Arriving in Pamplona

[Ymanning]

Couple things: how to get to SJPP from Pamplona? and can I stay in an albergue in Pamplona and then headout to SJPP? If so, do I need to show my pilgrims passport?

Thanks for your help!

 

[lynettefoo]

Get a taxi
http://www.taxipamplona.com/servicios_en.html

I booked mine on line and they speak English. They can pick you up anywhere from Pamplona so I asked them to pick me up from the airport and take me all the way to SJPDP. It costs E105.. There are 2 of us so we split the cost. It saves you time as you can get there in 2 hours.

Then you have plenty of time to rest before you walk.

I didnt want the hassle of getting a bus, a train, walking, hitch hiking... forget that..

Good Luck!

 

[RENSHAW]

Hello there ,
You may want to 'search' for the many threads in getting to SJPDP - there is piles of advice , options and info.
As for your first night in an Albergue in Pamplona, well we all start from somewhere at some stage. I have travelled to Roncesvalles , Pamplona and Burgos and spent my first night there. Each time I've been given a bunk and issued a credencial at a nominal price. However , do not take this for granted as I walk during quieter times , spring or autumn. When volumes are high the Albergues may favour Pilgrims who have spent the whole day walking.
There is no need to stress There are a number of private Albergues, pensions and hostals options open to you in Pamplona that will only be too pleased to take you in.This may be the best option for you especially if you are arriving later at night.
And then of course you don't have to get out and go at 7 or 8am but sleep in and prepare yourself for the rest of the day.
Finally , You may want to 'Tripadvisor' the 'Pension Escaray' which I use at least once a year - at €20 for a single room it can work out to be the same price as some of the private albergues now opening up.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

can I stay in an albergue in Pamplona and then headout to SJPP? If so, do I need to show my pilgrims passport?

There are several albergues in Pamplona, so there is not a single answer to those questions. Jesus y Maria requires a credential and will sell you one on the spot. I have arrived from the airport with a credential and been told that only those who have walked in are entitled to stay. I was then admitted because it was a slow time of year. It is under new management now, so the paradox may be gone. Paderborn is also a municipal albergue, so a credential is required. The newer albergues are private and set their own rules. Check here for information that they have provided to Eroski

http://caminodesantiago.consumer.es/eta ... a-pamplona

 

[Olivares]

It costs E105.. There are 2 of us so we split the cost. It saves you time as you can get there in 2 hours.

Then you have plenty of time to rest before you walk.

I didnt want the hassle of getting a bus, a train, walking, hitch hiking... forget that..

Good Luck!

WOW! To think that I paid 9 Euros for a van ride from the Pamplona Bus Station to SJPDP (45 minutes away, not 2 hours...), no hassle whatsoever to get to Pamplona from Barcelona (bus ride at 24 Euros), and had plenty time to explore beautiful SJPDP before starting the walk the next day. A total of 33 Euros hassle -free transport Barcelona to Pamplona--- I think I got a REAL bargain.... 8)

 

[RENSHAW]

WOW! To think that I paid 9 Euros for a van ride from the Pamplona Bus Station to SJPDP 8)

I'm not sure if this van still operates? Reading in between the lines , I think the Pamplona taxis complained about a 'French' van poaching Spanish rides - one can perhaps understand this considering the current economic climate. What we need is a bonafide Spanish van to take on the task? ............ then the French will complain. :mrgreen:

 

[Olivares]

WOW! To think that I paid 9 Euros for a van ride from the Pamplona Bus Station to SJPDP 8)

I'm not sure if this van still operates? Reading in between the lines , I think the Pamplona taxis complained about a 'French' van poaching Spanish rides - one can perhaps understand this considering the current economic climate. What we need is a bonafide Spanish van to take on the task?

Yes, the van ride was in fact the Express Bouricott from SJPDP. I believe this service will be reinstated come May 2014. Seriously, I feel for the Spaniards on this economic crisis and such, but there is such a thing as "milking the Pilgrims"-- 150 Euros taxi ride Pamplona-SJPDP sounds a bit excessive. Just saying.

It reminds me something I read-- in the 11th Century the pilgrims had to be ferried over the River Arga when they got to the locality that is today Puente la Reina. Pilgrims were often overcharged and taken advantage of. To assist the pilgrims, Queen Doña Mayor directed the construction of a bridge, which is the spectacular and iconic Puente La Reina that 21st Century pilgrims still use today.

I refused to think that in España La Catolica one would not find today a Queen Doña Mayor... :?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

a van ride from the Pamplona Bus Station to SJPDP (45 minutes away, not 2 hours...)

He had it in afterburner! The distance is 77.6 km and takes everyone else 1:24. Buses take a bit longer because they follow a route with stops in small towns.

Suggested routes

77.6 km, 1 hour 24 mins
N-135
94.3 km, 1 hour 34 mins
NA-2330 and N-135