Madrid to Astorga on Easter Saturday/accomodation advice nee

[amykate]

Hi, after the first flush of excitement having booked my flights (leaving earlier than originally planned) I have been trying to get organised /go on some long walks/learn some Spanish, this feels like it is all coming together. I am pretty sure that I will be fine when I get going and I would appreciate a bit of advice about travel from Madrid to Astorga. I will be arriving in Madrid at mid day on the day before Easter Sunday.
Does anyone know if the buses will be running to a different schedule that day (not sure if it is a holiday weekend ), where will I get the bus from, should i book in advance and lastly (for today )
any recommendations where to stay in Astorga that night /does it need to be booked in advance.

This is the bit of the journey that I am most anxious about and any advice would be gratefully received
thanks a bunch.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, amykate,

The bus line for Astorga is ALSA. They have a website, alsa.es. When I plugged in March 30 (I think that's the day before Easter), it shows that there are afternoon buses at 1:45 pm, 4:45 p.m. and midnight. Those buses leave directly from the sirport.

There are also buses at 2:30 and a 3:30 bus from the "Estacion Sur", which don't stop at the airport. That station is a long way from the airport, so I think the airport would be much easier.

I don't know if you can buy tickets on their website.

I know there is a lot of travel around Easter, but I don't know if Sat. afternoon is likely to be after the rush. It's about a 4 hour trip.

I've spent several nights in Astorga, there are 3 or 4 albergues. I've also stayed in the Hotel Gaudi, right in the main square. Nothing fancy, but maybe a little pricey. You don't say what your budget is.

I'm sure others will have advice, but this is a start, I hope. Buen camino, Laurie

 

[mspath]

Amykate,

In Astorga I have often stayed at the Albergue de Peregrinos Siervas de María. It is large with 156 bunks in many small dorms and very well run. They also issue Pilgrim Credentials. They do not, however, take reservations. This is their listing on Eroski >> http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es./albergue-de-siervas-de-maria and this is their own webpage >>http://www.caminodesantiagoastorga.com/index.php?modulo=2.

As Laurie mentioned the Hotel Gaudi is very nice. I have never stayed, but have eaten there. The hotel is named for the Catalan architect, Antoni Gaudi (1852-1926), who designed the extraordinary Archbishop's residence which faces the hotel as well as many other structures mainly in Barcelona. Be sure to check it out.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I don't know if you can buy tickets on their website.

I have. I think I used PayPal, though. I actually set up an account with them, but they never sent me their ALSA card! The driver had my name and assigned seat on a computer printout. He also sold tickets to those without reservations.