Availability of taxis and buses along the Way--how possible is this to find if needed?

[Bainbridge]

Hello Pilgrims. My wife and I are doing our first Camino at age 70 with creaky knees and all. We have been mountain day hikers in the Cascades and Olympics in the state of Washington where we live.

We decided to plan the whole Camino and book lodging as we wanted to assure staying in private room vs. albergues due to our personal way of handling COVID risks (everyone has different risk tolerances). Also, we are taking 50 days with multiple rest days and short days. We are prepping ourselves physically. But, based on multiple considerations, there are still a few long days (e.g. 14 - 16 miles) with descents of concern. We figured we would be able to assess ourselves physically and could take taxis and buses if needed.

Example: we divided the first day in two and are staying at Auberge Borda. But the third day is Roncevalles to Zubiri with that steep descent. I am trying to figure out if taxis are available in towns along that part of the route way. I know there is bus service in Roncesvalles but we are departing there on a Sunday and they don't run that day!

On previous posts from others, one stated that you are never more than 1.5 miles from a road and can take taxis or buses. Another stated this is unrealistic--you can't count on how long a wait could be or if one will come by.

Caminofacil has a taxi service but it doesn't look like you can ask for a specific pick up time so that would place constraints particulary if we want to taxi for the beginning part of a day--would not want to start too late.

I have also looked online but it didn't look promising--the options appeared to be mostly boutique services for special, planned situations.

This is a spiritual journey for us along with a hunger for art, architecture, culture, etc. Given that here are some questions:
1. How available are taxis or buses in small towns along the way (e.g. in Roncesvalles or in Viskarret on the way to Zubiri)?
2. Is the following impression correct: My impression is that finding taxi or bus when needed depends on where you are and we might need to be careful if we anticipate the need and the route goes through mainly small towns or has large gaps between villages.
3. Have you any experience using taxi services with Caminofacil or other luggage transfer services?
4. Do you have any other advice?

Thanks for considering
Bainbridge
(Neil Baker)

 

[C clearly]

On previous posts from others, one stated that you are never more than 1.5 miles from a road and can take taxis or buses. Another stated this is unrealistic--you can't count on how long a wait could be or if one will come by.

If you expect instant service to be available on every step of the Camino, you will be frustrated and disappointed. I don't think you would have that on your day hikes near home, either. However, you can be assured that taxis are widely available, especially if arranged at your stopping points. As you move along the camino, ask at your accommodation, and take photo of the frequent posters on random trees.

 

[mspath]

Bainbridge,
Welcome to the forum.

In general on the CF taxi stands exist only in larger places not small towns or hamlets. However you can usually go into a local bar or resto and ask for them to telephone a taxi fo you. For example at Roncesvalles in one of the hotels. In more rural setting along the path you may see taxi notices nailed on a tree.

Wherever and however you go I wish you and your wife a Buen camino!

 

[Bainbridge]

Bainbridge,
Welcome to the forum.

In general on the CF taxi stands exist only in larger places not small towns or hamlets. However you can usually go into a local bar or resto and ask for them to telephone a taxi fo you. For example at Roncesvalles in one of the hotels. In more rural setting along the path you may see taxi notices nailed on a tree.

Wherever and however you go I wish you and your wife a Buen camino!

Thank you. Buen camino!

 

[Kathor1]

On previous posts from others, one stated that you are never more than 1.5 miles from a road and can take taxis or buses.

Please note: It was I who made this remark but it referred to the part of the Camino Frances trail that starts on the border of the city of Pamplona and ends on the road that crosses the Camino Frances trail on top of the Sierra del Perdon, which is a range of hills to the west of Pamplona.; this is at a distance of about 10 km from the edge of Pamplona.

I made the remark in the context of a response to the claim that the Camino Frances has no "escape routes" and that it is similar to the Appalachian trail. Which it isn't.

 

[mspath]

Thank you. Buen camino!

Since you mentioned your interests in the culture and arcitecture along the CF please check out this earlier post
Carpe diem!

 

[J Willhaus]

There are also taxi advertising signs in bars, in towns, and even on trees so take pictures of them and you can call if you need one between towns. Many of these villages may have one or two people who operate a taxi service with one vehicle. I did hear today on Ivar's posting that taxi's are harder to come by in SANTIAGO right now so that may or may not be true along the CF. On parts of the meseta there are fewer buses and taxi's.

 

[Bainbridge]

Please note: It was I who made this remark but it referred to the part of the Camino Frances trail that starts on the border of the city of Pamplona and ends on the road that crosses the Camino Frances trail on top of the Sierra del Perdon, which is a range of hills to the west of Pamplona.; this is at a distance of about about 10 km from the edge of Pamplona.

I made the remark in the context of a response to the claim that the Camino Frances has no "escape routes" and this it is similar the Appalachian trail. Which it isn't.

Appreciate your precise clarification. Much appreciated.

 

[Amused212]

Hello Pilgrims. My wife and I are doing our first Camino at age 70 with creaky knees and all. We have been mountain day hikers in the Cascades and Olympics in the state of Washington where we live.

We decided to plan the whole Camino and book lodging as we wanted to assure staying in private room vs. albergues due to our personal way of handling COVID risks (everyone has different risk tolerances). Also, we are taking 50 days with multiple rest days and short days. We are prepping ourselves physically. But, based on multiple considerations, there are still a few long days (e.g. 14 - 16 miles) with descents of concern. We figured we would be able to assess ourselves physically and could take taxis and buses if needed.

Example: we divided the first day in two and are staying at Auberge Borda. But the third day is Roncevalles to Zubiri with that steep descent. I am trying to figure out if taxis are available in towns along that part of the route way. I know there is bus service in Roncesvalles but we are departing there on a Sunday and they don't run that day!

On previous posts from others, one stated that you are never more than 1.5 miles from a road and can take taxis or buses. Another stated this is unrealistic--you can't count on how long a wait could be or if one will come by.

Caminofacil has a taxi service but it doesn't look like you can ask for a specific pick up time so that would place constraints particulary if we want to taxi for the beginning part of a day--would not want to start too late.

I have also looked online but it didn't look promising--the options appeared to be mostly boutique services for special, planned situations.

This is a spiritual journey for us along with a hunger for art, architecture, culture, etc. Given that here are some questions:
1. How available are taxis or buses in small towns along the way (e.g. in Roncesvalles or in Viskarret on the way to Zubiri)?
2. Is the following impression correct: My impression is that finding taxi or bus when needed depends on where you are and we might need to be careful if we anticipate the need and the route goes through mainly small towns or has large gaps between villages.
3. Have you any experience using taxi services with Caminofacil or other luggage transfer services?
4. Do you have any other advice?

Thanks for considering
Bainbridge
(Neil Baker)

I just finished the Frances and while I am certain there are taxis in cities and villages (or can be called to pick up in smaller towns), there are stretches where if you haven't pre-arranged a pick-up at a certain location, I am not sure how you would summon one. We did a long day, almost 20 miles from Las Herrerias to Tricastela. I had tweaked a knee and worried the climb up O'Cebreiro and the descent might be a bit much. I reassured myself at the start by saying if it was too rough I would call a taxi. I made it just fine but at certain points I had no idea exactly where I was. There were times we were near a road but sometimes it was just a wide dirt path. It would have been laughable to have called a taxi and told them I was by the cow pasture at the top of a rise somewhere between.... You get the idea. I would have needed to get to an identifiable location where a pick up would be possible.

Also, I, too, am 70 and it looks like you have taken all the right steps to prepare and to be kind to your body as you go. It is a totally do-able walk. The day after day walking will wake up a few muscles and your feet may bark at you, but it's all part of the experience. And many younger people will have the same issues.

 

[svanada]

Hello Pilgrims. My wife and I are doing our first Camino at age 70 with creaky knees and all. We have been mountain day hikers in the Cascades and Olympics in the state of Washington where we live.

We decided to plan the whole Camino and book lodging as we wanted to assure staying in private room vs. albergues due to our personal way of handling COVID risks (everyone has different risk tolerances). Also, we are taking 50 days with multiple rest days and short days. We are prepping ourselves physically. But, based on multiple considerations, there are still a few long days (e.g. 14 - 16 miles) with descents of concern. We figured we would be able to assess ourselves physically and could take taxis and buses if needed.

Example: we divided the first day in two and are staying at Auberge Borda. But the third day is Roncevalles to Zubiri with that steep descent. I am trying to figure out if taxis are available in towns along that part of the route way. I know there is bus service in Roncesvalles but we are departing there on a Sunday and they don't run that day!

On previous posts from others, one stated that you are never more than 1.5 miles from a road and can take taxis or buses. Another stated this is unrealistic--you can't count on how long a wait could be or if one will come by.

Caminofacil has a taxi service but it doesn't look like you can ask for a specific pick up time so that would place constraints particulary if we want to taxi for the beginning part of a day--would not want to start too late.

I have also looked online but it didn't look promising--the options appeared to be mostly boutique services for special, planned situations.

This is a spiritual journey for us along with a hunger for art, architecture, culture, etc. Given that here are some questions:
1. How available are taxis or buses in small towns along the way (e.g. in Roncesvalles or in Viskarret on the way to Zubiri)?
2. Is the following impression correct: My impression is that finding taxi or bus when needed depends on where you are and we might need to be careful if we anticipate the need and the route goes through mainly small towns or has large gaps between villages.
3. Have you any experience using taxi services with Caminofacil or other luggage transfer services?
4. Do you have any other advice?

Thanks for considering
Bainbridge
(Neil Baker)

I walked the main road between Roncesvalles and Zubiri a month ago. Almost 10 km longer so not highly recomended. On the other hand a couple of taxis passed by me both ways during the last 10 km. Maybe you can ask in one of the bars along the way.

 

[wanderingvirg]

Hey there,
on the Frances right now.
There are some nice places to stay before Zubiri. You could break it up.
Depending On the other locations buses are also easy to use. For example I had shin splints and took the bus from Mansilla de Los Mulas to Leon. The Rome to Rio site helps with schedules and options. I booked direct through Alsa but many folks paid on the bus.
Because of the shin splits I started sending my bag each day after Carrion de Los Condes. I am using Jacotrans they are easy to use I communicated with them via WhatsApp every day on arrival to my lodging for the next day. You can find the phone number on the envelopes in the Lodging. Sometimes the person who is handling that area changes from what is on the envelope but they will respond to you and tell you who else you should send the message to.
Last thought you are ahead of the game hiking in the cascades. Many of the people that I have ran into have only trained only on flat and struggled on the ascents or more technical descents. Having said that, starting slow is a great plan, we did that ( 60 days with 4 rest days) and did not regret it; even when others told us our segements were too short. We have never done more than 15 miles during this trip.
For context I am 63 and also a day hiker in the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

 

[Schamber]

I’m on the Frances now and a couple we talked to have taken a few taxis. One time they called and the driver wouldn’t go from one region to another. But they got help from the bar owner and he got someone to take them.
I’m not sure there was anywhere to get picked up Borda to Roncesvalles.

 

[Dick & Kitty]

Hello Pilgrims. My wife and I are doing our first Camino at age 70 with creaky knees and all. We have been mountain day hikers in the Cascades and Olympics in the state of Washington where we live.

We decided to plan the whole Camino and book lodging as we wanted to assure staying in private room vs. albergues due to our personal way of handling COVID risks (everyone has different risk tolerances). Also, we are taking 50 days with multiple rest days and short days. We are prepping ourselves physically. But, based on multiple considerations, there are still a few long days (e.g. 14 - 16 miles) with descents of concern. We figured we would be able to assess ourselves physically and could take taxis and buses if needed.

Example: we divided the first day in two and are staying at Auberge Borda. But the third day is Roncevalles to Zubiri with that steep descent. I am trying to figure out if taxis are available in towns along that part of the route way. I know there is bus service in Roncesvalles but we are departing there on a Sunday and they don't run that day!

On previous posts from others, one stated that you are never more than 1.5 miles from a road and can take taxis or buses. Another stated this is unrealistic--you can't count on how long a wait could be or if one will come by.

Caminofacil has a taxi service but it doesn't look like you can ask for a specific pick up time so that would place constraints particulary if we want to taxi for the beginning part of a day--would not want to start too late.

I have also looked online but it didn't look promising--the options appeared to be mostly boutique services for special, planned situations.

This is a spiritual journey for us along with a hunger for art, architecture, culture, etc. Given that here are some questions:
1. How available are taxis or buses in small towns along the way (e.g. in Roncesvalles or in Viskarret on the way to Zubiri)?
2. Is the following impression correct: My impression is that finding taxi or bus when needed depends on where you are and we might need to be careful if we anticipate the need and the route goes through mainly small towns or has large gaps between villages.
3. Have you any experience using taxi services with Caminofacil or other luggage transfer services?
4. Do you have any other advice?

Thanks for considering
Bainbridge
(Neil Baker)

Like you, we are also in our 70s, with creaky knees, feet and other joints. And we had some issues with getting taxis along the way. We needed one in Roncevalles on a Sunday. It was tough, but the woman in the tourist/pilgrim's office there finally found one for us. It was pretty expensive, however. Later, when we needed a taxi before reaching Triacastella we called our accommodation there (a hostal that also had private rooms) and they sent one to get us. That was more reasonably priced. It wasn't Sunday! Consider making Sundays your rest days so you don't have to worry about taxis and bus schedules. The museums are generally open on Sundays--as are the churches (I guess that's obvious), but the restaurants often close early.

Enjoy your camino!
Kitty

P.S. It does help that the Spanish word for "taxi" is "taxi."

 

[Bluestem Lady]

Hello Pilgrims. My wife and I are doing our first Camino at age 70 with creaky knees and all. We have been mountain day hikers in the Cascades and Olympics in the state of Washington where we live.

We decided to plan the whole Camino and book lodging as we wanted to assure staying in private room vs. albergues due to our personal way of handling COVID risks (everyone has different risk tolerances). Also, we are taking 50 days with multiple rest days and short days. We are prepping ourselves physically. But, based on multiple considerations, there are still a few long days (e.g. 14 - 16 miles) with descents of concern. We figured we would be able to assess ourselves physically and could take taxis and buses if needed.

Example: we divided the first day in two and are staying at Auberge Borda. But the third day is Roncevalles to Zubiri with that steep descent. I am trying to figure out if taxis are available in towns along that part of the route way. I know there is bus service in Roncesvalles but we are departing there on a Sunday and they don't run that day!

On previous posts from others, one stated that you are never more than 1.5 miles from a road and can take taxis or buses. Another stated this is unrealistic--you can't count on how long a wait could be or if one will come by.

Caminofacil has a taxi service but it doesn't look like you can ask for a specific pick up time so that would place constraints particulary if we want to taxi for the beginning part of a day--would not want to start too late.

I have also looked online but it didn't look promising--the options appeared to be mostly boutique services for special, planned situations.

This is a spiritual journey for us along with a hunger for art, architecture, culture, etc. Given that here are some questions:
1. How available are taxis or buses in small towns along the way (e.g. in Roncesvalles or in Viskarret on the way to Zubiri)?
2. Is the following impression correct: My impression is that finding taxi or bus when needed depends on where you are and we might need to be careful if we anticipate the need and the route goes through mainly small towns or has large gaps between villages.
3. Have you any experience using taxi services with Caminofacil or other luggage transfer services?
4. Do you have any other advice?

Thanks for considering
Bainbridge
(Neil Baker)

I am walking the Camino Frances right now…from SJPP to Santiago. We were advised that if we ever wanted/needed a taxi just go to a bar/cafe or hostel/albergue and ask them to call a cab for you. I have done this just once and it worked perfectly.

In terms of baggage transport I highly recommend JacoTrans (www.jacotrans.es). You call them the night before via What’s App, tell them pick up location and destination. Envelopes for the company are available in all lodging. Complete the information on the envelope, enclose 5€, attach envelope to your bag/luggage and leave your bag at the reception desk prior to 9 am. Your bag will arrive at your next destination by 2:30 pm. It’s worked flawlessly for me.

Buen Camino!!

 

[artsschmidt]

I am walking the Camino Frances right now…from SJPP to Santiago. We were advised that if we ever wanted/needed a taxi just go to a bar/cafe or hostel/albergue and ask them to call a cab for you. I have done this just once and it worked perfectly.

In terms of baggage transport I highly recommend JacoTrans (www.jacotrans.es). You call them the night before via What’s App, tell them pick up location and destination. Envelopes for the company are available in all lodging. Complete the information on the envelope, enclose 5€, attach envelope to your bag/luggage and leave your bag at the reception desk prior to 9 am. Your bag will arrive at your next destination by 2:30 pm. It’s worked flawlessly for me.

Buen Camino!!

I had an albergue call once and a Lady sweeping her driveway....I was sick. It was invaluable as I think I would not have made the last 4km.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

I made it just fine but at certain points I had no idea exactly where I was. There were times we were near a road but sometimes it was just a wide dirt path. It would have been laughable to have called a taxi and told them I was by the cow pasture at the top of a rise somewhere between.... You get the idea. I would have needed to get to an identifiable location where a pick up would be possible.

There is a free app called what3words that will identify exactly where you are or some other preferred meeting spot. For example, the carpark close to the statue of the Snow Virgin on the climb up and over the Napoleon route from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is at:
///coldly.uncomfortable.safest
or

///coldly.uncomfortable.safest

This is the what3words address for a 3 metre square location near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

w3w.co

Every 3 metre square in the world has its own unique what3words address.

Some taxi services are familiar with this way of identifying a geo-location and it is becoming more accepted every day.

Alternatively if you have Google Maps on your phone then it is possible to simplify "drop" a pin at any location on the map by long-pressing a particular spot and this will provide GPS coordinates for that spot. Here is the same carpark for the Snow Virgin using this method: 43.081288,-1.251856

You could share these GPS coordinates with the taxi driver so that you can agree where to be picked up.

It is also possible to actively share your position with someone else using Google Maps so that they can see your current location and will be able to tell if you move. This would allow the taxi driver to suggest a possible pick up point to you. This is a bit more complicated and so I won't explain it unless asked.

I’m not sure there was anywhere to get picked up Borda to Roncesvalles.

There certainly are places. Express Bourricot from St. Jean run a scheduled minibus service from St. Jean to the turnoff to Roncesvalles stopping at Orisson, the Snow Virgin and the coffee cart next to the turnoff to Roncesvalles. You need to pre-booked this service and you can find them at https://www.expressbourricot.com/en/

You could, of course, get an ordinary taxi from St. Jean to any other place that is on or near the road in this area.

 

[Amused212]

There is a free app called what3words that will identify exactly where you are or some other preferred meeting spot. For example, the carpark close to the statue of the Snow Virgin on the climb up and over the Napoleon route from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is at:
///coldly.uncomfortable.safest
or

///coldly.uncomfortable.safest

This is the what3words address for a 3 metre square location near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

w3w.co

Every 3 metre square in the world has its own unique what3words address.

Some taxi services are familiar with this way of identifying a geo-location and it is becoming more accepted every day.

Alternatively if you have Google Maps on your phone then it is possible to simplify "drop" a pin at any location on the map by long-pressing a particular spot and this will provide GPS coordinates for that spot. Here is the same carpark for the Snow Virgin using this method: 43.081288,-1.251856

You could share these GPS coordinates with the taxi driver so that you can agree where to be picked up.

It is also possible to actively share your position with someone else using Google Maps so that they can see your current location and will be able to tell if you move. This would allow the taxi driver to suggest a possible pick up point to you. This is a bit more complicated and so I won't explain it unless asked.


There certainly are places. Express Bourricot from St. Jean run a scheduled minibus service from St. Jean to the turnoff to Roncesvalles stopping at Orisson, the Snow Virgin and the coffee cart next to the turnoff to Roncesvalles. You need to pre-booked this service and you can find them at https://www.expressbourricot.com/en/

You could, of course, get an ordinary taxi from St. Jean to any other place that is on or near the road in this area.

Wow, this is good to know. Thanks. I am done with my CF Camino but, who knows, I may do another and find myself on a dirt path next to the cow pasture at the top of the hill and in need of a taxi.

 

[Amused212]

There is a free app called what3words that will identify exactly where you are or some other preferred meeting spot. For example, the carpark close to the statue of the Snow Virgin on the climb up and over the Napoleon route from St. Jean to Roncesvalles is at:
///coldly.uncomfortable.safest
or

///coldly.uncomfortable.safest

This is the what3words address for a 3 metre square location near Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

w3w.co

Every 3 metre square in the world has its own unique what3words address.

Some taxi services are familiar with this way of identifying a geo-location and it is becoming more accepted every day.

Alternatively if you have Google Maps on your phone then it is possible to simplify "drop" a pin at any location on the map by long-pressing a particular spot and this will provide GPS coordinates for that spot. Here is the same carpark for the Snow Virgin using this method: 43.081288,-1.251856

You could share these GPS coordinates with the taxi driver so that you can agree where to be picked up.

It is also possible to actively share your position with someone else using Google Maps so that they can see your current location and will be able to tell if you move. This would allow the taxi driver to suggest a possible pick up point to you. This is a bit more complicated and so I won't explain it unless asked.


There certainly are places. Express Bourricot from St. Jean run a scheduled minibus service from St. Jean to the turnoff to Roncesvalles stopping at Orisson, the Snow Virgin and the coffee cart next to the turnoff to Roncesvalles. You need to pre-booked this service and you can find them at https://www.expressbourricot.com/en/

You could, of course, get an ordinary taxi from St. Jean to any other place that is on or near the road in this area.

Just installed the app. Who knows, might need a taxi here in mountains of North Carolina.