Getting to Pamplona from Barcelona

[Leingang27]

We are flying from the US to Barcelona where are going to spend several days visiting friends before beginning our pilgrimage in Roncesvalles. I believe that there is a train from Barcelona to Pamplona and then we can take a bus. The information I found on the forum regarding this is several years old. Is this still the case? What would the cost be? Would it be better to rent a car since there are two of us?

 

[Bouwmeester]

Hi Jane,

If my information is correct, there's still a bus from Pamplona to Roncesvalles. In summer it departs twice a day (10 AM and 6 PM). In other seasons there's just the 6 PM bus. Here's the website (in Spanish): http://www.autocaresartieda.com/?scc=roncesvalles

I believe a train from Barcelona to Pamplona shouldn't be a problem either. As for your car rental dilemma, I'd recommend to take public transport. In Europe this is usually far cheaper than renting a car.

Buen Camino!
Tom

 

[Olivares]

My first time doing the Camino I flew into Barcelona, took the 9am bus from Barcelona Sants Station to Pamplona (24 Euros) and waited for the transfer (4pm) to SJPDP at the Bus station in Pamplona. I think that the bus system would be a better logistics for you. I often read of people flying into Paris and doing 4-6 connections combo bus-train and have to cringe. Flying into Barcelona, getting on the bus to Pamplona, and waiting for the transfer right at the bus station in Pamplona could not have been less hassle-free. I prefer bus because it placed me in the bus path I needed to be to get to SJPDP. Check http://www.vibasa.com.

I am going back to the Camino next week and will be flying into Madrid as I will be starting from Logroño this time. Similar deal; ALSA bus from Barajas T4 to Logroño.

Buen camino!

 

[lbpierce]

Recently I took a high speed train from Barcelona to Pamplona. It's on the Renfre line, and I went to the train station the day before and bought a ticket. I think it was 36 Euros. The train left at 9:30 am and arrived in Pamplona at 1:30 pm. You can check their web site. Then, right directly in front of the train station is a bus stop where you can take a #9 bus (very little cost, but can't remember what) to the autobus station. Just ask the driver to let you know when to get off. When you get off the bus, you will walk right to the intersection, where you will see a modern looking building on your left on the other side of the street. It doesn't look like a bus station, it's simply an area to take escalators down to the bus station. Anyway, just ask people in the area "Donde está el autobus?" It's a 5 minute walk from where you get off the #9 bus to the bus station or less. When you get to the bus station, go to the ticket counter for Artieda and buy a ticket for the 6 pm bus from Pamplona to Roncesvalles for about 6 euros. Then you will have a several hour wait where you can eat/drink in the cafeteria or use their internet computers for a nominal amount. The bus is supposed to take one hour, but I think mine was more like 90 minutes. I would definitely recommend this method to renting a car. Less stressful for sure.

 

[Leingang27]

Thanks so much! I have my choices now and I think it should work out very well. I am preparing by learning as much Spanish as I can and we are working at our conditioning. We are looking forward to a great experience full of a lot of surprises. We leave on Sept 1. I can hardly wait.

 

[sulu]

If you find yourself with a few hours in Pamplona it is easy to leave the bus station, cross the road walk left to the road junction, cross that road (El Corte Ingles is there if I remember rightly) turn right and then left straight away and if you walk straight on you will get to Plaza de Sarasate where there are bars and a pleasanter atmosphere than just sitting in the bus station. It sounds like a few rights and lefts but it is almost straight, only about 5 minutes walk.