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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Arrival Airport

Justabob

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances April/May 2015
Camino Portuegese April/May 2016
Norte and Primitiveo Sept/Oct 2017
Heading over in Early April and am getting ready to book flights. Seems like most of the US Pilgrims fly into Paris. What about Madrid or Barcelona? And then, transport to SJP?
 
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My first Camino I flew into Paris and also flew out of Paris.
My second Camino I flew into Madrid and out of Madrid.
Both have their pros and cons.
Anything specific you are wondering about?
 
Heading over in Early April and am getting ready to book flights. Seems like most of the US Pilgrims fly into Paris. What about Madrid or Barcelona? And then, transport to SJP?

Where did you get your information suggesting that most US pilgrims fly into Paris? Madrid and Barcelona are both as good as Paris. You might consider London, Bilbao, Bordeaux, and Toulouse too.

The closest airport to SJPdP is Biarritz/Bayonne (BIQ). There are no oversea flights to Biarritz.

There are no flights from Madrid or Barcelona to Biarritz; however San Sebastian Airport (EAS) is located at Irun, quite close to Biarritz.

The schedule for the bus from Pamplona to SJPdP wont be known until it is posted ... usually a few weeks before Easter. It might not be running for your dates of travel in early April. The time of travel by train or bus from Paris is not much less than time of travel from either Barcelona or Madrid via Bayonne.

Major factors to consider are cost and how will you get to your homeward bound flight.

I have details about travel to SJPdP from several airports ... let us know what you decide.
 
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Where did you get your information suggesting that most US pilgrims fly into Paris? Madrid and Barcelona are both as good as Paris. You might consider London, Bilbao, Bordeaux, and Toulouse too.

The closest airport to SJPdP is Biarritz/Bayonne (BIQ). There are no oversea flights to Biarritz.

There are no flights from Madrid or Barcelona to Biarritz; however San Sebastian Airport (EAS) is located at Irun, quite close to Biarritz.

The schedule for the bus from Pamplona to SJPdP wont be known until it is posted ... usually a few weeks before Easter. It might not be running for your dates of travel in early April. The time of travel by train or bus from Paris is not much less than time of travel from either Barcelona or Madrid via Bayonne.

Major factors to consider are cost and how will you get to your homeward bound flight.

I have details about travel to SJPdP from several airports ... let us know what you decide.
 
The return flight is certainly a consideration just for convenience. From ATL the cost to Barcelona, Madrid or Paris is about the same. Guess what I'm looking for is the ease (relative I know) of transportation to SJP from all these arrival cities and then the departure back to the States. I've learned elsewhere on the forum about train transport to SJP from Paris but, haven't been able to find anything from the Spanish arrival cities. Frankly, I just want to get there and start...
 
2050 Travel from Madrid to Roncesvalles and Saint Jean Pied de Port via Pamplona

2051 This section describes travel from Madrid to Roncesvalles and Saint Jean Pied de Port via Pamplona.

Index 2050
2052 Executive Summary
2053 Madrid to Pamplona by Train
2054 Madrid to Pamplona by Bus
2055 Pamplona
2056 Pamplona to Roncesvalles
2057 Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port
2058 Saint Jean Pied de Port

2052 Executive Summary

There are at least 3 options for travel from Madrid to Pamplona.

a. Travel by plane from Madrid to Pamplona.

b. Travel by Renfe train from Madrid to Pamplona.

c. Travel by bus from Madrid to Pamplona.

The urban bus to Roncesvalles and the international bus to Saint Jean Pied de Port leave from the bus station in Pamplona.

Note that bus service from Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port is seasonal. The alternative is to travel via Bayonne or hire a taxi.

2053 Madrid to Pamplona by train

The Renfe train route from Madrid to Pamplona goes via Zaragoza. Transfers may be required so check the itenerary.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/index.html

2054 Madrid to Pamplona by bus

ALSA operates buses to Pamplona from Barajas Airport T4, and Estacion (or Intercambiador) de Avenida de America. Note there is usually a transfer at Soria or Zaragoza.

ALSA
https://www.alsa.es/

2055 Pamplona

Pamplona Airport (PNA)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Pamplona/en/Home.html

Estacion de Autobuses de Pamplona
http://estaciondeautobusesdepamplona.com/Inicio.aspx

Pamplona Renfe Station
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/80100/informacion_000111.shtml

2056 Pamplona to Roncesvalles

Urban bus service to Roncesvalles is provided by Autocares Artieda and departs from Estacion de Autobuses de Pamplona. Note it does not operate on Sundays.

Autocares Artieda
http://www.autocaresartieda.com/?scc=svpropios

CONDA provides ~seasonal~ bus service from Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port. The bus makes a stop in Roncesvalles (even on Sundays).

2057 Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port

CONDA (a subsidiary of ALSA) provides ~seasonal~ bus service from Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port. The bus makes a stop in Roncesvalles and Valcarlos. The SJPdP bus stop is located near the junction of Route d'Uhart and Route d'Arneguy. Trip time is one hour 45 minutes. The bus then returns from SJPdP to Pamplona. The Conda site advises that you purchase the ticket from Pamplona to SJPdP separately from any other bus ticket.

Use the ALSA schedule international tab and click the 'query without date' button.

The bus service usually starts just prior to Easter and terminates at the end of autumn. Schedules are not usually updated more than one month in advance.

The bus from Pamplona to SJPdP ran daily 1000 13 June to 31 August 2014, 1430 1 June to 30 Sept 2014, and 1730 17 March to 30 September 2014. The schedule for the 1430 bus was extended first to 3 Nov 2014 and again to 7 Dec 2014.

ALSA
https://www.alsa.es/

Conda
http://www.conda.es/

2058 Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port
http://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/default.aspx
 
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2075 Travel from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port via San Sebastian, Irun, Hendaye, and Bayonne.

2076 This section describes travel from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port via Bayonne.

Index 2075
2076 Executive Summary
2077 Map Recce
2078 ~Option 1 Madrid to SJPdP by Train
2079 Madrid to Irun and Hendaye
2080 Irun to Hendaye (Hendaia)
2081 Not Assigned
2082 Hendaye to Gare Bayonne
2083 Bayonne to SJPdP
2084 Not Assigned
2085 ~Option 2 Madrid to SJPdP by Bus
2086 Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia
2087 San Sebastian to Irun and Hendaye (Hendaia)
2088 Hendaye to Bayonne
2089 San Sebastian to Bayonne
2090 Gare Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port
2091 ~Option 3 Fly from Madrid to San Sebastian Airport
2092 Saint Jean Pied de Port

2076 Executive Summary

The break of gauge between France and Spain's railway, and crossing the border, make this route appear somewhat complicated. Spain's Renfe trains may unload passengers in Hendaye but may only load in Irun and some trains terminate in Irun. France's SNCF trains may unload passengers in Irun but may only load in Hendaye and some trains terminate in Hendaye. Euskotren operates a commuter train from Irun Colon to Hendaia should your Renfe and SNCF trains not connect.

Three options are discussed. Madrid to SJPdP by Train. Madrid to SJPdP by Bus. Madrid to San Sebastian by Plane and onward by bus or train to SJPdP.

In essence:

Renfe trains from Madrid terminate at Irun or Hendaye.

ALSA buses from Madrid go to San Sebastian where there are myriad transport options to Irun/Hendaye. (Euskotren, ALSA, Ekialde bus, Renfe Cercanias etc).

San Sebastian Airport is located close to Irun/Hendaye.

There are ATCRB buses and SNCF trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

There is SNCF train service, usually 4 times per day, all year from Bayonne to SJPdP.

2077 Map Recce

San Sebastian, Irun, Hendaye, Bayonne, and Saint Jean Pied de Port.
http://www.paysenfrance.fr/navigation/pays/64-pays-basque/fr/carte-generale.html

2078 ~Option 1 Madrid to SJPdP by Train

Take Renfe train from Madrid to either Irun or Hendaye. Take SNCF TGV train or SNCF TER train from Hendaye to Gare de Bayonne. If your train from Madrid terminates in Irun take the Euskotren commuter train from Irun to Hendaye. Take the SNCF TER train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

2079 Madrid to Irun and Hendaye

There are two train routes that go to Irun and Hendaye (Hendaya). One route goes by way of Miranda de Ebro, the other by way of Zaragosa. Some trains terminate in Irun while others terminate in Hendaye. Transfers may be required so check the itenerary.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/index.html

Irun Renfe Station
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/11600/informacion_000032.shtml

Gare d'Hendaye
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_d'Hendaye

2080 Irun to Hendaye (Hendaia)

Euskotren operates a commuter train that connects Irun Colon station to SNCF Gare d'Hendaye (3 km). Exit Irun Renfe station; turn right, cross bridge to find Colon station on the left (North) side of the street. Trains runs every half hour. The Euskotren is useful if your Renfe train terminates in Irun and your SNCF train departs from Hendaye.

Euskotren
http://www.euskotren.es/

2082 Hendaye to Gare de Bayonne

SNCF operates TGV trains from Bordeaux and Paris that terminate in Irun. The train then goes to Hendaye before loading passengers going North.

SNCF operates TGV and TER trains (TER Acquitane #61) from Gare d'Hendaye to Gare de Bayonne enroute to Dax and Bordeaux.

A seat reservation is required on TGV trains. A reservation can be obtained at the station prior to departure.

It is not possible to reserve a seat in advance on TER trains.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2083 Gare de Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port

SNCF TER trains (TER Aquitaine #62) depart from Gare Bayonne and terminate at SJPdP. Note that the schedule sometimes replaces the train with a bus.

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

Gare de Bayonne
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frxby/accueil/

2085 ~Option 2 Madrid to SJPdP by Bus

ALSA buses depart from Madrid to San Sebastian. Euskotren commuter trains travel from San Sebastian to Gare d'Hendaye. ATCRB buses depart from Gare d'Hendaye to Place de Basques in Bayonne. Some ATCRB buses terminate at Gare de Bayonne. Chronoplus urban buses operate from Place de Basques to Gare de Bayonne. SNCF TER trains and Transports64 buses operate from Bayonne to SJPdP.

2086 Madrid to San Sebastian/Donostia

ALSA provides bus service from Madrid T4 Barajas Airport and Avenida de America to the bus station located at Plaza de Pio XII, San Sebastian/Donostia.

ALSA
https://www.alsa.es/

2087 San Sebastian/Donostia to Irun and Hendaye (Hendaia)

Map San Sebastian - 41 is Renfe station 42 is Euskotren Amara station 43 is Bus station.
http://www.sansebastianturismo.com/images/ssturismo/pdf/city-map-donostia-san-sebastian.pdf

dbus provides urban bus service in San Sebastian.
http://www.dbus.es/en

a. Euskotren trains depart from Amara station San Sebastian to Irun Colon station located near the Irun Renfe Station or Gare d'Hendaye. The Amara Euskotren station is located 700 meters North from San Sebastian bus station. From Colon station, turn right, cross the bridge over the tracks and bear left to find Irun Renfe Station. Euskotren terminates in Gare d'Hendaye.

Euskotren
http://www.euskotren.es/

b. The local Ekialdebus travels from San Sebastian bus station to bus stops close to Irun Renfe Station. Ekialdebus E24 and E28 go from bus stop Ancho Jakituna 26 just outside San Sebastian bus station to bus stop Colon 43 located outside Irun Renfe Station. If needed, take Euskotren from Irun Colon station located across the street from the bus stop to Gare d'Hendaye (Hendaia) (3km)

Ekialdebus
http://www.ekialdebus.net/inicio/?lang=es

c. Trains from all over Spain enroute to Irun pass through San Sebastian. The train station, Estacion del Norte, in San Sebastian is located across the river from the bus station. Trains to Irun and Hendaye from San Sebastian are frequent.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/index.html

San Sebastian/Donostia Renfe Station
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/11511/informacion_000031.shtml

d. Renfe Cercanias operates from San Sebastian Renfe Station and terminates at Irun.

San Sebastian Renfe Cercanias
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/cercanias/sansebastian/index.html

e. ALSA provides bus service from San Sebastian to Irun Renfe Station. A transfer is required for passengers from Madrid.

ALSA
https://www.alsa.es/

2088 Hendaye to Bayonne

Transdev ATCRB operates commuter bus service from SNCF Gare d'Hendaye (Hendaia) to Bayonne. The ATCRB bus stop in Bayonne is Place Des Basques ... about 1km and across the river from Gare de Bayonne. Some ATCRB buses continue on to Gare de Bayonne though usually you will need to connect with Chronoplus local bus 5, 8, B, or N. ATCRB buses make stops at Biarritz Airport (BIQ) and Gare de Biarritz.

Transdev ATCRB
http://www.transports-atcrb.com/

Chronoplus
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

2089 San Sebastian/Donostia to Bayonne

PESA provides bus service from San Sebastian bus station to Bayonne twice per day. The PESA bus stop in Bayonne is located at Place Des Basques ... about 1km and across
the river from Gare de Bayonne. Connect to Gare de Bayonne with Chronoplus local bus 5, 8, B, or N. PESA buses make stops at Gare d'Hendaye and Biarritz Airport (BIQ).

PESA
http://www.pesa.net/pesa/public_home/ctrl_home.php

Chronoplus
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

2090 Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port

SNCF TER trains (TER Aquitaine #62) depart from Gare Bayonne and terminate at SJPdP.

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

Alternatively Transports64 offers bus service from Gare de Bayonne. Take bus 0811 (Tardets) to St Palais. Transfer to bus 0810 (Saint Etienne de Baigorry) The bus stops in at SNCF Gare SJPdP and SJPdP Uhart Ciz.

Transports64
http://www.transports64.fr/transports-64?lang=fr

2091 ~Option 3 Fly from Madrid to San Sebastian Airport

Fly from Madrid to San Sebastian Airport (EAS). The airport is located at Hondarribia in visual and walking distance from the Irun Renfe Station. Flight service providers are listed at San Sebastian Airport website.

Irun Renfe station is reached by Ekialdebus from Airport San Sebastian. Ekialdebus E25 and E78 stop at bus stop Zubiaurre. E 28 stops at bus stop Hondarribia 2. E25, E28, and E78 stop at bus stop Colon 43. These bus stops all allow easy access to the Irun Renfe Station.

Take the train or the bus from Irun or Hendaye to Bayonne and take the SNCF train from Bayonne to SJPdP as described in option 1 and 2.

San Sebastian Airport (EAS)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-San-Sebastian/en/San-Sebastian.html

2092 Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port
http://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/default.aspx
 
2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2151 This section discusses how to get from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Index 2150
2152 Executive Summary
2153 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP
2154 Train from Paris to SJPdP
2155 Train stations between Paris and Bayonne
2156 Saint Jean Pied de Port
2157 Author's Pick

2152 Executive Summary. There are at least two viable options for getting from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport to Saint Jean Pied de Port (SJPdP):

a. Fly from Paris to Biarritz and take the train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

b. Take the train from Paris to Bayonne and transfer to another train from Bayonne to SJPdP. Stations in Paris with trains to Bayonne include: CDG 2, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Massy.

Note: at time of writing the tracks to SJPdP are washed out April 2014. The train carries from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains. Passengers transfer to an SNCF operated bus. The schedule for TER 62 is changing often so check again just prior to travel.

2153 ~Option 1 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP

a. Fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ). Easy Jet provides service; or,

b. Fly from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ) Air France provides service.


The Chronoplus urban bus #14 leaves from the doors of Biarritz Airport and goes to Gare de Bayonne. Allow 40 minutes.

The SNCF TER train #62 travels from Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Chronoplus
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2154 ~Option 2 - Train from Paris to SJPdP.

TGV trains travel towards Bayonne from three train stations in Paris.

a. There is a TGV station located at Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2.

b. There is a TGV station located at Gare Montparnasse in central Paris. There is greater frequency of service from Gare Montparnasse than from CDG 2.

c. The tracks from CDG 2 and Gare Montparnasse converge and TGV trains from both stations stop at Gare Massy. (not confirmed)

SNCF TGV trains leave from Paris enroute to Bordeaux or Irun. Often there is a transfer required at Bordeaux. TGV trains from Bordeaux terminate in Irun. TER trains from Bordeaux terminate in Pau or Hendaye. If your train is bound for Pau another transfer is required at Dax. Trains bound for Hendaye or Irun stop in Bayonne.

SNCF Intercites night trains travel from Paris Gare Austerlitz to Hendaye and stop in Bayonne.

SNCF TER train #62 travels from Gare Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP

You will get limited results if you try to find a schedule for a train from Paris to SJPdP. I'd suggest planning your trip from Paris to Bayonne then Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2155 Train Stations between Paris and Bayonne

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean (Saint Jean is name of main station in Bordeaux)
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/en/frboj/accueil/

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean according to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Bordeaux-Saint-Jean

Gare de Dax
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/fracg/accueil/

Gare de Bayonne
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frxby/accueil/

2156 Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port
http://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/default.aspx

2157 Author's pick

If I were traveling to SJPdP by way of Paris I would:

a. Determine if it was cost effective and time effective to fly from Paris to Biarritz. Time effective means arriving in time to catch a train from Bayonne to SJPdP on the same day.

b. If arriving at CDG and taking the train is the better option ... take the train from CDG 2 if the schedule is viable.

c. If CDG 2 schedule doesn't work ... Take the RER train from CDG to Massy and catch the TGV train originating from Montparnasse ... Massy is easier to access than Montparnasse because there are no transit transfers required.

d. If arriving at Orly ... take the Orly Val to station Antony and RER train to Massy. Tracks from CDG2 and Montparnasse converge before Massy.
 
2225 London to Saint Jean Pied de Port via Biarritz Airport

2226 This section discusses travel from London to Saint Jean Pied de Port via Biarritz Airport

Index 2225
2227 Airline Service London to Biarritz Airport
2228 Biarritz Airport to Gare de Bayonne
2229 Gare de Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port
2230 Saint Jean Pied de Port

2227 Airline Service London to Biarritz Airport

The closest airport to Saint Jean Pied de Port is Biarritz/Anglet/Bayonne Airport (BIQ). Biarritz Airport is relatively small and it is easy to get oriented.

Biarritz Airport website indicates airlines and destinations including flights from London.

Biarritz Airport BIQ
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

At time of writing:

Ryan Air provides service from London Stansted (STN) to Biarritz (BIQ) all year.

Easy Jet provides service from London Gatwick (LGW) to Biarritz (BIQ) on seasonal basis.

2228 Biarritz Airport to Gare de Bayonne

Chronoplus bus #14 travels from Biarritz Airport to Gare de Bayonne. The bus stop is just outside the airport. The bus ride takes about 40 minutes.

Chronoplus
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

Gare de Bayonne. See the picture so you recognize where to get off the bus.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Bayonne

2229 Gare de Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port

SNCF TER train #62 travels from Gare de Bayonne to SJPdP. You cannot reserve a seat. You can purchase the ticket at the station.

TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2230 Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port
http://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/default.aspx
 
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2350 Barcelona to Saint Jean Pied de Port

Note at time of writing the tracks between Cambo les Bains and SJPdP were washed out in spring 2014. SNCF TER #62 service currently consists of train from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains where passengers to SJPdP transfer to an SNCF operated bus (autocar). Sometimes a bus is used for the entire route.

2351 This section describes transportation options from Barcelona to SJPdP.

Option 2352 and 2353 take about the same travel time either way ... so its dependent on your travel plans which is better

Option 2355 is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal and limited in number of departures.

Index 2350
2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train
2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train
2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne
2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate trains from Barcelona (Sants) to Toulouse (Matabiau). Use SNCF site.

There is a high speed train to Paris that stops in Toulouse. Other trains transfer at break of gauge station Port Bou/Cerbère and require transfer at Perpignan or Narbonne before getting to Toulouse.

SNCF operates trains from Toulouse to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train

Renfe operates trains from Barcelona (Sants) to break of gauge stations at Irun/Hendaye.

Irun Renfe Station and Gare d'Hendaye are train stations 3 km apart.

Note that an end run might be possible by traveling from Barcelona to Miranda del Ebro (where trains from all over Spain converge) and then to Irun.

Euskotren operates a commuter train from Irun Colon Station to Hendaia Station. Use it if your Renfe train terminates in Irun.

Euskotren Colon Station: exit Irun Renfe Station, turn right, walk across bridge over the tracks and find Colon Station on the left (North) side of the street. Hendaia Station is co-located with Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV, Intercites, and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

Euskotren
http://www.euskotren.es/

2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne

Fly from Barcelona Airport to San Sebastian Airport. The airport is located 3 km from Irun train station.

Take local bus or taxi to Irun Renfe station or Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV, Intercites, and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Barcelona Airport (BCN)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Barcelona/en/Home.html

San Sebastian Airport (EAS)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-San-Sebastian/en/

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

This option is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal only and limited in number of departures.

Travel from Barcelona to Pamplona by Renfe train or by bus. Trains leave from Barcelona Sants. Buses leave from Estacion de Autobuses Barcelona Nord and Barcelona Sants. ALSA (via transfer at Zaragosa) and ViBASA are major service providers on this route.

There is seasonal bus service from Pamplona bus station to SJPdP provided by Conda. Conda is owned by ALSA. See international schedule on ALSA website. Purchase ticket at Pamplona bus station.

At time of writing bus schedule from Pamplona to SJPdP: 1000 13 June to 31 August 2014, 1430 1 June to 30 September 2014 (extended to 7 December 2014), and 1730 17 March to 30 September 2014. Schedules are usually updated only 30 days in advance.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

ViBASA (Monbus website)
http://www.monbus.es/es

ALSA
http://www.alsa.es/en/

Conda
http://www.conda.es/
 
Heading over in Early April and am getting ready to book flights. Seems like most of the US Pilgrims fly into Paris. What about Madrid or Barcelona? And then, transport to SJP?
 
Very helpful responses. Thanks to all. See some of you in April!
 
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2350 Barcelona to Saint Jean Pied de Port

Note at time of writing the tracks between Cambo les Bains and SJPdP were washed out in spring 2014. SNCF TER #62 service currently consists of train from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains where passengers to SJPdP transfer to an SNCF operated bus (autocar). Sometimes a bus is used for the entire route.

2351 This section describes transportation options from Barcelona to SJPdP.

Option 2352 and 2353 take about the same travel time either way ... so its dependent on your travel plans which is better

Option 2355 is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal and limited in number of departures.

Index 2350
2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train
2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train
2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne
2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate trains from Barcelona (Sants) to Toulouse (Matabiau). Use SNCF site.

There is a high speed train to Paris that stops in Toulouse. Other trains transfer at break of gauge station Port Bou/Cerbère and require transfer at Perpignan or Narbonne before getting to Toulouse.

SNCF operates trains from Toulouse to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train

Renfe operates trains from Barcelona (Sants) to break of gauge stations at Irun/Hendaye.

Irun Renfe Station and Gare d'Hendaye are train stations 3 km apart.

Note that an end run might be possible by traveling from Barcelona to Miranda del Ebro (where trains from all over Spain converge) and then to Irun.

Euskotren operates a commuter train from Irun Colon Station to Hendaia Station. Use it if your Renfe train terminates in Irun.

Euskotren Colon Station: exit Irun Renfe Station, turn right, walk across bridge over the tracks and find Colon Station on the left (North) side of the street. Hendaia Station is co-located with Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV, Intercites, and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

Euskotren
http://www.euskotren.es/

2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne

Fly from Barcelona Airport to San Sebastian Airport. The airport is located 3 km from Irun train station.

Take local bus or taxi to Irun Renfe station or Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV, Intercites, and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Barcelona Airport (BCN)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Barcelona/en/Home.html

San Sebastian Airport (EAS)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-San-Sebastian/en/

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

This option is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal only and limited in number of departures.

Travel from Barcelona to Pamplona by Renfe train or by bus. Trains leave from Barcelona Sants. Buses leave from Estacion de Autobuses Barcelona Nord and Barcelona Sants. ALSA (via transfer at Zaragosa) and ViBASA are major service providers on this route.

There is seasonal bus service from Pamplona bus station to SJPdP provided by Conda. Conda is owned by ALSA. See international schedule on ALSA website. Purchase ticket at Pamplona bus station.

At time of writing bus schedule from Pamplona to SJPdP: 1000 13 June to 31 August 2014, 1430 1 June to 30 September 2014 (extended to 7 December 2014), and 1730 17 March to 30 September 2014. Schedules are usually updated only 30 days in advance.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

ViBASA (Monbus website)
http://www.monbus.es/es

ALSA
http://www.alsa.es/en/

Conda
http://www.conda.es/
 
Whari..... Wow!
 
The return flight is certainly a consideration just for convenience. From ATL the cost to Barcelona, Madrid or Paris is about the same. Guess what I'm looking for is the ease (relative I know) of transportation to SJP from all these arrival cities and then the departure back to the States. I've learned elsewhere on the forum about train transport to SJP from Paris but, haven't been able to find anything from the Spanish arrival cities. Frankly, I just want to get there and start...
If that's what you are looking for, then fly into Madrid, bus to Pamplona and reserve the services of Pension Corazon Puro. They pick you up at the bus station in Pamplona, put you up for the night, feed you dinner and breakfast and drop you off in the morning within sight of the pilgrim's office in St. Jean. It was too dang easy and about the same cost of getting to St. Jean yourself if you add up the meals, bus ride and overnight accommodations.
Getting back to Madrid is easy from Santiago. You can plane, train or bus back to Madrid from there.
Some people will say that flying in to Spain and then going to St. Jean in France is not as cool as starting in France without having been in Spain already. Having done both, I can say I saw no difference. I just wanted to get on the Camino.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
I'll tell you my story, so maybe you don't repeat it! The number one rule here is, plan your route to the Camino well! Once on the Camino it will guide you, but getting there can be confusing, especially if you have no translator!

We arrived early morning into Barcelona, and after wandering around the city and train station confused for a few hours, managed to buy tickets to Bilbao, the closest thing they could get us to San Sebastian (little did I know, a few other people knew of a train you could catch after that one from Bilbao to San Sebastian!) I quickly booked a hostel that looked close to the train station. And we waited for the train... and waited....

The train was stopped midway when someone in a rural area either jumped or fell in front of it, killing them. (At least, this is the rumor, I would have assumed they'd make us leave the train over something so terrible, but after about 3 hours of waiting on the track we were moving again). When we arrived in Bilbao it was much later than anticipated and we ended up walking 2 miles to our hostel, in a cold coastal drizzle. All of us were going on 42 hours no sleep by then. We checked in, showered and slept.

In the morning, I got us lost in Bilbao trying to find the proper train station again in the light of day. Had a couple cries, and finally got us to the right bus area for a bust to San Sebastian, which would get us to a Train to Hendaye, to Bayonne and from their to a bus to SJPdP. We missed the midday bus, and had to take the last one, not realizing that the small town would close up shop and there'd be little to no one about at 10pm at night! Luckily someone must have known we were coming because the Office workers kept a light on for us and we stayed high up in the top of the Albergue on mats for our first Camino night!

It was an adventurous few days to be sure, but my recommendation is to check your travel plans a week before you fly into wherever you are going. Make sure you know the FULL route and have back ups if you miss your connections. Buy the longer trips in advance, and get the smaller hops at the ticket counter for flexibility.
 
If you fly Iberia, US to Pamplona requires a change at Madrid and Santiago to US requires a change at Madrid but is cheaper than other flight options. The return flight is definitely a consideration - Santiago-Paris is half the European continent so Spain should be your focus
 
Whari..... Wow!

If you fly into Paris early fly out a few hours later to Biarritz on Easy Jet from CDG
[ otherwise train from CDG to Orly where there are plenty of daily flights]
or
Get the train to Biarritz via Bordeaux [ stopover seeing you are a long way from home]
If you fly into Madrid get the bus to Pamplona and then St JPdP
[ there are plenty of info on this in the forum already]
If you fly to London you have to change airports , expensive

Madrid is recommended because at the finish a plane or a bus will get you there very quickly.
Again have a day in this very old city [ you are still along way from home so why not discover ]
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
A large percentage of this forum and this entire thread deals with the obsession of getting to SJPdP!
Its been said here many times: There is absolutely no historic or other compelling reason to start the Camino in this particular village. The accomplishment of the Camino is far grander than this peculiar focus on the 25 km mountain stretch from SJPdP to Roncesvalles (considered as "the real starting-point" by most Spanish peregrinos). The romantic notion of "crossing the French-Spanish border" shared by many overseas pilgrims is a non-event.
The real experience of the Camino does not occur over a few kilometres on a particular stretch but within the short distance between a pair of ears!
It seems such a pity to distract from the real purpose of enlarging your lifetime existence with self-imposed logistical problems of reaching an obscure little village in the pyrenees whilst struggling with jet lag and to start an 800 km journey with a most rigorous and at times dangerous stretch for which many are physically unprepared and ill (too heavy-) equipped.
Coming from abroad, the airports of Madrid and Barcelona are natural, well connected hubs, from where there are excellent connections to Pamplona (Roncesvalles if you prefer) and all logical reasons indicate that one starts the classic camino from right there. (Or in fact from any other point on the long way to SdC) "The Way" is not, –should not be–, a marathon with a dictated starting point, but a personal spiritual exercise.
That said, the hike over (a tiny portion of-) the Pyrenees in the good seasons is of course a wonderful experience and for many well worth the detour.
My point merely is, that first-time peregrinos reading this forum may get the impression that reaching and starting from SJPdP is a "must", which of course it is not.

Wishing everybody a buen camino, regardless from where it is started.
 
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Heading over in Early April and am getting ready to book flights. Seems like most of the US Pilgrims fly into Paris. What about Madrid or Barcelona? And then, transport to SJP?

Justabob:

This decision is somewhat dependent on your desire to possibly visit or spend time in one of these beautiful cities. If you are just inquiring from the perspective of most efficient ingress and egress city, I have found Madrid to work best for me.

IMO, Madrid is usually cheaper to fly into and easier to get to SJPdP. I have also tried the Barcelona and Paris routes. The train ride from Paris is a little longer but a very nice train (TGV). The train from Barcelona is longer and what I consider a (milk run). Train stops everywhere.

Again, these decisions are often based on other factors.

Ultreia,
Joe
 
The return flight is certainly a consideration just for convenience. From ATL the cost to Barcelona, Madrid or Paris is about the same. Guess what I'm looking for is the ease (relative I know) of transportation to SJP from all these arrival cities and then the departure back to the States. I've learned elsewhere on the forum about train transport to SJP from Paris but, haven't been able to find anything from the Spanish arrival cities. Frankly, I just want to get there and start...

Hi, justabo, I think that it's worth it to check into flying closer to where you will start your camino than Paris or Madrid.

For some reason, most of the people I know planning caminos assume that they will buy a ticket from the US to either Paris, London, or Madrid and then they work out the details of getting to SJPP, Bilbao, etc etc. There are lots of options to fly FROM Paris or Madrid to cities that are closer to the Camino departure points. And if you put it all on your international ticket you are protected in case of delays and missed connections. Many people are surprised to see how little it costs to add segments in Spain to an international ticket. I am currently planning a US to Barcelona outward with a return from Santiago to US trip, and the prices I see are not much higher than just flying US to Madrid round trip. I can be in Barcelona by 7:30 am, which gives me the whole day to get up to Port de la Selva where I will start walking.

If I flew into Madrid and then got the train/bus to Barcelona, it would mean at least another day's travel. Same thing with the return from Santiago. I leave Santiago on a 9:15 am flight, connect in Madrid and am in Chicago by mid afternoon. Much easier than taking a train or bus from Santiago to Madrid, then maybe a night there, getting from train to airport, etc etc. It may not work for everyone, but I recommend checking out the "multi-city" option on kayak or other software to see how much more it would be to extend your international air ticket. Of cous, as jpflavin notes, there are lots of other reasons why people want to spend time in Madrid or Paris at the beginning or end of the camin, but if you just wan to "get there and start" you might have a better experence flying into Pamplona, for example. Buen camino, Lauri
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
A large percentage of this forum and this entire thread deals with the obsession of getting to SJPdP!
Its been said here many times: There is absolutely no historic or other compelling reason to start the Camino in this particular village. The accomplishment of the Camino is far grander than this peculiar focus on the 25 km mountain stretch from SJPdP to Roncesvalles (considered as "the real starting-point" by most Spanish peregrinos). The romantic notion of "crossing the French-Spanish border" shared by many overseas pilgrims is a non-event.
The real experience of the Camino does not occur over a few kilometres on a particular stretch but within the short distance between a pair of ears!
It seems such a pity to distract from the real purpose of enlarging your lifetime existence with self-imposed logistical problems of reaching an obscure little village in the pyrenees whilst struggling with jet lag and to start an 800 km journey with a most rigorous and at times dangerous stretch for which many are physically unprepared and ill (too heavy-) equipped.
Coming from abroad, the airports of Madrid and Barcelona are natural, well connected hubs, from where there are excellent connections to Pamplona (Roncesvalles if you prefer) and all logical reasons indicate that one starts the classic camino from right there. (Or in fact from any other point on the long way to SdC) "The Way" is not, –should not be–, a marathon with a dictated starting point, but a personal spiritual exercise.
That said, the hike over (a tiny portion of-) the Pyrenees in the good seasons is of course a wonderful experience and for many well worth the detour.
My point merely is, that first-time peregrinos reading this forum may get the impression that reaching and starting from SJPdP is a "must", which of course it is not.

Wishing everybody a buen camino, regardless from where it is started.
 
Transport luggage-passengers.
From airports to SJPP
Luggage from SJPP to Roncevalles
A really helpful perspective and I thank you.
 
....The train from Barcelona is longer and what I consider a (milk run). Train stops everywhere.....
Begging to differ; there are excellent and fast train connections between Barcelona and Pamplona, less than 3 ½ hours with 2 - 3 stops, just pick the right one.
Seniors-, I believe older than 60- should ask for a «Targetta dorada» by the way, especially when planning to take train-rides more than just once; great money saver!
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Differing is good. I had to go back and check.

Madrid Atocha - Pamplona: 3 hrs and 3 to 4 stops (includes Pamplona) - Renfe
Barcelona Sant - Pamplona: 3 hrs 45 mins. and 5 to 7 stops (includes Pamplona) - Renfe
Paris(CDG) - Bayonne: 6 hrs 30 mins. 4 stops??? - TGV

An additional 3 stops on a trip is Milk run too me. Someone else might not feel the same.

The Card is a Tarjeta Dorada. You must be 60 and it cost 5 euro's last time I purchased one. There is a savings.

Ultreia,
Joe
 
Differing is good > checking is better, I stand corrected :)
Still....I remember the trip as very comfortable, had a good time chatting with a cute Spanish lady in my compartment and regretted to arrive in Pamplona so soon; one mans milk run is another mans thrill ;)
Screen Shot 2015-01-07 at 09.30.11.png
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Heading over in Early April and am getting ready to book flights. Seems like most of the US Pilgrims fly into Paris. What about Madrid or Barcelona? And then, transport to SJP?
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Thanks everyone. This was so helpful. I'm now booked into Madrid on April 13.
 

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