Bristol Bus Advice

[whole diary]

[devon_metro]

I have to travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol University soon, i've just had a look at the First website and it isn't overly helpful. Don't suppose anybody on here has enough knowledge of the Bristol bus network to point me to which service I should board! TIA^▸ (Transient Ischemic Attack (aka "mini-stroke"))

[moonrakerz]

Any use ?

http://www.bristol.ac.uk/university/maps/by-train.html

[devon_metro]

I did have a look at that, however upon checking the First timetables specified, there was no reference to the University - I would have thought such an important place would make it onto the timetables!

[Brucey]

You need to take the number 8 or 9 bus - depending on where you are going.

If you want to go to Park Street/Clifton Triangle, then either bus is fine.

If you want the university precinct (namely Tyndall Avenue) then you'll have to take the number 9.

If you are going to a hall of residence or a specific department, then you may need another bus.  Let me know where you're going in the university and I'll let you know which bus!

Fares are ^1.60 single, not sure about the return.

Edited to add: they are very regular, usually every 5-15 minutes from Temple Meads.  You may prefer to buy a ticket to Clifton Down or Redland station then walk (about 10 mins) as this could work out cheaper (depending on where you are coming from and what ticket you buy).

[matt473]

PlusBus would save you money in Bristol if you need to travel on more than one service. I also reccomend that you take any times for busses with a pinch of salt as congestion in Bristol makes a large number of busses late so I would allow plenty of time for catching the bus back to Temple Meads.

I'm assuming you are going for an open day which should include useful travel information for those attending.

[devon_metro]

Thanks for the info, their website did say the no 8/9 however the link to the timetable was not valid, so wasn't sure if it was the case.

Looking at a map I have, Park Street looks very convenient. The PlusBus supplement is ^2.35 so probably won't be much different to the Return price, might get that instead.

Thanks for the replies.

[Brucey]

There is a little known ticket called Bristol Buslink.  A return "train ticket" from Bristol Temple Meads to Bristol Buslink (L125) costs ^1.50.  It is valid (or so the First bus shop informed me, you would need to double check this) for one journey in each direction on the 8/9 to College Green, which is at the bottom of Park Street.  The climb up Park Street can be a very refreshing way to meet Bristol!

If you need to know anything about the university, just give me a shout - I'm about half way through my second year.

[JayMac]

Another option, and it's free!!

http://bristol.ac.uk/transportplan/transport/bus/hubstimetableandmap.pdf

[devon_metro]

Where should I look for on the timetables for Bristol Uni. Would be interest in how long it takes, as I have a window of 40 minutes to make the bus journey.

[Brucey]

Where should I look for on the timetables for Bristol Uni. Would be interest in how long it takes, as I have a window of 40 minutes to make the bus journey.

The journey time is very variable as sometimes the traffic is awful whereas other times it is perfect.  On a good day, it'll take about 30 minutes on the bus.  Bad day can take 1hr+ (partly due to traffic around Station Approach).

Walking takes about 30-40 minutes, this is the route I prefer to take:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=bristol+temple+meads&daddr=B4053%2FVictoria+St+to:A4018%2FCollege+Green+to:51.455986,-2.606077&hl=en&geocode=FYwKEQMdnZfY_ynPddkxY45xSDHqAz8JKoIGRw%3BFZIdEQMd9nfY_w%3BFfAZEQMdqlXY_w%3B&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=3&sz=15&via=1,2&dirflg=w&sll=51.451921,-2.594748&sspn=0.013479,0.038581&ie=UTF8&z=15

[devon_metro]

Blimey that's quite a considerable amount of time on the bus. Might walk, shouldn't take too long as I'm a fairly quick walker.

[matt473]

Service 8/9 should take no more than 20 minutes so if you have to take the bus this may be the better option with PlusBus. But walking is the better option as I regularly walk form my flat on Rupert Street to Temple Meads and I regularly beat the bus due to traffic during peak hours.

[Chris from Nailsea]

If you're happy walking, devon_metro - in all but torrential rain, for example - I too would recommend walking.

The convoluted one-way system and bizarre bus routes around the traffic-jammed city centre in Bristol just cause delays - better to walk!

C. 

[JayMac]

Where should I look for on the timetables for Bristol Uni. Would be interest in how long it takes, as I have a window of 40 minutes to make the bus journey.

Bristol Uni is spread across many buildings in Clifton, Tyndalls Park and Cotham. So it depends to which part of the campus you are headed as to what would be the best place to alight. Your 40 minute window should be OK if you are avoiding rush hours.

And as Brucey says, the walk can be nice if the weather isn't inclement. Bristol to Clifton area tis a bit hilly mind!

[JayMac]

Yet another option to consider is jumping on the train to the SVB line, if timings permit, and alight at Clifton Down station. Then it's just a 10 minute walk down Whiteladies Road to the main campus sites.