From Paris to St. Jean Pied de Port?

[Jamie Y. Mo]

Hello all.
I will be arriving in Paris on May 7th.
I am going to start my journey from St. Jean pied de port.
I would like to know what is the cheapest way to get to St. Jean pied de port from Paris.
Some people say I need to get to Bayonne (TGV or bus) and then take a train to St. Jean pied de port.
But my current French roommate says it is cheaper to get to Biarritz compared to Bayonne but he doesn't know if it is also comparatively cheap to get to St. Jean pied de port from Biarritz.

TGV is about 60 euro (and I am told buses are cheaper but I do not know yet. FLIXBUS is not open to booking yet for May 7th and EUROLINES have no schedule at all for the week of May 7th.

Are there any other bus companies that I have not looked yet?

Anything you know will be very much appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[MTtoCamino]

I took the bus from Charles de Gaul airport to Orly airport & flew direct to Biarritz. Then used the shuttle that picks folks up & drops you @ St John Pied De Port.
http://www.expressbourricot.com/

The flight is cheap & fast. Try CheapOair.com

 

[whariwharangi]

This thread discusses travel from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Caveat. I do not have first hand knowledge of most of the information presented here. The material in this thread was researched using web resources that may be out of date. Information may be incomplete or incorrect. The information presented here is not exhaustive. You are advised to confirm your own travel details.

2100 Paris

2101 This section discusses transportation services in Paris.

Index 2100
2102 Paris Airports
2103 Getting around in Paris
2104 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orly Airport
2105 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare d'Austerlitz
2106 Charles de Gaulle Airport to TGV Massy
2107 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Gare Montparnasse
2120 Trains in France
2121 Paris Train Stations
2125 Paris to London by Eurostar
2135 Paris to Barcelona by train
2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2102 Paris Airports

Paris has two major airports. Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) is known as Roissy and is located NE of Paris. Orly Airport (ORY) is located to the South of Paris.

CDG and Orly:
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/

2103 Getting around in Paris

Paris Transit Network
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/carteidf.php?lang=uk

Paris RER/Metro route planner - SNCF Transilien
http://www.transilien.com/itineraire/rechercheitineraire/init

RER B - Paris
http://parisbytrain.com/rer-b/

Paris Metro Line 4
http://www.paris-metro-map.info/paris-metro-line-4-map/

Le Bus Direct (formerly Air France) Shuttle Bus with service from CDG to Orly airport (#3) and to Gare Montparnasse (#4)
http://en.lebusdirect.com/

Easybus with low price service from CDG to Paris Center where you can access the Metro
http://www.easybus.co.uk/en/paris-cdg-airport

2104 Charles de Gaulle Airport to Orly Airport

There are two transit options from CDG Airport to Orly Airport.

a. RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Station Antony. Take Orly Val (name of train) from Station Antony to Orly airport Terminal Sud and Terminal Ouest. Allow 1:30 hours.

b. Le Bus Direct bus from CDG airport direct to Paris Orly airport. Allow 1:15 hours.

2105 CDG Airport to Gare d'Austerlitz

RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Saint Michel Notre Dame RER station. Take RER line C from Saint Michel Notre Dame to Gare Austerlitz. Allow 1 hour.

2106 CDG Airport to TGV Massy

RER Line B (destination B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Massy-Palaiseau RER station. The Massy TGV station is located next to the RER station.

2107 CDG Airport to Gare Montparnasse

There are two transit options from CDG airport to Gare Montparnasse:

a. RER Line B (destination B2 Robinson or B4 Saint Remy les Chevreuse) from CDG airport to Gare du Nord. Paris Metro Line 4 from Gare du Nord to Metro Station Montparnasse Bienvenue. Allow 1:00 hour. Allow an additional 15 minutes to walk from the Metro station to Gare Montparnasse.

~Note there are 3 points where it is possible to transfer from RER B to Metro line 4. A transfer at St Michel may be preferable as Gare du Nord is a large station and will require orientation time.

b. Le Bus Direct operates a bus service from CDG direct to Gare Montparnasse. Allow 1:15 hours.

2120 Trains in France

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF TER
http://www.ter-sncf.com/

SNCF Railway Map
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-map/sncf-map-large.htm

2121 Paris Train Stations

Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2 train station
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frmlw/accueil/

Gare de Massy TGV
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frdju/accueil/

Note in additon to CDG 2 and Massy there are 6 major train stations in Paris:

Paris Gare d'Austerlitz
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpaz/accueil/

Gare Paris Bercy
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpbe/accueil/

Gare Paris Est
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpst/accueil/

Paris Gare de Lyon
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frply/accueil/

Paris Gare Montparnasse
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpmo/accueil/

Paris Gare Montparnasse Map
http://www.railteam.eu/en/files/2011/11/MAP_Paris-Montparnasse_En.pdf

Paris Gare du Nord.
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frpno/accueil/

Map of TGV train network in Paris:
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-trains/images/tgv-map-paris.jpg

2125. Paris to London by Eurostar

Eurostar trains operate between Paris Gare du Nord and London St Pancras International Station
http://www.eurostar.com

2135 Paris to Barcelona by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate high speed trains between Paris Gare de Lyon and Barcelona Sants.

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

2150 Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port

2151 This section discusses how to get from Paris to Saint Jean Pied de Port.

Index 2150
2152 Executive Summary
2153 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP
2154 Train from Paris to SJPdP
2155 Train stations between Paris and Bayonne
2156 Saint Jean Pied de Port
2157 Author's Pick

2152 Executive Summary

There are at least two viable options for getting from Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport to Saint Jean Pied de Port (SJPdP):

a. Fly from Paris to Biarritz and take the train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

b. Take the train from Paris to Bayonne and transfer to another train from Bayonne to SJPdP. Stations in Paris with trains to Bayonne include: CDG 2, Gare d'Austerlitz, Gare Montparnasse, and Gare Massy.

Note: The tracks between Bayonne and SJPdP got washed out in Spring 2014 and repaired in November 2015.

2153 ~Option 1 Fly from Paris to Biarritz and train to SJPdP

a. Fly from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ). Air France and Easy Jet provides service; or,

b. Fly from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) to Biarritz Airport (BIQ) Air France provides service.

The Chronoplus urban bus #14 leaves from the doors of Biarritz Airport and goes to Gare de Bayonne. Allow 40 minutes.

The SNCF TER train #62 travels from Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP. Sometimes the train goes from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains. Passengers to SJPdP then transfer to an SNCF operated bus at Cambo les Bains. Sometimes the entire route is serviced by a bus.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Chronoplus
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2154 ~Option 2 - Train from Paris to SJPdP

TGV trains travel towards Bayonne from three train stations in Paris:

a. There is a TGV station located at Charles de Gaulle Airport Terminal 2.

b. There is a TGV station located at Gare Montparnasse in central Paris. There is greater frequency of service from Gare Montparnasse than from CDG 2.

c. TGV trains from CDG 2 stop at Gare Massy.

SNCF TGV trains leave from Paris enroute to Bordeaux or Irun. Often there is a transfer required at Bordeaux. TGV trains from Bordeaux terminate in Irun. TER trains from Bordeaux terminate in Pau or Hendaye. If your train is bound for Pau another transfer is required at Dax. Trains bound for Hendaye or Irun stop in Bayonne.

SNCF Intercites night trains travel from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Hendaye and stop in Bayonne.

SNCF TER train #62 travels from Gare Bayonne to terminus at SJPdP. Sometimes the train goes from Bayonne to Cambo les Bains. Passengers to SJPdP then transfer to an SNCF operated bus at Cambo les Bains. Sometimes the entire route is serviced by a bus.

You will get limited results if you try to find a schedule for a train from Paris to SJPdP. I'd suggest planning your trip from Paris to Bayonne then Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/

SNCF - train schedule and tickets:
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

2155 Train Stations between Paris and Bayonne

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean (Saint Jean is name of main station in Bordeaux)
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/en/frboj/accueil/

Gare Bordeaux - Saint Jean according to Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Bordeaux-Saint-Jean

Gare de Dax
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/fracg/accueil/

Gare de Bayonne
http://www.gares-en-mouvement.com/fr/frxby/accueil/

2156 Saint Jean Pied de Port

Saint Jean Pied de Port
http://www.st-jean-pied-de-port.fr/default.aspx

2157 Author's pick

If I were traveling to SJPdP by way of Paris I would:

a. Determine if it was cost effective and time effective to fly from Paris to Biarritz. Time effective means arriving in time to catch a train from Bayonne to SJPdP on the same day.

b. If arriving at CDG and taking the train is the better option ... take the train from CDG 2 if the schedule is viable.

c. If CDG 2 schedule doesn't work ... Take RER B train to St Michel and transfer to the Metro. Take the line 4 Metro to Montparnasse. Then board the TGV train originating from Montparnasse. There is more frequent service from Montparnasse.

d. If arriving at Orly ... take the Orly Val to station Antony and RER train to Massy.

Links checked March 2015

 

[gerardcarey]

I have never paid more than 37 euros for the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Bayonne direct. But you must book well in advance. Cheap tickets (still?) become available 90 days out. Put a mark on your calendar.
Check this firm out.
https://www.trainline.eu/search
I've found it best to catch the 7.30am train, which on arrival is met by the early afternoon train to St Jean Pied de Port.
Regards and buen Camino
Gerard

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

[

I have never paid more than 37 euros for the TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Bayonne direct. But you must book well in advance. Tickets still? become available 90 days out. Put a mark on your calendar.
Check this firm out.
https://www.trainline.eu/search
I've found it best to catch the 7.30am train, which on arrival is met by the early afternoon train to St Jean Pied de Port.
Regards and buen Camino
Gerard

Thank you for your response, Gerard
Yes. I know. 90 days in advance for train, 60 days in advance for buses. (I read somewhere) My arrival date in Paris is May 7th at 1.30pm (if not delayed) so I guess my best option is to take the cheapest night bus or train to get to Bayonne (so I don't have to pay for a room) and then I might have a ride to St. Jean from there on the 8th.
Your link has either bus and train but the cheapest price is 64 euro. Maybe it is still too early? or is it because it is holiday over there and the price won't drop?

 

[gerardcarey]

[Thank you for your response, Gerard
Yes. I know. 90 days in advance for train, 60 days in advance for buses. (I read somewhere) My arrival date in Paris is May 7th at 1.30pm (if not delayed) so I guess my best option is to take the cheapest night bus or train to get to Bayonne (so I don't have to pay for a room) and then I might have a ride to St. Jean from there on the 8th.
Your link has either bus and train but the cheapest price is 64 euro. Maybe it is still too early? or is it because it is holiday over there and the price won't drop?

Yes, cheap prices begin 90 days out.
Whatever, Paris is always a good idea.
Apart from its delights its a good spot to recover from Jet lag.
A pilgrim favourite is the OOPS Hostel which is close, 2 stops on the metro, to Montparnasse Station.
http://www.oops-paris.com
Buen Camino, whatever your decision!
Good fun planning eh?
Gerard

 

[Mark Lee]

I would guess flying is cheapest. Fly to Biarritz then take the train from Bayonne to SJPdP.
When I took the train from Paris to SJPdP in 2013 it was kinda expensive, but I didn't book in advance.

 

[Felipe]

I'd only add that Biarritz and Bayonne are almost adjacent cities -you take a local bus, Chronoplus (or taxi), to move from one to another. Both are lovely places.
Train to SJPP leaves from Bayonne.
The Biarritz airport (BIQ) is actually in Anglet, a village between the two cities.
Buen camino!

 

[jpflavin1]

Hello all.
I will be arriving in Paris on May 7th.
I am going to start my journey from St. Jean pied de port.
I would like to know what is the cheapest way to get to St. Jean pied de port from Paris.
Some people say I need to get to Bayonne (TGV or bus) and then take a train to St. Jean pied de port.
But my current French roommate says it is cheaper to get to Biarritz compared to Bayonne but he doesn't know if it is also comparatively cheap to get to St. Jean pied de port from Biarritz.

TGV is about 60 euro (and I am told buses are cheaper but I do not know yet. FLIXBUS is not open to booking yet for May 7th and EUROLINES have no schedule at all for the week of May 7th.

Are there any other bus companies that I have not looked yet?

Anything you know will be very much appreciated.
Thank you.

JamieK:

You can fly directly from CDG to Biarritz. Easyjet has a 14:40 flight on May 7th for 63 Euro's or a 7:00 am flight the next morning for 47 Euros. You can take a TGV train from CDG or Montparnesse station to Biarritz or Bayonne. There are several each day around 53 to 75 Euros a 5 hour ride.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[whariwharangi]

[


Thank you for your response, Gerard
Yes. I know. 90 days in advance for train, 60 days in advance for buses. (I read somewhere) My arrival date in Paris is May 7th at 1.30pm (if not delayed) so I guess my best option is to take the cheapest night bus or train to get to Bayonne (so I don't have to pay for a room) and then I might have a ride to St. Jean from there on the 8th.
Your link has either bus and train but the cheapest price is 64 euro. Maybe it is still too early? or is it because it is holiday over there and the price won't drop?

Get a room in Paris and get some sleep before traveling on to SJPdP. You won't enjoy your trip if you feel like someone dragged you backwards through a hedge. Its false economy to avoid costs at your physical expense.

 

[Trevor Batley]

[Your link has either bus and train but the cheapest price is 64 euro. Maybe it is still too early? or is it because it is holiday over there and the price won't drop?

I would expect too early.
We booked first class tickets for 39 euro when the specials came out 90 days before (we travelled 21 September 2016). I'm sure that the standard fare was below 30 euros at the time. But they don't last for long.
As Gerard said, 'Put a mark on your calendar.'
Buen Camino

 

[mfmarti2]

@thirdfencepost and I also arrive in Paris on May 7, 2017 but in the morning. We will probably either train to Bayonne or fly to Biarritz. Depends on what's available and quickest. Maybe we'll see you along the way!

Buen Camino!

 

[Jamie Y. Mo]

I'm sorry! I haven't checked my thread for a while..
I just found a flixbus leaving at 11.15pm in Paris at 25 euro.
I might stay over night in Bayonne and leave the next morning to St. Jean.
I might be exhasted after a long flight from Vancouver to Paris and an overnight bus ride.
Hope the weather is nice in Bayonne when I'm there.
Thank you for your advice, whariwharangi!

Enjoy the beautiful day everyone.
Buen Camino

 

[CuriousKat]

Hi! I'm planning on leaving from Paris to SJPDP on March 19th. I'm trying to figure out the TGV train and transfers and could use some advice on what to do and where to go. I can't view the train finder map on half the rail sites for some reason but I thought I would throw it out here and see...

 

[mspath]

Hi! I'm planning on leaving from Paris to SJPDP on March 19th. I'm trying to figure out the TGV train and transfers and could use some advice on what to do and where to go. I can't view the train finder map on half the rail sites for some reason but I thought I would throw it out here and see...

Tap here for your answer.

Bon voyage and Buen camino!

 

[CuriousKat]

Tap here for your answer.

Bon voyage and Buen camino!

Thank you- I was able to find a train to Bayonne but it looks like a 5 hr layover. Any advice on taking a bus?

 

[mspath]

Thank you- I was able to find a train to Bayonne but it looks like a 5 hr layover. Any advice on taking a bus?

Try this link for TER transport.
https://www.ter.sncf.com/aquitaine

The schedule is showing the train replaced by buses for 21/03.
These replacement buses leave from the front of the rr station.

 

[CuriousKat]

Try this link for TER transport.
https://www.ter.sncf.com/aquitaine

The schedule is showing the train replaced by buses for 21/03.
These replacement buses leave from the front of the rr station.

I really appreciate your help, thank you.

 

[whariwharangi]

Thank you- I was able to find a train to Bayonne but it looks like a 5 hr layover. Any advice on taking a bus?

Transports64 offers bus service from Gare Bayonne to St Palais #811 and St Palais to SJPdP #810.

You're probably better off waiting for the train.

Transports64
http://www.transports64.fr/Interurbains?lang=fr

 

[whariwharangi]

Hi! I'm planning on leaving from Paris to SJPDP on March 19th. I'm trying to figure out the TGV train and transfers and could use some advice on what to do and where to go. I can't view the train finder map on half the rail sites for some reason but I thought I would throw it out here and see...

SNCF is the service provider offers train service from Paris to Bayonne and Bayonne to SJPdP. I find using websites other than the service provider often results in erroneous information. Its probably best to search as separate legs.
http://www.sncf.com/

Trains from Paris to Bayonne terminate in Irun/Hendaye. TGV trains leave from CDG terminal 2 (Roissy), Gare Montparnasse (from whence is service most frequent), and TGV Massy. There is often a 10 minute transfer at Bordeaux involving cross the platform from one train to another. Some schedules involve another transfer at Dax. There are intercites (overnight) trains leaving from Gare d'Austerlitz via Toulouse.

Note: there are reports of the tracks being out of service from Bayonne to SJPdP. You might find yourself directed onto a bus in place of the train. No difference in schedule or price.

 

[sharpetravel]

I’m heading to Paris on the 4th of Sept. from Toronto and plan to head to Bayonne upon my arrival....is there still a TGV train from CDG..anyone else heading this way?