Debating on arrival time in SJPP and Albergue availability

Merge · Mar 10, 2017

We will be flying into Madrid and taking the train up to Pamplona on the 25th of April. The bus we would then catch to SJPP would then arrive at 1915. Would this be too late to find an Albergue? We were wanting to make a reservation at the Beilari, but their web site states
"we give precedence to pilgrims who like to share the common evening meal, which is served at 19.30-19.45 pm. (If you prefer not to participate or if you will arrive too late: please book in one of the hostels where no meals are offered)"
Would better option to spend the 25th in Pamplona and head to SJPP next morning? Find a different Albergue in SJPP? We are planning on starting our walk April 27th.

mspath · Mar 10, 2017

Merge,

If you arrive in SJPdP without a reservation go to the Pilgrim Office for help in finding a place for the night. The SJPdP Pilgrim Office is located on the camino at 39 rue de La Citadelle.

The office is open every day and in season from early in the morning until late at night ie after the arrival of the last bus/train. The helpful multi-lingual volunteers can provide you with a Credential and stamp if needed, as well as a list of major albergues and current weather/ trail conditions.

They can also help locate a bed/bunk for the night. They keep an up to the minute list of all available spaces in albergues as well as regular tourist facilities and will telephone to find you a space.

Most importantly the office is a great spot to meet/ greet other pilgrims. ...Do plan to stop and chat!

Bradypus · Mar 10, 2017

You should have time to reach Beilari from the railway station before the evening meal begins. It is approximately 10 minutes walk from the railway station and directly opposite the Pilgrim Office. In my experience the trains or replacement bus are quite punctual. It is unlikely that you would be the only person who had a reservation for Beilari arriving at that time. Joseph is aware that occasionally the train or bus might be slightly late and it is very likely that he would delay the meal until you arrive. Beilari is a very popular place - and in my opinion deservedly so. You are very unlikely to find a bed there without a reservation at that time in the evening. However, as @mspath says the Pilgrim Office is very helpful in finding beds for those who arrive on the later trains or buses.

whariwharangi · Mar 10, 2017

There are 2 buses daily from Pamplona to SJPdP on 25 April. 1430 and 1730 departures.

That means if you stay in Pamplona you will stay for almost 24 hours and have the same arrival time dilemma at SJPdP. 1915 isn't a late arrival time ... and as pointed out the Pilgrim office can help you find a bed.

The only other viable alternative is to go via San Sebastian, Irun/Hendaye and Bayonne. First train leaves Bayonne 0745.

Avromal · Mar 10, 2017

Merge said:
We will be flying into Madrid and taking the train up to Pamplona on the 25th of April. The bus we would then catch to SJPP would then arrive at 1915. Would this be too late to find an Albergue? We were wanting to make a reservation at the Beilari, but their web site states
"we give precedence to pilgrims who like to share the common evening meal, which is served at 19.30-19.45 pm. (If you prefer not to participate or if you will arrive too late: please book in one of the hostels where no meals are offered)"
Would better option to spend the 25th in Pamplona and head to SJPP next morning? Find a different Albergue in SJPP? We are planning on starting our walk April 27th.

Merge, sounds like you will be leaving SJPdP the same day as Susie and I are! Buen Camino!

Mark Lee · Mar 11, 2017

I did the same thing you are on my last Camino, arriving late in the afternoon in SJPdP. I had made reservations at the albergue Gite Azkorria. No problems at all about me arriving later than usual. They had breakfast included the next morning.
I don't think the bus from Pamplona dropped us off at the railway station. They dropped us in town, just a few minutes walk from the pilgrim's office.
ultreia

trecile · Mar 11, 2017

You could also take a taxi from the train station. That's my plan.
Here's a thread I started about getting a taxi at the train station: https://www.caminodesantiago.me/com...-at-pamplona-train-station.46176/#post-489884

C clearly · Mar 11, 2017

Merge said:
We will be flying into Madrid and taking the train up to Pamplona on the 25th of April. The bus we would then catch to SJPP would then arrive at 1915. Would this be too late to find an Albergue? We were wanting to make a reservation at the Beilari, but their web site states
"we give precedence to pilgrims who like to share the common evening meal, which is served at 19.30-19.45 pm. (If you prefer not to participate or if you will arrive too late: please book in one of the hostels where no meals are offered)"
Would better option to spend the 25th in Pamplona and head to SJPP next morning? Find a different Albergue in SJPP? We are planning on starting our walk April 27th.

Certainly you will be able to find accommodation. But if you would like to stay at Beilari, why don't you email them and ask if your arrival time would be acceptable?

owms2323 · Mar 11, 2017

Merge said:
We will be flying into Madrid and taking the train up to Pamplona on the 25th of April. The bus we would then catch to SJPP would then arrive at 1915. Would this be too late to find an Albergue? We were wanting to make a reservation at the Beilari, but their web site states
"we give precedence to pilgrims who like to share the common evening meal, which is served at 19.30-19.45 pm. (If you prefer not to participate or if you will arrive too late: please book in one of the hostels where no meals are offered)"
Would better option to spend the 25th in Pamplona and head to SJPP next morning? Find a different Albergue in SJPP? We are planning on starting our walk April 27th.

Beilari is the perfect way to start your Camino. I have stayed there on both of mine. Don't miss it.

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