Bristol Airport Guide

sleeping in bristol airport — (photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / October 2023)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Bristol Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit. Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

the cleaners came right up to you and shoved the vacuum cleaner right next to your head. -Dominique

BRS Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Bristol International Airport.

What to Expect

Bristol Airport (code: BRS) provides passenger services in a modern, single-terminal building with 16 gates and various shopping and dining options, including duty-free and at least one 24-hour eatery. WiFi is available, and additional services and comforts can be found through fee-based access to the airport’s first-class lounge. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and rates.

Sleeping in Bristol Airport

Many passengers choose to sleep in the airport overnight due to early morning flights; however, there have been reports of airport staff waking overnight sleepers. The terminal is small, and most seating consists of armrest-free benches, which are described as uncomfortable, so be prepared to sleep on the floor. Travellers should bring extra layers or a travel blanket, as well as earplugs/noise-cancelling headphones to account for chilly temperatures and noise in the terminal. For uninterrupted sleep, there is a hotel at the airport and some other hotels within walking distance. See our Airport Hotels section below for more info.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Bristol Airport Guide.

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Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Bristol Airport:

Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport (0.4 mi) Mid-range hotel connected to the terminal by a pedestrian walkway.
Hathway House (0.2 mi) Guesthouse.
Hillcroft Accommodation (1 mi) Guesthouse.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program.

Escape Lounge – Location: Airside, Departures Area, next to the Aspire Lounge, near Gate 4. Hours: 4:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Showers: No. Dedicated Rest Zone: No. Sleep Facilities: No. Lounge Access: Pay at the door (£40) • Prepaid lounge passes • Lounge membership programs • Credit card rewards programs • Complimentary access for eligible American Express Platinum and Centurion cardholders.

Food & Drinks

One outlet is commonly reported as operating 24 hours: Ritazza (landside). All other food outlets operate according to flight schedules. Options typically include:

Landside: Caffe Ritazza • M&S Simply Food
Airside: Starbucks • Burger King • Brunel • Frankie’s and Benny’s • Cabin • Tortilla • Soho CoffeeCo.

Drinking Water
Free water fountains are available:

Landside – Arrivals area, near baggage reclaim
Airside – Near the entrance to the Gates 9–16 walkway

A traveller report notes a sink located before security where liquids can be emptied prior to screening.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

A left-luggage service is available via the Information Point in the main check-in hall. Reported rates:

£5 (up to 4 hours)
£8.50 (8–24 hours)

Cash and card payments accepted.

Mobile Charging

Portable power banks are available through Joos charging stations. Users download the Joos app, collect a power bank, and return it before leaving the terminal.

Showers

Showers are not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Bristol Airport for two hours. Connect to the “Bristol Airport WiFi” network. For longer surfing time, you will need to pay extra. Internet desks are located on the landside.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Family Services

Baby Care Facilities – Baby-changing facilities are available throughout the terminal.
Baby Supplies – Superdrug offers a pre-order service for baby milk, diapers, and baby food. Orders must be placed in advance and collected post-security, helping free up space in hand luggage.
High Chairs – High chairs are available at restaurants and cafés. Staff can provide hot water for warming baby food or milk, subject to safety guidelines. Microwaves are not used for warming baby food or milk.

Fast Track Service – Fast Track security is available for a fee, providing priority access through security screening. Passes can be purchased in advance or on-site.
Information Desk – An information desk is available on the Ground Floor near WHSmith. Hours: unknown.

Luggage

Baggage Trolleys – Baggage trolleys are available for a small fee.
Luggage Weighing – A self-service bag weighing option is available to help avoid excess baggage fees.
Luggage Wrapping – A luggage wrapping service is available in the check-in area.

Pharmacy – A Superdrug pharmacy is available. Opening hours generally follow flight schedules.
Postal Services – A mailbox is available for posting letters and postcards.
Smoking – Smoking is not permitted inside the terminal. Designated smoking areas are available both landside and airside.

Money

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available and dispense Sterling and Euros. Fees may apply.
Currency Exchange – Currency exchange services are available, along with ATMs dispensing Sterling and Euros.

Prayer Room – A multi-faith prayer area is available airside.
Rooftop Terrace – A rooftop viewing terrace is available for passengers when weather conditions permit.
Sensory Room – A sensory room is available for travellers who may need a calm space before their flight.
Shopping – In addition to duty-free shopping, a selection of retail stores is available, including WHSmith, InMotion, Accessorize, JD, and Claire’s.

Airlines

Bristol Airport is served by the following airlines: Aer Lingus • Aurigny • Blue Islands • EasyJet • KLM • Lauda • Loganair • Lufthansa • RyanAir • Wizz Air.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

BRS airport is well connected to the bus system. As of this update, some sample options include: Airport Flyer Express Bus, every 10 minutes, £8 single one-way ticket • Airport Flyer connecting to Weston-super-Mare, every hour, £5 single one-way ticket • Bath Bus Company connecting to Bath, every 30 minutes, £15 single one-way ticket. For schedules and additional route and fare information, visit the Bristol Airport website.

Car Rentals

Onsite car rental agencies include: Alamo • Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • National • Sixt • Thrifty.

Compare car rental prices on Expedia

Hotel Shuttles

See Airport Hotels above.

Taxis

Taxis are available in front of the airport terminal on a 24-hour basis. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required. Cash and credit cards are accepted.

Train

The Airport Flyer enables you to access the rail network from Bristol Temple Meads and Weston-super-Mare station. There are frequent services to Bath, the West Country, and further on to London, South Wales and the rest of the UK.

You can buy train tickets to most UK railway stations and the Airport Flyer from the rail ticket machine at the Bristol Airport Arrivals concourse.

Security & Safety

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who woke up without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

Last updated: 2026-02-06

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning. All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice. The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or write a review.