Getting from Sahagún to Porto

[OTH86]

Not sure where to put this -- maybe a Mod can help...

Doing some last minute thinking - leaving the US in 2 1/2 weeks to walk the Madrid - about 3 weeks - I take my time. Was going to continue on the Frances to Santiago, but now thinking about the Portuguese - about 2 1/2 weeks for me. Considered the Invierno - it looks fabulous! But I think maybe that's for next year.

So, I need help figuring how to get from Sahagún / León to Porto. Any suggestions? Have looked on Rome2Rio, but just get confused. Do Alsa & RENFE operate in Portugal, or just go to border cities? I don't imagine this can be done in one day. So, I'll take two - maybe three? I have 8 weeks - so I think there's plenty of time.

I'll get a Tarjeta Dorada from the RENFE office at the Madrid Airport when I arrive, and do I understand that Portugal will just give me a reduced fare for being well over 60? - regular passport works?

Have already checked out postings & blogs by Laurie, Anniesantiago, KinkyOne, and Undermanager for the Madrid, KinkyOne's postings for the Invierno, and some postings for the Portuguese -- of course, I'll stay at the Casa de Fernanda - do I need a rezzie?

Thanks so much for any information, tips, and such!
Terry

 

[whariwharangi]

Renfe train from Sahagun to Vigo Guixar. Leon has a couple of more trains.

Celta train from Vigo to Porto. Celta is co-operated by Renfe and CP ... you can get schedule information on either site.

or Renfe train from Vigo to Valenca and CP train from Valenca to Porto.

You'll likely have to overnight at Vigo.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/

CP
https://www.cp.pt/sites/passageiros/pt/consultar-horarios/horarios-resultado

 

[Deleted member 36903]

As whariwharangi says you will probably need to stay overnight in Vigo, in which case Hotel Nautico is cheap and has good reviews. When I emailed them about arriving late they were friendly and helpful and they have rooms with baths!

 

[Rebekah Scott]

I've done that very long train shlep to Porto, with the stop in Vigo in between. If I were you, I'd just take the Sahagun-Ponferrada train and walk the Invierno to Monforte, or Lalin.

 

[OTH86]

I've done that very long train shlep to Porto, with the stop in Vigo in between. If I were you, I'd just take the Sahagun-Ponferrada train and walk the Invierno to Monforte, or Lalin.

Funny you should mention this -- I've been trying to decide whether to "backtrack" from Sahagun to Porto or just continue as you suggest. The latter sounds wisest. But I might like to visit Porto again . I probably should do more info-gathering on both options so I don't waste time dithering when I get to Sahagun. Might depend on time, my aches and pains, and what does the Camino suggest... Looks like the Invierno might have more ups and downs - which I may need to take into account. Thanks, Rebekah, for making me think more about the choice!!
Terry

 

[KinkyOne]

Hola, Terry,

Well, yes, invierno isn't the easiest of Caminos, but I'm sure you have plenty of time. Maybe even for visiting Porto once you reach SdC (if that is your goal of course). I mean SdC has many very good connections with Porto, OK through Vigo, but you'll be there faster and could spend more time there. What about that and flying back from Porto?

Anyway - Ultreia!


PS (Have you seen this link posted by Charrito recently:
http://www.independentrip.com/caminos-de-santiago
or directly for Invierno for short stages:
http://www.independentrip.com/camino-de-santiago/camino-de-invierno/etapa-1-ponferrada-santalla)

 

[OTH86]

Oh my goodness, @KinkyOne , these links are wonderful! Thanks so much!!

I'm considering the Portuguese slightly over the Invierno at this time, because I think it will be better considering my level of fitness this time. The Invierno seems a better idea for my next Camino. I've seen the postings by @towanda1961, @peregrina2000, and @KinkyOne , of course - it looks WONDERFUL! And if there are a few more people on it next year, that might be a bit more comfortable for me, as well. BUT - who knows how I'll feel when I arrive in Sahagun.

 

[KinkyOne]

Although I haven't walked it yet I think Portugues will be much more pleasant weatherwise this time of year. Anyway Invierno will be there for years waiting for you

Buen Camino (de Madrid)!