Getting from Pamplona to SJPDP Oct 30, 2023 - non bus options?

[Crourke]

Hi I am exploring how to get from Pamplona to SJPDP to start CF at the end of October, Monday 30 Oct specifically. Unfortunately the ALSA Bus (1x / day) stops after 12 Oct. So looking into other ways there is of course a taxi for about 140 Euros. Which is more than I would want to pay, and would be glad to split if there are others. If anyone here has ideas on how to do that trip or the likelihood of others heading that way around then to share, please let me know.

 

[trecile]

Have you thought about starting your walk from Pamplona? Or were you hoping to walk the Napoleon route the last day that it's open this year?

 

[Bradypus]

If you really feel the need to start from SJPDP then you can travel from Pamplona to Bayonne by ALSA bus with a change of bus part way in San Sebastian. Then the local train to SJPDP. Pick your departure time carefully though as some journeys are much longer than others.

 

[Crourke]

Have you thought about starting your walk from Pamplona? Or were you hoping to walk the Napoleon route the last day that it's open this year?

Hi - Thanks and Yes I have considered it and more I consider it that may be my best option. Probably not doing the Napolean route then due to weather, I expect the other one. I am tagging this onto a week's holiday in the Barcelona area so will be in Bcn on 29 October. I only have about 7-8 days I can take due to work and life constraints so hope to return to do later parts in future, in a few stages when I can get the time. Not ideal but my reality. I like the idea of starting from SJPDP but not tied to it since its hard to get there that time of year (e.g. no bus from Pamplona). BUT its dead easy to get Bcn to Pamplona, 4 hours by train, So I could start from there the Oct 30th. I need to be back in Scotland by Nov. 8th so that should give me 8 days to walk, to about midway between Logrono and Burgos, like Granon or beyond. Hopefully some transport to Bilbao to fly back. I need to think some more but appreciate your advice and the more I mull the better the Pamplona start sounds to not have to take a whole day just to get to SJPDP.

 

[Crourke]

If you really feel the need to start from SJPDP then you can travel from Pamplona to Bayonne by ALSA bus with a change of bus part way in San Sebastian. Then the local train to SJPDP. Pick your departure time carefully though as some journeys are much longer than others.

Thats an option I haven't explored - thanks! I will have to see if the route runs at end of October still. As explained in other reply I am starting this thing from Barcelona on 29th . Easy to get to Pamplona by train but hadn't considered this bus to San S, Bayonne and then SJPDP. will check that out tomorrow. Will mean losing a day walking (I have only about 8 or 9 days to get along the train as far as I do) but I would start in SJPDP which would be nice. Will check that out on Rome2 Rio and see how it looks and decide. Thanks so much!

 

[dougfitz]

Unfortunately the ALSA Bus (1x / day) stops after 12 Oct.

Be aware that bus lines don't release and publish their schedules more than an few weeks in advance. This manifests itself as people who are expecting the schedules being available for a longer period thinking that a service is going to stop running. I would keep checking with the bus companies in addition to any other contingency planning you might do should there be no suitable service available.

 

[Crourke]

Be aware that bus lines don't release and publish their schedules more than an few weeks in advance. This manifests itself as people who are expecting the schedules being available for a longer period thinking that a service is going to stop running. I would keep checking with the bus companies in addition to any other contingency planning you might do should there be no suitable service available.

Wow thanks thats useful to know - a new wrinkle in all this. I will check their schedules as you say. This is my 1st camino (section) so really appreciate your advice

 

[Eckart.S]

You can take the bus to Roncesvalles with Autocares Artieda at 13:30. Then walk or take a taxi to SJPP

 

[mspath]

Have you considered hitching? No joke.

From Pamplona either walk along the camino path which follows the Arga river into Zubiri or walk on the right side verges of the N135. . Or you might follow the paved bicycle/walking route from the Puente de La Magdalena near the cathedral to where it meets the N135 highway near Zabaldica At any junction with the highway N135 try hitching. The N135 eventually becomes the D933 which goes to SJPdP. Many logging trucks and suppliers vans take this route.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Take the bus to Roncesvalles and then start walking from there. That is what a large number of Spanish pilgrims do.

The Roncesvalles bus is different from the SJPdP bus.

 

[Crourke]

Take the bus to Roncesvalles and then start walking from there. That is what a large number of Spanish pilgrims do.

The Roncesvalles bus is different from the SJPdP bus.

Ah! Another good idea. Thanks loads for that I'll check that out tonight as well and see who runs that bus and if runs in late Oct.

 

[Bradypus]

A Facebook friend posted about that bus service this morning in a Camino group. With the timetable and price.

Camino de Santiago All Routes | WINTER BUSES PAMPLONA TO RONCESVALLES

WINTER BUSES PAMPLONA TO RONCESVALLES Artieda bus have now published their winter schedule for Pamplona bus station to Roncesvalles, starting 20 September. Monday to Friday at 1330, Saturdays at...

www.facebook.com

 

[Crourke]

Have you considered hitching? No joke.

From Pamplona either walk along the camino path which follows the Arga river into Zubiri or walk on the right side verges of the N135. . Or you might follow the paved bicycle/walking route from the Puente de La Magdalena near the cathedral to where it meets the N135 highway near Zabaldica At any junction with the highway N135 try hitching. The N135 eventually becomes the D933 which goes to SJPdP. Many logging trucks and suppliers vans take this route.

Wow thats another new one - I haven't hitched in...decades. But thats another one to think about and thanks for the Very detailed instructions. I'm so glad I posted on this forum!