Most locations in central Bristol (the Harbourside and Old City areas) are reasonable easily walkable, and there are plenty of attractive walking routes along the quaysides and in the pedestrianised central streets. The main station (Bristol Temple Meads) is a little further (about 20 mins walk) but still accessible by harbourside walkways or by bus. Clifton on the other hand is about two, very hilly, miles away from the centre and using a bus is advisable.

Most bus services in Bristol are operated by First Bristol. As most of Bristol’s hotels and places to visit are located near the city centre or are in the upmarket suburb of Clifton, First Bristol’s number 8 and 9 buses are probably the most useful for visitors. They follow a route from Temple Meads station to Clifton, passing through the main shopping area (Broadmead), the city centre (also handy for the harbourside) and the West End on the way. Single-trip tickets are a flat rate of £1.20.

Because of the way the city center is intimately interwoven with the old ‘floating harbour’, a boat is a good way of getting around as well as seeing a lot of interesting sights. Bristol Ferry Boat runs several ferry services around the harbour, stopping at various quays on route, and even providing a commuter service between the city centre and the main rail station.

Bristol roads can be quite congested, although the congestion is not of the same order as is found in, say, London. Driving is not particularly to be recommended for local journeys, but is probably the best way of seeing the surrounding region.