Getting to Glastonbury: Your Simple Guide to Navigating the Pilgrimage

Glastonbury Festival is an event known for its incredible music and unique atmosphere. Heading to Worthy Farm in Somerset is an exciting trip, but with so many people attending, planning how you’ll get there is key to a smooth start. There isn’t a train station right at the festival site, but there are several common ways to make your trip. Your best choice depends on things like your budget, where you’re coming from, how much stuff you have, and if you prefer convenience or being eco-friendly.

Here’s a straightforward look at your transport options:

Driving: Many people drive to bring gear and must buy a car parking pass with their festival ticket; parking without one isn’t allowed. Follow the yellow AA signs instead of your sat-nav for the best routes to the car parks, as there are different colored routes for various areas, guided by stewards. Expect heavy traffic on Wednesday and Thursday, and Monday. To avoid queues, arrive early on Wednesday or later on Thursday, and consider leaving before 8 am or later on Monday.

• Driving Tips: Book your pass early (they sell out!), follow the yellow signs, check your car (tyres, fuel, oil), pack car essentials (water, first-aid), and consider carpooling to split costs and help the environment.

Official Coach Travel: Taking the official National Express coach is a popular and greener option for getting to the festival. It drops you near Pedestrian Gate A, minimizing your walk with luggage. Coach tickets are often sold as packages with festival tickets and depart from various UK locations. Enjoy a relaxed journey while meeting other attendees, but remember to check luggage limits.

• Coach Tips: Book coach tickets and packages very early as they sell out fast, check departure times and locations carefully, pack smart within luggage limits, bring things to do on the journey, and wear comfortable clothes.

Train: You can take a train to Castle Cary station, which is the closest station to the festival site, about a 30-minute drive away. From Castle Cary, a free shuttle bus runs continuously to the festival bus station near Pedestrian Gate A during the main arrival and departure days, from Wednesday to Monday, during the daytime. You must show your festival ticket to board the shuttle. Using the train can help you avoid road traffic, but be ready for possible queues for the shuttle bus, especially at busy times.

• Train Tips: Book train tickets in advance for better prices, time your arrival at Castle Cary with shuttle bus hours, be ready to manage your luggage for the transfers, and keep your festival ticket accessible for the shuttle.

Cycling: Cycling is an eco-friendly and adventurous way to arrive. The festival supports cyclists with dedicated facilities like secure bike parks and specific routes. Services like ‘Bike to Glasto’ can transfer your luggage, so you don’t have to carry it all while riding. There’s often a special campsite for cyclists, offering a calmer space, and cycling can mean using quicker entry gates. It’s a great way to arrive, reducing your impact on the environment.

• Cycling Tips: Plan your route, consider a luggage transfer service to make the ride easier, ensure your bike is in good working order before you set off, bring a good lock even though the bike park is secure, and pack light for the ride itself.

Motorbikes: Motorbikes have dedicated parking available. They aren’t allowed on the main festival site, but there’s a free, secure parking compound near the Festival Bus Station. Follow the Yellow Route signs to find it; no car parking pass is needed. Security will log your bike’s details, and you’ll get a slip to re-enter. You can use free property lock-ups inside the site for helmets or gear. Motorbikes might navigate traffic more easily, but they limit how much gear you can bring.

• Motorbike Tips: Follow specific motorbike parking signs, pack lightly as space is limited, and use the free lock-ups inside the festival for your riding gear.

Other Ways 

Local Buses and Walking

While official coaches and trains with shuttles are the best for direct access to the site, local buses go to Glastonbury town centre. This is a few miles away and would require a taxi or a long walk with your camping gear to reach Worthy Farm. Walking is possible if you’re coming from very nearby, but be prepared for distances and ensure you can carry your gear over potentially uneven ground.

Accessible Transport

Glastonbury prioritises accessibility. They offer special transport and parking for attendees with disabilities. You must apply for this in advance through their access application process, usually needing an Access Card or Glastonbury Access Pass, and providing documentation. Approved individuals can use accessible parking, shuttle services, and the Accessible Campsite with special facilities. Apply early due to high demand.

Thinking Sustainably

The festival promotes sustainable travel to reduce its environmental impact. Choosing public transport (coach, train), cycling, or carpooling significantly lowers carbon emissions compared to driving alone. Making these greener choices aligns with the festival’s ethos.

Booking and Arrival Timing

Booking your transport early is crucial; coach packages and car parking passes sell out fast after tickets are released. Consider when you arrive: gates open Wednesday, popular for getting good camping spots, but busiest for travel. Arriving later Wednesday or Thursday might mean less traffic, though popular areas could be full.

Conclusion

Getting to Glastonbury requires some planning, but choosing the right transport method makes a big difference. Consider your options, book early, travel safely, and get ready for an incredible time at Worthy Farm!

Perhaps checking out Lord Ping’s opinion on Glastonbury will give you some time to think whether you’d like to attend or not.