Travel from California to Sjdp

[cclala]

I am wanting to book a flight soon for June 2015 to walk the Camino Frances. Any advice about where to fly into from California would be great. Madrid? Paris? Portugal? Thanks!

 

[whariwharangi]

I am wanting to book a flight soon for June 2015 to walk the Camino Frances. Any advice about where to fly into from California would be great. Madrid? Paris? Portugal? Thanks!

There are buses or trains 4 or 5 times per day from Bayonne to SJPdP.

The closest airport to SJPdP is Biarritz (BIQ). Biarritz is close to Bayonne. Biarritz airport is well connected to many European cities including London, Dublin, and Paris though not including Madrid.

There are good train connections to Paris, Madrid via the border crossing at Irun, and the rest of Europe meaning you can get a flight from California to anywhere Europe and take the train to Bayonne.

San Sebastian airport is located in Irun and has limited connections to Barcelona and Madrid (and is probably the reason there are no flights from Madrid to Biarritz).

There is seasonal bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP. By June there will likely be at least 2 buses daily.

There are good bus and train connections to Pamplona from Madrid and Barcelona.

There is an airport in Pamplona with limited connections to Madrid.

A key factor in travel planning is getting home from where you plan to finish. A lot of people plan to finish in Santiago.

Santiago has flights to Paris, London, Barcelona, and Madrid. There are good train connections to Madrid, Lisboa and the rest of Spain and Portugal.

There is an overnight train from Lisboa to Irun where there are transfers to France's train system.

Let us know when you decide and more detail will be provided.

400 Airports

401 Airports in Spain
402 Airports in France
403 Airports in Portugal
404 Airports in London UK

401 Airports in Spain

AENA manages airports in Spain
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/HomeAenaAeropuertos/en/Home.html

402 Airports in France

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Bordeaux Airport
http://www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/en

Lyon Airport (LYS)
http://www.lyonaeroports.com/eng

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY):
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-gb/passagers/home/

Pau Airport
http://www.pau.aeroport.fr/

403 Airports in Portugal

ANA manages airports in Portugal
http://www.ana.pt/en-US/Pages/Homepage.aspx

404 Airports in London UK

London Heathrow (LHR)
http://www.heathrowairport.com/

London Gatwick (LGW)
http://www.gatwickairport.com/

London Stansted (STN)
http://www.stanstedairport.com/

London Luton (LTN)
http://www.london-luton.co.uk/

London City (LCY)
http://www.londoncityairport.com/

500 Trains

501 Trains in Spain
502 Trains in France
503 Trains in Portugal
504 Trains in UK

501 Trains in Spain

Schedules for Renfe Trains are usually changed for summer and Christmas. The long distance fast trains are updated months in advance while the slower runs sometimes aren't updated until a month in advance. We recently saw Trenhotel trains updated 23 May 2014 for 15 June ... only 3 weeks in advance.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/

Renfe Cercanius (light rail commuter services to major cities in Spain)
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/index.html

Euskotren connects from Bilbao to Hendaye France
http://www.euskotren.es/

FEVE was a state-owned Spanish narrow gauge railway company. The company was absorbed by Renfe in 2012. The FEVE lines continue to operate as a separate entity with several short lines mainly in Northern Spain.

Renfe FEVE Trains
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/feve/index.html

FEVE
http://www.feve.es/es/

Renfe connects with SNCF at Irun/Hendaye and Port Bou/Cerbère border crossings where there is break of gauge.

SNCF and Renfe operate a high-speed train that connects Paris Gare de Lyon direct to Barcelona Sants. This is a new service as of 15 December 2013.

Renfe connects with CP via trains from Vigo to Valenca.

502 Trains in France

SNCF is France's train system.

SNCF TGV trains provide high-speed service across France. You must have a reserved seat on TGV trains (you can reserve at the station just prior to boarding).

SNCF TER is a regional train system. You can't reserve a seat on TER trains.

SNCF Intercites trains are trains that cover areas without TGV service.

SNCF and Renfe operate a high-speed train that connects Paris Gare de Lyon direct to Barcelona Sants. This is a new service as of 15 December 2013.

SNCF connects with Renfe at Irun/Hendaye and Port Bou/Cerbère border crossings where there is break of gauge.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

SNCF TER (France regional train service)
http://www.ter-sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF Railway Map France
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-map/sncf-map-large.htm

SNCF TGV Map
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-trains/tgv-map.htm

Eurostar train connects London St Pancras International with Paris Gare du Nord.
http://www.eurostar.com/

503 Trains in Portugal

Comboios de Portugal (urban, regional, national, and international train services)
http://www.cp.pt/cp/displayPage.do?vgnextoid=87cbd5abe2a74010VgnVCM1000007b01a8c0RCRD

CP operates overnight trains from Lisboa and Porto Portugal terminating in Madrid Spain and in Hendaye France.

CP operates Celta trains between Vigo and Porto Portugal - Estaçao de Campanha.

504 Trains in UK

UK National Rail
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Eurostar train connects London St Pancras International with Paris Gare du Nord.
http://www.eurostar.com/

 

[karenfromcali]

I am wanting to book a flight soon for June 2015 to walk the Camino Frances. Any advice about where to fly into from California would be great. Madrid? Paris? Portugal? Thanks!

Hi cclala.
Welcome to the forum! I flew fom LAX into Paris, CDG, then took the train down to St Jean. Coming back there is an international airport in Santiago but I found it cheaper to fly home from Madrid.
Buen Camino

 

[Bajaracer]

I am wanting to book a flight soon for June 2015 to walk the Camino Frances. Any advice about where to fly into from California would be great. Madrid? Paris? Portugal? Thanks!

Get a multiple destination ticket, fly from the west coast to Pamplona, then take the ALSA bus to SJPDP for €20.
For the return flight, Santiago back to the west coast.
Check out Expedia.com and click on multiple destinations and see what you come up with.

Check this video out.

 

[MeganG22]

Two years ago, I bought a "multi city" ticket from San Francisco--> Dublin and then 8 weeks later Rome--> San Francisco. I flew Dublin to Bordeaux, then took a train to Bayonne and on to SJPdP.
When I bought my ticket during this last summer for my October walk, I bought a roundtrip ticket to Dublin. Started my Camino from Pamplona so I flew Dublin--> Bilbao and then took a bus to Pamplona.
For some reason, flying to Dublin from SFO is always several hundred dollars cheaper than any other European airport. And even after another flight purchase and/or train or bus tickets, it ends up being a better deal. It really just depends on if price is a factor for you or not. This time around I learned that Aer Lingus stops their Santiago-->Dublin flights on November 1st so it was a pricey headache for me to figure out how to get back to Dublin, and I told myself that next time I may just do roundtrip to Madrid or Barcelona because those are both very easy to get to from Santiago (as is Porto) at the end of the walk, even on short notice. I would just keep researching flights until you find an acceptable price. And the other plans can be made easily enough, in terms of inter-European flights or train tickets.

 

[Ahhhs]

Hi. I too am traveling from California for my first Camino in May of 2015. Actually I'll be arriving late April and returning early June. I haven't reserved any flights yet. It sounds like LAX to Paris to SJPdP may be the simplest route but I've been to Paris several times and would like to consider Bilbao. Anyone traveled from CA by way of Bilbao?

Cheers.

 

[Bajaracer]

Hi. I too am traveling from California for my first Camino in May of 2015. Actually I'll be arriving late April and returning early June. I haven't reserved any flights yet. It sounds like LAX to Paris to SJPdP may be the simplest route but I've been to Paris several times and would like to consider Bilbao. Anyone traveled from CA by way of Bilbao?

Cheers.

I flew on military flights from San Diego to VA and onto Lisbon, I bought a ticket to Bilbao the next morning via Madrid, I took a bus (2hrs) from Bilbao to Pamplona, stayed the night, then the ALSA/CONDA bus (1hr 45min) to SJPDP.

Madrid is the ideal place to get to the start of the Camino and to fly home from. Still look into connecting flights to Pamplona for the start, and out of Santiago when you have completed your Camino, it's not too much compared to taking trains or buses to and from Madrid.

 

[peregrina2000]

I go from US to Spain to the camino every year and have just two bits of advice, most of which builds on (and echoes) what bajaracer said.

Frst, when you plan where you are going to fly into as your European starting point, consider not only where you are going to start walking, but also where you are going to end walking. It should be convenient to both of those cities. Arriving in Paris may be convenient to SJPP, but it is far less so at the end from Santiago.

Second, look at multi-city options. Buying a ticket from LAX to Paris and then buying a separate plane ticket from Paris to Bilbao or anywhere else is likely to be much more than just buying your inbound flight ticket as LAX to Bilbao. Just as important, if you buy separate tickets and if your flight into Paris is late and you miss your next flight, that's your problem. If it's all one ticket, the airline will re-book you at no cost to you.

This year I'm going to start north of Barcelona on the Cami St. Jaume and come home from Santiago. I have been looking at tickets and see that a multi-city ticket from US to Barcelona and then Santiago to US is only $100 more than a round trip ticket from US to Madrid. It's a no brainer for me.

Happy planning! Buen camino, Laurie

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi. I too am traveling from California for my first Camino in May of 2015. Actually I'll be arriving late April and returning early June. I haven't reserved any flights yet. It sounds like LAX to Paris to SJPdP may be the simplest route but I've been to Paris several times and would like to consider Bilbao. Anyone traveled from CA by way of Bilbao?

Cheers.

Hi, Ahhs,
I've traveled from the US to Bilbao, in fact, I did it last year for the Camino Olvidado. There's are several Iberia flights every day from Madrid to Bilbao. Then going home, there's an early morning flight from Santiago to Madrid that will get you there to connect with many US-bound flights.

 

[Olivares]

I've been to the Camino every year since 2011 and always traveled into Spain (Madrid or Barcelona). I have made comparisons every time and flying into Spain has always been the most convenient itineraries, cheapest, easiest logistics. From the airport at Barajas (Terminal 4) you can hop on a bus straight to Pamplona or a train that will connect you very easily. From Barcelona I have taken the bus to Pamplona (4 hrs) and then a shared van ride from the bus station in Pamplona to SJPDP. Seriously, it could not have been easier. Buen Camino!

 

[Ahhhs]

I've been to the Camino every year since 2011 and always traveled into Spain (Madrid or Barcelona). I have made comparisons every time and flying into Spain has always been the most convenient itineraries, cheapest, easiest logistics. From the airport at Barajas (Terminal 4) you can hop on a bus straight to Pamplona or a train that will connect you very easily. From Barcelona I have taken the bus to Pamplona (4 hrs) and then a shared van ride from the bus station in Pamplona to SJPDP. Seriously, it could not have been easier. Buen Camino!

Thanks so much for all your replies. It does sound a bit complicated so more research is necessary before I book my flights. It may be too complicated to tack on other stops for sightseeing prior to my Camino this time.

Is it easier to fly into Barcelona or Madrid before traveling on to SJdPP?

Cheers.

 

[CaminoMatto]

Hi cclala

I am no expert and I am not at all a seasoned traveller. I am walking my first camino in January 2015 and I am travelling from Alberta Canada.
Just an example of my travel plans below,
- Fly Calgary Alberta to Paris.
- Same day flight from Paris to Biarritz (easyjet, super cheap when I booked).
- Train from Biarritz to SJPDP.
After the camino,
- Train from Santiago to Madrid.
- Fly from Madrid back to Canada.

That is my itinerary, I would definitely recommend multi - city trips, have a look at places like kayak.com or flighthub.com, I booked my flights about 4 months in advance and was pleasantly surprised at how cheap things were.

Good luck!

Matt

 

[Olivares]

Matt-- you are flying from your origin trans-atlantic directly into Paris. Makes a huge difference with the most common situation which is to connect within the Continental US first from their origin city. Also, the frequency, cost, and number of options for bus/train straight from the Spain airports (no need to bus from airport to a station in a city centre) makes it very convenient as well.

 

[jpflavin1]

I am wanting to book a flight soon for June 2015 to walk the Camino Frances. Any advice about where to fly into from California would be great. Madrid? Paris? Portugal? Thanks!

Cclala:

I have walked several Camino's and entered Spain from several European cities. Your decision could vary based on cost or your desire to visit another European city while on this trip.

If you are planning to visit another country/city while on this trip then an open jaw ticket is probably the best option. Otherwise, I would recommend California to Madrid round trip. Upon arrival in Madrid take a train to Pamplona and have the Corazonpuro.es folks pick you up at the train station, put you up for the night then drive you and probably other Pilgrims to SJPdP the next morning. This is the most stress free route, imo.

Returning from Santiago to Madrid, depending on when your flight leaves, if you have a morning flight (after 10 but before noon) I recommend the overnight train (sleeper beds available) from Santiago to Madrid Chamartin then the Cercanias train from the Chamartin station to the airport. It runs every half hour. If your flight is very early or afternoon, I recommend flying from Santiago to Madrid. That said, you could take a bus or regular train from Santiago to Madrid.

Another issue, for you, could be travel time. By that, I mean a non-stop flight versus one or two stops. This could lead to a very long travel day. I live in Chicago there are several daily options to fly direct to all European ports of entry. That might not be the same from LAX, SFO, or SAN. Travel time is important too me. Cost or something else might be the decision driver for you.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[jpflavin1]

Thanks so much for all your replies. It does sound a bit complicated so more research is necessary before I book my flights. It may be too complicated to tack on other stops for sightseeing prior to my Camino this time.

Is it easier to fly into Barcelona or Madrid before traveling on to SJdPP?

Cheers.

Ahhhs:

I would answer this question by saying it depends on the availability of flights from your point of departure to your port of entry in Europe. Either Madrid or Barcelona is a train ride to Pamplona and then a bus or private transportation to SJPdP. As far as the return, Madrid is a much shorter train or bus ride from Santiago than Barcelona. Air transport would be a similar time frame.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Mark Lee]

My first Camino I flew to Paris and took the train down to SJPDP (later flew back to Paris from Santiago on Vueling Airlines).
My second Camino I flew to Madrid and took the bus (from the airport) to Pamplona and then on to SJPDP (later flew back to Madrid from Santiago on Iberia Express).
Flying to Madrid was cheaper and involved less travel to SJPDP.

 

[Bajaracer]

Thanks so much for all your replies. It does sound a bit complicated so more research is necessary before I book my flights. It may be too complicated to tack on other stops for sightseeing prior to my Camino this time.

Is it easier to fly into Barcelona or Madrid before traveling on to SJdPP?

Cheers.

Madrid is the easiest for going to the start and for going home from the Camino.
www.rome2rio.com is a great travel tool, here is an example from LAX to Pamplona leaving LAX on 27APR and returning from Madrid on 1JUN:
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Los-Angeles-Airport-LAX-USA/Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?dates=2015-4-27
You can also use http://www.corazonpuro.es/AlbergueEng.html instead of the €20 bus or €100 taxi, and they will pick you up from Pamplona airport and put you up for the night, feed you dinner, breakfast, and then a ride to SJPDP the next morning for €43.
For traveling back from Santiago, take the train to Madrid and fly home to LAX, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Madrid/Los-Angeles?dates=2015-6-1

 

[dgassa]

You're getting lots of advise here, but you haven't identified your departure point. LAX San Diego San Francisco? Might make a difference.

 

[whariwharangi]

Thanks so much for all your replies. It does sound a bit complicated so more research is necessary before I book my flights. It may be too complicated to tack on other stops for sightseeing prior to my Camino this time.

Is it easier to fly into Barcelona or Madrid before traveling on to SJdPP?

Cheers.

Travel time by train or bus is roughly equal from Madrid or Barcelona to Pamplona and assumes you are able to make use of the limited service bus from Pamplona to SJPdP.

If the intention is to travel to SJPdP via Irun and Bayonne (from whence there is more frequent and all year service to SJPdP), then Madrid is definitely the better option.

If you arrive after 1000 in either Barcelona or Madrid it will not likely be possible to make it to either Pamplona or Bayonne in time to catch the last bus or train to SJPdP. The problem with the Pamplona option is there are only one or two buses in the afternoon (there was a bus in the morning starting late June this year). If you end up staying overnight there is a train from Bayonne in the morning. These are critical factors in deciding how you plan to travel.

The return from Santiago is shorter to Madrid than Barcelona. In fact its faster to take the train to Madrid and onward to Barcelona than it is to take the direct train from Santiago to Barcelona.

 

[Mark Lee]

Madrid is the easiest for going to the start and for going home from the Camino.
www.rome2rio.com is a great travel tool, here is an example from LAX to Pamplona leaving LAX on 27APR and returning from Madrid on 1JUN:
https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Los-Angeles-Airport-LAX-USA/Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?dates=2015-4-27
You can also use http://www.corazonpuro.es/AlbergueEng.html instead of the €20 bus or €100 taxi, and they will pick you up from Pamplona airport and put you up for the night, feed you dinner, breakfast, and then a ride to SJPDP the next morning for €43.
For traveling back from Santiago, take the train to Madrid and fly home to LAX, https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Madrid/Los-Angeles?dates=2015-6-1

That's what I used on my second Camino. Flew to Madrid, bus to Pamplona from the Madrid airport and they picked me up at the Pamplona bus station and dropped me off in SJPDP (very close to the Pilgrim's office) the next morning. Worked out perfect for me. Very cool couple that runs that pension house.

 

[Ahhhs]

You're getting lots of advise here, but you haven't identified your departure point. LAX San Diego San Francisco? Might make a difference.

Either LAX or SFO. I live half way between the two in a smallish town with a small airport. I always have to fly to one or the other to connect. I'll check both.

Cheers.

 

[JohnMcM]

There are buses or trains 4 or 5 times per day from Bayonne to SJPdP.

The closest airport to SJPdP is Biarritz (BIQ). Biarritz is close to Bayonne. Biarritz airport is well connected to many European cities including London, Dublin, and Paris though not including Madrid.

There are good train connections to Paris, Madrid via the border crossing at Irun, and the rest of Europe meaning you can get a flight from California to anywhere Europe and take the train to Bayonne.

San Sebastian airport is located in Irun and has limited connections to Barcelona and Madrid (and is probably the reason there are no flights from Madrid to Biarritz).

There is seasonal bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP. By June there will likely be at least 2 buses daily.

There are good bus and train connections to Pamplona from Madrid and Barcelona.

There is an airport in Pamplona with limited connections to Madrid.

A key factor in travel planning is getting home from where you plan to finish. A lot of people plan to finish in Santiago.

Santiago has flights to Paris, London, Barcelona, and Madrid. There are good train connections to Madrid, Lisboa and the rest of Spain and Portugal.

There is an overnight train from Lisboa to Irun where there are transfers to France's train system.

Let us know when you decide and more detail will be provided.

400 Airports

401 Airports in Spain
402 Airports in France
403 Airports in Portugal
404 Airports in London UK

401 Airports in Spain

AENA manages airports in Spain
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/HomeAenaAeropuertos/en/Home.html

402 Airports in France

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Bordeaux Airport
http://www.bordeaux.aeroport.fr/en

Lyon Airport (LYS)
http://www.lyonaeroports.com/eng

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY):
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-gb/passagers/home/

Pau Airport
http://www.pau.aeroport.fr/

403 Airports in Portugal

ANA manages airports in Portugal
http://www.ana.pt/en-US/Pages/Homepage.aspx

404 Airports in London UK

London Heathrow (LHR)
http://www.heathrowairport.com/

London Gatwick (LGW)
http://www.gatwickairport.com/

London Stansted (STN)
http://www.stanstedairport.com/

London Luton (LTN)
http://www.london-luton.co.uk/

London City (LCY)
http://www.londoncityairport.com/

500 Trains

501 Trains in Spain
502 Trains in France
503 Trains in Portugal
504 Trains in UK

501 Trains in Spain

Schedules for Renfe Trains are usually changed for summer and Christmas. The long distance fast trains are updated months in advance while the slower runs sometimes aren't updated until a month in advance. We recently saw Trenhotel trains updated 23 May 2014 for 15 June ... only 3 weeks in advance.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/

Renfe Cercanius (light rail commuter services to major cities in Spain)
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/index.html

Euskotren connects from Bilbao to Hendaye France
http://www.euskotren.es/

FEVE was a state-owned Spanish narrow gauge railway company. The company was absorbed by Renfe in 2012. The FEVE lines continue to operate as a separate entity with several short lines mainly in Northern Spain.

Renfe FEVE Trains
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/feve/index.html

FEVE
http://www.feve.es/es/

Renfe connects with SNCF at Irun/Hendaye and Port Bou/Cerbère border crossings where there is break of gauge.

SNCF and Renfe operate a high-speed train that connects Paris Gare de Lyon direct to Barcelona Sants. This is a new service as of 15 December 2013.

Renfe connects with CP via trains from Vigo to Valenca.

502 Trains in France

SNCF is France's train system.

SNCF TGV trains provide high-speed service across France. You must have a reserved seat on TGV trains (you can reserve at the station just prior to boarding).

SNCF TER is a regional train system. You can't reserve a seat on TER trains.

SNCF Intercites trains are trains that cover areas without TGV service.

SNCF and Renfe operate a high-speed train that connects Paris Gare de Lyon direct to Barcelona Sants. This is a new service as of 15 December 2013.

SNCF connects with Renfe at Irun/Hendaye and Port Bou/Cerbère border crossings where there is break of gauge.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

SNCF TER (France regional train service)
http://www.ter-sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF Railway Map France
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-map/sncf-map-large.htm

SNCF TGV Map
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-trains/tgv-map.htm

Eurostar train connects London St Pancras International with Paris Gare du Nord.
http://www.eurostar.com/

503 Trains in Portugal

Comboios de Portugal (urban, regional, national, and international train services)
http://www.cp.pt/cp/displayPage.do?vgnextoid=87cbd5abe2a74010VgnVCM1000007b01a8c0RCRD

CP operates overnight trains from Lisboa and Porto Portugal terminating in Madrid Spain and in Hendaye France.

CP operates Celta trains between Vigo and Porto Portugal - Estaçao de Campanha.

504 Trains in UK

UK National Rail
http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Eurostar train connects London St Pancras International with Paris Gare du Nord.
http://www.eurostar.com/

whariwharangi,
You are a Camino star my friend. I have lost count of the times you have selflessly taken the time to post info like this for the benefit of others.

Considering there is a thread elsewhere about pilgrims taking the time to answer the questions posed by so-called "newcomers", I truly believe you are one those pilgrims who epitomise the spirit of this forum. Thank you my friend, thank you.

Buen Camino

 

[Ahhhs]

whariwharangi,
You are a Camino star my friend. I have lost count of the times you have selflessly taken the time to post info like this for the benefit of others.

Considering there is a thread elsewhere about pilgrims taking the time to answer the questions posed by so-called "newcomers", I truly believe you are one those pilgrims who epitomise the spirit of this forum. Thank you my friend, thank you.

Buen Camino

Yes, absolutely. Very thorough and very kind of you to take the time.
Thanks.

Cheers

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Avoiding all the waits and transfers, here is a sample itinerary to Pamplona from LAX and returning from Santiago:
Your selection
1 Los Angeles – Pamplona

• 
  
• Friday 01-May-15
• 18:10 - 16:55
• Duration: 13h: 45m

• 
  
  Iberia
• 
  
  Air Nostrum
• 1 Stopovers - LAX,MAD,PNA

2 Santiago de Compostela – Los Angeles

• 
  
• Tuesday 09-Jun-15
• 9:15 - 16:30
• Duration: 16h: 15m

• 
  
  Iberia Express
• 
  
  Iberia
• 1 Stopovers - SCQ,MAD,LAX

1 Adult Total price: $ 1,429.75

Personally, I would just start in Pamplona, but if you want to start in SJPdP or Roncesvalles, take the morning bus the next day, and start walking (or spend 100E for a taxi from Pamplona to SJPdP).

 

[joe g texas aggies]

I live in California and am flying to Europe next April for the Camino. I am taking a nonstop Air France flight from LAX to Paris CDG. I picked Air France, because I wanted to fly on the new Airbus A-380. My son is a commercial airline pilot and he says it's a great plane. I will meet my son in Paris and we will fly via Easy Jet to Biarritz the same evening. We will spend the first night in Biarritz and then proceed to SJPdP where we will spend a second night before proceeding on the Camino. I think we will need those two nights to recover from the jet lag. My son will be flying from Tokyo, so he will be tired from the trip, too. Not sure how we will get from Biarritz to SJPdP, because the train will probably not be working. Not worried about getting to SJPdP. We will figure that out when we get there.
At the end of the Camino, I will fly AF from Madrid to CDG to LAX. The incremental cost for the extra leg from MAD to CDG is de minimis. I spent a lot of time looking at flights for the return trip and I strongly recommend that you stick with one airline from Europe to the US. If I were to miss my connecting flight to CDG, AF could rightfully tell me I am out of luck. I also wanted to minimize connecting flights both in the US and in Europe. Too much can go wrong.
Hope this helps and give you some ideas.

In response to some of the other posts in this thread, the cost for the two of us to fly on Easy Jet from CDG to BIQ is about $185, including foreign transaction fees. I also purchased premium economy seats for us, since we are both over six feet tall and we will be dead tired. I make this point that it is not expensive to get from CDG to BIQ and some have implied. The cost may even be less, now that the Dollar has strengthened against the Euro and the price of crude oil (and jet fuel) has collapsed since I bought the tickets.

My RT airfare on AF rom LAX to CDG and MAD to CDG to LAX is about $1840 and again I purchased premium economy seats.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Not sure how we will get from Biarritz to SJPdP, because the train will probably not be working.

It will be working, or at least there will be service. Even when the track washes out, they maintain service.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Duration: 13h: 45m

16h: 15m

I did not emphasize the total time expended. I am retired, so time is no longer money, but I cannot develop enthusiasm for moving between airports, moving between airlines, moving between airports and stations, and waiting for connections that rarely match. I get on the plane, then get off the plane and walk. When I am done, I get on the plane, and get off the plane to drive home. The love that many have for Paris should not be confused with the convenience of transiting that city to get somewhere else. Fly where you are going, in this case, Spain. Virtually all flights go through Madrid with just a few that go to Barcelona without going through Madrid. Pamplona is a great starting point, but it also is a great city to shake jet lag before taking the two hour bus to SJPdP or Roncesvalles, if you insist on starting there. Corazon Puro has created an option that solves accommodation, food, and transportation problems for a fraction of the time and money of transiting Paris. I prefer walking in France to walking in Spain, so I am not a francophobe; but I have transited Paris several times to get to Le-Puy-en-Velay and Vezelay, and the experience is barely better than the third-world experience of Heathrow.

http://www.corazonpuro.es/Enghome.html

 

[Bajaracer]

I did not emphasize the total time expended. I am retired, so time is no longer money, but I cannot develop enthusiasm for moving between airports, moving between airlines, moving between airports and stations, and waiting for connections that rarely match. I get on the plane, then get off the plane and walk. When I am done, I get on the plane, and get off the plane to drive home. The love that many have for Paris should not be confused with the convenience of transiting that city to get somewhere else. Fly where you are going, in this case, Spain. Virtually all flights go through Madrid with just a few that go to Barcelona without going through Madrid. Pamplona is a great starting point, but it also is a great city to shake jet lag before taking the two hour bus to SJPdP or Roncesvalles, if you insist on starting there. Corazon Puro has created an option that solves accommodation, food, and transportation problems for a fraction of the time and money of transiting Paris. I prefer walking in France to walking in Spain, so I am not a francophobe; but I have transited Paris several times to get to Le-Puy-en-Velay and Vezelay, and the experience is barely better than the third-world experience of Heathrow.

http://www.corazonpuro.es/Enghome.html

This is exactly how I would book flights for the Camino Frances, sure a R/T ticket to Paris can be cheaper, once you add up the time and hassle transiting from Paris to SJPDP and from Santiago back to Paris, it costs about the same if you flew to Pamplona via Madrid and flew back from Santiago via Madrid.

 

[naplesdon]

Here is a route I would never have considered until a friend of mine did it last month. There is a direct flight from Toulouse to Vancouver. SNCF trains connect Toulouse to Bayonne. Just an idea.

 

[whariwharangi]

Here is a route I would never have considered until a friend of mine did it last month. There is a direct flight from Toulouse to Vancouver. SNCF trains connect Toulouse to Bayonne. Just an idea.

The thing of it is that its not a direct flight. The best I can get in terms of duration for Vancouver to Toulouse is via London LHR and Frankfort FRA ... and its still 15 hours.

Most flights from Vancouver to anywhere Europe are via London. A flight to London is 9 hours ... plus I have to take a local flight to get to Vancouver and the YVR LHR flight is leaving late ... So by the time I get to London I'm needing to rest.

I went YVR to LHR. I took a bus to Stansted and stayed overnight there. I caught the Ryan Air flight to Biarritz. (and nearly missed my flight because of a strike by controllers in France) The return flight was Madrid to Gatwick with Easy Jet booked the day of travel. I could have got to London on a discount flight from anywhere ... and thats the advantage of taking the major flight to a well connected major hub like Madrid or London. After that you just buy what you need when you need it to catch the major flight home.

 

[cclala]

WOW!! I have been in and out of internet service for the past few days. Just seeing these posts. Thank you all so much for the wealth of knowledge you have shared. I think SFO to Madrid makes the most sense for me. I already feel the warmth and fellowship that the Camino promises. Thanks again.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I think SFO to Madrid makes the most sense for me.

Shouldn't you be ccsf, then?

Buen camino.

 

[joe g texas aggies]

WOW!! I have been in and out of internet service for the past few days. Just seeing these posts. Thank you all so much for the wealth of knowledge you have shared. I think SFO to Madrid makes the most sense for me. I already feel the warmth and fellowship that the Camino promises. Thanks again.

I would add one thought about flying to Madrid and/or Barcelona. One of the major airlines that you will consider is Iberia. We flew on Iberia from MAD to LAX. While the experience was not terrible, overall I was not impressed. I was forewarned by our guide, who lives in Portugal and often commutes to South America, that he does not like to fly on Iberia. Please take that for what its worth.

 

[WldWil]

I am making final ticket plans. I will be flying in on September 3, 2015. The choices are Paris or Madrid. Both flights arrive at 7:00 AM. I would like to get to SJPDP that day, get a good night’s rest and head out in the morning. I am leaning towards Paris since it is only $18 more and I still depart later from Madrid.

Am I right in thinking a train from Paris SJPDP will be faster than from Madrid since I have all day?

 

[jpflavin1]

I am making final ticket plans. I will be flying in on September 3, 2015. The choices are Paris or Madrid. Both flights arrive at 7:00 AM. I would like to get to SJPDP that day, get a good night’s rest and head out in the morning. I am leaning towards Paris since it is only $18 more and I still depart later from Madrid.

Am I right in thinking a train from Paris SJPDP will be faster than from Madrid since I have all day?

WldWil:

There is no direct train from Paris or Madrid to SJPdP. If you choose Paris, you have to go from CDG to Montparnesse station and the catch the train to Bayonne or take the train from CDG and transfer in Bordeaux to Bayonne . The train ride is slightly over 5 to 6 hours depending on whether you leave from CDG or Montparnesse, fast train( $100.). This train will cover the same distance you will take to walk the Camino in 30-35 days. From Bayonne station you will get the local train to SJPdP or if it is not running a bus (approx. 1 1/2 hours).

Should you choose Madrid, you will go to Madrid Puerta de Atocha station and catch an 11:35 train to Pamplona (3hr 5 min.) (25 to 60 euro's). From Pamplona you have several options depending on time of year. Bus to SJPdP or cab with other Pilgrims to share cost. There is also an option to have Curazonpuro.es pick you up, house and feed you for the night and then drive you to SJPdP in the morning.

Hope this helps.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Mark Lee]

I am making final ticket plans. I will be flying in on September 3, 2015. The choices are Paris or Madrid. Both flights arrive at 7:00 AM. I would like to get to SJPDP that day, get a good night’s rest and head out in the morning. I am leaning towards Paris since it is only $18 more and I still depart later from Madrid.

Am I right in thinking a train from Paris SJPDP will be faster than from Madrid since I have all day?

My first Camino I flew in to Paris CDG and took the train from the CDG station down to SJPDP. I had to change trains in Bourdeaux and Bayonne. Don't remember the exact times, but it did take all day. Got to SJPDP at night.

 

[whariwharangi]

I am making final ticket plans. I will be flying in on September 3, 2015. The choices are Paris or Madrid. Both flights arrive at 7:00 AM. I would like to get to SJPDP that day, get a good night’s rest and head out in the morning. I am leaning towards Paris since it is only $18 more and I still depart later from Madrid.

Am I right in thinking a train from Paris SJPDP will be faster than from Madrid since I have all day?

Train from CDG2 to Bayonne ~ 6 hours.

Train from Paris Montparnasse to Bayonne ~ 5 hours (plus an hour transit)

Train from Irun/Hendaye to Bayonne ~ 35 minutes.

Train from Madrid to Irun/Hendaye ~ 6 to 8 hours depending on schedule. (plus an hour transit)

Bus/Train from Bayonne to SJPdP ~ 1:20 hours

Train from Madrid to Pamplona ~ 3 -4 hours. (plus an hour transit)

Bus from Madrid Airport to Pamplona ~ 5 - 7 hours.

Bus from Pamplona to SJPdP ~ 1:45 hours. (assuming there is service)

So ... it is faster to travel from Madrid to SJPdP via Pamplona than it is to travel from Paris to SJPdP via Bayonne. The big CAVEAT is the bus schedule from Pamplona to SJPdP is an unknown and information about the limited service of buses won't be available at least until Easter (2014 there were 3 buses daily in September).

It is faster to travel from Paris to Bayonne by train than it is to travel from Madrid to Bayonne ... but only by an hour.

 

[4d3fect]

Either LAX or SFO. I live half way between the two in a smallish town with a small airport. I always have to fly to one or the other to connect. I'll check both.

Cheers.

We're about in the same "boat" I think, trying to plan for a short June Camino. Our prior international flights have been out of LAX, and have involved a 4-5 hr. drive just to get there--necessitating an overnight stay in some airport area hotel with fly/park options. So another layer of travel arrangements to consider...

Although the last time we connected through SBA and it was kinda expensive, but much less stressful than the drive/park/overnight/fly scenarios.