Bristol travel guide

Bristol Tourism | Bristol Guide

You're Going to Love Bristol

With a population of 22,795, Bristol is a must-see destination in Rhode Island, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Bristol deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Bristol

If you’re looking for affordable options, Statesman Tavern (31 State Street) and Pomodoro (271 Wood St) are great picks.

When to visit Bristol

Bristol in November
Estimated hotel price
$133
1 night at 3-star hotel
Bristol in November
Estimated hotel price
$133
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Bristol

Plane

When flying to Bristol, you’ll arrive at Providence-TFGreen Airport (PVD), which is located 9 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Bristol include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest. The shortest domestic flight to Bristol departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 1h 26m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Bristol. The train journey from Bristol to Providence takes 0h 45m and costs around $5 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New Haven, expect to pay about $11 for a 2h 28m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Bristol is to pick up a car rental from New York, which is about 155 miles from Bristol. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Bristol, including OurBus, Bus and Concord Coach Lines. From Providence, the bus ride to Bristol takes 60 miles and will cost you around $16. From Portsmouth, the ticket costs about $54 for a journey of 75 miles.

Plane

When flying to Bristol, you’ll arrive at Providence-TFGreen Airport (PVD), which is located 9 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Bristol include American Airlines, Alaska Airlines and Southwest. The shortest domestic flight to Bristol departs from Washington, D.C. and takes around 1h 26m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Bristol. The train journey from Bristol to Providence takes 0h 45m and costs around $5 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New Haven, expect to pay about $11 for a 2h 28m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Bristol is to pick up a car rental from New York, which is about 155 miles from Bristol. You’ll find branches of Ace and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Bristol, including OurBus, Bus and Concord Coach Lines. From Providence, the bus ride to Bristol takes 60 miles and will cost you around $16. From Portsmouth, the ticket costs about $54 for a journey of 75 miles.

Airlines serving Bristol

Lufthansa
Good (4,665 reviews)
KLM
Good (852 reviews)
SWISS
Good (942 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,539 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,614 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,306 reviews)
Air France
Good (984 reviews)
Iberia
Good (1,585 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (484 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,958 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,120 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,469 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,860 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (229 reviews)
Finnair
Good (872 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,177 reviews)
LOT
Good (685 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (827 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (833 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in popular areas of Bristol

Most booked hotels in Bristol

William's Grant Inn Bed and Breakfast
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, 133 reviews)
$255+
Hyatt Place Warwick/Providence Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 893 reviews)
$131+
Crowne Plaza Providence-Warwick (Airport)
3 stars
Excellent (8.6, 551 reviews)
$150+
Best Western Providence Warwick Airport Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8, 893 reviews)
$118+
NYLO Providence Warwick Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
3 stars
Good (7.9, 360 reviews)
$126+
Bristol Harbor Inn
3 stars
Excellent (9.5, 4 reviews)
$181+

Renting a car in Bristol

Renting a car in Bristol costs $63 per day, on average, or $125 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 14% cheaper than airport locations in Bristol.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Bristol (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Bristol is Compact (Nissan Rogue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 39% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Bristol costs $63 per day, on average, or $125 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 14% cheaper than airport locations in Bristol.

Expect to pay $3.94 per gallon in Bristol (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $47.24 and $62.99. The most frequently booked car type in Bristol is Compact (Nissan Rogue or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Economy rental cars (Ford Fiesta or similar) are, on average, 39% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.