getting to the camino

[bev]

I'm having some trouble getting from london to St. Jean or Roncesvalles in one day. I fly all night from nyc, arriving heathrow at 6 am but the next flight from standsted on ryanair isn't till 2:00pm arriving biarritz at 5:00. the train schedule for july 8th isn't out yet so afraid I won't make it till late. i've tried other airlines, any ideas? thanks for your help, bev

 

[Ulysse]

Hi Bev

It is true that the SNCF schedule is not out for July but I would bet a pair of hiking boots that the last train to St JPdeP will be at 18:10 as it has been for years...

Take a taxi from the airport (cost around 12 euros) and it takes 15 to 20 minutes. If everything fails spend the night in Bayonne, it is charming, and get on the first train around 8:00. You could start your walk right there, spend some time in the town and stop over at Unto or Orisson on the way to Roncesvalles.

There are plenty of choices and the countryside is so beautiful; I know I was there in September 2005.

 

[bev]

thank you ulysse; if I wanted to begin walking at roncesvalles, what kind of transportation is available? can I get my credenciales there?
bev

 

[Ulysse]

You should get your credential (if you don't already have it) at St JPdeP at the pilgrims'office (well indicated) when arriving on foot from the train station.

To get to Roncesvales you can take a taxi or the "Express bouricot", a transport organised for pilgrims (cheaper than taxi). You get get more details in the posts in this section of the forum on this service. I am not sure if there is a bus service to Roncesvales (Roncevaux in French).

 

[sillydoll]

Hi Bev & Ulysee,

The lady who runs Express Burricot is Caroline

Tel: 06-61-96-04-76
Email: apcaroline@hotmail.com

Here is her info:

Hello, I can take people from St Jean to Roncesvalles. I do it every day, generally in the morning. The price depends on how many people I pick up. So it is 9 euros per person if I have at least 3 people. But if you are alone, it is 27 euros, if you are 2, it is 13.5 euros for each one and if you are 3 or more, it will be 9 for each one. And I try to make group with different people who call me. I hope you understand, because my English is not so marvellous!!

 

[bev]

thanks very much sil and ulysses,
bev