Train Bayonne to St Jean Pied de Port

[Saint Mike II]

I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers

 

[Jetgirl]

Are you arriving in Paris on the 1st of May? You might have time to sort it out before you leave Paris at the main SNCF counter in Montparnasse. They were great when I was arranging the train to Bayonne.

 

[mspath]

I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers

No need to buy or book ahead! There are no reserved seats on the TER from Bayonne. Everybody just squeezes on; there is even space for bikes!

Bon voyage!

 

[Felipe]

The Bayonne - SJPP is a local train -just for a few village people and pilgrims. The worst thing that could happen is not having a seat -but hey, it is just an hour. By the doors there is usually ample space, it is quite comfortable; I noticed that cyclists usually travel there.
If you like, you can buy this ticket in Montparnasse.
The train is a shiny, little and cute thing. I loved it.
Don't forget to compost (validate) your ticket in the yellow devices in the station.
Buen camino!

 

[Bradypus]

The Bayonne - SJPP is a local train -just for a few village people and pilgrims. The worst thing that could happen is not having a seat -but hey, it is just an hour.

In September I was one of 15 people removed from an overcrowded last train of the day by SNCF which then left without us. SNCF hired taxis to take we 15 to St Jean by taxi at their expense. Not sure if that counts as better or worse. Got there in the end though.

 

[Annie Little]

There is always a solution ! I use the app ... now called ... Trainline EU ... can see when train leaving and book if I want but usually no need ... don't worry / be happy ,... you can work it out !

 

[kayagee66]

Don't book. No need.
You can buy from a counter at the station if you want. Or from an easy to use machine at the station.
Don't assume it will be a train. Bus replacements are common.
If it is a bus replacement, walk out of the station, look left, the bus will leave from there.
Twice the driver hasn't even asked to see my ticket.

 

[Felipe]

When I went it was late March...in the train we were just two German pilgrims (father and son, apparently), a little group of girls in school uniforms talking excitedly in what seeemed to be French (but I could not understand), an old monsieur reading "Le Figaro", his wife carrying a basket with something that smelled very good, and me.
The landscape is beautiful, and you can enjoy big windows over the river and mountains. To me it was not just a transportation way, but part of my experience. I prefer this ten times over a taxi or minivan.

 

[Devon Mike]

The Bayonne - SJPP is a local train -just for a few village people and pilgrims. The worst thing that could happen is not having a seat -but hey, it is just an hour. By the doors there is usually ample space, it is quite comfortable; I noticed that cyclists usually travel there.
If you like, you can buy this ticket in Montparnasse.
The train is a shiny, little and cute thing. I loved it.
Don't forget to compost (validate) your ticket in the yellow devices in the station.
Buen camino!
View attachment 31269

The other thing to know is that although it is only a one hour journey, there are no toilets on board. Last year the train driver stopped and waited at one of the intermediate stations while a fellow pilgrim rushed off for a comfort break !!!

 

[whariwharangi]

I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers

The train from Bayonne to SJPdP is a TER (commuter) train. A TER train ticket is good for 90 days. It is not possible to reserve a seat on a TER train.

The train from Dax to Bayonne is likely a TER train too.

 

[Felipe]

Well, you will start thinking that I receive a commision from SNCF company (I wish I have...), but the train I took (see photo above) had a clean and convenient bathroom. I have seen other pics of older trains in this line, though.
On the other side, the bathrooms at the station (always a relief to the voyager in France) were derelict and apparently substituted by this kind of coin operated bathrooms in the adjacent square. I don't like them...give me a feeling of claustrophobia. Went to a bar, instead.
If you have some waiting time, it is very worthwhile a visit to the old city and the cathedral, just 15 minutes from the station, crossing the river.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Thanks everyone for your most informative responses. I was aware that the train to St Jean was a local - take a seat where you can. The new train looks flash, especially as the train line was out of service for much of 2016. Cheers to all.

 

[KinkyOne]

Thanks everyone for your most informative responses. I was aware that the train to St Jean was a local - take a seat where you can. The new train looks flash, especially as the train line was out of service for much of 2016. Cheers to all.

Just be aware that May 1st is Labour Day and in most EU countries. That's non-working day and lots of people are taking mini-holidays for a week or so.

Ultreia!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Just be aware that May 1st is Labour Day and in most EU countries. That's non-working day and lots of people are taking mini-holidays for a week or so. Ultreia!

Thanks @KinkyOne - if you have a look at my original post you will see I have used the term May Day (equivalent to Labor Day term), which was the reason for the original post.

 

[Linda Hart]

I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers

I too am travelling to SJPP by train on 1 May - from Biarritz which changes at Bayonne arriving at 1.25pm and departing Bayonne at 2.55pm (the only train that day). I am not pre booking, just turning up and getting the ticket. It'll be fine. See you on the train or the trail!
Linda

 

[Saint Mike II]

I too am travelling to SJPP by train on 1 May - from Biarritz which changes at Bayonne arriving at 1.25pm and departing Bayonne at 2.55pm (the only train that day). I am not pre booking, just turning up and getting the ticket. It'll be fine. See you on the train or the trail!
Linda

Hello Linda - with a bit of luck I will be at Orisson early in the afternoon of May 1st, but I may have a "long day" in Pamplona so may see you somewhere on the camino. Cheers

 

[denimich]

I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers

You can use Blablacar that works well
https://www.blablacar.fr/
Buen Camino

 

[denimich]

I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers

You can use Blablacar that works well
https://www.blablacar.fr/
Buen Camino

 

[whariwharangi]

I too am travelling to SJPP by train on 1 May - from Biarritz which changes at Bayonne arriving at 1.25pm and departing Bayonne at 2.55pm (the only train that day). I am not pre booking, just turning up and getting the ticket. It'll be fine. See you on the train or the trail!
Linda

I would check again closer to dates of travel. There are usually 3 or 4 trains per day, Sundays and Holidays included, Bayonne to SJPdP. Its way to early to rely on the schedules being finalized.

 

[denimich]

I would check again closer to dates of travel. There are usually 3 or 4 trains per day, Sundays and Holidays included, Bayonne to SJPdP. Its way to early to rely on the schedules being finalized.

http://www.goeuro.fr/travel-search2/results/369320118/train?v=el:on