Bath to Glastonbury is 28 miles, about 50 to 60 minutes by car. There's no direct train and no direct bus either, so if you're relying on public transport, budget closer to two hours each way. Short version: worth it if you have a car, still doable without one if you plan around the connections.
How far is it, and how do you get there?
By car
Driving is by far the simplest option. The route runs via the A39 and A361, covers about 28 miles, and takes roughly 50 to 60 minutes outside peak traffic. There's no parking at Glastonbury Tor itself beyond two Blue Badge spaces, so you'll leave the car in town. The nearest fee-paying car park to the Tor is Draper and Co on Chilkwell Street, about half a mile from the base of the hill.
By bus
There's no single direct bus from Bath to Glastonbury. The practical route is First Bus's 174 service from Bath Bus Station to Wells, then a change onto the 376 towards Glastonbury and Street. Both routes run fairly regularly through the day, but because it involves a change at Wells, the total journey typically runs 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours each way, longer on Sundays when services are thinner. Check the live First Bus timetables before you travel, since connection times shift more often than train schedules do.
If timings don't line up, or you'd rather skip the change at Wells altogether, a local taxi firm such as Tick Taxi is one option for the final leg or the whole run, alongside the bus and driving yourself. Compare the cost against fuel and parking before deciding.
By train plus bus or taxi
Glastonbury has never had its own railway station, and the nearest, Castle Cary, is about 15 miles away. From there you can pick up the 567 rail-link bus into Glastonbury via Street, or take a taxi, which typically runs somewhere in the £25 to £30 range. Either way, this route adds a connection on top of the train itself, so it's rarely quicker than the bus via Wells or simply driving.
| Mode | Approx time (one way) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Car | 50-60 min | No parking at the Tor itself; park in town |
| Bus (174 then 376) | 1h35-2h, one change at Wells | No direct service; check live times |
| Train to Castle Cary + bus/taxi | Varies, plus a 15-mile onward leg | No station in Glastonbury itself |
What's actually in Glastonbury
The main draw is Glastonbury Tor, the steep hill topped by the ruined St Michael's Tower. It's managed by the National Trust and free to visit at any time, with no ticket and no gate; the surrounding countryside is open dawn to dusk. The path up is concrete with a bench roughly halfway, and it's a genuine climb rather than a gentle stroll, so wear proper footwear. Sheep graze the Tor, so dogs need to stay on a lead.
In the town itself, Glastonbury Abbey charges for entry to its ruins, which is worth it if you're interested in medieval and Arthurian history. The grounds are open 10am to 5pm daily, with last entry at 4:15pm. Online adult admission currently runs around £14, and each paying adult can bring two children in free. Treat that figure as a guide and check the Abbey's own site before you go, since prices get reviewed periodically.
The High Street has a well-known cluster of independent shops with a strong alternative and spiritual character, from crystal shops to herbalists, plus the Chalice Well gardens near the base of the Tor, which charges its own separate admission. None of this takes long individually, but together it fills a half day comfortably.
How much time to budget
If you're driving, half a day is enough to climb the Tor, look around the Abbey ruins and walk the High Street. If you're relying on the bus, build in extra time for the connection at Wells both ways and treat it as a full day out rather than a quick stop, since the return journey will eat into your afternoon.
Is it worth the trip from Bath?
If you've got a car, yes. The drive is under an hour each way, the Tor and Abbey are genuinely worth seeing, and there's enough in the town to justify going without overcomplicating the day. Without a car, it still works, but go in knowing the bus involves a change and a couple of hours of travel each way, so it suits people after a full, deliberate day out rather than a casual add-on to a Bath weekend.
Glastonbury isn't the only option for a day away from Bath. If you want somewhere with a more straightforward run, our guide to day trips from Bath rounds up the alternatives, including the villages covered in Bath to the Cotswolds and the stone circle in Bath to Stonehenge, both of which have their own honest breakdowns of distance, time and whether they're worth it. If you do go to Glastonbury, Wells sits roughly on the way and makes a natural stop to break up the journey, whichever way you're travelling.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Glastonbury from Bath?
About 28 miles by road, roughly 50 to 60 minutes' drive in normal traffic.
Is there a direct bus from Bath to Glastonbury?
No. You take First Bus's 174 service from Bath to Wells, then change onto the 376 towards Glastonbury. With the connection, the full journey typically takes 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours each way.
Does Glastonbury have a train station?
No, Glastonbury has never had a railway station. The nearest is Castle Cary, about 15 miles away, which still needs a connecting bus (the 567) or a taxi to finish the journey.
Is Glastonbury Tor free to visit?
Yes, at all times. It's managed by the National Trust, with no ticket or booking needed, and the surrounding countryside is open dawn to dusk.
Can I park at Glastonbury Tor itself?
No, beyond two Blue Badge spaces there's no parking at the Tor. The nearest fee-paying car park is Draper and Co on Chilkwell Street, a short walk from the base of the hill.
Does Glastonbury Abbey charge admission?
Yes. Online adult admission currently runs around £14, with two children going free per paying adult, and the grounds are open 10am to 5pm daily with last entry at 4:15pm. Check the Abbey's own site for the current price before you go. Glastonbury Tor itself stays free regardless.
Is a day trip to Glastonbury worth it without a car?
It's doable but takes planning. Budget a full day rather than a half day, since the bus involves a change at Wells and around two hours of travel each way.