Could be better
3
3
Date of visit: May 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Average
First opened on 17 July 2025, Bristol Transport Interchange is a transport hub for buses and taxis, serving those travelling to and from Bristol Airport. This review came as a bit of a surprise, as I was last in Bristol long before the interchange opened - so I didn't expect it to be there. I found it to be reasonably accessible. I was let down by the accessible toilet in this brand new facility. Shoving it at the bottom of a corridor where the cleaning trolley is stored is a choice, and not a very dignified one at that. It does, however, offer great links to Bristol, Bath and beyond, though the return journey on a bus in 36 degree heat with no air conditioning was extremely uncomfortable!
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
Once I found the Interchange, navigation was pretty straightforward, with automatic doors throughout, regular overhead signage directing people to the main access routes and the toilets. The flooring is smooth white tiles, which are easy to traverse with most mobility devices. I spotted an assistance help point near the bus stances. Outside, crossings are marked with zebra crossings and red bubbled tactile paving on either side. There are seating options outside and inside, with the indoor seats featuring USB-C charging ports for devices. An M&S Food can be found in the main foyer, offering slightly cheaper snacks than those in the airport. Once you are through security, they can charge what they want! I must say, I was a little disappointed to see no signage highlighting the presence of hearing loops. I could find nothing online to confirm whether hearing loops or Braille are available throughout the main foyer. That said, the assistance help point did feature Braille and a hearing loop.
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals
Parking & Transport
Average
I travelled to this place by walk or wheel
I flew into Bristol Airport, on a rather uneventful flight, though the return journey was a bit more of an issue - see my Bristol Airport review for that story! The Interchange is just outside of the entrance to the airport, where there are 16 bus stances with routes to Bristol and beyond. I caught the shuttle to Bristol Temple-Meads before continuing on to bath. The bus had two wheelchair spaces - which is great disable folks sometimes travel together. The ramp was manually lowered but I got with my wheelchair and power attachment no problem - larger scooters may not be able to manage boarding however. There is a taxi pick-up, and marked drop off zones. The airport has its own parking areas.
Accessible facilities: Drop-off or pick up point, Electric Vehicle Charging
Accessible Toilets
On visiting the toilet, I found myself asking, why is this not better? The accessible toilet is at the end of the toilet corridor, right where they were keeping a cleaning trolley. This also limited the space to manoeuvre around the toilet door. It was 35°C on the day of my visit and flies were buzzing around outside the toilet door. Not the best first impression. The door opens outwards, (to the cleaning trolley), and does not require a RADAR key. The toilet is compact, but I felt there was enough space to move around in a manual or powerchair, but not a scooter. The toilet pan is against the rear wall and has two contrasting grab rails and a padded backrest, but no contrasting toilet seat. There is space for a right-side transfer, but it's very tight and likely not suitable for many. The sink has a small basin with a sensor-operated tap and a contrasting grab rail. The toilet was not as clean as I would have expected. The red emergency cord is to the left when seated, tucked into the corner of the room, which is a poor position. The flush is sensor-operated and mounted on the wall behind the toilet. There is a colostomy shelf. This is a new facility, it really should be better.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
I cannot rate the staff as I did not speak to them, but the bus driver was rather short with me. He advised, in a critical tone, that I could have boarded a bus that had just left. I am not sure why this mattered, as he still had to drive the bus anyway.
Additional Information
There is a Changing Places toilet in the airport before security, which is fit for purpose, but accessing it requires tracking down a member of staff at the assistance desk. Signage does not make it clear where this is, leaving the only other option to phone a number.
