No shuttle bus service in this year's Balloon Fiesta
Organisers are extending general release parking tickets and urging visitors to plan ahead
Last updated 26th Jul 2022
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta has announced there will be no shuttle bus service serving the event for the 2022 edition.
The Fiesta’s popular shuttle bus service is not available in 2022 due to a national shortage of bus drivers, a problem which is effecting all the operators in Bristol and the West of England.
Fiesta Operations Director, Ben Hardy, says all viable options have been exhausted:
“We have worked hard over the last few months to look for alternatives to the Fiesta’s shuttle bus service but all viable options have been exhausted. Having tried to find a workable solution in partnership with all the main operators in the area, the lack of bus drivers means that we are unable to provide this travel option.
"We realise this will be difficult news for many who rely on the service, and we are therefore extending the current lower tier pricing for Fiesta parking until the 31st July to enable those who would like to use a car instead to do so at the cheaper rate.”
As usual, roads around the fiesta site are strictly no parking to reduce the impact on local residents and to allow emergency vehicle access around the local area and to the event.
Organisers have extended the general release parking prices until 31st July and are urging visitors to plan ahead.
They've also recommended other transport routes to the event, including walking along Festival Way: a 40-minute walk from Bristol City Centre to Ashton Court Estate where the event is held.
Ashton Court will also feature bike parking and cycling is encouraged along dedicated cycle routes to the event site.
Visitors are also reminded that the suspension bridge will also be closed from 6pm on Thursday and Saturday evening.
For the first time, for pedestrian safety and to help with traffic flow, the A370 will be closed in both directions from Winterstoke Road to the South Bristol Link Road on Thursday and Saturday night after the nightglow finishes at 10pm until midnight.
The 44th edition of the iconic Bristol International Balloon Fiesta will see Europe’s largest annual ballooning event back at its home in Ashton Court, between 11-14 August.
Mass balloon ascents will take place at 6am and 6pm alongside two nightglows at 9pm on Thursday 11th and Saturday 13th, lighting up the night sky.
A number of local bus services will have increased capacity, dropping visitors within the local vicinity, with a ten-minute walk into the event site. Route and timing information can be accessed via Travel West.
There is also more information on parking available at Bristol Balloon Fiesta's website.