Irun

[philomena]

Hello. I am from Canada and this is my first blog. I hope to walk the camino norte this coming May
and I would like to start In Irun. What is the best route to get there from Toronto? Is there an alberque or should I stay at a hotel? and where should i pick up maps. Lots of questions. Help. Philomena

 

[laurie]

I cannot help with the Canadian end of the journey to Irun but last September we flew from Gatwick to Biarritz. The bus from the airport to the railway station, a train to Hendaye and then a local Eusko train to Irun cost a total of €6.50. At Hendaye it is a short walking distance from the SNCF station to the Eusko station, and the total journey time was less than four hours.
The tourist office in Irun is not far from the train station and they provided us with a map and directions to the albergue. This also is central and can accommodate seventeen pilgrims. We did not stay there as we were travelling on by night coach to Ponferrada.
Laurie

 

[oursonpolaire]

From Canada, it is likely that the best route is to Bordeaux via Paris, and then by train to Hendaie, and from there a local train to Irun-- Laurie is right and the Eusko station is quite close. The turismo in Irun is very helpful to pilgrims, and will provide you with a map marking the way out of the city in the morning.

 

[dnwitte]

Actually, I took the train to Hendaye and, not knowing about the local train, then walked across the bridge into Irun. It rook about thirty minutes to get to the center of Irun, and it was nice to stretch my legs after the long train trip from Paris.

 

[Paulus]

Info: the cities of Hendaya and Irun are only seperated by a bridge! The walk from the trainstation in Hendaya to Irun is less than 4 minutes!

Maybe this link will help http://www.caminosantiago.org/cpperegrino/cpalbergues/caminonorte.html


Paul

 

[peregrina2000]

I know people have lots of reasons for choosing where to fly into, but I'd also suggest considering going in and out of Madrid.

Madrid to Irun is an easy bus or train ride. Train at 8 am and 4 pm, about 6 hours. The train leaves from the Chamartin train station, which is now connected to the Madrid airport via a fast train, the C1 cercanias line, and it takes 11 minutes.

There's a bus at 12:30 am, 7:30 am, and 3:30 pm. The bus leaves from the Avenida de Americas bus station (called the intercambiador). To get to the Av. de Americas station, it's a straight shot on a red Madrid bus, very convenient, leaving right outside the terminal. The bus from Madrid to Irun takes about 7 hours.

And of course getting back home from Santiago, it's another straight shot back to Madrid, probably cheaper too, than going in and out of Paris.

 

[oursonpolaire]

Madrid as landing point is rarely convenient for Canadians-- I am not even certain that there are direct flights-- normally it is through Frankfurt, Munich or Brussels. There are occasional Air Canada sales which make it financially attractive-- until Thursday, you can find a return flight for $821. The Madrid route would be sensible for those with time to spare, as it will likely add an extra 4-7 hours coming from Canada.

In Irun, I stayed at the Alcazar, about 10 minutes on foot from the Turismo. It was not that cheap (55 E) but was comfortable with internet for clients (the pilgrim-respecting staff gave me a brandy to help with my typing), and might be suitable for those who need quiet after the trip.

 

[anniethenurse]

Hello all!
I am going to start from Irun soon (not on the Norte but on the Vasco). I got Iberia multicity return tickets (Stockholm- Madrid- San Sebastian) and back home from Santiago- Madrid- Stockholm. Very convenient.

And what is best TH AIRPORT OF SAN SEBASTIAN IS ONLY 3 KM FROM THE THE ALBERGUE IN IRUN.
buen camino
annie

 

[philomena]

Thank you for all the replies. They certainly help. Philomena

 

[jpflavin1]

Philomena:

I would agree With Laurie and Annie that Madrid or Barcelona would be a better entry point. You can easily get a bus or train to Irun from either Madrid or Barcelona. They are also both cheaper to get back to from Santiago than other European entry points. You did not mention from where in Canada you were traveling. I checked Toronto and you can get a flight from there to Madrid for less than $900. I just punched in May 9th and June 12th as dates. I am leaving March 28th from Chicago and flying to Barcelona. Then an afternoon train to Irun. Starting the Camino Vasco on March 30th.

Hope this helps.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[philomena]

Philomena: I hope to leave early may and will be leaving from Toronto. I hope to get to Biarritz and am really looking to the camino.

I would agree With Laurie and Annie that Madrid or Barcelona would be a better entry point. You can easily get a bus or train to Irun from either Madrid or Barcelona. They are also both cheaper to get back to from Santiago than other European entry points. You did not mention from where in Canada you were traveling. I checked Toronto and you can get a flight from there to Madrid for less than $900. I just punched in May 9th and June 12th as dates. I am leaving March 28th from Chicago and flying to Barcelona. Then an afternoon train to Irun. Starting the Camino Vasco on March 30th.

Hope this helps.

Ultreya,
Joe