Best way to get from Madrid to SJPP?

[Kathy B]

This is our first walk, we are flying into Madrid on April 3rd. Which is the best way to get from Madrid to SJPP?

 

[Kanga]

For lots of information look in the section of the forum entitled "Getting to and from the Camino".

To get from Madrid to SJPDP you either go through Pamplona - see here
Or through Bayonne - see here

 

[karenfromcali]

This is our first walk, we are flying into Madrid on April 3rd. Which is the best way to get from Madrid to SJPP?

Hi Kathy. Welcome!
You could catch the train from Madrid Charmartin (catch the metro from Madrid airport to Chamartin station) to Bayonne. Then Bayonne to St Jean. Info can be found at renfe.com or raileurope.com.
There may be better ways to do it but this gives you a start. I'm sure other pilgrims will chime in with the appropriate advice.
Buen Camino!

 

[Urban Trekker]

From the west coast you can arrive in Madrid in the morning and have time to get to the Atocha train station from the airport and then catch the train to Pamplone. You can get there in the afternoon spend the night then use local trandport, ride share, to SJPDP. I have 1 layover going and a direct back. Both flights are 12 hours. Check GOOGLE flight.

Buen Camino

Happy Trails

 

[Deleted member 3000]

There will be ALSA buses from Pamplona to SJPdP at 1430 and 1730 on April 3 and April 4.

There are buses from terminal T-4 at the Madrid airport to Pamplona at 1045 and 1515.

 

[Anniesantiago]

For me, the best way to get to SJPP from Madrid is via bus to Pamplona.
Walk out of Terminal 4 and onto a bus to Pamplona. (Around €35)
Stay there a day or two, recover from the time change, see the city.
Then catch a bus to SJPP. (around €20)
When you walk back through Pamplona you've already seen it and can get "between" the Brierley stages, missing the huge wave of pilgrims that walk according to the book.

 

[Susanwills]

I booked a flight from Madrid to Biarritz. It is about an hour flight and cost$65 us dollors. If your times work out, it might be the easiest way to go.
I used Fareboom website for booking.

 

[whariwharangi]

This is our first walk, we are flying into Madrid on April 3rd. Which is the best way to get from Madrid to SJPP?

The 'best' way is to fly from Madrid MAD to Biarritz BIQ. Chronoplus bus 14 from airport to Gare Bayonne. SNCF TER train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Issues of cost and schedule are ignored here.

 

[Kathy B]

Thank you for all the suggestions. We have talked quite a bit about it and so far have decided to stay the first night in Madrid and then make our way on to Pamplona and SJPdP with a clear head, rested from the flights getting there.