Is there a direct train?

No, you must change trains in London.

How far is Leicester from Glastonbury?

It is approximately 230 km by road.

Which motorway is best?

The M5 to M42 to M1 is the standard route.

National Express operates coaches, but they are significantly slower than trains.

Yes, if you have multiple passengers, it is more cost-effective.

Glastonbury

Leicester

Train Driving

Glastonbury to Leicester

Updated: 30 May 2026

The journey from Glastonbury to Leicester covers approximately 230 km. You should take a taxi to Castle Cary station, then board a Great Western Railway service to London Paddington. Transfer via the London Underground to St Pancras International for an East Midlands Railway train to Leicester. Driving involves the A303, M5, and M1 motorways. This route connects the spiritual heart of Somerset to the historic East Midlands city.

Total Distance: 230 km driving, 195 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving via M5 and M1, taking approximately 3 hours 30 minutes.

Cheapest Way

Train using an Advance ticket booked well in advance.

Compare Glastonbury to Leicester Routes

	Train Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	3 hours 45 mins	3 hours 30 mins
Avg Price	45-120 GBP	40-60 GBP fuel
Operator	Great Western Railway and East Midlands Railway	Personal Vehicle
Route	Castle Cary to London Paddington, then St Pancras to Leicester.	A303, M5, M42, and M1.
Tip	Book your tickets via the Trainline app at least 12 weeks early for the best Advance fares.	Avoid the M5 near Bristol during Friday evening rush hour to save significant time.

Travel Tips

Station Transfers
When arriving in London, allow at least 45 minutes for the transfer between Paddington and St Pancras.
Parking
Use the Park and Ride facilities in Leicester to avoid city center congestion charges.
Booking
Always use a Railcard if you are eligible to save one-third on your train fare.
Traffic
Check the Highways England website for live updates on the M5 and M1 before departing.
Luggage
If traveling by train, keep luggage light as you will need to navigate London Underground stairs.

Safety Tips

Road Safety
The A303 can be busy; maintain a safe following distance, especially during fog.
Personal Belongings
Keep your bags in sight at all times when navigating busy London train stations.
Emergency
Dial 999 for emergency services if you encounter a serious incident on the motorway.
Night Travel
If driving at night, ensure your headlights are clean and fully functional for the motorway sections.