- Time of past OR future Camino
- June: Camino Frances from Pamplona
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Also when you arrive in Pamplona, the number 16 city bus will take you from the train station to the bus station.I much prefer the train to flying, but that's a personal choice. I love the train and bus systems in Spain. The bus is also an option (Jimenez has a route from Madrid to Pamplona). I like he train because there is usually plenty of room, a bathroom on board much larger than the airplane bathroom, and I can see the countryside. Trains to Pamplona leave Madrid from the Atocha station. You can take the Yellow Express bus to the Atocha station from the airport for 6 euros.
You mean from the airport to downtown? Thanks for your response.Also when you arrive in Pamplona, the number 16 city bus will take you from the train station to the bus station.
IS there an early bus to Pamplona? The Alsa app only shows one bus a day at 12:00I've taken the bus to Pamplona from Madrid airport and on to SJPdP more than once. It definitely makes for a long day and you get to Pamplona early evening but it is relatively inexpensive and user friendly. If you do it make sure you make reservations in Pamplona. In the past I have either taken the next day off to shake off jet lag or I made it a short walking day after sleeping in. You could also spend the night in Pamplona, foregoing the layover before the bus to SJPdP and catch the early bus the next morning to there.
That is the usual bus. I think sometimes they add a 2nd bus but during high season. But it seems to me the 2nd bus is later usually. Not sure.IS there an early bus to Pamplona? The Alsa app only shows one bus a day at 12:00
Thank you for the advice. I want to take the train from Madrid, but dread all those transfers. I’ve taken the bus before with a transfer in Soria. It went well, but I much prefer the train, if only for the bathroom.From Paris and Madrid - I feel like they are different, but equally easy/difficult to get to SJPDP (both have to take the local bus/train to a train station to go to either Bayonne or Pamplona, then you have to take a bus/train/shuttle to SJPDP). With both - you could also fly to Pamplona and/or Biarritz. I feel like Paris does have more possible trains throughout the day to get to Bayonne compared to Madrid to Pamplona... but some are TGV with no changes and others are regular trains that usually have connections.
Barcelona seems a little more complicated... but I haven't done it.
My choice would be what I have done in the past - Madid to Pamplona via train. Unless the flight to Pamplona was very convenient timewise and affordable. Worth comparing both. But again - I feel like it is about equal to flying into Paris. So I would go with whichever is cheaper when you go to buy the tickets. The only advantage to Madrid compared to Paris is if you need to spend the night in Madrid before catching a train - it is much cheaper to do so in Madrid compared to Paris.
Everytime I bused from Pamplona to SJPdP it was late in the afternoon and arrived in SJPdP around 7 pm I believe. I recall that because I let the albergue know what time I am checking in.That is the usual bus. I think sometimes they add a 2nd bus but during high season. But it seems to me the 2nd bus is later usually. Not sure.
I think someone else answered your question about the train station locations which is good because I don't remember. The train from T4 to Atocha comes frequently and the train transfers are usually pretty easy to navigate. I find buses more confusing.Thank you for the advice. I want to take the train from Madrid, but dread all those transfers. I’ve taken the bus before with a transfer in Soria. It went well, but I much prefer the train, if only for the bathroom.. I’m 75 with a small bladder.
When I do a Rome2Rio search, it shows me a train from T4 to Atocha Cercanías with a transfer to Puerta de Atocha. R2R is not explicit about how to negotiate the transfer and it’s the minutiae that worries me. Where is Puerta de Atocha in relation to Cercanías?
I only worry so much because last time, when I took the bus, the bus left without my wife and I during a transfer (we HAD to exit to the bus station, they said). We were stranded and they took all our luggage and cell phones. I went through several hours of frustration trying to communicate my dilemma with very poor Spanish speaking skills. I don’t wish to repeat it.
Mine was around noon or 1 pm in 2021.... it only went as far as Roncesvalles because it wasn't allowed to cross the border due to COVID yet... took a taxi the rest of the way. I don't remember my exact arrival time but I was at my albergue and then walking around town most of the afternoon/evening - so I think I arrived by 2-3pm.Everytime I bused from Pamplona to SJPdP it was late in the afternoon and arrived in SJPdP around 7 pm I believe. I recall that because I let the albergue know what time I am checking in.
Paris used to always be the cheapest city (second only to London at times) for me to fly to from the West Coast (often LAX). Since COVID though - Barcelona and/or Madrid are often cheaper. I like to do a google flight search and enter my dates and put in flying out of LAX and a few other cities - but for the destination I just put "Europe" and see where the cheapest flights are in Europe. Like I said - Paris/London used to be the cheapest... but not always the case for me anymore!Depending on which airport you fly out of, the Madrid flights have been more expensive than Paris.
Yeah, I used to fly to Madrid or Barcelona, but I just checked again and Paris seems to be the cheapest for May 1st for a direct flight.Paris used to always be the cheapest city (second only to London at times) for me to fly to from the West Coast (often LAX). Since COVID though - Barcelona and/or Madrid are often cheaper. I like to do a google flight search and enter my dates and put in flying out of LAX and a few other cities - but for the destination I just put "Europe" and see where the cheapest flights are in Europe. Like I said - Paris/London used to be the cheapest... but not always the case for me anymore!
I wouldn't choose to travel that day! Even if there are no strikes it is a public holiday for much of Europe.May day? Isn't that when strikes and protests are often called for especially in France?
May day? Isn't that when strikes and protests are often called for especially in France?
Ok, sorry, it is associated with historical strikes in the US. But it is a holiday in some european countries so travelers should be aware thar some stores and services won't be available.No, it is not!
Might be interesting to read up on some social history and labourlaws.
May Day | History, Meaning, Traditions, & Facts
May Day, day that commemorates the historic struggles and gains made by workers and the labour movement. It is observed on May 1 in many countries, where it is the occasion for demonstrations and rallies in support of workers. It was of particular significance in the Soviet Union during the 20th...www.britannica.com
IMHO it is thanks to those who negotiated hard for labourlaws that most of us in the last decades are able to take leave off from work and walk a pilgrimage or take paid holidays!
Important note : my links must not be seen as political. I am aware of the forumrules regarding politics.
I agree, have done this twice and it is very strait forward, unless there is a train strike, which there has been for the past few days.I've flown into Madrid and Paris, and I found Paris to SJPdP to be the most straightforward. I bought a ticket from Gare Montparnasse to SJPdP with a change at Bayonne. I liked that I didn't have to mess around with getting a taxi or going to the bus station in Pamplona.
I don't try to get to St Jean on the same day that I arrive in Europe. I prefer to have at least two nights rest before I travel to my starting point.
For what it's worth: From the USA, I would repeat what I did in 2021: Fly to CDG, and arrive there early in the morning. Fly mid-morning-to-noon from CDG to BIQ/Biarritz-Bayonne. Spend the night in Bayonne. Take the early or noon train to SJPP, and start walking.I would like some opinions (from pilgrims who have done it) about the best way to get to SJPDP:
I have, myself, done the following:
- Taken the bus from Madrid to Pamplona, then the bus to SJPDP
- Taken the train from Barcelona to Pamplona, the bus to SJPDP
This year I am considering one of the following four possibilities (but I am open to others from seasoned pilgrims):
- Madrid to Pamplona via train
- Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
- Barcelona to Pamplona via train
- Barcelona to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
I have semi-abandoned the idea of traveling from Paris, but I am open to suggestions from proponents of that route. I remember watching a Camino documentary where the documenter just seemed to hop on a train at DeGaulle airport and the next thing you saw was him arriving in SJPDP. Cinema fantasy probably.
I am leaning towards flying, as I don’t want to get caught up in all the stress of finding the proper train connections, or worse, bus connections.
If any of you kind pilgrims can offer me some counsel, I would appreciate it.
And I apologize for asking a question that I know has been answered and answered. I pray that you will reach into your vast experiences and guide me. Thank you!
Warmly,
Barry
Thank you so much. This helps a lot. I would so much rather take the train.Atocha station has both the Cercanias and the regular lines in the same building complex. You get off the Cercanias train and go up the escalator and then you will follow the signs to the gates for the regular Renfe lines. Be aware that they don't post the train platforms on the electronic schedule signs until 20 minutes or so before the train leaves. You just stand and wait until the platform numbe is posted. That is normal. I am sorry you had a traumatic experience in the past with the bus and I hope this will be a better experience.
After researching many different options I decided to fly into Madrid from Seattle and after a 2 hour layover, on to Pamplona via Iberia Air. I arrive in Pamplona about 5 pm and will stay the night. The next day I will get the noon bus to SJPP arriving 1:45 which will allow for an easy day. Bus tickets are available on Alsa.com. So many options so just go with whatever seems right for you. Buen Camino!I would like some opinions (from pilgrims who have done it) about the best way to get to SJPDP:
I have, myself, done the following:
- Taken the bus from Madrid to Pamplona, then the bus to SJPDP
- Taken the train from Barcelona to Pamplona, the bus to SJPDP
This year I am considering one of the following four possibilities (but I am open to others from seasoned pilgrims):
- Madrid to Pamplona via train
- Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
- Barcelona to Pamplona via train
- Barcelona to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
I have semi-abandoned the idea of traveling from Paris, but I am open to suggestions from proponents of that route. I remember watching a Camino documentary where the documenter just seemed to hop on a train at DeGaulle airport and the next thing you saw was him arriving in SJPDP. Cinema fantasy probably.
I am leaning towards flying, as I don’t want to get caught up in all the stress of finding the proper train connections, or worse, bus connections.
If any of you kind pilgrims can offer me some counsel, I would appreciate it.
And I apologize for asking a question that I know has been answered and answered. I pray that you will reach into your vast experiences and guide me. Thank you!
Warmly,
Barry
And it's so easy to catch up on sleep on a train.I've flown into Madrid and Paris, and I found Paris to SJPdP to be the most straightforward. I bought a ticket from Gare Montparnasse to SJPdP with a change at Bayonne. I liked that I didn't have to mess around with getting a taxi or going to the bus station in Pamplona.
I don't try to get to St Jean on the same day that I arrive in Europe. I prefer to have at least two nights rest before I travel to my starting point.
Well… that depends on you. I can’t sleep on a bus, plane, train, or an automobile even if it would save my life haha… I try, but at most I can briefly nod off but my body won’t actually fall to sleep. A train is certainly the most comfortable though. Most trains anyway.And it's so easy to catch up on sleep on a train.
I would like some opinions (from pilgrims who have done it) about the best way to get to SJPDP:
I have, myself, done the following:
- Taken the bus from Madrid to Pamplona, then the bus to SJPDP
- Taken the train from Barcelona to Pamplona, the bus to SJPDP
This year I am considering one of the following four possibilities (but I am open to others from seasoned pilgrims):
- Madrid to Pamplona via train
- Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
- Barcelona to Pamplona via train
- Barcelona to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
I have semi-abandoned the idea of traveling from Paris, but I am open to suggestions from proponents of that route. I remember watching a Camino documentary where the documenter just seemed to hop on a train at DeGaulle airport and the next thing you saw was him arriving in SJPDP. Cinema fantasy probably.
I am leaning towards flying, as I don’t want to get caught up in all the stress of finding the proper train connections, or worse, bus connections.
If any of you kind pilgrims can offer me some counsel, I would appreciate it.
And I apologize for asking a question that I know has been answered and answered. I pray that you will reach into your vast experiences and guide me. Thank you!
Warmly,
Ba
We had a really good travel experience flying thru Paris last year for the Camino. We flew from USA (Minneapolis) to Paris, flew from Paris to Biarritz and then reserved a seat on the Express Bourricot van which picked us up at the Biarritz Airport. The ride was about an hour or maybe less and cost €19.I would like some opinions (from pilgrims who have done it) about the best way to get to SJPDP:
I have, myself, done the following:
- Taken the bus from Madrid to Pamplona, then the bus to SJPDP
- Taken the train from Barcelona to Pamplona, the bus to SJPDP
This year I am considering one of the following four possibilities (but I am open to others from seasoned pilgrims):
- Madrid to Pamplona via train
- Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
- Barcelona to Pamplona via train
- Barcelona to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
I have semi-abandoned the idea of traveling from Paris, but I am open to suggestions from proponents of that route. I remember watching a Camino documentary where the documenter just seemed to hop on a train at DeGaulle airport and the next thing you saw was him arriving in SJPDP. Cinema fantasy probably.
I am leaning towards flying, as I don’t want to get caught up in all the stress of finding the proper train connections, or worse, bus connections.
If any of you kind pilgrims can offer me some counsel, I would appreciate it.
And I apologize for asking a question that I know has been answered and answered. I pray that you will reach into your vast experiences and guide me. Thank you!
Warmly,
Barry
I would like some opinions (from pilgrims who have done it) about the best way to get to SJPDP:
I have, myself, done the following:
- Taken the bus from Madrid to Pamplona, then the bus to SJPDP
- Taken the train from Barcelona to Pamplona, the bus to SJPDP
This year I am considering one of the following four possibilities (but I am open to others from seasoned pilgrims):
- Madrid to Pamplona via train
- Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
- Barcelona to Pamplona via train
- Barcelona to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
I have semi-abandoned the idea of traveling from Paris, but I am open to suggestions from proponents of that route. I remember watching a Camino documentary where the documenter just seemed to hop on a train at DeGaulle airport and the next thing you saw was him arriving in SJPDP. Cinema fantasy probably.
I am leaning towards flying, as I don’t want to get caught up in all the stress of finding the proper train connections, or worse, bus connections.
If any of you kind pilgrims can offer me some counsel, I would appreciate it.
And I apologize for asking a question that I know has been answered and answered. I pray that you will reach into your vast experiences and guide me. Thank you!
Warmly,
Barry
I fly in to Madrid. Same day train to Pamplona. Noon next day bus to SJPDP. Jet lag out of the way! Walk.I would like some opinions (from pilgrims who have done it) about the best way to get to SJPDP:
I have, myself, done the following:
- Taken the bus from Madrid to Pamplona, then the bus to SJPDP
- Taken the train from Barcelona to Pamplona, the bus to SJPDP
This year I am considering one of the following four possibilities (but I am open to others from seasoned pilgrims):
- Madrid to Pamplona via train
- Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
- Barcelona to Pamplona via train
- Barcelona to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
I have semi-abandoned the idea of traveling from Paris, but I am open to suggestions from proponents of that route. I remember watching a Camino documentary where the documenter just seemed to hop on a train at DeGaulle airport and the next thing you saw was him arriving in SJPDP. Cinema fantasy probably.
I am leaning towards flying, as I don’t want to get caught up in all the stress of finding the proper train connections, or worse, bus connections.
If any of you kind pilgrims can offer me some counsel, I would appreciate it.
And I apologize for asking a question that I know has been answered and answered. I pray that you will reach into your vast experiences and guide me. Thank you!
Warmly,
Barry
My first camino this May and that's my plan. Land in Madrid 11 am and catch the train the same day, and have already booked my accommodation in Pamplona. The bus or taxi the next day to SJPP.I fly in to Madrid. Same day train to Pamplona. Noon next day bus to SJPDP. Jet lag out of the way! Walk.
My accommodations were booked for Pamplona, SJPDP, Burguete, Zubiri and finally Pamplona again.My first camino this May and that's my plan. Land in Madrid 11 am and catch the train the same day, and have already booked my accommodation in Pamplona. The bus or taxi the next day to SJPP.
We did the same thing except from Boston. We were 3rd in line when the Pilgrim'e office opened for the afternoon at 13:30.We had a really good travel experience flying thru Paris last year for the Camino. We flew from USA (Minneapolis) to Paris, flew from Paris to Biarritz and then reserved a seat on the Express Bourricot van which picked us up at the Biarritz Airport. The ride was about an hour or maybe less and cost €19.
This is what I am doing this year. Arrive MAD about 0630, 12:25 MAD to Pamplona. Start Camino from Pamplona the next day.Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines.
I have researched most vectors from the U.S. to get to the Camino, and think (again from the U.S.) an overnight flight getting in at 8:00 or 9:00 in the morning, or thereabouts, and then a 1 hour flight from MAD to Pamplona seems the most sensible. Here's the MAD to Pamplona flight in mid-May.
Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines.
View attachment 142937
My first camino this May and that's my plan. Land in Madrid 11 am and catch the train the same day, and have already booked my accommodation in Pamplona. The bus or taxi the next day to SJPP.I fly in to Madrid. Same day train to Pamplona. Noon next day bus to SJPDP. Jet lag out of the way! Walk.
Mine just about the same. I'am booked for Pamplona, SJPP, Burguete, Urdaniz, and Pamplona again.My accommodations were booked for Pamplona, SJPDP, Burguete, Zubiri and finally Pamplona again.
Just curious where you stayed outside St Jean. We have also booked a place about a mile outside the city on the Napolean route! Glad to hear you got so quickly out of the airport. We have a tight connection to our train after we land but no luggage stop as we are only bringing carryons.I have gone via Paris and Madrid. I dislike long bus rides and am more hesitant than ever to take one after Covid19 popped up. We arrived in T1 on UA non stop at 9:15am. Had our luggage and were in a taxi by 10:00am. Caught the 11:30 train at Atocha and were at the train station a little before 3pm in Pamplona. We had prearranged a taxi for two and were immediarely driven to our accommodations outside of SJPdP on the road to the Napoleon route by 4:30 pm. For me that is the quickest and easiest option.
I'm surprised that @Bradypus is the only one to have mentioned this in the whole thread. I came to the same conclusion for my travel in May.How about using either London or Dublin as a hub? Book a return fare to either. Then a flight from London/Dublin to Biarritz to begin your CF journey. Cheap, quick and direct. Once you have reached Santiago you can fly to Dublin or London for your return to the US. No need to return to a distant Spanish airport for that first leg of your journey home.
How much was the taxi from Pamplona to SJPP? I am in the same pickle planning to go from Pamplona to SJPP. 3rd week of May.From California I’ve found the most efficient (not cheapest) route to get on the Camino:
LAX overnight to Madrid, arrive ~2pm.
5pm train Atocha to Pamplona, overnight.
Next day taxi to SJPdP, have lunch, buy poles, walk to Orisson.
Buen Camino!
About how much was the taxi fare from Pamplona to SJPP?My first camino this May and that's my plan. Land in Madrid 11 am and catch the train the same day, and have already booked my accommodation in Pamplona. The bus or taxi the next day to SJPP.
Mine just about the same. I'am booked for Pamplona, SJPP, Burguete, Urdaniz, and Pamplona again.
Here's the chart for the taxi fare from this website. They also will attempt to pool you with other pilgrim's if you book ahead.About how much was the taxi fare from Pamplona to SJPP?
Paris and Madrid are probably the easiest destination airports. From Paris you can grab a train that takes you to Bayonne and then another train to SJPDP. From Madrid the train is faster than bus and takes you to Pamplona and then a bus to SJPDP. In the past when I have done that it's tricky to get a train that gets you to Pamplona in time to get the bus the same day, so I've had to stay overnight in Pamplona. For me coming from LAX the least expensive flights the past couple of years have been into Paris. I used to be able to get flights to Madrid or Barcelona for like $200 non-stop each way, but since COVID I think those routes are not as efficient, so Paris is the least expensive for me.I would like some opinions (from pilgrims who have done it) about the best way to get to SJPDP:
I have, myself, done the following:
- Taken the bus from Madrid to Pamplona, then the bus to SJPDP
- Taken the train from Barcelona to Pamplona, the bus to SJPDP
This year I am considering one of the following four possibilities (but I am open to others from seasoned pilgrims):
- Madrid to Pamplona via train
- Madrid to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
- Barcelona to Pamplona via train
- Barcelona to Pamplona via Iberia airlines
I have semi-abandoned the idea of traveling from Paris, but I am open to suggestions from proponents of that route. I remember watching a Camino documentary where the documenter just seemed to hop on a train at DeGaulle airport and the next thing you saw was him arriving in SJPDP. Cinema fantasy probably.
I am leaning towards flying, as I don’t want to get caught up in all the stress of finding the proper train connections, or worse, bus connections.
If any of you kind pilgrims can offer me some counsel, I would appreciate it.
And I apologize for asking a question that I know has been answered and answered. I pray that you will reach into your vast experiences and guide me. Thank you!
Warmly,
Barry
I spent €120 on a weekend.How much was the taxi from Pamplona to SJPP? I am in the same pickle planning to go from Pamplona to SJPP. 3rd week of May.
Thank you for the info. It would be great to find a fellow traveler willing to split a rideshare.I spent €120 on a weekend.
Yes, right here on the forum. You can start a thread on the Camino Francés forum and add the prefix "Ride Share" to it. There is a drop down menu with different prefixes next to the Thread Title box.Thank you for the info. It would be great to find a fellow traveler willing to split a rideshare.
Does anyone know of a place to post availability to rideshare on a forum or bulletin or app?
I read through the thread, and would just add my opinion:I would like some opinions (from pilgrims who have done it) about the best way to get to SJPDP:
I stand in Pamplona and took the noon bus the next day. You wake up refreshed. The bus is cheap and your all rested by the time you get to SJPP.If you are on the train or plane, look for people with big backpacks as you disembark. (Some may already have a shell attached which is a dead giveaway. ) Just walk up to them and ask if they want to share a cab.
There is an early train from Madrid that will get to Pamplona in time for the bus, but usually you need to stay over in either Madrid or Pamplona to make the logistics work for the bus.
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