Drivers using Bristol Airport will face a higher charge to drop off passengers from next year, as the airport announces a significant increase to its terminal access fee.
New Tariffs for 2026
From Monday 5 January 2026, the cost of using the quickest ‘Drop Off & Pick Up’ car park will rise from £7 to £8.50 for a standard 10-minute stay. The change was confirmed by the airport, which serves as a major transport hub for the South West of England.
For Blue Badge holders dropping off or picking up, the fee will also increase to £8.50. However, they will continue to benefit from an extended stay allowance of 40 minutes at that price. The airport advises that Blue Badges must still be presented and scanned at the exit barrier to qualify.
Cheaper Alternatives for Longer Waits
Passengers and drivers needing more time are being directed to other facilities to avoid the premium charge. The airport recommends using either the Short Stay Car Park or the free 1 hour Waiting Zone located away from the terminal.
The free Waiting Zone is designed for drivers to wait until their passenger is ready for collection. A frequent shuttle bus service then connects this zone to the terminal's Transport Interchange, operating from the Car Rental Centre.
Important Booking and Access Rules
The airport operates a strict no return policy within 30 minutes of exiting the drop-off zone. All car parks use Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, so the vehicle's registration must match the one entered during any advance booking.
If you need to switch cars after booking, you can amend your vehicle details online via the "Manage my Booking" portal. While it is possible to book some parking spaces up to three hours before arrival, the airport strongly recommends booking in advance to secure the best rate and guarantee a space.
This price adjustment for 2026 marks the latest change to passenger charges at the site, reflecting ongoing operational costs for the airport.
