Getting to Irun from Madrid and where to start

[peregrina2000]

I have two questions about the Camino del Norte. First, I wonder how to find out how to get to Irun from Madrid. The Renfe site gives me times, but doesn't tell me which station it's from -- I assume the trains to Irun leave from Chanmartin, but can someone confirm that?

Second, where do you recommend that we start from? We are flexible, but have no more than six weeks (including travel time) so we will probably want to start in Spain. Is Irun a good place to start from? Is San Sebastian better? All opinions are most welcome! Many thanks for the help.

 

[Peter Robins]

The Renfe site gives me times, but doesn't tell me which station it's from -- I assume the trains to Irun leave from Chanmartin, but can someone confirm that?

most do, but not all. If you look at the schedule for the train you're interested in, it tells you

Second, where do you recommend that we start from? We are flexible, but have no more than six weeks (including travel time) so we will probably want to start in Spain.

total distance from Irun to SdC is a bit more than 800km. Six weeks would give you an average of 20km a day or so. If you want to include the St James bridge on the border, you're better off starting in Hendaye rather than Irun.

 

[frescotours]

There is bus service from Madrid - Irun with Continental Autobus: http://www.continental-auto.es

Hondarribia, the village next to Irun, is really great! It is one of my favorite little villages on the Basque Coast. I've walked sections of that area and it is beautiful.

Hope this information helps - good luck and buen camino.

 

[Anonymous]

Hi peregrina2000. Yep, trains MAD-Irun leave from Chamartin. Irun is a great place to start the Camino del Norte. There's a brand new albergue there, you may want to check out this site's Camino Norte info. San Sebastian (aka Donostia) is good too. If I had the time and my choice was going to be the Camino del Norte I'd start it in Irun. Buen Camino :arrow: xm 8)

 

[Dawn of a new Day]

where to start

when are you starting. i am flying into bordeaux (perhaps) on may 6, travel to irun on the 7th and then start walking on the 8th. i have 32 days to arrive in santiago. walking to finisterre is really worth it - i took 4 days to walk.
dawn