How to get to the 2026 Bristol Balloon Fiesta

The start of Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is right around the corner.

The free-to-attend event will be held at Ashton Court from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 August for its 48th year.

Visitors will get to see more than 100 balloons of all shapes and sizes take to the skies for morning and evening mass ascents, weather permitting.

Crowds can also expect attractions including an "In the Clouds" immersive exhibition and the popular Friday and Saturday "nightglow" shows, where balloons light up in time to music.

Here is all the information you need to get to the balloon fiesta.

Visitors can take a shuttle bus to and from Bristol Temple Meads train station and the city centre.

The service runs from 10:00 BST on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, until 23:30 on Friday and Saturday and 21:30 on Sunday.

Those planning to use the shuttle bus are asked to book tickets in advance from the event website.

Visitors can also take the m2 metro bus, which runs return services between Bristol Temple Meads and Long Ashton park and ride.

There is a short walk from from the drop off/pick up location to the event site.

The bus runs from 06:13 until 20:50 on Friday, and from 06:20 until 20:50 on Saturday.

There is no service on Sunday.

Passengers can plan their journey using the Travel West journey planner.

All car park tickets must be purchased in advance and are single entry only.

If you're planning to attend any of the 06:00 BST mass balloon ascents, a ticket for the blue car park is needed as it is the only one that opens early (05:00).

The main red car park opens at 10:00 daily, with a separate disabled and motorcycle car park accessible via the Orange Gate. Last entry to all car parks closes at 17:00 on all three days.

The designated pick-up/drop-off point for visitors arriving by taxi is Long Ashton park and ride.

Cyclists can take Festival Way, a traffic-free path connecting the city to Ashton Court Estate and beyond.

The route goes from Queen Square out of the city via Cumberland Road. It then crosses the River Avon to join Kennel Lodge Road and Ashton Court.

Bike parking is available by the Mansion House and the Fallow Deer Park.

The two main walking routes from the city centre are via Festival Way or Clifton Suspension Bridge.

However, the bridge will be closed to all pedestrians and vehicles from 18:00 on Friday and Saturday until midnight.

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