Introduction and question about getting around

[GerryDel]

Hi,

This is my first post on this site, so thanks for creating the site and all the valuable information provided. I have been doing long distance walking on for two years now, so this is very exciting to get to do the Camino.
I do have a question. My son and I are walking in July. We have a short time to walk, about 10 days. We are going from St Jean to Pamplona and then from Sarria to Santiago. My question is how do I travel between Pamplona and Sarria? I've looked for bus and train routes and found no definitive routes. There's some vague references to taking a train to Lugo and then bus to Sarria, but I can't even find a train to Lugo on the day I'm travelling.

What's the best way to get between these two points? Thanks, Gerry

 

[mspath]

Hi Gerry,

Welcome to the Forum!

For your travels try these two connecting trains on RENFE -- Pamplona > Monteforte de Lemos and then Monteforte de Lemos > Sarria.

Buen Camino to your both,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Bernard duffy]

Welcome to the forum Gerry,buen Camino ))

 

[GerryDel]

Thanks so much! I'll try that.

 

[whariwharangi]

Some days it also works going Pamplona to Madrid (Atocha)- then Madrid (Chamartin) to Sarria (enroute to Ferrol).

Note this involves change of station in Madrid from Puerta de Atocha to Chamartin

 

[GerryDel]

Hi All, do you recommend getting tickets in advance, or is it usually easy to book the same day?

 

[whariwharangi]

Hi All, do you recommend getting tickets in advance, or is it usually easy to book the same day?

There have been reports of long lines at stations. The automatic ticket dispensers go unused ...

So if your timings are tight it might be worthwhile buying tickets in advance.

I've never had problems ... and gotten the last seat on the bus a couple of times ... but I avoid travel at busy times like I would the plague.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Hi All, do you recommend getting tickets in advance, or is it usually easy to book the same day?

Renfe is praying for the day a train sells out. It is VERY unlikely that you cannot book a train on the day you wish to travel. The San Fermin festival is in July, so if you are leaving Pamplona at the end of the festival, you might encounter a problem!!!

 

[naplesdon]

Don't forget the fete de Saint Jacques in Santiago on 25 July, big crowds!!

 

[Bernard duffy]

Also massive crowds expected in Pamplona 5th june,that's when i re-start my Camino ))

 

[GerryDel]

Yikes, I didn't even realize we were going to be there for San Fermin. I guess I need to some more planning around Pamplona. Do the albergues fill up for San Fermin or can you still get space?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Most of the albergues in Pamplona are closed during San Fermines, so the remaining beds are in very high demand. Albergues before and after Pamplona are also affected by those who are avoiding the city.

 

[GerryDel]

Many thanks! I would have assumed I could just get an albergue. I will book a hotel.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Many thanks! I would have assumed I could just get an albergue. I will book a hotel.

Room rates during San Fermines are increased about 10X; you may have a hard time finding a hotel room under 350E. Try booking.com to sample rates, and don't wait too long. There is almost nothing available if you wait until the last two weeks.

 

[GerryDel]

Thanks, I just booked. Since we're coming in at the end of the festival, prices were elevated but not too high.