Discover Bristol with megabus

Bristol is a city with a distinctly rebellious streak. From the shopping scene, which has more independents than well-known stores, to the street art that brightens up every corner, it’s a one-of-a-kind type of place. So it’s no wonder this unique port city has played a starring role on TV in everything from Sherlock to Skins. You can see all the locations featured for yourself when you book bus travel to Bristol. Just don’t expect to be able to compare the place to anywhere else, because this city doesn’t follow the crowd.

Bristol: top 3 things to do

1. See the city by boat

Bristol is built on the water, from its physical position on the River Avon, to its history a thriving trading port. Today, the city’s waterways provide the perfect introduction to the place, and you can jump – ok, step – onto a waterbus with Bristol Ferry Boats 364 days a year. That’s right – you’ll have to find another means of transport on Christmas Day.

2. Brunel’s SS Great Britain

Step aboard Brunel’s famous ship, launched in 1843, and find out what makes it one of Bristol’s top visitor attractions. It’s a ‘living’ museum, which means you can expect to meet Victorian characters when you head below-deck. Tickets are valid for 12 months, and you’ll find it on Harbourside.

3. The symbol of Bristol

You can't visit Bristol and not see the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge. Whether you just want to walk over it, pop along to the Visitors Centre to see history displays or take in a free tour of the bridge - this has to be one of your must dos. Or you can don your hard hat between Easter and October and take part in one of the famous Hard hat tours where you'll go behind the scenes to explore Brunel's hidden chambers.

Bristol: getting around

When you travel to Bristol with megabus you can usually expect things like free WiFi* onboard the coach and a 20kg luggage allowance to cover all your packing. You can find out more about what’s included on that side of things on our on board facilities page.

Once you step off the bus in Bristol, the Tourist Information Centre on Harbourside is a good place to start. From here you can pick up maps and buy bus tickets to get around the city’s main areas. Harbourside itself will keep you busy for hours, though. Brunel’s SS Great Britain, Bristol Aquarium and At-Bristol Science Centre are all in this area.

There’s also a regular ferry service that stops at all the main attractions on the waterfront – just look for Number Seven Boats and Bristol Ferry Boats.

Bristol is pretty hilly, so a bus or taxi is the best way to get to other areas like the city centre and old city, and Clifton. You can use our friends at Euro Taxis, as they offer a reliable and cost-effective way to get about. Or, hire a bike if your legs can handle it, and you can take whatever route you fancy.

Bristol: best for nightlife

Booked your Bristol coach travel and wondering what to do in the evening? Take in a show at Bristol Old Vic, the longest continually-running theatre in the UK. Or, watch some stand-up comedy – there’s a Jongleurs on Canons Road, and you’ll find plenty more independent venues.

If you’re going out-out, the city centre has more bars and clubs than you can fit into the space of an evening. Clifton is the place for an upmarket night out, and Stokes Croft has an alternative feel. Wherever you end up, make sure you stop for a quick half at the Coronation Tap. Clifton’s only ciderhouse is something of a rite of passage for uni students arriving in the city.

Bristol: best for shopping

Bristol’s Gloucester Road takes the crown as Europe’s longest street of independent shops. It’s full of one-off shops and tiny pop-ups, along with neighbouring Stokes Croft, which also happens to have some of Banksy’s best street art on show. Clifton Village will be more your cup of tea if you’re a fan of posh boutiques and classy cafés. And Bristol Shopping Quarter, in the heart of the city, is the place to go for high street brands and affordable labels.

Bristol for free: our top 3

1. Set off on a Sherlock or Skins location trail

Bristol Film Office has put together a downloadable walking trail of all the locations featured in Sherlock, and there are absolutely loads of them. Follow in the eccentric detective’s footsteps for free, or try the trail for fans of Skins, the grimy teen drama about a group of Bristol sixth-formers. Or try out our very own Showstoppers guide, so you can visit the locations of shows like Skins and Outlaws.

2. Visit Bristol Cathedral

Bristol’s beautiful Cathedral is on College Green in the city’s West End, and it’s open 365 days a year. It dates back to the 1100s and its haunting interior has been featured in film and TV including, of course, the BBC’s Sherlock. This is Bristol, after all.

3. Follow the Arnos Vale Cemetery trail

Right in the heart of the city you’ll find a secret garden of serenity, also known as Arnos Vale. It’s a Victorian garden cemetery that covers 45 acres. Follow the trail and you’ll find beautiful classical buildings, sculptures and monuments, all surrounded by nature.

See all available coaches to Bristol using the megabus journey planner at the top of the page.

We serve Bristol from over 10 routes including:

*Subject to availability and connection