted at the bus stop
- Journey time: a few minutes each way, plus your wait for the next departure
Follow the signs for "Car Hire" or "Car Rental Centre" from the terminal, or ask at the information desk if you can't find the Transport Interchange.
Picking up your hire car
- Collect your bags and head to the Transport Interchange (Bay 1) rather than a rental desk in the terminal.
- Board the free shuttle bus to the Car Rental Centre.
- Check in at your rental company's counter with your driving licence, the lead driver's credit card, and your booking reference.
- Inspect the car for existing damage and confirm the fuel policy before you drive off.
Because check-in happens off-site, build at least 30 to 45 minutes into your plans between landing and driving away, more at busy times such as Friday evenings and school-holiday weekends when queues build up at rental counters.
Dropping off your hire car before a flight
The same Car Rental Centre handles returns. Allow time for the shuttle back to the terminal on top of your normal check-in and security buffer, and don't cut it fine, since the shuttle runs on a fixed 15-minute cycle during the day rather than on demand.
Accessible vehicles
All car rental partners at Bristol Airport offer accessible vehicles, but availability varies by brand and by day, so contact your chosen rental company directly to check what's available and to discuss any adaptations you need well before you travel. If you need help getting to or around the Car Rental Centre itself, Bristol Airport's special assistance team can support you. See our guide on how to book special assistance at Bristol Airport.
Car hire versus a taxi or the airport bus
A hire car makes sense if you're travelling on to several places in the South West or Wales, or arriving with a lot of luggage and family. For a single trip into Bristol, Bath or a nearby town, a fixed-price taxi or the A1 Airport Flyer bus is usually simpler and cheaper once you factor in fuel, parking, and the rental excess. See our guide to how to book a taxi to Bristol Airport if you're comparing options.
Frequently asked questions
Is car hire at Bristol Airport in the terminal building?
No. All nine car hire brands are based at the Car Rental Centre, reached by a free shuttle bus from the Transport Interchange, not at desks inside the terminal.
How do I get to the Car Rental Centre?
Follow signs to the Transport Interchange (Bay 1) and take the free shuttle bus, which runs every 15 minutes from 06:00 to 00:00, and on demand overnight.
How much extra time should I allow for hire car pick-up?
At least 30 to 45 minutes from landing to driving away, allowing for the shuttle bus and counter check-in, more at peak times.
Can I get an accessible or adapted hire car at Bristol Airport?
Yes, all rental partners offer accessible vehicles, but you should contact the rental company directly in advance to confirm availability and any adaptations you need.
What do I need to bring to collect my hire car?
Your driving licence, the lead driver's payment card, and your booking confirmation. Some rental companies also ask for a second form of ID, so check your booking email in advance.
Is it cheaper to get a taxi instead of hiring a car for a short trip?
Often yes, for a single journey to a nearby town. A fixed-price taxi avoids fuel, rental excess and one-way drop fees that make short hire-car trips expensive.
Checked 2026. Shuttle times and car hire arrangements are as published by Bristol Airport; always confirm your specific pick-up point with your rental company on the day.