How to get to Balloon Fiesta by bus, car train and bike

The preview and countdown to this year's fiesta was held near Bristol Cathedral on July 24

Bristol's iconic International Balloon Fiesta is returning in a week's time.

The Ashton Court event will this year run for three days instead of four, amid rising costs.

Executive director Ben Hardy previously said the change would save money and safeguard the future of the fiesta. The shortened event will still include two Night Glows, on Friday and Saturday evenings.

For those planning to attend the 46th fiesta, which is running between between 9 to 11 August, we have listed travel details below.

By train and shuttle

About 120 hot air balloons are scheduled to take flight, including participants of the British National Hot Air Balloon Championships.

Visitors travelling by train can use a shuttle service from Bristol Temple Meads directly to and from the event.

The service will run at "frequent intervals" over the weekend, with an adult ticket costing £7, child (under 16 years of age) ticket £5 and a group ticket (for up to five passengers) at £20

The timings are as follows:

• Friday- 11:30 to 21:00 onward and from midday till 23:30 return

• Saturday- 10:00 to 21:00 onward and midday till 23:30 return

• Sunday- 10:00 to 19:00 onward and 10:30 to 21:30 return.

Driving

An economic impact survey identified the event as Bristol's most valuable outdoor event - injecting £22.2m into the city's economy in 2023 alone

Parking spaces for those arriving by car will need to be booked in advance. Visitors are reminded that parking prices will increase from Monday, 5 August.

If you're planning to attend any of the 06:00 BST mass balloon ascents over the weekend, a Blue car parking ticket will be needed as it is the only car park 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 BST on all three days.

The designated pick-up/drop-off point for visitors arriving by taxi is the Long Ashton Park and Ride point.

Cycling or walking

The shortened Balloon Fiesta will still include two Night Glow events, which will now take place on the Friday and Saturday evenings

Cyclists can travel along the 'Festival Way', a traffic-free route connecting the city to Ashton Court estate.

It picks up from Queens Square heading towards Cumberland Road, after which you can travel over River Avon to Kennel Lodge Road as you enter Ashton Court.

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

The two main walking routes into the fiesta site are through Festival Way or via the Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is closed to all pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles between 18:00 BST to midnight on Friday and Saturday.