French Way 2016

Urban Trekker said:

Yes. Friend Craig and I now have our plane tickets in hand. Arrive in Madrid on April 12th at 0800 giving us plenty of time to get a train or bus to Pamplona and spend the night. Cab to SJPD on the 13th, spend 1 or 2 nights then start our Camino on the 14th or 15th taking 2 days to get to Roncesvalles. We have to fly back to the Colonies on May 25th which gives us 6 weeks to walk the French Camino and on to Fisterra.
We are open to advice on train/bus schedules to Pamplona as well as over night accommodations. Buen Camino

Happy Happy Trails

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Hi, can't help you with the questions you ask but what I can do is to wish you both well and a Buen Camino, Peter.

You can catch a bus to Pampalona direct from the Madrid Airport (Madrid Aeropuerto Bargas) without ever going into Madrid proper. It leaves from Terminal T-4 where the international arrivals usually land. As soon as you walk out of the customs area you will see an information booth straigh ahead. They can point out where the bus leaves from. All the busses leave from the outer bus lane furtherest from the terminal but still under the awning. You can even buy your tickets ahead at https://www.movelia.es/en/ It is a Conda bus (very nice) line and is about a 5-6 hour trip. We did the same thing last year and stayed at Hostal Arriazu, Calle de las Comedias, 14, just a half block off the main square. But there may be options closer to the bus station. The main bus station is actually underground and located under the park a little southwest of the main city area. There is also a post office nearby where you can ship junk to Ivar.

Hope this helps.

Marlin

If I read your plans correct, you are planning to take two days to get to Roncesvalles from SJPP(?) If that means sleeping on the trail, keep in mind April is rainy. Otherwise, SJPP to Roncesvalles is a single day walk. Leave at day break from SJPP and enjoy walking in the sunrise. That way you have plenty of time to get to Roncevalles. BTW, get Breakfast @ the Orrison. As far as the train. I flew into Madrid and take the high speed train to Pamplona. The train terminal connection is at the airport in Madrid. When I get to Pamplona I taxi to SJPP. Split the taxi with other peregrinos.

You can reserve a bed at Orisson or Huntos to break the walk to Roncevalles.
If you walk the other route there are several bed options available.
No need to walk it in one day unless you want to.
I have done it several times on both routes.
I Stopped once in Orisson once for the experience.

Walking from SJPdP to Roncevalles in one day is not the horror ordeal often described here.