• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.
  • Get your Camino Frances Guidebook here.

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Where to start?

kevingerrity

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Future
I’m walking my first Camino (Frances) I arrive Madrid on 9/15 and must meet some friends in Sarria on 10/3. I plan on walking by myself from 9/16-10/2.
My inclination is to start walking in SJPDP, see how far I get, then get transportation ahead to Sarria on 10/3. My other option is to plan backwards from Sarria and start walking somewhere around 300-350km before Sarria.
I like the idea of being able to travel at a pace I enjoy rather than locking myself into a set itinerary. The one question that is holding me back is the availability of transportation forward on the Camino. Is it relatively simple to get transportation ahead to Sarria along the route?
I feel like I can make it to somewhere between Burgos and Sahagun.
Thanks to all for any advice.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
I’m walking my first Camino (Frances) I arrive Madrid on 9/15 and must meet some friends in Sarria on 10/3. I plan on walking by myself from 9/16-10/2.
My inclination is to start walking in SJPDP, see how far I get, then get transportation ahead to Sarria on 10/3. My other option is to plan backwards from Sarria and start walking somewhere around 300-350km before Sarria.
I like the idea of being able to travel at a pace I enjoy rather than locking myself into a set itinerary. The one question that is holding me back is the availability of transportation forward on the Camino. Is it relatively simple to get transportation ahead to Sarria along the route?
I feel like I can make it to somewhere between Burgos and Sahagun.
Thanks to all for any advice.


This tool might be helpful.


Daily train also from Burgos / Sahagun to Sarria.
 
I’m walking my first Camino (Frances) I arrive Madrid on 9/15 and must meet some friends in Sarria on 10/3. I plan on walking by myself from 9/16-10/2.
My inclination is to start walking in SJPDP, see how far I get, then get transportation ahead to Sarria on 10/3. My other option is to plan backwards from Sarria and start walking somewhere around 300-350km before Sarria.
I like the idea of being able to travel at a pace I enjoy rather than locking myself into a set itinerary. The one question that is holding me back is the availability of transportation forward on the Camino. Is it relatively simple to get transportation ahead to Sarria along the route?
I feel like I can make it to somewhere between Burgos and Sahagun.
Thanks to all for any advice.
Remember the transportation system in Spain for rail and buses is far superior to the United States. Even in the smallest of villages you can almost always get to where you need to go. Check google maps and ask about local buses from town to town. Rome to rio will definitely help. You can book buses online. Alsa is especially easy as well as trains. You should have no problem at all.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Remember the transportation system in Spain for rail and buses is far superior to the United States. Even in the smallest of villages you can almost always get to where you need to go. Check google maps and ask about local buses from town to town. Rome to rio will definitely help. You can book buses online. Alsa is especially easy as well as trains. You should have no problem at all.
Thanks!
 
I’m walking my first Camino (Frances) I arrive Madrid on 9/15 and must meet some friends in Sarria on 10/3. I plan on walking by myself from 9/16-10/2.
My inclination is to start walking in SJPDP, see how far I get, then get transportation ahead to Sarria on 10/3. My other option is to plan backwards from Sarria and start walking somewhere around 300-350km before Sarria.
I like the idea of being able to travel at a pace I enjoy rather than locking myself into a set itinerary. The one question that is holding me back is the availability of transportation forward on the Camino. Is it relatively simple to get transportation ahead to Sarria along the route?
I feel like I can make it to somewhere between Burgos and Sahagun.
Thanks to all for any advice.
If you would enjoy a continuous walk; the chance to integrate with other pilgrims and to fully experience the unfolding of the Way. Start from Burgos, easily accessible from Madrid, or even start from Madrid to Sahagun to Sarria.

If you enjoy spending time on public transport and complex logistics then you'll enjoy trying to get from Madrid to St Jean (not doable in a day but maybe 2) and then sorting out your transfer from wherever you need to to get to Sarria. Dear old Rome2 will show you most of the possibilities but don't expect transport systems to integrate. Routes run from major towns and cities to the tiniest Pueblos and back again.

There is indeed one train a day from Burgos to Sarria and there is often one bus a day that links up the smaller towns along the Camino Frances after Burgos.

Happy planning
 
I would start at Burgos and then if you are making good time take a rest day or two in Leon. I think you would enjoy the continuous walk instead of breaking it up.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I’m walking my first Camino (Frances) I arrive Madrid on 9/15 and must meet some friends in Sarria on 10/3. I plan on walking by myself from 9/16-10/2.
My inclination is to start walking in SJPDP, see how far I get, then get transportation ahead to Sarria on 10/3. My other option is to plan backwards from Sarria and start walking somewhere around 300-350km before Sarria.
I like the idea of being able to travel at a pace I enjoy rather than locking myself into a set itinerary. The one question that is holding me back is the availability of transportation forward on the Camino. Is it relatively simple to get transportation ahead to Sarria along the route?
I feel like I can make it to somewhere between Burgos and Sahagun.
Thanks to all for any advice.
Transportation ahead is not hard at all. Busses, trains or taxi's will do it for you. Start in a place you're comfortable with (time, distance), then adjust as you walk. Wish I could go with you
 

Most read last week in this forum

A recent post by @Kirkie in another older thread about the descent has prompted me to make this post. In it she tells us this: "I wrote to turismo.web@navarra.es The reply I got just now - I...
I think I messed up my stages. Following Brierly now after being off stage during the busy sections. Brierly has a stage from Molinaseca to villafranca del Bierzo. And then one potentially...
Hi, I’m an 18-year-old leaving for the Camino Frances in a few days. I’m doing it solo with quite a small spanish vocabulary and those are the two things that I’m a bit nervous about. Any last...
I just got an email that the train from Bayonne to St Jean tonight is canceled. Anyone else see this?
We’re currently on the Frances. We’re walking from SJPDP. We’re looking at our projected dates for Sarria to Santiago. When we try to find lodging it all looks sold out on booking.com. What...
Hi - I am currently on the Via Podiensis and in a few weeks will be arriving in SJPP and then continuing on the Frances for a bit. I have never been to SJPP before and am wondering if it is worth...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top