Train Bayonne SJPdP

[jgiesbrecht]

I have purchased my train ticket from raileurope for Bayonne to SJPdP. The email says I can print the ticket. I have read other people in the past posting about a) trouble with the right train (I don't speak french) and b) not having the correct ticket, needing to do something at a station, etc (though it may have been different trains or something). I just wanted to see if anyone has any feedback on either of these aspects before I head over in a week.

 

[MisterH]

I don't know about printing a ticket. I just walked up to the window and said Saint Jean, in english, and gave them some cash. I then waited for a train to come in. The Saint Jean train will be on the track furthest from the waiting area and it will be comming from the left. To get to the train use the under track passageway and get on it. If the train door isn't open, push the button and it will open. Most of the riders are pilgrims. Saint Jean is the last stop on the line. Get out of the train and follow the crowd to the pilgrim office.

 

[Felipe]

Half or more of the passengers to SJPP are pilgrims. Employees at Bayonne ticket office are used to their oddities.
Trains are clearly announced on a digital panel, with the number of track. It is a little station, anyway. And SJPP is the end of the line.
If you buy your ticket at the station, you have to validate it or "composter" in a little yellow machine. But most probably, you are exempt if you have bought it online and printed it.
Everything is quite simple and obvious.
Buen camino!

 

[trecile]

Half or more of the passengers to SJPP are pilgrims.

When I transferred from my train from Paris to the train to SJPdP in Bayonne I felt like I was getting on the Pilgrim Express.

 

[Margaret Butterworth]

In Bayonne, the ticket machine at the station didn't accept my Australian credit card and a queue was building up behind me whilst I pondered what to do. (There was no staff to help and a replacement bus was waiting). Finally a local man came to my assistance and said he would buy my ticket if I gave him E.11, which I did. Not sure if this still applies.

 

[NYSE]

I don't know about printing a ticket. I just walked up to the window and said Saint Jean, in english, and gave them some cash. I then waited for a train to come in. The Saint Jean train will be on the track furthest from the waiting area and it will be comming from the left. To get to the train use the under track passageway and get on it. If the train door isn't open, push the button and it will open. Most of the riders are pilgrims. Saint Jean is the last stop on the line. Get out of the train and follow the crowd to the pilgrim office.

If I could manage it, anyone can manage it. It was the easiest train to figure out, just look for the crowd of pilgrims.

 

[Ashland293]

When I transferred from my train from Paris to the train to SJPdP in Bayonne I felt like I was getting on the Pilgrim Express.

Tell me about you train experience from Paris to Bayonne, did you use first class or standard, how was the ride, etc..

 

[Juspassinthru]

My experience with trains throughout Europe and certainly in France (if not on strike) is that they’re all good, some excellent. Depending upon the fare difference first class is not necessary, it’s a relatively short trip. A “quiet” car may be worth it though. TGV trains generally require a seat reservation as well as a ticket.

 

[trecile]

Tell me about you train experience from Paris to Bayonne, did you use first class or standard, how was the ride, etc..

I was in first class, upper deck. The ride was very nice. I booked as early as I could directly with the French train company.

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[LesR]

Pilgrim Express

More 'pilgrim' than 'express', but a good introduction to the 'slow down and smell the roses' aspect of my caminos...

 

[SabsP]

My experience with trains throughout Europe and certainly in France (if not on strike) is that they’re all good, some excellent. Depending upon the fare difference first class is not necessary, it’s a relatively short trip. A “quiet” car may be worth it though. TGV trains generally require a seat reservation as well as a ticket.

That is the joy of travelling on French TGV's. The availibity of quiet cars. No loud talking, no use of cellphones.
Fellow passengers will advise others gently to take phone in to the corridor between two carriages.

 

[Kathy F.]

My ticket was soooo confusing for that train. I was led, by locals, to TWO different tracks, neither of which were the right one. I finally found the right train within seconds of the train leaving - I was still on the steps going in as the train started moving!
That was the first time. The second time was easier. Buen Camino!