Sam Ryder Among ‘Climate Heroes’ Going To Glastonbury Festival By Train

A host of musical stars will let the train take the strain as they travel to perform at the Glastonbury Festival, and you can join them.

Taking the train is 67% less polluting than driving and several stars including Sam Ryder; Nova Twins; Self Esteem and Greentea Peng have signed a pledge, “I came by train” – promoted on social channels to be a climate hero.

How can I join them?

As more festival goers prioritise eco-friendly travel, taking the train to the world-famous Glastonbury Festival remains the most sustainable and convenient choice. Here’s everything you need to know about securing your tickets before they sell out.

The journey is just an hour and 40 minutes from London Paddington to Castle Cary, where a free bus service is available to Worthy Farm, home of Glastonbury.

“I came by train” is a Trainline campaign encouraging music lovers to ditch the car keys and board the train for a more sustainable and stress-free way to get to Glastonbury Festival this summer.

When do train tickets go on sale and how can can I save money?

GWR is the main train operator serving Castle Cary station – the closest to the Glastonbury Festival site. Unlike other ticket retail sites, it offers fee-free ticket sales meaning you’ll always get the best value price at GWR.com.

The Glastonbury Festival site opens to the public from Wednesday 25 June with thousands expected to make the journey over Wednesday 25, Thursday 26 and Friday 27 for the festival which ends on Sunday 29 – for travel home on the Monday.

Demand for trains is set to be so high that Great Western Railway requires all customers travelling to Castle Cary to make a reservation in advance. You may also have to queue at London Paddington to board trains safely, and at Castle Cary to exit the station for the connecting bus link.

Access to trains on the way home is first-come, first-served, according to where you are travelling to – and a queuing system will be in place.

The best value for money, you can opt for a Super Off Peak Return, which will set you back £81.20 – for the 115 mile journey – and back again. But beware, these tickets are only for trains after 1000 in the morning; or before 1500 on the way to Castle Cary.

Those looking to set off earlier, after 0900 and before 1000 can purchase the more flexible Off Peak Return for £108.40, which equates to just £56.20 each way – but remember, you will not be able to board trains home again before 0845 on Monday morning unless you pay a surcharge.    

Reduced price, Advance tickets are also now on sale and if you are quick, you can snap up a bargain.

Save even more with a railcard

You can also save even more money if you have a Young Person’s Railcard, which offers another third off the price of train tickets.

Did you know that there are two separate railcards for younger people?

A 16-25 Student Railcard, and a 26-30 Railcard; both offer great discounts; up to 1/3 off trains tickets.

There are several other railcards that may better suit your needs too.

Will there be enough room?

GWR will operate more than 55 trains from London Paddington to Castle Cary to get people to the Glastonbury Festival, as well as many other trains from other parts of the network.

Over the three days (Wednesday to Friday) GWR will provide 37,000 seats on trains from London Paddington, and more than 16,000 seats for the return on Monday.

What can I take on the train?

As well as reserving a seat for the outward journey, GWR says:

• 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; luggage space is limited on board trains and is also limited on the shuttle bus 
• Do not bring trolleys or sack barrows as these will not be allowed on trains or buses 
• Remember to charge your phone if using electronic tickets (phone charging will be available at the station)
• Remember your railcard (if you have a have a young person’s railcard) 

A further 25 trains will operate for the return journey towards London Paddington on Monday 1 July. Extra services are also being laid on between Castle Cary and Westbury and Castle Cary and Taunton, for those travelling from further afield.  

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

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.