New airport links could include trams or light rail

New public transport links between Bristol city centre and Bristol Airport could include buses, an electric-powered tram or a light railway.

The airport in North Somerset is the largest in the UK without a mass transit link with passengers having to drive, get a taxi, a coach, or use the Airport Flyer bus.

The West of England Combined Authority (Weca) has announced that the North Somerset Gateway - which includes Bristol Airport - will be one of the key focus areas in its transport vision.

West of England Mayor Helen Godwin said: "Together, we can and must deliver the integrated transport system that people need and deserve."

Godwin was joined by Bristol Airport boss Dave Lees and council leaders as Weca's transport plans for the area were announced at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol earlier.

Last year, a new £60m transport interchange with thousands of parking spaces and space for more buses and coaches was opened at Bristol Airport in a bid to encourage the use of public transport.

However, the site is only served by the A1 and A3 Airport Flyers from Bristol and Weston-super-Mare, the A4 Air Decker from Bath and national coach services.

Weca said mass transit between Bristol and the airport could come in the form of an electric-powered tram or a light rail solution. Another option could be longer buses that run on segregated roads and have low floors as well as additional decks with their own entry and exit points.

Although the authority received £752m from the government's spending review in 2025, Godwin said further investments would be needed to achieve the plans.

She added that Weca was working to develop a 15-year plan to deliver mass transit to the area, with an ambition to start delivery of the first projects within four to five years.

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