Getting to and from events accounts for the single largest chunk of an event's total carbon footprint -- typically 60-80% of all emissions. That means the choices you make about how you travel can have a bigger impact than anything the event organiser does on site. Here's how to make your journey greener without making it harder.
Public transport -- the easiest win
Travelling by train produces roughly a quarter of the CO2 emissions of driving alone. For events in city centres -- gigs, theatre, comedy nights, exhibitions -- public transport is almost always the most practical option as well as the greenest. You avoid parking charges, traffic, and the hassle of navigating unfamiliar one-way systems.
Many events and venues actively promote their public transport links. Check the event page or venue website for directions by rail and bus before you default to driving. Some events partner with train companies to offer discounted combined tickets -- it's always worth checking the National Rail website or Trainline for event-specific offers.
For festivals, dedicated coach services are increasingly popular. Companies like Big Green Coach and National Express run direct services to major UK festivals, picking up from cities across the country. A coach seat produces roughly 10% of the emissions of a solo car journey, and you don't have to worry about traffic or parking on a muddy field.
Car-sharing -- halve your impact instantly
If driving is your only realistic option -- perhaps the event is in a rural area with limited public transport -- car-sharing is the single most effective thing you can do. A car with four people in it produces roughly the same total emissions as a car with one person, but the per-person footprint drops by 75%.
Platforms like BlaBlaCar and Liftshare make it easy to find or offer car-share opportunities. Many festivals also run their own car-share boards on social media or through dedicated pages on their websites. Some festivals offer preferential parking for car-share vehicles -- closer to the entrance and sometimes free -- which is a nice bonus.
Even informal car-sharing helps. If you know friends or colleagues are attending the same event, coordinate your travel. A quick message in a group chat can fill empty seats and split fuel costs.
Cycling -- for local events
For events within a reasonable cycling distance -- say, up to 10 miles -- cycling is the greenest option with zero emissions. It's also faster than you might think in urban areas, where cycling often beats driving during peak traffic times.
Check whether the venue or event offers secure bike parking. Many urban venues have bike racks, and larger events are increasingly providing dedicated cycle parking areas. If you're cycling to a gig or theatre show, a small backpack is usually all you need.
For those without their own bike, cycle hire schemes like Santander Cycles in London, OVO Bikes in Glasgow, and Beryl Bikes in various UK cities provide convenient short-term rental options.
Electric vehicles
If you own or have access to an electric vehicle, driving to events is significantly less carbon-intensive than in a petrol or diesel car. The emissions still depend on how the electricity was generated, but even on the current UK grid mix, an EV produces roughly 60-70% less CO2 per mile than an equivalent petrol car.
Planning is important for longer journeys to rural festivals. Check charging point availability along your route and near the venue using apps like Zap-Map. Some festival sites are now installing temporary EV charging points, though this is still relatively uncommon.
What event organisers can do
If you're an event organiser, you have a significant role to play in encouraging sustainable travel. Include public transport information prominently on your event page and in confirmation emails. Partner with coach companies to offer direct services. Provide secure bike parking. Offer car-share incentives. And make sustainable transport options as visible as your parking information.
Digital tickets through Tickts arrive instantly in your attendees' email -- no need for a separate trip to collect physical tickets from a box office. It's a small detail, but every unnecessary journey eliminated contributes to a lower overall footprint.
Every journey counts
You don't have to be perfect. If you usually drive alone to events and you start car-sharing, you've cut your transport emissions in half. If you take the train instead of driving once a month, that adds up over a year. Sustainable travel isn't about sacrifice -- it's about making slightly better choices that collectively make a real difference.
