A new means of transporting luggage and people at SJPDP

Monasp

I'm a manager of pilgrims office in SJPP

Time of past OR future Camino

Camino in 2008.

• Feb 14, 2024

• #1

Here's the link to the new Saint Jean pied de Port luggage and people transporter.

DONKEY SERVICE - English

Tell us what you think about this establishment !

sites.google.com

 

Felice

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

SJPP to Santiago Sept 2014

• Feb 14, 2024

• #2

Is this in addition to Express Bourricot? Are they rival establishments or complimentary?

 

Kitsambler

Jakobsweg Junkie

Time of past OR future Camino

SJPP 2023

• Feb 14, 2024

• #3

Even in Sept 2023, there were two services running in the area SJPP - Burgos. I forget the name of the second, but this may be it.

 

t2andreo

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2013 - 2018 , Pilgrim Office volunteer 2014 - 2022

• Feb 14, 2024

• #4

I checked the Donkey Service website. It appears their service is limited to the Basque mountain area only. I cannot find any mention of onward transport of people or gear, say to Pamplona or Santiago.

It appears that Express Bourricot remains the sole long distance carrier - e.g. all the way to Santiago. But, Donkey Service seems to be a reasonable alternative for shorter trips.

Hope this helps.

Tom

 

Anniesantiago

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2006 to date: Over 21 Caminos. See signature line

• Feb 14, 2024

• #5

t2andreo said:

I checked the Donkey Service website. It appears their service is limited to the Basque mountain area only. I cannot find any mention of onward transport of people or gear, say to Pamplona or Santiago.

It appears that Express Bourricot remains the sole long distance carrier - e.g. all the way to Santiago. But, Donkey Service seems to be a reasonable alternative for shorter trips.

Hope this helps.

Tom

Click to expand...

Caminofacil takes bags all the way from SJPP to Santiago.

 

Felice

Active Member

Time of past OR future Camino

SJPP to Santiago Sept 2014

• Feb 14, 2024

• #6

Thanks to you all. That's a useful clarification as to what is available for those who wish to use such a service.

 

David

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

First one in 2005 from Moissac, France.

• Feb 14, 2024

• #7

I think they should do well - is the tip of the spear for virgin pilgrims and a lovely high mountain. Basically a set times 9 seater shuttle bus ... prices are interesting .. about the same as a taxi or more?

 

Waka

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Some but not all, and other routes too.

• Feb 14, 2024

• #8

Looking at the prices from Biarritz to SJPDP they appear to be in line with EB, I think it's always good to have competition. I used EB 9 years ago ad could't fault them.
This year I'm doing the bus and train, I'll probably get lost between the airport and the bus stop, as they say it's all about the journey.

 

J Willhaus

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2016, 2022, 2023, 2024, planned 2025

• Feb 14, 2024

• #9

Waka said:

Looking at the prices from Biarritz to SJPDP they appear to be in line with EB, I think it's always good to have competition. I used EB 9 years ago ad could't fault them.
This year I'm doing the bus and train, I'll probably get lost between the airport and the bus stop, as they say it's all about the journey.

Click to expand...

You'll be fine...just follow the backpacks.

 

Peregrinopaul

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

VdlP(2012) Madrid(2014)Frances(2015) VdlP(2016)
VdlP(2017)Madrid/Sanabres/Frances reverse(2018)

• Feb 14, 2024

• #10

I had a bad experience last year with Express Bourricot at Biarritz. I flew from Ireland with my bike in a big bag. I had to wait for it to come through. Then when I got it I realised I had to find the toilet. When I finally came out to the concourse the few passengers had already left. I made the mistake of going to the wrong exit initially, but quickly realised my mistake. When I trundled my bike out the front there was no sign of any EP bus. I waited a few minutes, then tried to call them, but my phone did not co-operate. As it happened I was the only pilgrim on the plane with a reservation for the bus, which meant that I would be responsible for the full 70E pre-payment. I had to get a taxi – also 70E.
In SJpdP I went to the office to plead my case. No joy. They said "the driver waited for you and you didn't show up".
I then made another payment of 70E to transport my bike bag to Santiago (no complaints about that). But it was a very expensive start to my camino.
EP are very clear when you reserve that there may not be other pilgrims to share, and I was ready for that possibility.

 

henrythedog

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Annually - often more - from 2014

• Feb 14, 2024

• #11

To be fair Paul, you had a bad experience and EB did(or would have done) what they were paid to do. Your bowels, navigation and telephone are hardly their problem.

I’m sorry if that sounds harsh.

 

Paul_Garland

Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Frances 2012-18, VdlP 2013, Primitivo part 2018, Fisterra/Muxia frequently, VdlP Portugues parts

• Feb 15, 2024

• #12

Felice said:

Is this in addition to Express Bourricot? Are they rival establishments or complimentary?

Click to expand...

Complementary. But there is currently rivalry between the two. Enough said... but it wont be apparent to pilgrims.

 

Bristle Boy

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

2022

• Feb 15, 2024

• #13

Felice said:

Is this in addition to Express Bourricot? Are they rival establishments or complimentary?

Click to expand...

I understand they speak very highly of each other.

 

Camino Chrissy

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

Recent:Norte/Muxia- Spring '23
MadridWay- Fall '23

• Feb 15, 2024

• #14

Bristle Boy said:

I understand they speak very highly of each other.

Click to expand...

If your Avatar is any indication, you'd definitely be the one to know.

 

I

InBiarritz

Member

• Feb 16, 2024

• #15

I just checked the company out, they are a genuine company run by a local from Saint Jean Pied de Port. He can be trusted and provides as good a service as Express Bourricot.