Dot to Dot festival (Bristol)

Bristol is easy to reach by many modes of transport. Bristol Airport (BRS), about 8 miles southeast of the city centre, has flights from major UK and European cities. From the airport, express buses (like the Airport Flyer A1) run frequently to Bristol Temple Meads station or the city hub, reaching downtown in roughly 30 minutes. Train travellers will find Bristol Temple Meads is the city’s main railway hub, with fast services from London (Paddington station, around 2 hours), Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and beyond. Bristol Parkway station serves the north part of the city with links to the M4 corridor. For coach travel, the Bristol Coach Station (near the city centre) is served by National Express and other carriers from London and cities throughout the UK.

By car, Bristol sits at the junction of the M4 motorway (from London) and the M5 motorway (from the Midlands). Follow signs for the city centre or Bristol Temple Meads if coming via the motorway. Parking is available but can be limited in the centre during busy weekends. Consider using Park & Ride services at Long Ashton (A370), Portway (M5 west) or Temple Meads (near station) to shuttle into town. Otherwise, public car parks (often labelled NCP or university parking) are scattered around the city, usually with overnight options. Driving apps like Google Maps or Waze can help avoid congestion, especially along major routes on event days.

Once in Bristol, getting around is straightforward. The city has an extensive bus network (First Bus, Wessex Connect and others) covering most areas. A rapid transit service (MetroBus) runs along major routes into the city. Taxis and ride-share options (Uber, local cabs) are readily available, especially near the train and coach stations. Many festival venues lie within a compact area around the city centre, making walking a great option – Bristol is a surprisingly walkable city. For a fun twist, you can also rent a bicycle (Bristol operates city bike hire schemes) to hop between venues while enjoying the sights.

Accommodation in Bristol ranges from budget hostels to upscale hotels. If you’re attending Dot To Dot in the city centre area, look for lodging in BS1 (city centre, Harbourside) or nearby Clifton, Redcliffe, or Old City. Options include well-known chain hotels, boutique guesthouses, and small B&Bs. For something different, Bristol even has a couple of boat hotels and a youth hostel. In any case, book as early as you can – festival weekends often book up fast. Staying near the city core not only keeps you close to the music venues but also to Bristol’s cafes, pubs, and attractions for a complete visit.