The quickest way to reach Bristol Airport by car depends on your direction of travel: from the north leave the M5 at Junction 18, from the south leave at Junction 22 and follow the A38, and from the M4 join the M5 southbound at Junction 20. Each car park has its own postcode for your sat nav, and Bristol's Clean Air Zone can add charges for older vehicles routed through the city centre. Checked 2026.
Postcodes for your sat nav
Bristol Airport does not have a single postcode. Which one you should enter depends on which car park you are heading to:
| Car park | Postcode |
|---|---|
| Silver Zone (park and ride) | BS48 3DW |
| Multi-Storey Car Park | BS48 3DY |
| Short Stay Car Park | BS48 3AQ |
| All other car parks | BS48 3DY |
If your sat nav or app supports what3words, the Multi-Storey Car Park, opposite the terminal, has the address `///truth.coffee.gems`.
Directions by route
From the north (M5)
Leave the M5 at Junction 18 and follow the signs for the airport, marked A4 and A370 Bristol & Airport. Clean Air Zone charges can apply for older, non-compliant vehicles on this route through central Bristol.
From the south (M5)
Leave the M5 at Junction 22 and follow the A38 towards the airport.
From the M4 (east)
At Junction 20, join the M5 southbound. Exit at Junction 18 and follow the signs for the airport, marked A4 and A370. As with the northern M5 route, Clean Air Zone charges can apply for older vehicles.
From Bath and the south east
Follow the A4 towards Bristol, bear left onto the A4174, and continue to follow the signs for the airport.
From South Wales
Cross the M4 at the Second Severn Crossing. At Junction 22, branch left onto the M49, signposted South West, then take the A4, following the signs for A4 and A370 Bristol & Airport. Clean Air Zone charges can apply on this approach too.
Bristol's Clean Air Zone
Bristol City Council operates a Clean Air Zone covering the centre of the city, with charges for some older, higher-emission vehicles. It mainly affects drivers whose route to or from the airport passes through central Bristol rather than sticking to the outer approach roads listed above. If you are driving an older vehicle, or picking someone up in one, it is worth checking your route and your vehicle's compliance before you travel. Our separate guide on how Bristol's Clean Air Zone affects an airport taxi covers who is charged and how to check in more detail, and much of it applies equally to a private car.
Which car park should you use
Bristol Airport has several car parks at different distances from the terminal and price points, summarised on our parking page. Silver Zone is the budget long-stay option with a free shuttle to the terminal, while the Multi-Storey Car Park is the closest self-park option, a 3 to 10 minute walk from the terminal doors, though it has a 2.1m height restriction. For a full price comparison across all the current car parks, see our guide to Bristol Airport's car parks compared.
If you only need to set someone down or collect them, there is no free kerbside drop-off at the terminal itself. The drop-off page covers the paid Drop and Go zone and the free Waiting Zone alternative at the Car Rental Centre.
Roadworks and live traffic
Road layouts and local roadworks around the airport can change at short notice. The live map on one.network, referenced on the airport's own directions page, gives up-to-date information on current roadworks and closures in the area, and is worth checking shortly before you set off, particularly during roadworks season or bad weather.
If you would rather not drive
Driving yourself means factoring in parking or drop-off charges on top of fuel, and traffic on the approach roads can be unpredictable at peak times. Our taxis page and public transport page cover pre-booked transfers and the 24-hour A1 Airport Flyer coach, both of which avoid the need to navigate or park at all.
FAQs
What is the postcode for Bristol Airport?
It depends on which car park you are using. Silver Zone is BS48 3DW, the Multi-Storey Car Park and most other car parks use BS48 3DY, and the Short Stay Car Park uses BS48 3AQ.
Which motorway junction do I use for Bristol Airport from the M5 north?
Junction 18, then follow the signs for A4 and A370, Bristol & Airport.
Which motorway junction do I use for Bristol Airport from the M5 south?
Junction 22, then follow the A38 towards the airport.
Does Bristol's Clean Air Zone affect driving to the airport?
It can, if your route passes through central Bristol and your vehicle does not meet the zone's emissions standard. The approach routes from the M5 junctions and the M4 are signposted around the city, but check your vehicle's compliance before you travel.
Is there a what3words location for Bristol Airport?
Yes, for the Multi-Storey Car Park opposite the terminal: `///truth.coffee.gems`.
How do I check for roadworks near Bristol Airport before I travel?
The live map on one.network covers current roadworks and closures in the area and is worth checking shortly before you set off.