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Biarritz to SJPP late arrival options for first time Camino traveler, seeking advice for ride-sharing on April 27, 2022

jbreuner

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances, April 28, 2022 to ???
Hi Everyone. My name is Jim and I'm beginning to think the most difficult part of the Camino is just getting there! I am hoping to start my first Camino (Frances) during the last week April, but getting from San Francisco CA to SJPdP is proving difficult. COVID requirements aside (that's another thread), I've managed to find connecting flights to Biarritz airport, landing at 20:55 on Wed, 4/27/22. Unfortunately, the Express Bourricot shuttle service just confirmed they do not pick up that late at night. Is there anyone out there who happens to be arriving at the same date and time who would be willing to share a taxi or Uber (or ???) to St. Jean that night? I don't want to waste a night in a hotel in Biarritz just to catch the shuttle the next morning! Thank you, and Buen Camino to us all!!
 
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I'll likely also arrive late in Bayonne (borders on Biarritz) in May. I plan on sleeping there and enjoying a bit of this allegedly beautiful town, then catch an earlyish train to SJPDP next morning (for whatever reason you cant book them now but i guess they'll still be there. If not, Taxi). Then I'll do my business at the pilgrims office and hike the 2,5h to Orisson where I'll spend the night.
 
You may find another kindred spirit on the flight,? I know we met seven PEREGRINAS when we flew into Biarritz. Staying in Biarritz could also help you with the jet lag. You can still start the next day even if you are taking the train or car transfer to SJPDP.
 
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My advice is to spend the night in Biarritz or Bayonne. I also flew from SFO to CDG. Landed before noon and spent the entire day at CDG, taking an evening flight to Biarritz. In my case, I was able to get a ride from Express Bourricot (landed around 7 PM). I was exhausted. I suspect that your itinerary is similar to what I did.

I got up the next morning and climbed to the Vierge de Biakorri. It was brutal despite my training. The next day, I started at the Vierge and had no problems.

If I had to do it again, I would not have spent the day at CDG. I would have gotten a hotel near the airport or near the Gare Montparnasse, depending on whether I was going to fly or take the train the next day, gotten some rest as well as some time walking outside. Climbing out of SJPDP while jet lagged is something that I won't subject myself to again.
 
Many thanks to Anhalter, J Willhaus and CAJohn for your wise and informative responses. You've given me a different perspective, and a good one. I will take your advice and stay in Biarritz (or Bayonne) and catch some much needed rest before boarding the train into SJPdP the following morning and starting my walk. Now I can rest easier and firm up my travel reservations. Buen camino!!
 
Jim, Have you considered flying into Madrid? From there you can take a 2 hour train ride and a ~ 2.5 hour bus ride to SJPDP. A friend who has done the Camino 3 times told me about it and that he purchases the train and bus tickets prior to leaving US. Zohreh
 
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Thank you, Zohreh. It's a thought, but I just purchased my tickets yesterday! I figured I'd stay overnight in Biarritz/Bayonne, then catch the shuttle into SJPdP the next morning. I'll take care of my business at the Pilgrim Office, then hit the trail, probably breaking up the stage between SJPdP and Roncevalles. However, I am thinking of making my way to Madrid for the return trip home. We'll see how that works out. Take care!
 
There is a new AVE (fast train) connection now from Santiago to Madrid that you may want to consider.
 
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Hey! Do you have more advice about this? I've been searching for ways to get to SJPDP from Madrid but haven't seen much :'))
 
Unfortunately, I arrive earlier in the day to Biarritz. But maybe I will see you on the way. Rest day on the 28th and starting on April 29th.
 
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