Quick Summary
A London to Bristol taxi typically costs £160–£220 for a standard saloon, covering the 115–120 mile journey in around 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes via the M4. From Heathrow Airport, fares start lower at £150–£200. London Airport Taxi is a TfL-licensed private hire operator (rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews) offering fixed-fare transfers with no surge pricing, MPV, 7-seater, and 8-seater minibus options for larger parties with luggage.
At-a-Glance Answer (Fare Overview)
For most travellers heading from central London to Bristol, a typical pre-booked taxi fare is £160–£220 for a standard saloon (up to 4 passengers with light luggage). Executive cars usually run £210–£280. Larger vehicles (MPV / 7 seater or 8-seater minibuses for 8 passengers) are typically £240–£310. If heading from Heathrow Airport to Bristol rather than central London, fares start slightly lower at around £150–£200 as Heathrow is already on the western M4 corridor. All fares are fixed at booking — no surge pricing, no hidden charges.
What Affects the Fare from London to Bristol?
Bristol is approximately 115–120 miles west of central London. The primary route follows the M4 motorway, which connects the two cities directly. Your fare is shaped by:
- Pickup location in London: Central London (Paddington, Victoria) adds urban miles. Heathrow or west London pickups are closer to the M4 and reduce the fare.
- Vehicle type & capacity: Saloon, estate, MPV, 7 seater, executive cars, or minibus for 8 passengers.
- Drop-off in Bristol: City centre (Harbourside, Temple Meads), Clifton, Redland, Southville, or wider North Somerset/South Gloucestershire areas like Filton, Bradley Stoke, or Long Ashton.
- Traffic & routing: The M4 is generally straightforward but can slow around the M25 junction, the M4/M5 interchange near Bristol, and through the Brynmawr sections during roadworks.
- Time of day: Night, early morning, or public holiday bookings may carry a surcharge.
- Luggage: Families and international travellers often carry oversized baggage.
Tip: If departing from Heathrow, the journey to Bristol is essentially a straight run west along the M4. This saves 20–40 minutes compared to a central London pickup, and fares are typically £10–£30 lower.
Transparent Transfer Prices (Example Guide)
| Vehicle & Use Case | Seats | Luggage Guide | Example Fare (Central London) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saloon – best for couples/solo | 4 | 2 large + 2 cabin | £160–£220 |
| Estate – more luggage space | 4 | 3 large + 2 cabin | £175–£235 |
| Executive cars – premium comfort | 4 | 2 large + 2 cabin | £210–£280 |
| MPV / 7 seater – families & gear | 7 | 4–5 large + 4 cabin | £240–£300 |
| Minibus (up to 8 passengers) | 8 | Group & kit | £260–£320 |
Taxi vs Train vs Coach: Full Comparison
Bristol is well connected to London by rail — the GWR (Great Western Railway) service from Paddington to Bristol Temple Meads is fast and frequent. Here's how the options stack up:
| Option | Cost (1 Person) | Cost for 4 | Journey Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-booked taxi | £160–£220 (total) | £40–£55 each | 2–2.5 hrs (door to door) | Groups, families, heavy luggage, door-to-door |
| Train (GWR Paddington) | £25–£90 | £100–£360 | 1 hr 40 min – 2 hr | Solo travellers, advance bookings |
| National Express coach | £10–£25 | £40–£100 | 2.5–3 hrs | Budget solo, no rush |
| Megabus | £5–£15 | £20–£60 | 2.5–3.5 hrs | Ultra-budget solo |
Key takeaway: For solo travellers booking in advance, the GWR train is fastest and often cheapest. For 3–4 passengers sharing a taxi at £40–£55 each, you get door-to-door convenience, avoid navigating the Tube to Paddington, and the per-person cost is competitive with off-peak train tickets.
London Airports to Bristol: Which Is Cheapest?
If you're flying into a London airport and heading to Bristol, the airport matters. Bristol also has its own airport (BRS) — worth considering if your airline offers direct flights.
| Airport | Distance to Bristol | Approx. Drive Time | Approx. Saloon Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol Airport (BRS) | ~8 miles | 15–25 min | £20–£35 |
| Heathrow (LHR) | ~100–105 miles | 1 hr 45 min – 2 hr 15 min | £150–£200 |
| Gatwick (LGW) | ~130 miles | 2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min | £200–£260 |
| Luton (LTN) | ~125 miles | 2 hr – 2 hr 30 min | £190–£245 |
| Stansted (STN) | ~155 miles | 2 hr 30 min – 3 hr | £230–£300 |
| London City (LCY) | ~120 miles | 2 hr 15 min – 2 hr 45 min | £195–£255 |
If you can fly directly into Bristol Airport, you save significantly — a local taxi to Bristol city centre is just £20–£35. Otherwise, Heathrow is the closest London airport to Bristol thanks to the direct M4 link.
See full pricing on our Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend price pages.
Why Choose a Taxi over the Train for Bristol?
The London–Bristol train is fast (1 hr 40 min from Paddington), but a taxi makes more sense when:
- You're a group of 3–4+: At £40–£55 each in a shared taxi, you rival off-peak train fares without the Tube to Paddington or luggage hassle.
- You're arriving at Heathrow: A taxi takes you straight from the arrivals hall to your Bristol address. The train alternative requires Heathrow Express/Elizabeth Line to Paddington, then GWR to Temple Meads — adding an hour of connections.
- You have heavy luggage or children: Door-to-door is unbeatable when you're managing pushchairs, car seats, or multiple suitcases.
- Late evening or early morning: Train services reduce after 10 pm and don't start until around 5 am. Taxis run 24/7.
How to Book
Booking takes less than a minute. Enter your London pickup address (hotel, airport terminal, or home) and Bristol destination, choose your vehicle, and get an instant fixed quote. You'll receive confirmation with your driver's name, vehicle details, and meeting point. London Airport Taxi covers all six London airports — see pricing for Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend airports.
London to Bristol: What to Expect on the Day
- Direct route: M4 westbound from London, passing Reading, Swindon, and Bath before arriving in Bristol. Journey time: 2–2.5 hours.
- From Heathrow: The M4 is accessed directly from the airport — no need to enter central London. This is often 20–30 minutes faster.
- Comfort stops: On a 2+ hour journey, stops at motorway services (Leigh Delamere, Membury, or Reading) are available on request.
- Door to door: Delivered directly to any Bristol address — city centre, Clifton, Redland, Stokes Croft, Bedminster, or wider South Gloucestershire.
- Your driver: All drivers are DBS-checked, TfL-licensed, and experienced on the M4 corridor and Bristol approach routes.
Can I Go Bristol to London Instead?
Absolutely. Bristol to London transfers are equally popular, especially for passengers heading to Heathrow, Gatwick, or central London. Pre-booking ensures your TfL-licensed driver is at your Bristol address at the right time. The same fixed fare applies in both directions.
Route Tips & Local Knowledge
- The M4/M5 interchange just north of Bristol (Almondsbury) can be congested during rush hours. Drivers approaching from the east may use the A4 through Bath as an alternative for south Bristol destinations.
- Bath detour: If you'd like to visit the Roman Baths or Royal Crescent en route, Bath is a natural stopping point just off the M4 at Junction 18. Multi-stop pricing is available.
- University of Bristol and University of the West of England (UWE) both see high demand for London airport transfers during term start/end. International students should book early for September and January arrivals.
- Bristol's Clean Air Zone applies to certain vehicles but does not affect pre-booked private hire cars meeting Euro 6 emission standards. London Airport Taxi's fleet meets these standards, and your fare includes any applicable charges.
- For North Somerset destinations (Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon, Portishead), add 15–30 minutes beyond Bristol city centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a taxi from London to Bristol?
A pre-booked saloon taxi from central London to Bristol typically costs £160–£220 with London Airport Taxi, a TfL-licensed private hire operator rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews. The journey covers approximately 115–120 miles in 2 to 2.5 hours via the M4 motorway. From Heathrow Airport, fares are slightly lower at £150–£200 as you join the M4 directly. For groups of 3–4 passengers, the per-person cost of £40–£55 is competitive with off-peak GWR train fares. All fares are fixed at booking with no surge pricing.
How long does a taxi take from London to Bristol?
The journey typically takes 2 to 2 hours 30 minutes via the M4 motorway from central London, passing Reading, Swindon, and Bath. From Heathrow Airport, it's often 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes as you skip the London traffic and join the M4 directly. The M4 is generally fast-flowing, with occasional slowdowns around the M25 junction, near Swindon (Junction 15–16), or at the M4/M5 interchange near Bristol (Almondsbury). Comfort stops at motorway services are available on request.
Is the train faster than a taxi from London to Bristol?
The GWR train from Paddington to Temple Meads takes about 1 hour 40 minutes — faster than driving. However, total journey time depends on where you start and finish. You need to factor in getting to Paddington (30+ minutes from most London locations via the Tube or Elizabeth Line) and from Temple Meads to your final Bristol destination. For Heathrow arrivals, there is no direct train to Bristol — you'd need the Elizabeth Line to Paddington first, then GWR, adding an hour of connections. A direct taxi from Heathrow is often comparable in total time.
Should I fly into Bristol Airport instead of a London airport?
If your airline serves Bristol Airport (BRS), it's far cheaper for the onward transfer — a local taxi to Bristol city centre is just £20–£35, compared to £150–£220 from London. Bristol Airport serves over 100 destinations across Europe, including major cities and holiday routes operated by easyJet, Ryanair, and other carriers. However, for long-haul international flights, Heathrow remains the nearest London airport to Bristol thanks to the direct M4 motorway link.
Can I book a taxi from London to Bristol for 7 or 8 passengers?
Yes. London Airport Taxi offers a full range of vehicle options from standard saloons right up to 8-seater minibuses, all with professional, DBS-checked drivers. For 7 passengers, an MPV such as a Mercedes V-Class costs £240–£300 from central London. For 8 passengers, a minibus costs £260–£320. International students relocating to Bristol, families, and groups attending events regularly book these larger vehicles. All bookings include fixed pricing, free cancellation, and meet-and-greet service at airports.
What if my flight is delayed when arriving at a London airport?
Your driver monitors your flight in real time using live tracking systems and adjusts the pickup time automatically — there is no extra charge for flight delays. Upon landing, your TfL-licensed driver will be waiting inside the arrivals hall with a name board showing your name. All airport pickups include 30 minutes of complimentary waiting time from the actual landing time, giving you ample time to clear customs, collect baggage, and make your way through the terminal.
Can the driver stop at Bath on the way to Bristol?
Yes — Bath is just 12 miles east of Bristol along the M4/A4 corridor, making it a natural midway stopping point. A sightseeing stop at the Roman Baths or Royal Crescent, or a passenger drop-off in Bath, can be added as a multi-stop. The detour adds approximately 30–60 minutes depending on how long you spend. Mention this when booking for an accurate multi-stop quote. See our London to Bath guide for dedicated Bath transfer pricing.
Summary: Getting the Best Value
For stress-free travel between London and Bristol, a pre-booked fixed-fare taxi provides door-to-door comfort for £160–£220 in a saloon. The M4 makes this a straightforward motorway journey, and for groups of 3–4, the per-person cost rivals the train — without changes, the Tube, or dragging suitcases through Paddington. London Airport Taxi is TfL-licensed, rated 4.9/5 across 450+ reviews, and operates 24/7 with DBS-checked drivers. Book your London to Bristol taxi online now for an instant fixed-price quote.
