Starting in Ocebreiro

[auburnfive]

Hello,
Looking for some feedback for a group of 6 senior ladies
Flying from North America, it’s looking as though landing in Porto rather than Madrid might work better , lower airfare, better arrival time, and there is not much difference in the length of the bus journey. It looks like we can take a bus from Porto to Santiago and then board another to Pedrafita, and taxi from there. Questions. It looks as though it has to be 2 separate tickets, rather than a Porto- Pedrafita ticket - is that a concern? Is there only one bus station in Santiago? ( there is a one hour transfer time). What is the best way to purchase advance tickets? We want to be sure of all getting on the bus Is there a different route that we haven’t considered? Thank you.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Is there only one bus station in Santiago?

Only one. Bus companies have different ticket counters (many of which tell you to buy your ticket from the bus driver), and you cannot buy continuous tickets. It won't be a problem, and you do not need to buy tickets in advance.

 

[nidarosa]

ALSA covers both distances and you can buy tickets in advance at alsa.com and print them out if you prefer to buy them beforehand.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

With a party of 6 it may pay to hire a van and driver. With a van you could take a direct route saving time. You might even be able to get a talkative driver and learn things on the way. If the van costs more the convenience may be worth the price.

 

[auburnfive]

Any suggestions on where to look to hire a van and driver? Thanks

 

[Deleted member 3000]

From Santiago, they have 7-passenger vans (your pack may need to sit on your lap):
http://radiotaxicompostela.com/

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Any suggestions on where to look to hire a van and driver? Thanks

https://www.porto-tourism.com/tourist-information-offices-in-porto.html

 

[Deleted member 3000]

A larger van available:

http://www.maxitaxi.es/

 

[auburnfive]

Thanks for the suggestions, looks like the ALSA buses combo 50 € and a taxi works out to be 68€ each for 6 people, the journey takes half as long.

 

[Susan Peacock]

A side note: If you plan to stay overnight in O’Cebrerio in private accommodations you should make a reservation well in advance with there being six of you. It is small and many tourist visit the charming town. I haven’t been able to stay there on every Camino. The municipal there does not take reservations and depending on the season and the time of day you arrive you could be fine here.

 

[grayland]

Thanks for the suggestions, looks like the ALSA buses combo 50 € and a taxi works out to be 68€ each for 6 people, the journey takes half as long.

I would suggest that the additional 18 euro will be well spent. You will enjoy the van ride with no stress of connections and ticket buying after just arriving. You should arrive in O'c much more rested and ready to start your adventure.

 

[auburnfive]

Although we are planning to spend overnight in Porto, pickup from the airport is also possible. This route is les# expensive than from Madrid, and Porto is a lovely city with those tarts as a bonus! Ocebriero accommodation booked, thanks for the input