- Author, Chloe Harcombe
- Role, BBC News, West of England
With just days to go before the gates of Glastonbury Festival open, many will be in the process of planning their journeys.
About 200,000 people are expected to descend on Worthy Farm in Somerset. With various modes of transport available, some may be considering what their options are.
The site can be reached by train, coach bike or car – but festival-goers are encouraged to “travel green” by making eco-friendly journeys.
The organisers have launched a carbon calculator which can be used to compare emissions between different methods of transport.
Those who choose to drive are encouraged to “make the most” of their mileage and reduce their carbon footprint by car sharing.
“This will go a long way to help look after our environment, reduce carbon emissions and lessen the cost of travel,” organisers said.
More than a third of ticket-holders travel to Worthy Farm via public transport.
Trains
Image source, Tolga Akmen
People travelling by train need to plan ahead, with Great Western Railway (GWR) reminding passengers that they must have a reservation.
Between 26 and 28 June, more than 28,600 seats will be available from London Paddington, to meet the high demand.
The operator said early and mid-morning trains on 26 and 27 June are almost full, but trains departing later in the day will have more availability.
Some may even get to travel on the Shania Train, named after the country-music star who is set to play the festival’s coveted “legend slot” on 30 June.
Passengers will have to disembark at Castle Cary to board a free shuttle bus which will take them directly to Worthy Farm.
Lugagge space is limited onboard, and trolleys and sack barrows are prohibited on both buses and trains.
People should also expect to queue when boarding trains and the bus service, GWR said.
Coaches, buses and bikes
Image source, Adam Vaughan
According to organisers, more than 22,000 coach and ticket packages were sold ahead of this year’s general sale.
Those who missed out on the offer can still travel via National Express coach.
The festival partnered with the company again this year, which offers services from more than 100 locations around the UK, direct to the site.
Festival-goers who live locally can board buses from Bristol, Bath, Wells, and Castle Cary.
Cyclists are also welcome at the festival.
Bikes can be left in a secure compound at a field on site, organisers said.
Luggage solutions are available, or a courier service can be used to deliver bags from home to the site.
Cars
Image source, Getty Images
Roads are expected to be busy ahead of the festival.
In recent years, queues into the car parks from the A39 have taken several hours to clear.
Car parks open at 21:00 BST on Tuesday, allowing festival-goers to arrive throughout the night when traffic volumes are low.
However, those who arrive overnight will have to remain in their cars until the gates open the following morning.
The worst time to arrive by car is between 07:00 and 14:00 on Wednesday, organisers said.
Drivers of electric vehicles have been urged to plan ahead and ensure they have sufficient battery for their journeys to and from the festival.
The rural farm location has limited capacity to offer charging on-site, and local charge points are expected to be busy.
All drivers will need a parking pass if leaving their vehicles on-site.
The gates will open to the public at 08:00 on Wednesday.
Dua Lipa, SZA and Coldplay are headlining this year, with the rest of the line-up including the likes of Burna Boy, Little Simz and LCD Soundsystem.
Tickets sold out in October, but full coverage will be available on BBC radio and television as well as BBC Sounds and iPlayer.