Whether you’re heading to the iconic Glastonbury Festival or exploring the mystical charm of Glastonbury town, getting there isn’t as straightforward as other UK destinations. Nestled in the Somerset countryside, Glastonbury has no train station and limited direct connections. But don’t worry, this transport guide breaks down every option available, from London to Glastonbury and nearby cities, including coaches, trains, taxis, and car travel.
Why Getting to Glastonbury Is Unique
Unlike many towns of its size and popularity, Glastonbury isn’t directly accessible by train. Its rural setting adds to the experience, but it also means travel requires a bit of planning especially during the world-famous Glastonbury Festival.
From music lovers camping for the weekend to spiritual seekers visiting year-round, here’s how to get to Glastonbury with minimal hassle.
Option 1: Coach from London to Glastonbury
One of the easiest and most affordable ways to get to Glastonbury is by coach.
National Express
National Express operates direct coaches from London Victoria Coach Station to Glastonbury town and nearby Wells. The ride typically takes between 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic.
During the Glastonbury Festival, National Express also runs special festival services that drop passengers right at the festival gates. These festival-specific coaches are usually the most convenient way to reach the site without having to transfer.
Pro Tip: Book your coach ticket early—these sell out quickly during the festival season.
Option 2: Train + Shuttle Bus (Via Castle Cary)
While Glastonbury doesn’t have a train station, you can get pretty close.
Step 1: Train from London to Castle Cary
- Board a GWR train from London Paddington to Castle Cary Station.
- The journey takes around 2 hours.
Step 2: Shuttle or Bus to Glastonbury
Once you reach Castle Cary, you have two options:
- During the festival, there’s a dedicated Glastonbury Festival shuttle to the event site.
- For town visits or non-festival times, take a local taxi or bus from Castle Cary to Glastonbury (approximately 30 minutes).
This option is ideal for travelers who prefer speed and are not attending the festival.
Option 3: Driving to Glastonbury by Car
If you enjoy flexibility, driving is a practical option.
Directions from London
- Take the M3, merge with the A303, then follow the A37 to Glastonbury.
- Average drive time: 3–3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Parking During the Festival
Driving to the festival? You won’t be able to park directly at the site unless you’ve pre-booked festival parking. Instead:
- Use Park & Ride services located outside the festival grounds.
- These run frequently and are well-organized.
Regular Town Visits
There’s plenty of public parking available in Glastonbury town throughout the year, especially around the High Street and Abbey Car Park.
Caution: Expect congestion and long wait times if arriving or leaving during peak festival hours.
Option 4: Taxi to Glastonbury from Nearby Cities
If you’re landing at an airport or traveling from nearby cities, taking a taxi to Glastonbury offers a direct, hassle-free route.
Popular Taxi Routes & Prices (Estimated):
- From Bristol: £60–£80 (about 45–60 minutes)
- From Castle Cary: £30–£40 (about 30 minutes)
- From Wells: £15–£20 (15–20 minutes)
Recommended Taxi Services
From Bristol:
- V Cars
- Uber
- Arrow Cars (available at Bristol Airport and city centre)
- For long-distance or airport transfers to and from London, a reliable alternative is pre-booking with a fixed-rate service like My London Transfer—ideal for stress-free travel from Bristol to the capital.
From Glastonbury:
- Avalon Cabs
- Tor Taxis
- Traveling to or from Glastonbury? My London Transfer also offers comfortable, pre-scheduled rides for festival-goers, tourists, and locals heading toward London City Airport, other major airports, or central city destinations.
From Castle Cary:
- Cary Cabs
- Somerset Cars
- Need a direct ride from Castle Cary to London? Avoid transfers and delays with door-to-door taxi service provided by trusted operators like My London Transfer.
Travel Tip:
Always confirm the fare before starting your journey, especially during peak seasons or events. For fixed pricing and guaranteed pickups, pre-booking with a dedicated transfer service can save time and hassle.
Glastonbury City Context: Know Before You Go
Glastonbury Town
Known for its alternative culture, spiritual shops, and Arthurian legends, Glastonbury draws visitors even outside the festival. Key attractions include:
- Glastonbury Tor
- Glastonbury Abbey
- Chalice Well
Nearby Cities to Know
- Bristol: The nearest major city. Great for connecting flights, train links, and accommodations.
- Wells: A quaint cathedral city located just 6 miles from Glastonbury. Often used as a base for visitors.
- Castle Cary: While small, its station is the main railway hub for Glastonbury access.
Travel Tips for Visiting Glastonbury
During the Festival:
- Book early — Whether it’s a taxi, coach, or train, spots fill fast.
- Allow extra time — Traffic and delays are common near festival days.
- Pack light — Long walks from shuttle drop-offs are expected.
- Carry cash — Not all rural taxis or shops accept cards.
Year-Round Visits:
- Check local events — Spiritual retreats and fairs also impact traffic.
- Stay nearby — Wells and Shepton Mallet offer good accommodation options.
- Use local taxis — These are often cheaper and know the rural routes better.
Final Thoughts: Choose the Right Way for You
Whether you’re heading to Glastonbury Festival or exploring the town’s spiritual side, how you get there depends on your priorities—speed, cost, or convenience.
- Budget-friendly? Take the coach.
- Fastest? Go for train + shuttle.
- Most flexible? Drive.
- Most comfortable? Book a taxi from nearby cities like Bristol or Castle Cary.
However you go, plan ahead, book early, and enjoy the journey to one of the UK’s most legendary destinations.
Bonus Tip
Looking for a smooth door-to-door experience? Consider pre-booked taxi transfers especially if you’re arriving late or traveling in a group. They’re often more affordable than you think and save you the post-travel stress.
FAQs: Getting to Glastonbury
Is there a train to Glastonbury?
No. The nearest train station is Castle Cary, about 30 minutes away by taxi or shuttle.
How do I get to Glastonbury outside of festival season?
Use a train to Castle Cary, then a local taxi or bus. You can also take a coach to Wells and a short taxi from there.
Are taxis reliable during the festival?
Yes, but availability can be limited during peak times. Pre-booking is highly recommended.
What’s the fastest way to get to Glastonbury from London?
The fastest option is the train to Castle Cary, followed by a taxi or festival shuttle.
Can I drive to the Glastonbury Festival?
Yes, but only with a pre-booked parking pass. You’ll park in designated areas and take a Park & Ride shuttle.
