Fly or train to Pamplona?

[mikeypal]

First Camino. Looking at flying out August 15-16 from Philly. I can get a flight that connects to Pamplona, but I'm wondering if after being on the red eye all night (I hate flying and can never sleep on planes) I might be better served to spend the day in a Madrid hotel and then take a train to Pamplona. That way I could get some rest and get at least somewhat adjusted to the time difference (I also don't deal with time changes very well). Thoughts?

 

[WalkingInGers]

I think the answer is in your question. Be reasonable and stay one night in Madrid.

 

[Grousedoctor]

My recommendation would be to give yourself that extra recovery day in Madrid. I’ve done a similar thing on my travels through Paris. After the red eye, my preference is to spend a night in Paris, acclimate a bit, and then train south the next day. Having also done it without the Paris stop was much more tiring. After arriving in Madrid, choose a city central hotel where you can stroll around wonderful neighborhoods a bit and eat some tapas, before settling in for a good sleep. The Madrid metro can easily take you into the city where the next day you can catch the train to Pamplona. Buen Camino!

 

[henrythedog]

There are many worse places to be than Madrid. Overnight there and take the train or bus.

 

[mazzarina]

Train every time! For all the reasons you've mentioned, and it's better for the environment too. Buen camino!

 

[lt56ny]

I have problems also. I usually just say the heck with it and if possible finish the journey in one leg. Once I arrived in Madrid and I left the airport at about 3PM. I had decided ahead of time the effort with going into Madrid and then going back to the airport was a waste of time and energy. I booked a room in a hotel really close to the airport. Their shuttle picked me up. I got to the hotel at about 4. Just relaxed and went across the street for dinner and had breakfast at the hotel in the morning and the shuttle back to the airport. I knew that I would be in no mood for sightseeing or walking around Madrid. It was way less stressful and easy.

 

[jmounteer]

My wife and I (69 and 71) had a direct 9 hour red eye flight from Miami to Madrid, a 3 hour layover, then flew to Pamplona and spent the night there. That allowed us a little time to check out Pamplona before catching the midday bus to St Jean. We spent one night in St Jean before heading to Valcarlos. It worked well for us.

 

[JerryStroebele]

I take the redeye from Anchorage or Minneapolis to Madrid, catch a 30 euro taxi downtown (too tired to navigate the metro), stay at OK Hostel Madrid, wander around the La Latina section of old town, take the train to Logrono the next morning. Very relaxing. Buen Camino

 

[Rick M]

I agree with all the advice to spend a night. One GOOD reason not mentioned to do this is dehydration. Most flyers do not realize just how dehydrating a long flight is. The extra day isn't just to fix your clock. It's also to drink a ton of water and get your chemistry straightened out as well. Also, that first slow day is the right day to pick up and install your Euro SIM card. Oh yeah, and wait for your pack if it got lost by the airline, and oh yeah, while I think of it, not miss your connecting flight if you get delayed in customs, and, and, well you get the idea.

 

[J Willhaus]

We also always spend at least one night in Madrid upon arrival and then take the train the next day. Trains to Pamplona leave from the Atocha station. Lots of accomodation near there. We usually take the Yellow Express bus from the airport to Atocha, however, if you land in Terminal 4 you can also take a train.

 

[alexwalker]

First Camino. Looking at flying out August 15-16 from Philly. I can get a flight that connects to Pamplona, but I'm wondering if after being on the red eye all night (I hate flying and can never sleep on planes) I might be better served to spend the day in a Madrid hotel and then take a train to Pamplona. That way I could get some rest and get at least somewhat adjusted to the time difference (I also don't deal with time changes very well). Thoughts?

I agree. Get some good rest in Madrid. Trains in Spain are highspeed, high quality, and punctual. Get a sandwich and maybe a glass of Spanish red in the restaurant coche, and enjoy the views of Spain rolling by. I really like the trains in Spain.

If you are 60+ of age, you can buy a gold card (Carta Dorada, also bought at the train station) before you buy your ticket at the train station: It will give you 25% discount on all train trips in Spain for a whole year.
You owe me a beer for that tip when I find you...

 

[trecile]

Or fly to Pamplona and spend a couple of nights there. It will give you more time to see the city than you will have while on the Camino.

 

[mattythedog]

First Camino. Looking at flying out August 15-16 from Philly. I can get a flight that connects to Pamplona, but I'm wondering if after being on the red eye all night (I hate flying and can never sleep on planes) I might be better served to spend the day in a Madrid hotel and then take a train to Pamplona. That way I could get some rest and get at least somewhat adjusted to the time difference (I also don't deal with time changes very well). Thoughts?

I always just fly from Philly, get connecting flight to Pamplona and transport to STJPP. Walk up the hill or spend night in SJ. You will sleep well either way

 

[Victoria65]

My vote: Take the metro at the airport in Madrid (the people there are really good at helping you maneuver the machines) to the Atocha train station. You can always pick up your train ticket to Pamploma while there before heading off for dinner and a good nights sleep.

If you are 60+ of age, you can buy a gold card (Carta Dorada, also bought at the train station) before you buy your ticket at the train station: It will give you 25% discount on all train trips in Spain for a whole year.

Last I was there they gave this aging lady 40% off for the year! Inflation??

Favorite Albergue in Madrid: The OK Hostal. Awesome place for one night or two.
Train straight through Pamploma to Bayonne to SJPDP

 

[Victoria65]

Addendum. In Irun you do need to walk one minute to the (also about one minute) shuttle into France. Then switch to the French train that goes to Bayonne then SJ

 

[Debora]

Question - did you want to start in Pamplona and not St. Jean Pied de Port? Because one way to consider getting from Philly to SJPdP is to fly through Dublin. Then, take Ryanair over to Biarritz FR and there are taxies readily available to take you to Saint Jean. My rest day was in Dublin. If you’d like this idea, just let me know and I’ll give you some more details.