1st. walk on the Camino

[Tony Wall]

I am turning 70 on Aug 3rd. and gifting myself the walk from Ponferrada. Reading the threads is helping my become more informed as to what I can expect. I will be flying from Vancouver, Can to Madrid and making my way to Ponferrada to begin my walk. Not sure the best way to travel there from Madrid. Also should I prebook a flight from Santiago back to Madrid for my flight home? Any help would be much appreciated
Cheers
Tony

 

[SabsP]

Hi Tony and welcome! Enjoy your Camino to the fullest.

A good way to make the trip from Madrid airport to Ponferrada is by Alsa bus. Stops right at the terminal 4.

https://www.rome2rio.com/s/Madrid-Airport-MAD/Ponferrada

https://www.alsa.es/en/our-destinations/national

Buses in Spain are a very comfortable way of travelling.

Good luck!

 

[alexwalker]

And trains. Easy train travel from Madrid to Ponferrada and SdC to Madrid. If I do not remember wrong, all can be arranged at the airport. But check it out on the net.

 

[SYates]

Hi and welcome to the forum @Tony Wall

... Also should I prebook a flight from Santiago back to Madrid for my flight home? Any help would be much appreciated
Cheers
Tony

As you have already, I assume, booked your flight back home from Madrid - why wouldn't you book your connection flight from Santiago to Madrid??? Buen Camino, SY

 

[alexwalker]

Hi and welcome to the forum @Tony Wall



As you have already, I assume, booked your flight back home from Madrid - why wouldn't you book your connection flight from Santiago to Madrid??? Buen Camino, SY

Yep. Fast, frequent and easy. But why not take the train? Cheaper, a few hours longer, but enjoying the landscape on the way. I prefer trains in Spain: Fast, reliable, on time, with a restaurant wagon for a snack and a drink, while watching the landscape glide by. A different angle on your Camino reflections. We are so obsessed by speed these days... Just my preference...

 

[nycwalking]

Buen camino. Ponferrda is wonderful. See the Templar castle.
Enjoy.

 

[SabsP]

Yep. Fast, frequent and easy. But why not take the train? Cheaper, a few hours longer, but enjoying the landscape on the way. I prefer trains in Spain: Fast, reliable, on time, with a restaurant wagon for a snack and a drink, while watching the landscape glide by. Just my preference...

Yes, trains are great in Spain. But bus leaves immediately from terminal 4 and for train you have to take at least the Cercania and then find your way to Chamartin. Maybe a bit too tiring for jetlagged pilgrims...

 

[alexwalker]

Yes, trains are great in Spain. But bus leaves immediately from terminal 4 and for train you have to take at least the Cercania and then find your way to Chamartin. Maybe a bit too tiring for jetlagged pilgrims...

I must agree: Whatever can be arranged at the terminal is best. Madrid is a big city to navigate. And buses in Spain are great value.

 

[SabsP]

I must agree: Whatever can be arranged at the terminal is best. Madrid is a big city to navigate. And buses in Spain are great value.

Ha but then again could be just me...I got myself on the wrong Cercania train...it is a wonder I don't get lost more often when on the actual Camino.

 

[alexwalker]

Ha but then again could be just me...I got myself on the wrong Cercania train...it is a wonder I don't get lost more often when on the actual Camino.

If lost, breathe; there is always a solution. Handle with elegance what life throws at you: There is always a way out, Just relax. The fun part of going into unchartered areas and survive with excellence.

 

[SYates]

... The fun part of going into unchartered areas and survive with excellence.

One day, I would love to do just that ;-) Buen Camino, SY

 

[alexwalker]

One day, I would love to do just that ;-) Buen Camino, SY

You are perfectably capable, my friend. Take it from a captain.

 

[SabsP]

If lost, breathe; there is always a solution. Handle with elegance what life throws at you: There is always a way out, Just relax. The fun part of going into unchartered areas and survive with excellence.

The weak link...Elegance.

Again Tony : Buen Camino.

 

[natefaith]

Hi, Tony, and welcome to the forum.
You've received some great advice above.

All that's left to say is HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! Enjoy your day and Buen Camino.

Faith

 

[Panama Francis]

Happy, almost, birthday and welcome to the Forum! My husband and I are also newbies and close to the BIG 70 When are you planning to walk? We start on September 10 - an adventure I've wanted to take for almost 30 years!!! Burn Camino!

 

[Tony Wall]

Happy, almost, birthday and welcome to the Forum! My husband and I are also newbies and close to the BIG 70 When are you planning to walk? We start on September 10 - an adventure I've wanted to take for almost 30 years!!! Burn Camino!

Thank You. I land in Madrid on the 15th of Sept and hopefully begin my walk from Ponferrada on the 16th. anyway that's the plan but who knows what the universe has to offer... I will be travelling alone so if I get lost it will be alone as well, but from what I have read I won't be alone very long. Cheers Tony

 

[Tony Wall]

Hi and welcome to the forum @Tony Wall



As you have already, I assume, booked your flight back home from Madrid - why wouldn't you book your connection flight from Santiago to Madrid??? Buen Camino, SY

Thanks for that. No I have yet to book my flight from Santiago to Madrid, will get on that right away.. Cheers Tony

 

[SYates]

Or choose a train, or a bus or a ... the world is your oyster, especially on your birthday ;-) !Feliz Cumpleaños desde Santiago!, SY

 

[Tony Wall]

I am turning 70 on Aug 3rd. and gifting myself the walk from Ponferrada. Reading the threads is helping my become more informed as to what I can expect. I will be flying from Vancouver, Can to Madrid and making my way to Ponferrada to begin my walk. Not sure the best way to travel there from Madrid. Also should I prebook a flight from Santiago back to Madrid for my flight home? Any help would be much appreciated
Cheers
Tony

Thanks for the reminder.. booked my flight from Santiago to Madrid.)