Getting to Glastonbury 2025 by Train: A Guide That Doesn’t Waste Your Time

Pam

21 May 20257 min read

If you’re heading to Glastonbury Festival, first of all, well done. You’ve secured a golden ticket to one of the best weekends the UK has to offer. Now you’ve just got to figure out how to actually get there. And if you’re not driving (good choice, by the way), the train is your best bet. Yes, it involves a few moving parts. No, it’s not impossible. Let’s sort it.

First Things First: You’re Not Going to Glastonbury by Train

This bit always trips people up, so let’s clear it up right now. There’s no train station in Glastonbury itself. You’re aiming for Castle Cary, a small Somerset station that transforms into a mini-festival hub during Glasto week. It’s the closest you’ll get by rail. From there, it’s shuttle buses, wellies, and wondering why you packed five pairs of sunglasses.

The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

Download the app

The TrainSplit app helps you find better fares by splitting your tickets. Available on iOS and Android, just search for TrainSplit in your app store and start saving today!

Where Can You Catch a Train to Castle Cary?

Most people come in via the big stations:

• London Paddington: Direct trains to Castle Cary run regularly in the lead-up to the festival.

• Reading, Bath, Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter St Davids also see a lot of Glasto traffic.

• Coming from the North? You’ll likely change somewhere like Bristol or Reading. It’s doable. Just don’t try to wing it at the last minute—this isn’t the Northern line.

Pro tip: These trains get busy. As in, ‘you’ll learn what your neighbour had for breakfast whether you want to or not’ busy. Book early, and if you want to save money, split your tickets (hi, that’s what we do).

How Much Does It Cost to Get to Castle Cary?

This bit is worth paying attention to. Getting to Glastonbury by train can either cost a small fortune or a surprisingly decent amount, depending on how you book.

We’ve compared fares from some of the main departure points to Castle Cary: London Paddington, Bristol Temple Meads, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, and even Edinburgh. The results? Let’s just say if you’re not using TrainSplit, you’re probably overpaying.

Here’s the thing: TrainSplit finds split ticket combinations and alternative routes that can shave a fair chunk off your fare. Sometimes the journey might take a little longer or involve a change or two, but if it saves you enough for an extra round (or a poncho and a burrito), it’s worth considering.

Whether it’s a slightly slower route with a big saving, or a like-for-like journey that’s just cheaper thanks to splitting, there’s always something to gain. You’ll find the comparison below, real fares, same dates, and TrainSplit consistently comes out on top.

Fares checked on 20th May 2025. Prices may vary depending on availability and time of booking.

So before you hit ‘book’ anywhere else, run it through TrainSplit first. That money’s better spent at the Brothers Bar anyway.

What About the Shuttle?

Once you get to Castle Cary, there’s a free shuttle bus that runs from the station to the festival site. It’s run like a military operation, if the military wore glitter and carried crates of cider. It’s efficient, friendly, and honestly one of the more wholesome bits of the journey.

It’ll drop you close to the pedestrian gate, and from there it’s just a short hike (lol) to your chosen field of dreams. Pack light. Seriously.

When Should You Travel?

Most people arrive on Wednesday morning when the gates open—so expect queues, crowds, and a lot of backpack shuffling. Some head down on Tuesday to stay nearby and get a head start. If you want to avoid the full crush, arriving Tuesday daytime (with somewhere to sleep sorted) or later on Wednesday once the initial surge has eased off can make life a bit easier.

Going back? Monday morning is, bluntly, carnage. If you’re the “I need a shower and a bed, now” type, maybe skip the Monday 6am crowd and hang back a bit.

What About Luggage?

You can take big bags, but be smart. There’s a difference between being prepared and packing like you’re climbing Everest. Pack stuff you’re actually going to use. Then take out at least two things you won’t. You’re welcome.

Also: don’t be that person trying to drag a suitcase through a field. Get a rucksack, a trolley, or a mate with strong arms.

More Splits, More Savings! Find cheaper train tickets by splitting your fares with the TrainSplit app. Download now on iOS or Android—search for TrainSplit in your app store.

Get the app

Want to Save on Train Fares?

Yes, Glasto’s expensive enough. The good news is, you don’t have to pay full whack for train tickets. Use TrainSplit (yep, that’s us) to split your journey into multiple tickets that still get you on the same train, legally and with zero nonsense. It’s like hacking the system, except it’s perfectly allowed.

And no, you don’t have to change trains or sit in a different seat. It’s just cheaper. Like it should be.

Glastonbury Festival
Image credit: Annie Spratt | Unsplash

Final Words of Wisdom

• Book early. Train tickets aren’t like festival tickets—they don’t get cheaper last minute.

• Travel light. Your back will thank you.

• Bring snacks. The journey’s long, and you will get hungry.

• Charge your phone. And bring a power bank. Obvious? Yes. Still forgotten by half the field? Also yes.

• Enjoy it. The chaos is part of the charm.

Glastonbury only comes round once a year. Getting there shouldn’t be the hard part. So sort your tickets, pack smart, and get ready for a muddy, magical, music-filled few days. We’ll see you at the train station.

Sort Your Travel Extras Before You Leave

Want everything ready on your phone before you even leave the house?

Buy a digital railcard with TrainSplit and store it directly in the app. Just tap and go at the barrier.

Thinking of staying longer after Glasto or just want a proper bed before diving into the fields?

Book your accommodation early with our trusted partner for the best availability and deals:

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Glastonbury Festival by train?

You’ll need to travel to Castle Cary station, the closest stop to Glastonbury. From there, shuttle buses run to the festival site.

Can I use TrainSplit to save money on my Glastonbury train ticket?

Yes. TrainSplit finds legal split ticket combinations that are cheaper than standard fares, without needing to change trains.

What is a split ticket?

A split ticket breaks your journey into multiple legs with separate tickets. As long as your train stops at the listed stations, it’s perfectly valid and can be much cheaper.

When should I book my train for Glastonbury?

As early as possible. Glastonbury trains fill up fast, and advance fares are usually cheaper the earlier you buy.

Do I need to book the Castle Cary shuttle bus separately?

No, it’s included with your festival ticket. Shuttle buses run regularly between Castle Cary station and the festival site.

Can I bring a trolley or cart on the train?

No. Train companies do not allow trolleys or carts on their services during the Glastonbury Festival period due to safety and space restrictions. Stick to rucksacks or festival-friendly luggage.

What’s the deal with the 2025 Castle Cary shuttle bus?

There’s a free shuttle bus for festival ticket-holders running between Castle Cary Station and the Festival Bus Station by Pedestrian Gate A. It runs from Wednesday to Monday, but not overnight when trains aren’t running. You’ll need to show your festival ticket to use it.

Making a Booking

Help and FAQs:

Ticket Information:

Booking and Travel Guides:

Blog:

Blog

Terms and Conditions:

Information and Services:

Check out our other blog posts

Frequently Asked Questions

Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.

Take your journeys with you

Journey Planner