End of March getting to SJPP

[Eve Alexandra]

Since the bus isn’t going to be running till April, Is it better to try to get from Pamplona to Bayonne in order to get to SJPP? Or take the bus I *think is still running to Roncesvalles and then contact Express Bourricot to try to get a ride from Roncesvalles to SJPP?

 

[trecile]

Since the bus isn’t going to be running till April, Is it better to try to get from Pamplona to Bayonne in order to get to SJPP? Or take the bus I *think is still running to Roncesvalles and then contact Express Bourricot to try to get a ride from Roncesvalles to SJPP?

As mentioned in another thread, Express Bouricott is not allowed to pick up in Spain.

Caroline at Express Bourricot is not allowed to pick up in Spain. I went with her in 2011 and she had just been fined by a Spanish court.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I had no idea. Thank you. I must have missed that other conversation. Are there any taxis that can cross over? Because if there’s no way then I’m definitely going to have to find a way to get to Bayonne.

 

[trecile]

I had no idea. Thank you. I must have missed that other conversation. Are there any taxis that can cross over? Because if there’s no way then I’m definitely going to have to find a way to get to Bayonne.

Yes, taxis can cross over, but I don't believe that Spanish taxis can pick up in France, and vice versa.
Have you looked at taking a taxi from Pamplona?

 

[naplesdon]

Take a look at Rome2Rio, there are 2 Alsa buses every day and Rome2Rio lists rideshare as an option. There is no rule that says you have to start in SJPdP and the potential for bad weather that time could really play havoc with your plans.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Take a look at Rome2Rio, there are 2 Alsa buses every day and Rome2Rio lists rideshare as an option. There is no rule that says you have to start in SJPdP and the potential for bad weather that time could really play havoc with your plans.

The bus they mention for Pamplona to SJPP...once you put in dates in March there aren't any available. Same with Bayonne. The rideshare is BlaBlaCar, which is locals who will give you a lift, not a taxi. My friend who lives in Valencia mentioned that option to me. I have considered it but I wanted to exhaust public transportation options first, just because of being female and a solo traveler. If anyone has had positive experiences with BlaBla, I'd be grateful to hear about it.

I could start in Roncesvalles. I've just always really wanted to start in SJPP. If I have to, I'll do that.

 

[naplesdon]

The bus they mention for Pamplona to SJPP...once you put in dates in March there aren't any available. Same with Bayonne. The rideshare is BlaBlaCar, which is locals who will give you a lift, not a taxi. My friend who lives in Valencia mentioned that option to me. I have considered it but I wanted to exhaust public transportation options first, just because of being female and a solo traveler. If anyone has had positive experiences with BlaBla, I'd be grateful to hear about it.

I could start in Roncesvalles. I've just always really wanted to start in SJPP. If I have to, I'll do that.

There is a good reason there are no buses in March. The weather and the lack of demand, let that guide your decision.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

There is a good reason there are no buses in March. The weather and the lack of demand, let that guide your decision.

I can lose walking time and just wait a few days. Or spend 104 euro to get there on time, with Teletaxi San Fermin. I don't see an option for Roncesvalles to SJPP only, on their site. Given they'd have to drive from Pamplona anyway, it would probably cost the same.

I just didn't want to book anything expensive without exhausting all my options, first.

 

[Kathar1na]

I had no idea. Thank you. I must have missed that other conversation. Are there any taxis that can cross over? Because if there’s no way then I’m definitely going to have to find a way to get to Bayonne.

I don't know how up to date the list is: On the website of the church/parish of Roncesvalles, there is a list of taxis that can take you from Roncesvalles to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

https://www.roncesvalles.es/contenidos.php?c=16&s=141&t=&cat=&a=&idioma=3

The list contains only the phone numbers. Maybe someone has details of those who you could contact by email or website to arrange transport.

From all I read (and it does not surprise me one bit), taxis registered in Spain can't or won't pick you up in France and taxis registered in France can't or won't pick you up in Spain.

As to the Alsa bus from Pamplona to SJPP: no timetable on the web yet, so we don't know for sure when they will start; a poster had emailed them and was told that it will be middle of April. I am praying for their timetable to make on appearance on their website soon.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

The Way - Taxi Pamplona

Taxi Pamplona - Since 1984 serving citizensin Pamplona and the surrounding area. In a hurry?You need a taxi? Immediate attention 24 h - 365 days a year .Security. Professionalism. Trust. Confort. Availability. Speed

taxipamplona.com

This one seems to be able to do it? Just expensive.

It all makes sense, it's just hard to figure it out from such a distance, plus the language barrier. I suppose a plane to CDG plus trains would cost similar to the taxi rate.

 

[trecile]

Or spend 104 euro to get there on time, with Teletaxi San Fermin.

Make sure to reserve in advance and ask to be pooled with other pilgrims if possible. Also, keep an eye out for other pilgrims on the train or bus that you take to Pamplona and ask them if they want to share with you.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

Make sure to reserve in advance and ask to be pooled with other pilgrims if possible. Also, keep an eye out for other pilgrims on the train or bus that you take to Pamplona and ask them if they want to share with you.

That's a good idea! Anyone in a backpack and socks with sandals and a shell will be hard to miss! lol

 

[Kathar1na]

@Eve Alexandra, another idea if you want to take the bus-and-taxi option: Contact Navarra Tourism. They have an office in Roncesvalles (in the old mill), with phone number and email. They would be able to provide you with info about taxis that serve Roncesvalles as a departure point. PS: I just noticed that the Roncesvalles office has a list of taxis with phone numbers on their webpage.

Oficinas de Turismo | Visit Navarra - Web Oficial de Turismo de Navarra

En Navarra dispones de diferentes oficinas que te ayudarán a organizar y sacar el máximo provecho a tu estancia. La Red de Gobierno está integrada por 11 oficinas ubicadas en los principales lugares turísticos.}

www.visitnavarra.es

OTOH, @trecile's proposal may be ideal. By the 31st of March, there will be already more than just a trickle of peregrin@s and you may be able to find pilgrims to share a taxi ride from Pamplona to SJPP.

 

[trecile]

That's a good idea! Anyone in a backpack and socks with sandals and a shell will be hard to miss! lol

I met my first pilgrim friend at the train station in Pamplona, so start looking there.

 

[Levi]

I've started early in year, end of February - train from Madrid to Pamplona followed by bus from Pamplona to Roncesvalles. There were quite a few other pilgrims on the bus but they were all starting in Roncesvalles. However, the very kind hospitaleras at Roncesvalles arranged a taxi to take me to SJPP. So this is definitely a possibility for you. Buen camino.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Since the bus isn’t going to be running till April, Is it better to try to get from Pamplona to Bayonne in order to get to SJPP? Or take the bus I *think is still running to Roncesvalles and then contact Express Bourricot to try to get a ride from Roncesvalles to SJPP?

You could try walking.

 

[Tandem Graham]

I believe there is a bus (all year) from Pamplona to San Sebastian, from where there is good public transport (bus and/or train) to Hendaye, Biarritz and Bayonne. Indeed, San Sebastian would be a fab place for a stopover, outside the summer tourist season, with plenty of affordable accommodation and some of the best bar food and restaurant food in Spain.
Express Bourricot pickup from Biarritz airport most days and (I assume) would be willing to divert via Biarritz rail station, if booked beforehand.

 

[Mike Sakura]

Since the bus isn’t going to be running till April, Is it better to try to get from Pamplona to Bayonne in order to get to SJPP? Or take the bus I *think is still running to Roncesvalles and then contact Express Bourricot to try to get a ride from Roncesvalles to SJPP?

Hi Eve, I have the same challenge as I’ll be wanting to cross from Roncesvalles to SJPP on the 4th March. I think it’ll end up as a taxi trip unfortunately

 

[MarianadT]

Since the bus isn’t going to be running till April, Is it better to try to get from Pamplona to Bayonne in order to get to SJPP? Or take the bus I *think is still running to Roncesvalles and then contact Express Bourricot to try to get a ride from Roncesvalles to SJPP?

I have booked a Alsa bus from Madrid to Bayona (Bayonne) for 7 May 2022.

 

[Eve Alexandra]

I have booked a Alsa bus from Madrid to Bayona (Bayonne) for 7 May 2022.

Busses will be up and running in May.