Major Highways & Driving Tips in Bristol, Bristol, City of, United Kingdom
1. M5 Motorway
The M5 is a major motorway connecting Bristol with London and the South West. It offers quick access to other parts of England.
- Length: Stretches for about 183 miles from London to Exeter
- Usage: High volume of traffic, especially during peak hours and holiday seasons
- Speed Limits: Usually has a speed limit of 70mph but can decrease to 50mph in certain sections
2. M4 Motorway
The M4 connects Bristol with London and Wales. It's an essential route for travel between these regions.
- Length: Approximately 130 miles long from London to Fishguard in Wales
- Toll Roads: Has a toll section (M4 Prince of Wales Bridge) near Newport, Wales
- Speed Limits: Uses variable speed limits to manage traffic flow and road safety
3. A4 Portway
The A4 Portway is a major road running through Bristol city centre, connecting the M4 with the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
- Route: Passes through several key areas in Bristol including Temple Meads station and the historic Harbourside
- Tourist Attraction: Provides easy access to Brunel's SS Great Britain and the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Congestion: Can become congested during rush hours and event days in Bristol city centre
4. Clifton Suspension Bridge
An iconic suspension bridge connecting Clifton with Leigh Woods. It offers a beautiful view of Bristol harbour and city.
- Construction: Designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel, it is an impressive feat of Victorian engineering
- Pedestrian Walkway: Has a pedestrian walkway open to the public for free
- Toll: No toll is charged for vehicles, but a donation is requested to maintain the bridge
5. Bridgewater Bridge
A twin-tower suspension bridge across the Avon Gorge connecting Ashton Gate and Leigh Woods.
- Construction: Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, it complements the Clifton Suspension Bridge
- Pedestrian and Cyclist Friendly: Offers a pedestrian and cycle path for leisure activities or commuting
- Location: Provides stunning views of the Avon Gorge, Clifton Suspension Bridge, and the city
6. Avon Ring Road
A major road encircling Bristol city centre to reduce traffic congestion.
- Circumference: Measures approximately 14 miles around the city
- Usage: Carries a mix of local and through traffic
- Speed Limits: Uses a 30mph speed limit in most areas
7. A4 Bath Road
An important road connecting Bristol with Bath. It offers scenic views and historic sites along the way.
- Distance: About 12 miles long from central Bristol to Bath
- Tourist Attraction: Passes by several attractions such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Royal Victoria Park
- Speed Limits: Usually has a speed limit of 30-40mph depending on the section
8. Bond Street and Park Street
Two major roads in Bristol city centre with numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions.
- Shopping Destination: Home to Cabot Circus shopping mall, Debenhams, John Lewis, and other high-street retailers
- Congestion: Can become congested during rush hours and event days in Bristol city centre
- Parking: Has on-street parking, multi-storey car parks, and NCP car parks available for commuters
9. Bristol Port
A major international port serving the city of Bristol with cargo, passenger, and vehicle traffic.
- Cargo Traffic: Handles a variety of cargoes such as containers, vehicles, and bulk goods
- Passenger Traffic: Serves ferries to Ireland, the Channel Islands, and France
- Road Connectivity: Has road connections to the M4, M5, A38, and A4 ports
10. A38 Bristol Road
An important route connecting Bristol city centre with the South West. It offers links to major towns and cities.
- Length: Approximately 40 miles long from Bristol to Gloucester
- Usage: Carries a high volume of traffic, especially during peak hours and holiday seasons
- Speed Limits: Uses a mix of 30-60mph speed limits depending on the section
11. A4174 Avon Ring Road - North and South
Two sections of the Avon Ring Road connecting different areas north and south of Bristol city centre.
- Length: The North section is approximately 6 miles long while the South section is about 8 miles
- Usage: Carries a mix of local and through traffic as well as HGVs
- Speed Limits: Uses a 30-40mph speed limit in most areas
12. A369 Bath Road - North
A major road connecting Bristol city centre with the north of the county and Bath.
- Distance: About 18 miles long from central Bristol to North Wraxall
- Tourist Attraction: Passes by several attractions such as the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, and Prior Park Landscape Garden
- Speed Limits: Usually has a speed limit of 30-40mph depending on the section
13. A37 Wells Road
A busy road connecting Bristol city centre with the town of Wells in Somerset.
- Distance: Approximately 25 miles long from central Bristol to the historic town of Wells
- Tourist Attraction: Passes by several attractions such as The Bishop's Palace and Wells Cathedral
- Speed Limits: Usually has a speed limit of 30-40mph depending on the section
14. Bristol Airport
A major international airport serving Bristol and the South West. It offers flights to numerous destinations worldwide.
- Flights: Offers flights to over 150 destinations across Europe, North America, and the Middle East
- Road Connectivity: Has road connections to the M5, A38, and A4 ports
- Parking: Provides on-site parking options for short and long stays
15. Park & Ride Services
A public transport system where commuters park their vehicles at designated sites outside the city centre and take a bus into Bristol.
- Location: Located near major roads such as M32, M4, and A4
- Cost: Usually less expensive than city centre parking or driving within the congestion zone
- Environmental Impact: Helps reduce traffic congestion and environmental pollution in Bristol city centre