ilbestro12
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- Time of past OR future Camino
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I've flown into Madrid twice, and took the train to Pamplona, then a taxi to SJPdP. The taxi is a bit expensive, but if you can find some other pilgrims to share the journey it's pretty reasonable. There is a bus from Pamplona to St Jean, but often it's not at a good time to connect from the train.Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
Fly Madrid; bus or train Pamplona. Start from there. Bus to St Jean if you must.Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
Oh yeah, I don't have a huge amount of time to waste. Gotta get back to work. But it looks like the train from Madrid to Pamplona is about 3 hours. Not sure how much or how long a bus from Pamplona to Saint Jean is. Do you think flying into Biarritz and flying out of Santiago will save a goodly amount of time?We went with the cost savings of Madrid in and out, but have ample time to do so. If you are crunched for time, I might consider spending more to get there fast.
This is an interesting idea. Are the trains in France reliable? Is it easy to get to the train station from CDG in paris? I don't have any frenchYou should also look at flying into Paris. I was able to book the train from Paris to St Jean on one ticket with a change at Bayonne.
For your flight home you don't have to return from the same airport. Look into "multi city" or "open jaw" tickets, which often cost about the same as a standard round trip ticket. I'm a fan of flying home from Porto.
The bus from Pamplona to St Jean is about one hour 45 minutes. There is generally only one bus a day, which may not align with the train schedule. A taxi is around 110€.Not sure how much or how long a bus from Pamplona to Saint Jean is
Yes, they are reliable.This is an interesting idea. Are the trains in France reliable?
I spent three nights in Paris, but others have experience with getting to the train from CDG.Is it easy to get to the train station from CDG in paris? I don't have any french
We went with the cost savings of Madrid in and out, but have ample time to do so. If you are crunched for time, I might consider spending more to get there fast.
You can buy these tickets together as one itinerary on the SNCF site.From the Gare Montparnasse you take a high speed TGV train to Bayonne. You must have a reserved ticket for the TGV. The price of the ticket is cheapest the earliest you book it.
A Bayonne you will take a local TER train to Saint Jean Pied de Port.
Late April, so like April 29-30thOut of curiosity, when are you planning to go?
A solution that works for me, to break that temptation, starting from St. Jean, is to split that train ride into two sections: Paris to Bordeaux on day 1, then Bordeaux to St. Jean (via Bayonne) on day 2. Bordeaux gets you more than halfway between Paris and St. Jean – about a 4-hour train ride – so it feels nice to be well on your way without the pressure of finding yourself already *ON* the way. Time to sleep, reconfigure your bag, get adjusted to the time change before setting off - plus the chance to enjoy an evening of great food and sights, with slightly less transit pressure.
So you have time to work all of this out.Late April, so like April 29-30th
Never done it that way. I catch the RER-B in CDG, and ride it into central Paris. It runs every half hour or so. From the nearest station for the RER, about 40 minutes later, its a four block walk to Montparnasse.You can also take a TGV from CDG to Bayonne with a change of train other than Paris, which is much easier as going through Paris means arriving at Gare de l’Est and taking a taxi across the city to Gare Montparnasse.
If your budget allows, fly to Madrid, fly Iberia to Pamplona, taxi to SJPP. When you finish in Santiago, you can get a very cheap RyanAir one way flight from Santiago back to Madrid. I’ve used this itinerary twice. I’m actually flying from Atlanta to Madrid today and then to A Coruna to walk the Camino Ingles. I’ll have two more weeks after that to decide on another Camino route before returning to the US at the end of September.Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
Thats what I did. Flew to Paris and caught the Train from Gare Montparnasse. With proper time schedule all can be done in 1 day. (I was blessed with extra time so I spent a day in Paris, stayed overnight close to the station and took the train the following day). As @RickM said - RER-B will get you out from CdG to the station in about 40 minsThis is an interesting idea. Are the trains in France reliable? Is it easy to get to the train station from CDG in paris? I don't have any french
If you do this you will have separate tickets and an unprotected connection, so you need to make sure that you have plenty of time between flights. I would stay overnight in Madrid rather than put an expensive transatlantic flight at risk.When you finish in Santiago, you can get a very cheap RyanAir one way flight from Santiago back to Madrid.
In 2019 I flew from the US. It was very easy to land in Madrid, take the train to Pamplona, and then the bus to SJPP. I could have done that all in one day, but spent 1 night in the beautiful city of Pamplona, to help get over jet lag, before going on to SJPP the next day.Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
I've also flown in and out of Madrid twice. Train to Pamplona then bus to SJPP or through Zamora. Many more options in Madrid if you have flight issues.I've flown into Madrid twice, and took the train to Pamplona, then a taxi to SJPdP. The taxi is a bit expensive, but if you can find some other pilgrims to share the journey it's pretty reasonable. There is a bus from Pamplona to St Jean, but often it's not at a good time to connect from the train.
There is also a bus that goes to Pamplona. I have a friend that always takes the bus directly from the airport. I do believe that you have to make a bus change somewhere along the way. but it sounds like it's pretty easy.
I almost always fly to Madrid sleep near the airport take care of getting a SIM etc and then fly to Pamplona. Flights are really cheap. From Pamplona take the busFlying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
I like flying into Dublin and spending the night near the airport. Then in the morning fly with Ryanair to Biarritz direct ( $25) then the airport shuttle to Bayonne where you can catch the train or bus to SJPP. I didn’t arrive exhausted .Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
I disagree. This isn't always true. And it depends on how far you have to travel to the large airport. I haven't found significant cost savings to justify the expense that I would have to travel from where I live in Southern Oregon to San Francisco or Portland. Not to mention paying to park my car for over a month.Buying tickets to/from the smaller airports is always way more expensive than buying tickets to/from the bigger airports.
I should have said "almost always"! But yes - depends on the airport! Every year though I go through the same starting point searches - Tucson/Phoenix/Los Angeles etc - and in my case always much cheaper to fly from Los Angeles and then buy tickets to Los Angeles separately. Phoenix will take me through other bigger airports, but still much cheaper than TUS. I don't drive - to LAX and park my car - I just find cheaper transportation to get there - and it is always cheaper to buy that ticket separately for me. Phoenix on the other hand I can get a ride to.I disagree. This isn't always true. And it depends on how far you have to travel to the large airport. I haven't found significant cost savings to justify the expense that I would have to travel from where I live in Southern Oregon to San Francisco or Portland. Not to mention paying to park my car for over a month.
No direct flights to Bilbao, so you are sitting somewhere forAnother option is flying to Bilbao and from there catching a bus to Bayonne. I'm also planning a late April camino and after much research, decided this was the best route for me. I know it's silly, but I like the idea of not seeing the cities I'll be walking to before actually walking there. The flight back will be from Madrid. From what I've been seeing, it will be only around 20 USD more than flying straight to and from Madrid.
Connection in Madrid, but I will risk it. There seems to be a lot of flights from Madrid to Bilbao.No direct flights to Bilbao, so you are sitting somewhere for
two hours waiting for the next flight? Last time I did this my connection was in Munich. Our plane from US was late and we missed our connection. We then had a four hour delay in MUC before arriving in Bilbao.
If Possible ,I try, when flying to europe, to avoid changing planes.
Neither do I.I don't understand why everyone wants to start the Camino in SJPdP.
You can start in Roncesvalles. ☺☺☺
We always fly into Madrid from the US so we can fly out of Madrid easily to home. We fly from the east coast- this time we are leaving from Dulles in two weeks and found the best fares. We have the time so we are staying in Madrid two days to recover from jet lag (which seems to take longer as we get older) before heading to Ferrol by train to walk the Ingles. Transport from Madrid to all points by bus/train is generally good, I think that you have to decide whether time or $ is more important. There are several options to get to SJPdP from Madrid.Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
It is possible to get a "multi city" ticket for close to the same price as round trip and fly into one airport and home from another.We always fly into Madrid from the US so we can fly out of Madrid easily to home
Paris to Bayonne then to St Jean, is very practical, and no expensive taxisFlying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
What is express Bouricot and how do ine make use of the service?We flew into Paris our first Camino, then flew to Biarritz then Express Bouricott transfer to SJPDP. All other times we have flown into Madrid.
Express Bourricot offers a shuttle service from Biarritz to St Jean Pied de Port.What is express Bouricot and how do ine make use of the service?
It could be something to do with not missing out on the challenge of crossing the Pyrenees…maybe.Neither do I.
Why not fly into Madrid and walk the Camino Madrid? You could practically start from the airport.
Why not just train to Pamplona and walk from there.
For the OP, try a recalculation of your savings taking into account the possibilities of an overnight hotel in Madrid / Pamplona / St Jean; a couple of trains or a bus or taxi or two. A few meals, some beers and some stress. Oh, and do take a look at why you want to start in St Jean
I don't understand why everyone wants to start the Camino in SJPdP.
You can start in Roncesvalles the most important center spiritual religion in the Camino after SdC.
From Madrid to Pamplona by train,
From Pamplona to Roncesvalles by bus.
All very easy.
I'm sorry, I'm from Navarra and I got married in Roncesvalles. ☺☺☺
I had that same thought in 2018. BIG mistake. Getting from madrid to sjpdp is very difficult. from madrid you need to fly to pamplona, then bus to france. Go direct to france. Trust me!Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
I had that same thought in 2018. BIG mistake. Getting from madrid to sjpdp is very difficult. from madrid you need to fly to pamplona, then bus to france. Go direct to france. Trust me!
The ease and timing of the journey depend on a number of factors, and I don't agree that it is "very difficult" compared to other routings to SJPP. A number of people on this thread have described their experience as being straightforward.Getting from madrid to sjpdp is very difficult.
When you compare other options with the USA-Madrid-USA fare, don't forget to include the cost of travel from Madrid to SJPP. Also, look at flying US-Biarritz and returning from Madrid to US. That would allow you to travel by train from Santiago to Madrid, which many people like to do as a decompression day at the end of their Caminos.Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela.
fly to Barcelona? and fly or train to St Jean?Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
From Barcelona you could fly or take the train to Pamplona, San Sebastián, or Biarritz. Then get transport via bus, train, or Express Bouricott shuttle to St Jean.fly to Barcelona? and fly or train to St Jean?
I now fly to Madrid, and take the bus from the airport. So easy, simple and efficient. I have taken the train, but the bus is more direct, usually faster, much cheaper, and very comfortable.Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
On most of my trips into or out of Navarra, I found Bilbao (BIO) to be my best choice. Ten in and ten out. Sometimes, bus to London, sometimes Barcelona (BCN).Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
Go to Washington Dulles (IAD) and take the overnight flight to Madrid from there.That was my worry, though most people are recommending just taking the train from Madrid to Pamplona. Hopefully ticket prices go down; I wasn't going to buy my ticket until like 3 months before my trip.
Also all the flights I see right now have like a 35-45 minute layover on the first leg. I don't know if I can make that at Charlotte or Atlanta airport.
How many minutes away is the Madrid international airport from the train station to Pamplona? Thanks!A direct plane to Madrid that lands up to 9am should easily make the 11:30am train to Pamplona. A taxi service (reserve) will cost you abt 125 euros. Taxi picks you up at train station abt 3pm. We were in SJPdP by 4:30 in the afternoon!
What time does the flight from Madrid to Pamplona leave? ThanksIf your budget allows, fly to Madrid, fly Iberia to Pamplona, taxi to SJPP. When you finish in Santiago, you can get a very cheap RyanAir one way flight from Santiago back to Madrid. I’ve used this itinerary twice. I’m actually flying from Atlanta to Madrid today and then to A Coruna to walk the Camino Ingles. I’ll have two more weeks after that to decide on another Camino route before returning to the US at the end of September.
How many minutes away is the Madrid international airport from the train station to Pamplona? Thanks!
nothing is truly 'reliable'. it may have a 99.999% on time track but on the day you travel - something happened... and the general statistics are out the windowThis is an interesting idea. Are the trains in France reliable? Is it easy to get to the train station from CDG in paris? I don't have any french
did the same flew to Madrid -train to Pamplona - bus to SJPPI've flown into Madrid twice, and took the train to Pamplona, then a taxi to SJPdP. The taxi is a bit expensive, but if you can find some other pilgrims to share the journey it's pretty reasonable. There is a bus from Pamplona to St Jean, but often it's not at a good time to connect from the train.
There is also a bus that goes to Pamplona. I have a friend that always takes the bus directly from the airport. I do believe that you have to make a bus change somewhere along the way. but it sounds like it's pretty easy.
Ok, so after reading this post I decided to check on my flight departing from MAD around 12-1 pm on Oct 12, 2022 to Pamplona. It worked perfectly with my flight arriving from the USA... done it twice before... but now my flight is CANCELED! Doh! I canceled my reso and got a voucher. Bummer. Looks like train/bus/taxi for me too this time.If your budget allows, fly to Madrid, fly Iberia to Pamplona, taxi to SJPP. When you finish in Santiago, you can get a very cheap RyanAir one way flight from Santiago back to Madrid. I’ve used this itinerary twice. I’m actually flying from Atlanta to Madrid today and then to A Coruna to walk the Camino Ingles. I’ll have two more weeks after that to decide on another Camino route before returning to the US at the end of September.
Yes, flying in and out of Madrid is often least expensive and also easiest. Last October, we flew in and out of Madrid. Took the ALSA bus to Pamplona from the airport a few hours after landing. Had one easy bus change in Zaragoza. Stayed overnight in Pamplona, then took the ALSA bus to St. Jean Pied-de-Port. Pamplona is well worth the extra night.Fly Madrid; bus or train Pamplona. Start from there. Bus to St Jean if you must.
I would wait and see what time you actually clear the airport.Ok, so there is an 11:35 train to Pamplona from Atocha on the day I arrive (supposed to arrive from USA @08:40). Easy peasy. I have time to make it to Atocha, depending on the actual arrival time (earlier this year we came in 1 hour late)... still tho, with trains in Spain it's not like you have to be there an hour or more in advance... my next decision will be do I just go outside to the nice white taxis waiting for me or do I take the metro (cheaper)?
I would buy it from Renfe. Rome2Rio partners with Omio to sell tickets, and I think that there is an extra charge.Ok, one more question. Should I buy my ticket in advance from Rome to Rio or direct from Renfe or just wait until I get to the station?
Take the airport express bus. It is yellow and 6 euros and drops you off at Atocha. Just go outside your terminal to where the buses are caught.Ok, so there is an 11:35 train to Pamplona from Atocha on the day I arrive (supposed to arrive from USA @08:40). Easy peasy. I have time to make it to Atocha, depending on the actual arrival time (earlier this year we came in 1 hour late)... still tho, with trains in Spain it's not like you have to be there an hour or more in advance... my next decision will be do I just go outside to the nice white taxis waiting for me or do I take the metro (cheaper)?
Done. Gracias.I would buy it from Renfe. Rome2Rio partners with Omio to sell tickets, and I think that there is an extra charge.
Renfe - Mi Más Renfe
PAGINAS OFICIALES DE RENFE, HORARIOS, RESERVA, VENTA, BILLETES, ALQUILERventa.renfe.com
This will be a "game time" decision.Take the airport express bus. It is yellow and 6 euros and drops you off at Atocha. Just go outside your terminal to where the buses are caught.
If you’re confident of making the train (which given your timings, you should be) I’d buy it in advance. Cheaper and more certain.Ok, one more question. Should I buy my ticket in advance from Rome to Rio or direct from Renfe or just wait until I get to the station?
I purchased the ticket to Pamplona on the train from Madrid using the link provided by Trecile.If you’re confident of making the train (which given your timings, you should be) I’d buy it in advance. Cheaper and more certain.
Ok... so... My flight from Dallas, Texas, arrived beautifully this time. I was walking off the plane at 8:40 am, and then through the labyrinths of T4S into the customs area. I saw and heard obvious Peregrinos around me, waiting in line for customs chatting like, "OMG, this line is long... I'm worried about (connecting flights, trains, whatever"Take the airport express bus. It is yellow and 6 euros and drops you off at Atocha. Just go outside your terminal to where the buses are caught.
Glad it worked for you. The Yellow bus does make the rounds to the terminals and then picks up and drops off at a couple of other places with other connections downtown. Made me feel less a tourist and more of a traveler. Enjoy your time in Spain!Ok... so... My flight from Dallas, Texas, arrived beautifully this time. I was walking off the plane at 8:40 am, and then through the labyrinths of T4S into the customs area. I saw and heard obvious Peregrinos around me, waiting in line for customs chatting like, "OMG, this line is long... I'm worried about (connecting flights, trains, whatever"
It's a fast line. Try to relax.
I was outside the doors at 9:40 am, after having a "breakfast" that I chose and enjoyed. But after my 15 hours of travel time I walked towards my familiar taxi stand... knowing I could suck up dollars spent (regretfully) because frankly, I didn't want to deal with complications after my hours of travel.
That's when I spotted the yellow bus!
I continued to walk towards the taxi stand until the yellow display on the side of the bus showed "ATOCHA" extremely.
At this point, I said "Why not try?" and I headed towards the bus and found the bus driver taking tickets behind a plexiglass border, which I respected, and I said, "one for Atocha" and he said, more or less, "5 Euro".
Ticket in hand I got to experience the ride. I double checked our destination using my handheld gps and mapping technology (like any phone + google maps or whatever). The bus was spot on...
I was a little disappointed with the additional stops (2 different airport terminals) and then the central city stops that apparently may be intended for museums and otherwise worthwhile things to do in Madrid. I wouldn't know.
But, looking at my phone, I realized I had plenty of time, and I just sort of enjoyed how the bus got so crowded with locals and a slight mix of visitors like me that it was maybe just a little bit uncomfortable, but with a spirit like "we're all in this together" that eased any fears.
Anyways, after departure from MAD around 9:43 I found myself safely planted in the Atocha station around 10:30... and it cost me 5 euros instead of 30.
Now in my room in SJPdP.
Thank you for your advice.
SJPP traditional start of Camino Frances. Believe doing Napolean route over Pyrenees magnificent. I'll find out next April 2023.It could be something to do with not missing out on the challenge of crossing the Pyrenees…maybe.
it is also easy to fly to pamplona via madrid then take the bus from pamplona to sjpp or roncesvalles. pamplona is a great place to explore while you get over jet lag for a day or even two and that way you can really enjoy it there. that way when you pass through again when walking the camino you can go right on through and stay somewhere else, avoid the crowdsFlying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
i’m so sorry you had a bad experience in pamplona. i don’t know Madrid as i wasn’t able to spend time there but for me, pamplona was the favorite city on the camino- particularly the cathedral!I don't particularly like Pamplona as I had a bad experience there on my first pilgrimage so prefer the extra time in Madrid if I have it.
I recall a story of a homeless man who made Madrid airport his home...Can anyone tell me if it is possible to stay in the Madrid airport overnight? I am flying into the airport late one day and flying out very early the next.
Thank you
Frank
Thank you.I recall a story of a homeless man who made Madrid airport his home...
I found this website with information about the most comfortable places to sleep within the airport.
Otherwise there are numerous hotels close by, with buses running shuttle services. It is important to check they will collect and return you at the right time - not all run their shuttle services through the night.
I flew from the US to Madrid, took the train to Pamplona, and stayed one night in a hostel there to help me get over jet lag after my 20-hr trip. The following day I took the bus to St Jean Pied de Port. And I was really glad to fly home from Madrid, because it's only a 5-hr train ride from Santiago. I wanted to make my transition back to "regular life" as easy as possible.Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
I flew from the US to Madrid, took the train to Pamplona, and stayed one night in a hostel there to help me get over jet lag after my 20-hr trip. The following day I took the bus to St Jean Pied de Port. And I was really glad to fly home from Madrid, because it's only a 5-hr train ride from Santiago. I wanted to make my transition back to "regular life" as easy as possible.
Yes, I think so too. That was sure true for me. Crossing the Pyrenees was spectacular!It could be something to do with not missing out on the challenge of crossing the Pyrenees…maybe.
I was just going to suggest Rome2Rio, which lines up all the various options so you can compare price, time, etc. https://www.rome2rio.com/@ilbestro12 There are many options as indicated already.
A good way to start is using Rome2Rio
Not much in it timewise, Madrid v Paris.
View attachment 132286
I have had a good experience from the east coast, flying to Dublin , spending the night, then flying to Biritz( in france) then a shutte to Bayonne where there is a quick bus or train to SJPP. The Ryanair was $25 , the shuttle $2 and bus $10. That was I was not exhausted when the next day you start the “ longest Day”Flying from the US to Madrid and then Madrid to US is about $700 cheaper than flying direct to Biarritz then flying back to the US from Santiago de Compostela. Madrid is just a 5 hour train ride from Santiago de Compostela, but I'm not sure how you would get from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port to start the Camino Frances.
Anyone have any advice? Shoudl I just pay the extra moneys for the ease of flying in to Biarritz (so I can hoof it to Saint Jean or take a taxi or whatever) or save it by centralizing to Madrid
the bus to sjpp does NOT stop in roncesvalles. that is a separate bus later in the afternoon. just go into the pamplona bus station and ask them.If I may ask, where did you get bus tickets to SJPdP and what was the cost? (and did it stop in Roncesvalles).
HiI've flown into Madrid twice, and took the train to Pamplona, then a taxi to SJPdP. The taxi is a bit expensive, but if you can find some other pilgrims to share the journey it's pretty reasonable. There is a bus from Pamplona to St Jean, but often it's not at a good time to connect from the train.
There is also a bus that goes to Pamplona. I have a friend that always takes the bus directly from the airport. I do believe that you have to make a bus change somewhere along the way. but it sounds like it's pretty easy.
Should be if your flight is on time.Hi
I expect to fly into Madrid on March 1 and catch a bus to Pamplona as my start point. Is 2 hours sufficient time to land, pick up my pack and get to the bus station?
ThanksShould be if your flight is on time.
i don’t know i flew from madrid to pamplona which was super convenient. check times on bus schedule but that seems like you might be cutting it close.Hi
I expect to fly into Madrid on March 1 and catch a bus to Pamplona as my start point. Is 2 hours sufficient time to land, pick up my pack and get to the bus station?
Hi
I expect to fly into Madrid on March 1 and catch a bus to Pamplona as my start point. Is 2 hours sufficient time to land, pick up my pack and get to the bus station?
there are numerous hotels close by, with buses running shuttle services.
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