How busy are the trains?

[Rylbld9]

Hi,

First time Glastonbury-goer here. I'm going to be getting the train (via Paddington) and was curious as to how busy the trains would be to Castle Cary from London. Would it be a possibility that we arrive at the platform and don't make it on to the first available train? Similarly, how long is the queue for the shuttle bus between Castle Cary and the festival usually? Would be nice to get an idea of what time I'm expected to arrive.

[Brave Sir Robin]

When are you leaving? Been a couple of years since I went by train on a Wednesday but I've seen queues there in the past. Certainly if you're leaving Paddington in the morning there's a possibility you won't get on the first train.

If you can book a seat on one stopping at Castle Cary that might enable you to jump any queue. They do put on extra trains. Though they sometimes remove Castle Cary from the list of stops on the normal trains from the station boards to stop the hordes piling on!

[Joshuwarr]

If the train is leaving from Paddington I'd be very surprised if you didn't make it on. If you don't want to be waiting in huge queues at Castle Cary then I advise you sacrifice sitting on the train and stand by the doors on the train with your stuff nearby you. I managed to hop off straight away in 2015 and was on the first coach out of the train station. 
 

[Rylbld9]

56 minutes ago, Brave Sir Robin said:

When are you leaving? Been a couple of years since I went by train on a Wednesday but I've seen queues there in the past. Certainly if you're leaving Paddington in the morning there's a possibility you won't get on the first train.

If you can book a seat on one stopping at Castle Cary that might enable you to jump any queue. They do put on extra trains. Though they sometimes remove Castle Cary from the list of stops on the normal trains from the station boards to stop the hordes piling on!

Early on, around 11am I believe. Too late to book a seat but will consider that for next time. It's no huge problem if I miss a train, was just wondering how busy it would be considering I have to faff around on the underground as well.

28 minutes ago, Joshuwarr said:

If the train is leaving from Paddington I'd be very surprised if you didn't make it on. If you don't want to be waiting in huge queues at Castle Cary then I advise you sacrifice sitting on the train and stand by the doors on the train with your stuff nearby you. I managed to hop off straight away in 2015 and was on the first coach out of the train station. 
 

Solid advice, might give that a go.

Thanks both of you

[Brave Sir Robin]

2 hours ago, Rylbld9 said:

Early on, around 11am I believe. Too late to book a seat but will consider that for next time. It's no huge problem if I miss a train, was just wondering how busy it would be considering I have to faff around on the underground as well.

Thanks both of you

You can still book tickets/seats until surprisingly late the night before. And no worries, enjoy your first time - looks like quite a year for it, weather-wise!