Bristol Cruise Terminal: Port Info

Bristol Royal Portbury Cruise Terminal, BS20 7XJ

The gateway to the West Country, Bristol's population is famous for their quirky local accent and friendliness. Bristol is one of England's most beautiful and vibrant cities with a great deal to see and do either side of your cruise with lots of events in the city and around Bristol harbour.

Bristol is a city with a real creative edge, from Aardman entertainment of Wallace and Gromit fame, to the infamous graffiti artist Banksy and Isambard Kingdom Brunel. The work of both creatives can be seen throughout ‘Brizzle’ from Banksy's early and best-known graffiti sprinkled around the city to Kingdom's incredible Clifton suspension bridge and SS Great Britain dry-docked in the picturesque harbour.

As an alternative to cruises from Bristol, we recommend seeing cruises from Liverpool.

Cruises from Bristol

Many other cruise lines stop off at or start their journeys from Bristol, especially during the peak summer months, such as Ambassador Cruise Line's Ambition. 

Most cruises from Bristol go on to cover the rest of the British Isles, taking in Dublin, the west coast of Ireland and the Scottish highlands and islands, as well as famous English port cities as part of mini cruises from Bristol. Others head to Northern Europe including the Baltic and Fjords, while the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Canaries are popular with those looking for sun.

Getting to Bristol-Avonmouth Cruise Terminal

By Car

Driving is the easiest method to get to the terminal due to Bristol’s fantastic motorway and road connections, making your approach free from congested traffic as you follow signs straight to the docks.

You must reserve a long term parking space with your cruise booking. After dropping your luggage off at the port, you will be guided to the nearby parking facility. Remember to bring your parking confirmation printout and to display your ticket clearly in the front window.

By Public Transport

From Bristol Temple Meads, Bristol Parkway and the airport, trains are slow but regular despite having to change. The closest station is Avonmouth but do not make the mistake of thinking you can walk to the terminal from there. There are no public transport connections from Avonmouth or even a taxi rank so a pre-ordered taxi is the only way to the terminal; approaching by foot is not permitted.

Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway have taxi ranks but the terminal doesn’t. Make sure to order a taxi to meet you.

You can fly to Bristol Airport from many European destinations although most are seasonal timetables. Bristol Airport is 25 minutes away from the cruise terminal by taxi or coach but public transport can take up to 2 hours by bus and train connections via the city centre.

Bristol-Avonmouth Cruise Terminal Facilities

The Cruise Terminal offers limited amenities including a seated waiting area, café and toilets.

There are several car hire companies along St. Andrew’s Rd near the port terminal.

There is no left luggage facility near the port as the cruise terminal simply handles your luggage from arrival to boarding through security. It is recommended that you stay the night in Bristol before or after if wishing to explore the city without luggage.

There are shops and small supermarkets, including a post office, near the station around the terminal where you can buy snacks and use the ATM. However, you will have to stop prior to entering the terminal. You cannot walk back as it is not within easy walking distance and you cannot enter the port by foot.

Tourism: what to do and see near Bristol

If you have time either side of you cruise from Bristol, you simply have to take a look around this colourful city. Around the harbour you will find bars and restaurants full of character and a city centre full of great restaurants and numerous hotels.

Top tourist sights to see in Bristol include the SS Great Britain and Clifton Suspension Bridge, both designed by Brunel. There is also a fantastic open-top tour bus experience taking in these sites as well as many of Banksy’s early work spread throughout the city. Don’t forget to peek through the window at the Aardman studio by the harbour too, for an exclusive look behind the scenes of Britain’s much-loved clay characters, Wallace, Gromit and Chicken Run.

If driving, there is a great park and ride service to and from the city to take advantage of. Don’t forget to branch out either - Stonehenge and Bath are only just over an hour, and 45 minutes away respectively.

	Opening times	Price	Info
SS Great Britain	10am-5pm	Kids: £13.50 Adults: £22	Famously restored dry-docked ship
Bus Tour	10am-4pm	Kids: £11.50 Adults: £17	Hop-on/off bus tour
Roman Baths	24/7	Free	Park St, Nelson St etc
Street Art	10am-6pm	Free	Contemporary art