Getting to Glastonbury: Great Western Railway to run more than 60 trains to and from Glastonbury Festival, but reservations are required

GWR News

GWR is set to run more than 60 trains between London Paddington and Castle Cary to transport people to this year’s Glastonbury Festival, with more extra trains running from other parts of the network. 

The Glastonbury Festival site opens to the public from Wednesday 21 June, with thousands expected to make the journey to Castle Cary for the free connecting bus service to Worthy Farm.  

To help people make the most of their Glastonbury experience, GWR is set to operate 39 trains from London Paddington, providing in excess of 26,000 seats between Wednesday and Friday, taking people to the world-famous music festival.  

Demand for train services is set to be so high that GWR is requiring all customers travelling on the route to make a reservation; those travelling are also reminded that a queuing system will be in place at London Paddington to board trains safely, and at Castle Cary to exit the station and board the connecting bus service. 

Those looking to travel on Wednesday are recommended to do so after 1430, with all morning trains already booked up. Availability remains on early morning trains (0703 and 0838) on Thursday, or again after 1430. 

As well as reserving a seat, GWR is reminding customers: 

• Only bring what you can carry. You will need to be able to carry your luggage over the footbridge at Castle Cary before boarding the shuttle bus service to the festival site 
• Do not bring trolleys or sack barrows as these will not be allowed on trains or buses (eScooters are also not allowed on board) 
• Remember to charge your phone if using electronic tickets 
• Remember your railcard (if you have a have a young person’s railcard) 
• The car park at Castle Cary will be closed throughout the festival 

Castle Cary station manager Ben Scott explains: 

“Glastonbury Festival is one of the busiest events on the GWR network and we want to get everyone here in a safe and affordable manner.  

“To offer the very best experience for all of our passengers, that means limiting what can and cannot be brought on board and providing people with the best information we can to let them take advantage of less busy trains. 

“Reserving a seat allows us to see which trains are the busiest, so we can let people know on our website where there is more availability. 

“While we have bottled water on site, given the weather forecast I would also recommend people remember their sunscreen and carry water with them.” 

A further 24 trains will operate for the return journey towards London Paddington on Monday 26 June. Extra services are also being laid on between Castle Cary and Westbury and Castle Cary and Taunton, for those travelling from further afield.  

Once again, a queueing system will be in place at Castle Cary to ensure customers can board trains safely for the return journey. 

Advance Purchase tickets are now available at GWR.com, allowing travellers to see specifically which trains they can book a seat on, and at the cheapest cost. 

Staff will be on hand to assist customers travelling to the festival across the GWR network.  

For more information on trains to Glastonbury Festival, including luggage and shuttle buses from the station, visit GWR’s guide: 

https://www.gwr.com/stations-and-destinations/travel-inspiration/festivals-and-events/glastonbury-festival