- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances 15,16,18
VdlP 23, Invierno 23, Fisterra 23
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Worth considering then, thanks.Yes, it depends on your airline. It is actually a major airport, I think including Dubai, Doha and Singapore. However if you had to add an extra leg to your journey you could do better than Barcelona.
I'll be heading for my first Camino (CF) in late April 2015. I've read a lot about the various routes to get to SJPDP but was just curious for those who have travelled from afar....
I'll be flying in from Sydney.
So given the choice, would you consider Paris or Madrid as being the best 'Port of Entry'? i.e. how easy it is to get to SJPDP from either.
My thought at the moment is probably Madrid, with fly/train/bus options to Pamplona and then taxi to SJPDP.
But I'm just curious to hear from those who have done both options, whether fly/train to Biarritz/Bayonne and train to SJPDP is actually an easier option.
I guess I could always go in via one and out via the other.... Not too bothered about the relative costs, more the 'lower hassle' option....
P.S. I say 'I' because this will now be a solo journey. For those who I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know on this forum, Pat will not be up to it Health wise sadly. Nothing too serious, but she won't be Camino fit.
P.P.S. Of course the good news is...I can now travel a lot lighter and faster...
Joe, thanks for this -- I just visited their site - what a great idea for my next CF.Robo:
Inbound - From Madrid airport train or bus to Pamplona. I prefer train. Call Corazonpuro.es (website) they will pick you up at train or bus station, take you to their home, put you up for the night and drive you to SJPdP the next day.
I've flown into Paris and the train connection is great. However; if I were to to it again I would fly to Bilbao. Great connection from Canada and short bus ride to SJPdP (and a chance to wind down in San SebStianI'll be heading for my first Camino (CF) in late April 2015. I've read a lot about the various routes to get to SJPDP but was just curious for those who have travelled from afar....
I'll be flying in from Sydney.
So given the choice, would you consider Paris or Madrid as being the best 'Port of Entry'? i.e. how easy it is to get to SJPDP from either.
My thought at the moment is probably Madrid, with fly/train/bus options to Pamplona and then taxi to SJPDP.
But I'm just curious to hear from those who have done both options, whether fly/train to Biarritz/Bayonne and train to SJPDP is actually an easier option.
I guess I could always go in via one and out via the other.... Not too bothered about the relative costs, more the 'lower hassle' option....
P.S. I say 'I' because this will now be a solo journey. For those who I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know on this forum, Pat will not be up to it Health wise sadly. Nothing too serious, but she won't be Camino fit.
P.P.S. Of course the good news is...I can now travel a lot lighter and faster...
Express Bourricott is a private hire taxi based in SJPdP. You might be able to save a few euros on your taxi by sharing a ride.
Express Bourricott
http://www.expressbourricot.com/
Robo,
It sounds like you are getting very close to a good plan.
Personally, I would use this service on my way to SJpdP (from Pamplona). I have used them this year:
http://www.corazonpuro.es/Enghome.html
Read carefully what they offer. It is a "no hassle" option.
Very affordable and friendly. It will allow you some more rest time before you start walking, and it will give you a really nice start for your Camino. Those people are experienced former pilgrims and can give you vasluable advice.
Good choice. But from my personal experience, Paris is a long way away from the Camino, and much hassle getting there (to SJpdP). Plus language problems if you don't speak French. Madrid/Barcelona and then Pamplona is much easier. And when in Pamplona, you have all options. And they are all easy and cost-effective, compared to Paris.Gives me a bit of variety, and I actually quite like the idea, as mentioned by Robert above, of first entering Spain from the Camino itself.
Good choice. But from my personal experience, Paris is a long way away from the Camino, and much hassle getting there (to SJpdP). Plus language problems if you don't speak French. Madrid/Barcelona and then Pamplona is much easier. And when in Pamplona, you have all options. And they are all easy and cost-effective, compared to Paris.
Yes it is a long way, but I quite like the idea of the train ride on the TGV . . . . . .
I enjoyed the train ride from Paris to SJPdP on my first Camino very much. It was a beautiful blue skies day. I parlez-vous no Francais, and missed my train change in Bourdeaux and jumped off two stops too early before Bayonne, but still got to SJPdP on the last train of the day. Walked down from the train station in the dark and found a hotel.Thank you all for sharing your advice and experience. The danger of course.....is 'over thinking' all of this preparation and planning!
So for better or worse, the plan is now this: Lots of flexibility time built in, as I'm sure things will go wrong....
Inbound.
Fly into Paris CDG. Around midday.
Stay the night in Paris to recover a bit. Probably near Gare Gare Montparnasse to make it easy to get over to the early train.
TGV next day to Bayonne. Early train (07:28), as it has the 'quiet' coaches (IDTGV) and I can arrive in SJPDP not too late.
Taxi from Bayonne to SJPDP (two reasons, to avoid a three hour wait for the local train and also to get to SJPDP early pm, to allow more post flight recuperation time). Nearer the date (27 April) I'll post details in case anyone would like a lift.
Flight schedules don't really allow me to get into Paris and up to SJPDP in the same day. And I figure some enforced 'adjustment' and rest time would be best before 'attacking' the Hill on day 1....
Outbound.
Fly SDC to Madrid early am. Catching PM flight home to Australia.
I have allowed some 'buffer' time for injuries, rest days and hopefully including Finisterra. So no 'rushing' for the return flight.
It's all starting to get a bit real now. Very exciting
On the one hand, I want to make sure my flights, train schedules etc will 'work' and be relatively hassle free.
But I'm also conscious of allowing enough flexibility or 'slack' in my schedules to enjoy the whole experience and not be worried about 'timetables'.
.
Robo - if you have not experience Paris (city of light - nearly as good as Sydney's NYE fireworks) I suggest this route/port of entry. From Dubai (assuming Qantas/Emirates to Dubai and then Emirates to Paris) the early flight gets it around 1.00 pm and the late one around 9.30 pm. So you could overnight and get the early train (TGV) to Bayonne and then connect to SJPP - arriving in time to get a room and your pilgrims passport and set off the next day. Happy New Year, Buen Camino.I'll be heading for my first Camino (CF) in late April 2015. I've read a lot about the various routes to get to SJPDP but was just curious for those who have travelled from afar....
I'll be flying in from Sydney. So given the choice, would you consider Paris or Madrid as being the best 'Port of Entry'? i.e. how easy it is to get to SJPDP from either. My thought at the moment is probably Madrid, with fly/train/bus options to Pamplona and then taxi to SJPDP.
But I'm just curious to hear from those who have done both options, whether fly/train to Biarritz/Bayonne and train to SJPDP is actually an easier option.
As this is my first Camino, I find the whole planning process quite intriguing.
On the one hand, I want to make sure my flights, train schedules etc will 'work' and be relatively hassle free.
But I'm also conscious of allowing enough flexibility or 'slack' in my schedules to enjoy the whole experience and not be worried about 'timetables'.
The result hopefully, is a rough plan (very rough) in terms of timing, that will cater for anything that crops up. I certainly won't be rushing....
I find the same thinking being applied to my gear. Pre Camino planning is all about trying to make sure I have the best chance of success, whatever that might be. But once I leave home, all my choices won't really matter anymore. What happens will happen. If that makes sense.
Or maybe in other words.
Plan well.
Plan for obvious things that might go wrong.
But be realistic in my abilities and expectations..
And once underway..........just go with the flow and enjoy.
Robo:
There is no bad plan and many decisions are based on factors other than ease of ingress and egress. Enjoy your night in Paris. Madrid is an equally beautiful city which you can enjoy prior to going home.
As far as planning beyond your arrival in SJPdP and going home I would recommend you just go with the flow of the Camino and let it be your guide.
Ultreia,
Joe
Thank you all for your advice. It's starting to sound like 'in and out' via Madrid will be the most suitable option.
RoboI'll be heading for my first Camino (CF) in late April 2015. I've read a lot about the various routes to get to SJPDP but was just curious for those who have travelled from afar....
I'll be flying in from Sydney.
So given the choice, would you consider Paris or Madrid as being the best 'Port of Entry'? i.e. how easy it is to get to SJPDP from either.
My thought at the moment is probably Madrid, with fly/train/bus options to Pamplona and then taxi to SJPDP.
But I'm just curious to hear from those who have done both options, whether fly/train to Biarritz/Bayonne and train to SJPDP is actually an easier option.
I guess I could always go in via one and out via the other.... Not too bothered about the relative costs, more the 'lower hassle' option....
P.S. I say 'I' because this will now be a solo journey. For those who I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know on this forum, Pat will not be up to it Health wise sadly. Nothing too serious, but she won't be Camino fit.
P.P.S. Of course the good news is...I can now travel a lot lighter and faster
I've only flown into Paris and caught the train to Bayonne (will do the same this April), finding it very convenient. As for if things don't go as smoothly as planned, which is often the case, I just step back and ask myself "what is my reality right now?" Lost bag, missed connection or whatever just means I have to roll with a new situation. Getting upset or frustrated at that fact changes nothing. And sometimes, those glitches can be blessings in disguise.
...
Robo
Barcelona is a good way if you fly Singapore air stop over in sinapore for a couple of hours then into Barcelona
I will be flying Brisbane to Singapore to Barcelona in September, only a 4 hour stopover in Singapore total time to get there was about 25 hours, which isn't too bad. Sounds like pretty good connections, bus or train to Pamploma where I will start my walk. This was with Singapore Airlines.Not exactly a major International Airport, but I'll check it out. I'd rather limit the number of flight sectors if possible to 2. Just want to get there and get started with the minimum of hassle.
P.S. Just checked. Barcelona would involve a 3rd sector and going SYD-BKK-LHR-BCN
But still worth looking at.
Flew to Madrid from the states and then on to Santiago. Courteously, the flight was about the same price regardless if I flew to Madrid or Santiago. Flights to Paris were not so accommodating. Once in Santiago, I took a train east to Leon and hiked back to Santiago. Plan to do something similar when I do Porto to Santiago in spring, 2016.I'll be heading for my first Camino (CF) in late April 2015. I've read a lot about the various routes to get to SJPDP but was just curious for those who have travelled from afar....
I'll be flying in from Sydney.
So given the choice, would you consider Paris or Madrid as being the best 'Port of Entry'? i.e. how easy it is to get to SJPDP from either.
My thought at the moment is probably Madrid, with fly/train/bus options to Pamplona and then taxi to SJPDP.
But I'm just curious to hear from those who have done both options, whether fly/train to Biarritz/Bayonne and train to SJPDP is actually an easier option.
I guess I could always go in via one and out via the other.... Not too bothered about the relative costs, more the 'lower hassle' option....
P.S. I say 'I' because this will now be a solo journey. For those who I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know on this forum, Pat will not be up to it Health wise sadly. Nothing too serious, but she won't be Camino fit.
P.P.S. Of course the good news is...I can now travel a lot lighter and faster...
Fly to LONDON. Get the RYANAIR flight to BIARRITZ it is cheaper and quicker.I'll be heading for my first Camino (CF) in late April 2015. I've read a lot about the various routes to get to SJPDP but was just curious for those who have travelled from afar....
I'll be flying in from Sydney.
So given the choice, would you consider Paris or Madrid as being the best 'Port of Entry'? i.e. how easy it is to get to SJPDP from either.
My thought at the moment is probably Madrid, with fly/train/bus options to Pamplona and then taxi to SJPDP.
But I'm just curious to hear from those who have done both options, whether fly/train to Biarritz/Bayonne and train to SJPDP is actually an easier option.
I guess I could always go in via one and out via the other.... Not too bothered about the relative costs, more the 'lower hassle' option....
P.S. I say 'I' because this will now be a solo journey. For those who I've had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know on this forum, Pat will not be up to it Health wise sadly. Nothing too serious, but she won't be Camino fit.
P.P.S. Of course the good news is...I can now travel a lot lighter and faster...
Fly to LONDON. Get the RYANAIR flight to BIARRITZ it is cheaper and quicker.
Fly to LONDON. Get the RYANAIR flight to BIARRITZ it is cheaper and quicker.
Fly to Paris get the flight to Biarritz , 1 hour and you are there.
Yes I thought of that, it's a sound plan. But on reflection I don't actually want to get there too quickly. Time to recuperate after the flight and adjust to local time zones would be sensible I think.
So my current plan SYD-DBX-CDG gets me there in two flight sectors.
An 'early night' to relax.
A trip on the TGV. (with EB picking me up at the other end)
Another 'early night' to relax.
Better I think than rushing to get there and starting out jet lagged and exhausted.
Whilst I am quite used to frequent long distance air travel for business and holidays (given where we live, most Australians are) I think that tackling the Pyrenees on Day 1 might be a bit more arduous than heading straight into a 2 hour business meeting on a heavy session sitting on the beach.
And I'm not exactly going to win the prize for 'fittest Pilgrim' so I think anything I can do in physical and mental preparation for the big day can only help.
P.S. I seem to spend my working life 'living' in Airports. I actually like long distance flights! It's a chance to relax, unwind, watch some movies, knock back some wine. It's the hanging around in and travel through Airports that I find tedious.
@Robo a good result. We've done the same thing a couple of times. It costs a bit more to travel by TGV from Paris than the train from Madrid but it's a good way to start getting over the jet lag. We did manage to miss the TGV connection once - stayed in my favourite hotel in Paris and were lured into a relaxed start the next day. Did not give ourselves enough time to get to Montparnasse the next morning. RailEurope will kidnap you if you search for bookings on the net - go directly to the SNCF site to get much cheaper fares ($100 less, last time I checked) and more options.
Thank you all for sharing your advice and experience. The danger of course.....is 'over thinking' all of this preparation and planning!
So for better or worse, the plan is now this: Lots of flexibility time built in, as I'm sure things will go wrong....
Inbound.
Fly into Paris CDG. Around midday.
Stay the night in Paris to recover a bit. Probably near Gare Gare Montparnasse to make it easy to get over to the early train.
TGV next day to Bayonne. Early train (07:28), as it has the 'quiet' coaches (IDTGV) and I can arrive in SJPDP not too late.
Taxi from Bayonne to SJPDP (two reasons, to avoid a three hour wait for the local train and also to get to SJPDP early pm, to allow more post flight recuperation time). Nearer the date (27 April) I'll post details in case anyone would like a lift.
Flight schedules don't really allow me to get into Paris and up to SJPDP in the same day. And I figure some enforced 'adjustment' and rest time would be best before 'attacking' the Hill on day 1....
Outbound.
Fly SDC to Madrid early am. Catching PM flight home to Australia.
I have allowed some 'buffer' time for injuries, rest days and hopefully including Finisterra. So no 'rushing' for the return flight.
It's all starting to get a bit real now. Very exciting
Hmmmm. Have I screwed this up?
Just tried to book my TGV ticket online, and the 07:28 train does not even show up on the SNCF site as an option? Surely it can't be full?
I know someone here provided a great link for TGV bookings (I should have noted it). It was an SBNF site I think. But not the one I just checked. The booking form looked different, and I could specify which Paris station I was departing from, rather than just Paris All, as per this site.
http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/
Any other SNCF sites (or urls) for TGV bookings?
I tried Rail Europe .com and the following happened;
Paris---Biarritz , put in date 10/2/2015 pressed the box indicating trains after 6.ooam and pressed ok.
Up came 7.28 from Montp., pressed best fare second class , continued and $100 Oz per person.
This train appears up until the 28/2.
Tried the same using March, April and the first train was @ 10.28am and prices around $50-80 pp.
Better wait until the month before you depart Robo.
or
To make you smile , have a nice one and a half days in Paris , early train to Orly [ 40 minutes] flights taking one hour with Air France @ 7.00am or 8.50am to Biarritz costing $70 or $100 then the 9.30am or midday train to St Jean , looking at the Blue Mountains and then have a nice lunch....and because you are really relax get to Orisson by 5 pm same day.
Just to make you smile mate.
Safe trip when you depart.
Any other SNCF sites (or urls) for TGV bookings?
Take a look at this link (scroll down till 'Buy French train tickets online'; the chart after that section might be specially useful):
http://www.seat61.com/France-trains.htm#How to buy train tickets for France
Hi Robo,
What day exactly would you like te leave from Paris?
I checked too from the Netherlands (probably the prices are also depending from what country you are in) and get very cheap tickets in the end of april, from 24 euro 2nd class en 39 euro first class.
Indeed no train coming up before 12.28.
I just checked different sites and found out different things.
From http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/:
If you tick off the direct journey only box, there is one more train coming up at 10.46 with a change at bordeaux.
If you search first for travelling to Dax, there is a train at 6.28. In Dax there doesn't seem to be a perfect connection, but at least you will be earlier then the first direct train.
The direct train from paris to Biarritz at 14.28 gives a real cheap prize: €29.90.
Maybe the german railway site (db.de) does help to look for more possibilities.
Hope it doesn't give you too much to choose from...
Hi Thomas,
Yes I saw those other options. Some involve 1 or 2 changes of train and even transferring to a Bus.
I think to keep things simple and reduce the risk of missing connections, or getting lost, I'll just pick a later direct train.
But still hopeful the 7:28 am will reappear at some stage. Maybe they only run it when the others are full? Who knows...
I think its the reverse Robo
This early train takes commuters to work thus they might stop too many bookings from tourists.
I will keep you smiling mate,
8.50 flight , arrival in Biarritz @ 10.00am.
Yea yea....You love to fly. I'll have been flying for 24 hours already. I was looking forward to a train ride
Short flights are such a waste of time I find. Travel out to Airport, go through all the check in security etc etc. Quick flight. And the same the other end. I spend half my life doing short flights back home and where possible I drive! It's quicker sometimes door to door!
But Yes......... I might consider a flight instead
There is a narrow gauge Basque train that takes you to San Sebastian (also worth a night at least), and then another that I think goes to Biarritz and/or Bayonne.
The other one goes just to Hendaye.
We got off there and cycled to Bayonne along the coast, but thought the train continued for a ways - even if in the wrong country ;-)
We took this option in 2016, but understand Corazon Puro is closed nowJoe, thanks for this -- I just visited their site - what a great idea for my next CF.
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