Alsa Bus to Pamplona & on to SJPDP

[barryg]

Hello! I have decided to take the Alsa bus from MAD Barajas T4 to Pamplona, then on to SJPDP. I am arriving at MAD on August 14th at 7:55 am from Boston. My question is where should I get off to make the connection from Pamplona to SJPDP. Would that be the Estacion de Autobuses in Pamplona? I am taking the 17:30 bus from Pamplona to SJPDP. I have emailed Alsa, but received no response. Also, another poster told me that Conda was a better choice, since you don't need to change buses from MAD to Pamplona. So, I'm a bit confused. Any help from someone with experience taking this route will be appreciated.

Warmly,

Barry

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The bus to SJPdP leaves from the bus station in Pamplona, so just look around for the window that sells tickets for that route. I think it is the ALSA window.

 

[barryg]

The bus to SJPdP leaves from the bus station in Pamplona, so just look around for the window that sells tickets for that route. I think it is the ALSA window.

Thank you so much! So, the bus from MAD will terminate at the bus station in Pamplona & I can catch the SJPDP from that same station? Does the bus to SJPDP arrive at Gare de Saint Jean Pied de Port? I am hoping to find lodging near where I arrive, since I am getting in late.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The stop in SJPdP is not a station. It is in the square of Uhart-Cize just across the river. It is not far.

 

[Sparrow in Texas]

Good morning @barryg, I am the one who said that Conda may be the better choice, not understanding that Conda is actually a part of Alsa. I just pretended to buy a ticket on Conda and was directed to Alsa. On the Alsa schedules there is a button to click for Itinerary and there is indeed a change in Soria.

I am one of those who can get caught up in over thinking things, who wants to know every detail of what to expect. For me part of walking the Camino was an exercise in learning to let go of some of that. We do want to know where we will be the first night or two but after that some of the very best experiences are totally unexpected.

Another aspect for me was learning to be self reliant after seeing how other people affect my choices and behavior.

All of the planning that you are doing now is a part of your journey. Enjoy it! Buen Camino!

 

[Anniesantiago]

Barry, I answered this on another thread.
Why make reservations?
There will be buses.
Yes, the estacion de autobuses is where you want leave from Pamplona.

Why not stay one night in Pamplona before heading out to SJPP?
Why not stay TWO nights in Pamplona and see the city?

Anyway, unless you have a large group, there's really no reason not to buy your tickets in Spain.
It will be cheaper and leave you the option of changing your mind.

 

[barryg]

Barry, I answered this on another thread.
Why make reservations?
There will be buses.
Yes, the estacion de autobuses is where you want leave from Pamplona.

Why not stay one night in Pamplona before heading out to SJPP?
Why not stay TWO nights in Pamplona and see the city?

Anyway, unless you have a large group, there's really no reason not to buy your tickets in Spain.
It will be cheaper and leave you the option of changing your mind.

I usually don’t worry so much because I usually travel alone. This time I’m bringing my wife & she hates traveling, so I just want everything to go smoothly. I’m afraid of missing my connection to SJPDP in Pamplona, but I shouldn’t worry? How about making reservations for lodging in SJPDP? Usually I just show up & find a room. How do you feel about us winging that? The welcome office is apparently open until the busses & trains stop arriving. Thanks so much for your post (and the other one, which I’ll find later.

 

[tominrm]

I thought they had buses to SJPdP from Barajas T4(MAD). Did they discontinue?

 

[Sparrow in Texas]

I usually don’t worry so much because I usually travel alone. This time I’m bringing my wife & she hates traveling, so I just want everything to go smoothly. I’m afraid of missing my connection to SJPDP in Pamplona, but I shouldn’t worry? How about making reservations for lodging in SJPDP? Usually I just show up & find a room. How do you feel about us winging that? The welcome office is apparently open until the busses & trains stop arriving. Thanks so much for your post (and the other one, which I’ll find later.

@barryg , thank you for sharing something about your anxiety in planning. I hope that your wife sees and appreciates your efforts to make this a meaningful experience for you both. There are bound to be "glitches" along the way, do not let them dishearten you. Buen Camino to you both!

From all that I have been reading, definitely do have reservations in SJPdP and for the next few days. How about hiding a special snack or favorite Cliff Bar in your pack to bring out to share when you both might need a "pick me up". Three years ago dark chocolate chipotle almonds were a huge help in getting my daughter and me over the Pyrenees.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Maybe you should read the posts replying to similar and identical questions of yours in this thread you started

https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/madrid-to-pamplona.63185/

 

[Anniesantiago]

I thought they had buses to SJPdP from Barajas T4(MAD). Did they discontinue?

They still have them to Bayonne. There you take train or bus to SJPP

 

[Anniesantiago]

I usually don’t worry so much because I usually travel alone. This time I’m bringing my wife & she hates traveling, so I just want everything to go smoothly. I’m afraid of missing my connection to SJPDP in Pamplona, but I shouldn’t worry? How about making reservations for lodging in SJPDP? Usually I just show up & find a room. How do you feel about us winging that? The welcome office is apparently open until the busses & trains stop arriving. Thanks so much for your post (and the other one, which I’ll find later.

Personally I would go to booking.com and make reservations for your two nights in SJPP. Do you plan on staying in Albergue’s or booking private lodging the rest of the route?