Oh dear, this is complicated, I was born and raised in Tampa, live now in Jerusalem (yes), Israel , and have walked the Camino three times, a rare Jewish pilgrim to St James. Iberia is the most obvious choice but actually a last resort since their service leaves much to be desired, the seating is cramped and they have difficulties keeping to their timetable. Within Spain you don't have much choice. I would recommend flying to Madrid connecting on to San Seastian, a beautiful Basque town on the north coast known for its port, the views, and its Tapas bars-a wonderful place to get through that first night’s jet lag! Next morning take the train to Bayonne-you change at Hendaye which involves simply walking across the border to a waiting French train less then an hour all told. From Bayonne there is a bus leaving about an hour-hour and a half after you arrive going on to St Jean Pied de Port. Do realize that SJDP is a tiny place and not exactly on every transportation company’s itinerary. I know, it sounds complicated but its actualy very easy and both the Spanish and French trains are very reliable the people accustomed to transporting pilgrims. Fly back to Madrid from Santiago but book early since the airport in Santiago is very small and flights are few-then its home again home again jiggity jig. There is a bus from Santiago to the Madrid airport - don’t even consider it unless you have limbs of steel and bladder as big as a watermelon - it’s a long bone shaking trip with few stops and you must change buses in Madrid to go back out to the airport. There is a train but it costs almost as much as flying and you still must get back to the airport. The Camino is a wonderful life changing experience, getting there, coming home, and then facing the return to reality are much more difficult. Buen Camino!
