First Night

[Michael James]

I arrive at Biarritz Airport 2130hrs can anyone advise about onward travel to St. Jean. I see the airport coach to Bayonne rail station is every half-hour but the journey time to St. Jean is one and a half hours. Should I find overnight accommodation on route and travel to St. Jean next morning? Any advice will be much appreciated.

 

[Olivares]

What time of the year would you be traveling? Daylight hours is a factor to consider. Regardless, I would secure lodging at Biarritz and leave rested early morning on to SJPDP. Upon arrival to SJPDP check-in and get stamp at the Pilgrim's office (ask about weather ahead) and walk if winter/Springtime to Orisson. Secure lodging at Orisson. If summertime and good weather, then consider early train arrival to SJPDP and get on your way; shoot for Roncesvalles.

Keep us posted of your plans.

Buen Camino!

 

[Tumbleweed]

Welcome to the forum Michael! I'm so excited for your Camino, it's going to be a blessed experience.

2130 is pretty late and if traveling on a Monday then I would definitely advice getting a room in Biarritz or Bayonne. From my own experience the last train out of Bayonne on a Monday is 18:06. Getting to St. Jean is always the hardest part but no matter how you plan it, it will be the right plan for you.

I had to give up my bed at one of the alburgues because I didn't arrive on time for dinner and that was a requirement for staying there. Anyway, my first night on the Camino in SJPdP was in an attick of an alburgue that was full. I shared the space with another pilgrim, he was from Ireland, a complete stranger. It was the best first night anyone could ask for. An amazing experience.

Buen Camino and may the Lord guide your steps.

 

[Michael James]

What time of the year would you be traveling? Daylight hours is a factor to consider. Regardless, I would secure lodging at Biarritz and leave rested early morning on to SJPDP. Upon arrival to SJPDP check-in and get stamp at the Pilgrim's office (ask about weather ahead) and walk if winter/Springtime to Orisson. Secure lodging at Orisson. If summertime and good weather, then consider early train arrival to SJPDP and get on your way; shoot for Roncesvalles.

Keep us posted of your plans.

Buen Camino!

Many thanks. I fly from London 4th September 2014.

 

[Olivares]

September/October is a beautiful time of the year to do the Camino (French Way)! Make sure to inquire on the Harvest Festivals in la Rioja Region. Have an amazing time! Buen Camino!

 

[pilgrim b]

Many thanks. I fly from London 4th September 2014.

Welcome Michael you are joining a great forum for advice by September you should just about have any of your questions answered by someone.

Buen Camino Pilgrim.

 

[cecelia]

I arrive at Biarritz Airport 2130hrs can anyone advise about onward travel to St. Jean. I see the airport coach to Bayonne rail station is every half-hour but the journey time to St. Jean is one and a half hours. Should I find overnight accommodation on route and travel to St. Jean next morning? Any advice will be much appreciated.

Hello Michael and welcome to the forum. I agree with the others - definitely stay overnight in Biarritz. If you stay in the historic part of town you are fairly close to the train station. Trains leave several times a day for Bayonne with a quick switch for the train to SJPP. I have stayed in several 2 star hotels in Biarritz which were perfectly clean and adequate. There are also 2 youth hostels (one is almost at the train station). They are very welcoming of older 'youth". Early in September you may want to make a reservation ahead of time as the tourist season is not really over yet. Buen camino.