Getting to SJpdp from Madrid

[Opiemoore]

Howdy.

Looking for suggestions. So far the best I’ve found is a morning train from Madrid to Bilbao, bus to Bayonne and will probably spend the night, then from there up to St Jean the next morning.

Is there a better way? Thanks!

 

[Bill's_Walking]

I took a train to Pamplona, stayed the night and then took the bus to SJPDP

 

[Anniesantiago]

Howdy.

Looking for suggestions. So far the best I’ve found is a morning train from Madrid to Bilbao, bus to Bayonne and will probably spend the night, then from there up to St Jean the next morning.

Is there a better way? Thanks!

When are you traveling?

 

[fb1]

Train to Pamplona, bus to SJPdP. You can even leave extra items at hostel in Pamplona to lighten the load the first few days as you'll be passing through again.

 

[OxfordHiker]

Howdy.

Looking for suggestions. So far the best I’ve found is a morning train from Madrid to Bilbao, bus to Bayonne and will probably spend the night, then from there up to St Jean the next morning.

Is there a better way? Thanks!

Fly to Pamplona and taxi to bus station

 

[alexwalker]

Rome2rio

Discover how to get anywhere by searching plane, train, bus, car and ferry routes

www.rome2rio.com

https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port/Pamplona#r/Train-bus but direct taxi/bus from Pamplona is better.

Why not start in Pamplona?

Personally, I would take the train ride from Terminal 4 in Madrid airport to Pamplona, and start walking the next day: minimum hassle. SJpdP is an overrated symbolic first-timer starting point, IMHO. It will also add days & money to your Camino adventure.

Your Camino starts where you start walking, whether being on your very own (medieval style) doorstep, Pamplona, Burgos, or wherever. Nothing is set in stone.

Buen Camino!

 

[Opiemoore]

When are you traveling?

Oh, oops, planning early May

 

[Bradypus]

An alternative suggestion. Fly from Madrid to San Sebastian - the airport is really just outside Irun and only about 5km from the Hendaye SNCF station. Walk or taxi from the airport to Hendaye. Then train to Bayonne and another from there to SJPDP.

 

[Anniesantiago]

From Madrid airport you can get a bus to Pamplona.
Spend a day or two there recovering from the time change and seeing the city
Then hop a bus directly to SJPP.
When the whole world of pilgrims are stopping in Pamplona on the way back through, you can either stop before or after and get "between the stages" so not in the bed rush.

Or do what Alex suggested and simply start walking from Pamplona.

The way via France is highly overrated in my opinion.
Then there is the bedbug issue they've been having and their planning for the Olympics.
Personally, I'd steer clear and go via Pamplona or from Madrid to SJPP.

 

[arfajajc]

Howdy.

Looking for suggestions. So far the best I’ve found is a morning train from Madrid to Bilbao, bus to Bayonne and will probably spend the night, then from there up to St Jean the next morning.

Is there a better way? Thanks!

This April I fly into Madrid from Auckland NZ, via Dubai, then 1 hour flight to Pamplona and overnight there, then the next day a 12 noon bus to SJPDP.