It is situated on Marlborough Street, near the Broadmead shopping area.

The original bus station and onsite depot were opened in 1958 by the Bristol Omnibus Company.

[1] Before 1958 Bristol had no bus station; most country and long-distance coach services departed from Prince Street, and others used street stops in the Centre, Canon's Road and Old Market.

Bays 10 to 19 are for local bus services to locations outside of Bristol.

Bristol Bus and Coach Station has many facilities including a First Bus Travelhub which offers information and ticket sales for First Bus services, a National Express Ticket Sales and Information Desk, National Express ticket machines, The Coffee Room cafe, 24-hour security and public toilets including an accessible toilet.