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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Train help please :)

Walk This Way

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino de Santiago (2014)
Suggestions would be most appreciated.

Trying to get from Barcelona to Bayonne on 8/22, then next morning to SJPP. Have scoured the forums, and been to Renfe, and then the other site voyages-scnf.com which kicks me over to the RailEurope site (which everyone states is expen$ive).
What is the best way to book these tickets? Looking forward to a train ride all the way (yes that is how I want to go.)
Would consider going from Paris to Barriaritz by plane if I could get walking by a.m. Aug. 24, so need to be arrived in SJPP by 23rd.

ideas or websites I can book from?
 
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Rome2rio.com is a helpful website
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
You don't say what time you'll be in Barcelona. But the nicest and easiest option is a slow train to Irun, departing three times a day (you can find details on Renfe website, which won't kick you over into RailEurope as this leg of the journey starts and ends in Spain). From Irun you can hop over the bridge to Hendaye and take the train half an hour to Bayonne (look for this section of the journey on SNCF. The slow train is v-e-r-y s-l-o-w, though, so if you take the afternoon departure you will have to stop overnight in Irun. As an alternative, I'd suggest hopping off one stop earlier and overnighting in beautiful San Sebastian - though, August being peak season, you may not find a very cheap room there. Anyway it's a simple journey, just not a quick one!
 
Suggestions would be most appreciated.

Trying to get from Barcelona to Bayonne on 8/22, then next morning to SJPP. Have scoured the forums, and been to Renfe, and then the other site voyages-scnf.com which kicks me over to the RailEurope site (which everyone states is expen$ive).
What is the best way to book these tickets? Looking forward to a train ride all the way (yes that is how I want to go.)
Would consider going from Paris to Barriaritz by plane if I could get walking by a.m. Aug. 24, so need to be arrived in SJPP by 23rd.

ideas or websites I can book from?

Hi walk this way.
I had help in past week with train out of Barcelona. Looking back I see you have been trying to decide for more than 3 months (looking at your other thread). I agree that to most of us the renfe site is a little scary. If you're worried about buying the ticket online, how about either asking a travel agent to do it for you or you could try buying it at the station in Barcelona. Have you booked accommodation there yet?

I can only give you similar advice to what you have been given. I think maybe your problem would be in deciding which way/method/route, to go. Ie. you mention considering flying from Paris to Biarritz. Won't u be in Barcelona? Have you bought your air ticket into Barcelona yet?

From the replies already given you could,
1. Fly from Barcelona to San Sebastián , then train etc to reach Bayonne. And then wait for connecting bus(unless the train is running again) up to sjpdp.

2. Train from Barcelona sants Station to Irun/Hendaye., then ditto train and connection to sjpdp.

But

3. as another poster has advised, you would still get a lovely train ride by taking the train from Barcelona Sants station as far as Pamplona ... And then; either trying for the Curazon Puro deal (pick up from station, stay with them and be dropped off early next morning in sjpdp).
How much better could it get? / or making your way from Pamplona to sjpdp, by bus, taxi, etc.


As I have been given some great help from our forum - this is what I was advised also.
I connected to the renfe website and crossed my fingers, Www.renfe.com
You can use your credit card, I did, but remember it ends up costing more when converted to your local currency. My fare came through on my Aussie credit card as $93 when converted to my currency. That was from Barcelona Sants station to Irun/Hendaye. Just remember to select Ida for one way.

Do it, or ask someone to help you. I know how you're feeling, but once you're on the Camino Frances you won't have any of these scary decisions to make.

Buen Camino
Annie
 
Train from Barcelona Sants dep 12.10 - arr Pamplona 16.06
For Corazon Puro see: www.corazonpuro.es (tel 948 392 113) who will meet you at Pamplona,
You then stay with them for the night and the next day they will transport you to SJPdP
BUT make sure you book well in advance with Corazon Puro as they are, quite rightly, becoming increasingly popular.
for further info on trains in Europe look at this website
http://www.seat61.com/
 
Last edited:
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Suggestions would be most appreciated.

Trying to get from Barcelona to Bayonne on 8/22, then next morning to SJPP. Have scoured the forums, and been to Renfe, and then the other site voyages-scnf.com which kicks me over to the RailEurope site (which everyone states is expen$ive).
What is the best way to book these tickets? Looking forward to a train ride all the way (yes that is how I want to go.)
Would consider going from Paris to Barriaritz by plane if I could get walking by a.m. Aug. 24, so need to be arrived in SJPP by 23rd.

ideas or websites I can book from?
You could fly from Barcelona to Pamplona and then get a bus to SJPP.
 
Suggestions would be most appreciated.

Trying to get from Barcelona to Bayonne on 8/22, then next morning to SJPP. Have scoured the forums, and been to Renfe, and then the other site voyages-scnf.com which kicks me over to the RailEurope site (which everyone states is expen$ive).
What is the best way to book these tickets? Looking forward to a train ride all the way (yes that is how I want to go.)
Would consider going from Paris to Barriaritz by plane if I could get walking by a.m. Aug. 24, so need to be arrived in SJPP by 23rd.

ideas or websites I can book from?

The best way to book tickets is via the service provider. If you are going to Bayonne via Toulouse use the SNCF site. If it kicks you into RailEurope ... remove cookies and when the website asks where you are tell it you are in France. This may mean conducting the transaction in French.

If you are going to Bayonne via Irun use the Renfe site. The SNCF site is then used for the leg from Irun/Hendaye to Bayonne.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

There is another airport to consider. San Sebastian Airport is located 3 km from Irun Renfe Station.

San Sebastian Airport
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-San-Sebastian/en/
 
If SNCF or Renfre are too cumbersome, try Capitaine Train. Prices much better than RailEurope.
 
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This train travel thing is causing me more stress that the whole getting ready to leave at the end of August :-( Do I have to pre-book my train from Bayonne to SJPdP? I am a bit of a technopeasant and have found the sites mentioned above hard to navigate. I was planning on going to the station on the 1 Sept in the afternoon when I arrive in Bayonne and getting my ticket for the 2 Sept when I plan go to SJPdP. Will that work? Should I try to get my train ticket when I land at Charles de Gaulle?? Please help...thanks :)
 
You can get your ticket in Bayonne. Or you can buy it now. Don't panic it will all fall into place.
 
Transport luggage-passengers.
From airports to SJPP
Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles
This train travel thing is causing me more stress that the whole getting ready to leave at the end of August :-( Do I have to pre-book my train from Bayonne to SJPdP? I am a bit of a technopeasant and have found the sites mentioned above hard to navigate. I was planning on going to the station on the 1 Sept in the afternoon when I arrive in Bayonne and getting my ticket for the 2 Sept when I plan go to SJPdP. Will that work? Should I try to get my train ticket when I land at Charles de Gaulle?? Please help...thanks :)

Jane,

You can buy your ticket to SJPdP in Bayonne at the gare. There are no reserved seats on either that train or the substitute bus leaving from the rail station at the same time as the train which it replaces until further notice. The ticket on either train or substitute bus is roughly 10 euros. The Bayonne rr station is small and easily navigated. The staff is helpful and used to working with tourists and pilgrims throughout the year.

Train travel from Paris to Bayonne is generally by TGV from the Gare Montparnasse or by night train from the Gare Austerlitz. Reservations ARE needed for both but you can if you wish wait to reserve and purchase your ticket at the station when you arrive in Paris. The night train is usually less busy than the TGV's and also cheaper. However by waiting to purchase these tickets at the last moment you will pay full price.

Good luck, Bon voyage and Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
This train travel thing is causing me more stress that the whole getting ready to leave at the end of August :-( Do I have to pre-book my train from Bayonne to SJPdP? I am a bit of a technopeasant and have found the sites mentioned above hard to navigate. I was planning on going to the station on the 1 Sept in the afternoon when I arrive in Bayonne and getting my ticket for the 2 Sept when I plan go to SJPdP. Will that work? Should I try to get my train ticket when I land at Charles de Gaulle?? Please help...thanks :)

You cannot reserve a seat on the TER train/bus from Bayonne to SJPdP. You can buy a ticket for a TER train in advance and it is good for a period of time ... you are not bound to a particular train. You can get your ticket the previous day or even just prior to the train leaving. Note this pertains only to the Bayonne to SJPdP leg.

Further, the tracks between Bayonne and SJPdP are washed out. The latest schedule has a train from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains. An SNCF bus continues continues from Cambo les Bains to SJPdP. Only one ticket needed.
 
Thank you all, my mind is at rest :) :)
 
With the French train websites:
In the past I have found that the prices for the same tickets are more if you're at sncf.COM vs scnf.FR Same tickets and everything, just ones in English for tourists and one's in French for locals.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Thank you all so much, finally got through the RENFE site and all is well! Looking forward to an awesome adventure :)
 
That must be a relief for you. Of course we are (or at least I am), keen to know what you ended up booking. From and to where etc.

Buen Camino.
Annie
 
Barcleona to Pamplona RENFE, but now I have another problem. I have a reservation number but put in the WRONG email address!
i can't call them, get anyone on the phone or look up the ticket!` Ugh......now what to do. I did not create a user when I purchased, but did get a page and copied the info.
Ideas?
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
Barcleona to Pamplona RENFE, but now I have another problem. I have a reservation number but put in the WRONG email address!
i can't call them, get anyone on the phone or look up the ticket!` Ugh......now what to do. I did not create a user when I purchased, but did get a page and copied the info.
Ideas?

I would travel as is. Use the reservation number to get your ticket at Barcelona Station. If that doesn't work ... buy another ticket then.
 
Walk this way
Will you be staying in Barcelona for a wee while? You'll be able to get to Estacion and follow through with the advice given by Whariwharangi. You have a reference.

Just a frustration. Nothing that can't be sorted.

Buen Camino
Annie
 
I don't know which station, so I'm trying to find out ahead of time so I can book a hotel close to that station. Possibly SANTs? Anyone know best way to call them, I hear it's a difficult thing to do.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I don't know which station, so I'm trying to find out ahead of time so I can book a hotel close to that station. Possibly SANTs? Anyone know best way to call them, I hear it's a difficult thing to do.

2300 Barcelona


2301 This section discusses transportation Services in Barcelona.

Index 2300
2302 Barcelona Municipal Pages
2303 Barcelona Airport
2304 Getting around in Barcelona
2305 Trains
2306 Buses
2307 Ships

2350 Barcelona to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2302 Barcelona Municipal Pages

City of Barcelona
http://www.bcn.cat/castella/laciutat/

Area Metropolitana de Barcelona
http://www.amb.cat/s/home.html

2303 Barcelona Airport

Barcelona Airport (BCN)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Barcelona/en/Home.html

There is a shuttle connecting Terminal 1 to Terminal 2.

Connect from Barcelona Airport to Train Station - Sants - with Renfe Cercanius/Rodalies from Terminal 2. The train runs every 30 minutes. Time to Barcelona Sants is 22 minutes.

There are several bus companies providing service direct from Barcelona Airport. See the Airport website transport and access.

2304 Getting around in Barcelona

Shuttle Bus from Airport to Barcelona Center
http://www.aerobusbcn.com/

Transportes Metropolitans de Barcelona Bus Network
http://www.tmb.cat/es/home

Autobuses Metropolitanos
http://www.amb.cat/s/home.html

Barcelona Metro
http://w110.bcn.cat/portal/site/Tur...0854371550VgnV6CONT00000000000RCRD&lang=es_ES

Renfe Cercanius/Rodalies Barcelona Light Rail
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/barcelona/index.html

Ferrocarril GenCat Light Rail
http://www.fgc.net/esp/index.asp

2305 Trains

Barcelona is connected by Renfe to destinations such as Pamplona, Santiago, and Madrid.

Barcelona is connected by Renfe to border crossings at Irun/Hendaye and Port Bou/Cerbère where there is break of gauge connections to the SNCF rail system in France.

Renfe and SNCF have recently started rail service direct from Barcelona to Paris.

Barcelona Sants (Renfe Station and Estacion de Autobuses)
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/71801/informacion_000097.shtml

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2306 Buses

Several bus companies depart direct from the airport
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Barcelona/en/Home.html

Barcelona Sants (Renfe Station and Estacion de Autobuses)
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/71801/informacion_000097.shtml

Barcelona Nord Estacion de Autobuses is the main bus station in Barcelona
https://www.barcelonanord.cat/inici/

2307 Ships

Port of Barcelona
http://www.portdebarcelona.cat/?WCM...Port%2520de%2520Barcelona/El%2520Port/Portada

2350 Barcelona to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2351 This section describes transportation options from Barcelona to SJPdP.

Option 2352 and 2353 take about the same travel time either way ... so its dependent on your travel plans which is better

Option 2355 is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal and limited in number of departures.

Index 2350
2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train
2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train
2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne
2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate trains from Barcelona (Sants) to Toulouse (Matabiau). Use SNCF site.

There is a high speed train to Paris that stops in Toulouse. Other trains transfer at break of gauge station Port Bou/Cerbère and require transfer at Perpignan or Narbonne before getting to Toulouse.

SNCF operates trains from Toulouse to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train

Renfe operates trains from Barcelona (Sants) to break of gauge stations at Irun/Hendaye.

Irun Renfe Station and Gare d'Hendaye are train stations 3 km apart.

Note that an end run might be possible by traveling from Barcelona to Miranda del Ebro (where trains from all over Spain converge) and then to Irun.

Euskotren operates a commuter train from Irun Colon Station to Hendaia Station if needed.

Euskotren Colon Station: exit Irun Renfe Station, turn right, walk across bridge over the tracks and find Colon Station on the left (North) side of the street. Hendaia Station is co-located with Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV and Intercites trains from Irun and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

Euskotren
http://www.euskotren.es/

2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne

Fly from Barcelona Airport to San Sebastian Airport. The airport is almost co-located with Irun train station.

Take local bus or taxi to Irun Renfe station or Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV and Intercites trains from Irun and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Barcelona Airport (BCN)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Barcelona/en/Home.html

San Sebastian Airport (EAS)

http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-San-Sebastian/en/

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

This option is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal only and limited in number of departures.

Travel from Barcelona to Pamplona by Renfe train or by bus. Trains leave from Barcelona Sants. Buses leave from Estacion de Autobuses Barcelona Nord and Barcelona Sants. ALSA (via transfer at Zaragosa) and ViBASA are major service providers on this route.

There is seasonal bus service from Pamplona bus station to SJPdP provided by Conda. Conda is owned by ALSA. See international schedule on ALSA website. Purchase ticket at Pamplona bus station.

At time of writing bus schedule from Pamplona to SJPdP: 1000 13 June to 31 August 2014, 1430 1 June to 30 September 2014, and 1730 17 March to 30 September 2014. Schedules are usually updated only 30 days in advance.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

ViBASA (Monbus website)
http://www.monbus.es/es

ALSA
http://www.alsa.es/en/

Conda
http://www.conda.es/
 
AHA! Found the tickets online, just went to "my trips" you can look them up with the confirmation#, even if you didn't sign in as a user.
You are all so right.....everything works out just fine. :)
 
Hi Annie!

I recommend the following.

1. From BCN, take the RENFE train from Terminal 2 to Sants Station (Estacion Sants).

Transit Hotel is 5 minutes walk from Sants Station. https://foursquare.com/v/transit-hotel-barcelona/4bc7782893bdeee1f36a37ae
It's 60 Euro per double per night.

You can walk to the famous la Sagrada Familia from here. 30-40mins

And the best of all, you can get a express train (6 hours ride) from Sants Station to IRUN. If I remember correctly, it runs 7:30a and 15:30p

2. At IRUN, stay at the Albergue. Opens at 4p

3. The same train will stop at San Sebastian too.

***
Me. I went Norte, from Irun to Oviedo, and switched to the Primitivo. And I finished in 39 days. Most awesome.

***
When you reach Santiago, you can take a flight back to BCN.

Terry



Hi again 'walk this way'
Not sure if you've already booked accommodation in Barcelona yet, close to the station as u wanted, but above is a response I received from Terry Lee, to thread I put out with similar question. I will be walking Norte/primitivo.
I booked online with the above link around 10 days back., which came back as being confirmed thru booking.com. Maybe pricing fluctuates, whatever., but price wasn't similar to that noted. My price came thru for me for a single room for 2 nights as 180 euro. (90 per night). I'm okay with that on arrival and Terry Lee says it's only 5 minutes from Barcelona Sants station, where we can pick up the train to (Pamplona , Irun etc). So no need for cab or metro on departure from hotel. ( a win there ). Just walk there. You may have found something else but I thought it was pretty handy for me.

Good luck and Buen Camino.

Annie
 
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Very helpful and good news for 'walk this way'. I'll check this one out for next time in BCN myself later too but I couldn't get link to open from here. That may just be a problem with my system though.
Annie
 
Thanks OzAnnie for the heads up......I will check this out as SANTs is the station, can't wait! Now to find some delicious food nearby to enjoy.....
 
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Now to find some delicious food nearby to enjoy.....
I have eaten a lot of tapas in Spain, but this place is among the very best (a bit of a walk from Sants Estacio):
Cervecería Catalana
Carrer de Mallorca, 236
08008 Barcelona
Spain
 

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