ISSUES: Irún/Hendaye > Bayonne > SJPdP

[Christina Mauricio]

Hello all. Traveling from NYC 6/22, arriving in MAD 6/23, train to Irún/Hendaya 6/23 + overnight there. Next morning off to Bayonne. Having issues with the transport from Bayonne to SJPdP and have read in some places that there are track issues, so it is not possible to book this route ahead of time. I have, however, found this: http://plannerint.b-rail.be/bin//query.exe/en?L=b-rail&en=++++English++++ and will be arriving in SJPdP at 08:58 am. Are others doing this/a similar route?

I am looking for the advice of experienced Camino-ers... is it a good idea to start Phase 1 of the Camino that morning after visiting the tourism office? I assume I am not the only one that will be doing this route but would like some advice about the first day of walking. (I'm athletic, have been training for this for a few months, and young!) I know what I am about to say goes against what the Camino preaches but I am dead-set on arriving in Santiago on July 24 (my saint day) to spend the night with cousins and ring in 7/25 at midnight with my family.

Muchísimas gracias

 

[SabsP]

Is it important for you to start in St-Jean? Why not start in Pamplona so less hassle and stress. No one says you should start in St-Jean....

 

[Christina Mauricio]

Is it important for you to start in St-Jean? Why not start in Pamplona so less hassle and stress. No one says you should start in St-Jean....

I can start as close as Sarria! But I would like to start in Saint Jean. It has been a dream of mine to do all 800k. I would just like to make sure that I am going about this in the best way (for me). Thanks.

 

[naplesdon]

From Irun you can take a circuitous route by public transport to Bayonne and eventually SJPdP or you can go directly to Pamplona. Sarria is 600km away. Take a look at the maps and the transportation options.

 

[traveler]

Hello all. Traveling from NYC 6/22, arriving in MAD 6/23, train to Irún/Hendaya 6/23 + overnight there. Next morning off to Bayonne. Having issues with the transport from Bayonne to SJPdP and have read in some places that there are track issues, so it is not possible to book this route ahead of time.

No worries. We did this 10 days ago. Right now the "train" is a bus. Go to the train station buy a ticket from the vending machine and get on the bus in the parking lot. I was told that it doesn't fill up but we bought our tickets the night before. Not as romantic as a train, but it works (and is on the same schedule as the posted train schedule.

 

[whariwharangi]

The service provider from Bayonne to SJPdP is SNCF TER.

You can buy a ticket that is good for 90 days but you cannot reserve a seat on SNCF TER services even when the tracks are operational.

SNCF TER Aquitaine
http://www.ter.sncf.com/aquitaine/

The walk from SJPdP to Roncesvalles takes 8 - 10 hours. Your time appreciation should be based on time of sunset and that you probably don't want to be caught out in the mountains after dark, if only due to route finding difficulties. Your plan should have enough slack to cancel if weather is adverse.

Note the Pilgrim Office and the Tourist Office are two different entities.

 

[Anniesantiago]

My best advice (after walking at least 7 times) is to take the first stretch from SJPP to Roncesvalles in TWO DAYS!

Walk the first very steep 8 kilometers to Orisson the morning after you arrive.
Then either stay in Orisson, or walk back down (or taxi) and stay another night in SJPP.
Next morning, taxi up to Orisson and walk the rest of the route to Roncesvalles.

I have seen MORE injuries the 2nd day from people attempting to walk the entire stage in one day.
Yes, before 100 people say they did it, some DO it with no injury.
But many do not, and it's not worth ruining your Camino.
Take it in two days... go slow and take lots of rests and work into full stages slowly.
You'll be happy you did.

PS: And in reality, there ARE no "real" stages. Walk until you're tired, then stop. If you find you're not on schedule, hop on a bus and bus a stage or two. The only requirement for the Compostela is that you walk every step from Sarria, not from SJPP.

 

[navarro]

You can take a train from Hendaye to Bayonne and link with the line to St Jean. There are three times to go 7.14 Am 14,55 and 21,10. It takes 1 hour 15 min.
Contact With SNCF - Societe Nationel des Chemins de Fer-.
SNCF.com
I think that PLM autocars that operates from Madrid to Pamplona
has an extended line to St jean-pied de port an has a bus stop at Adolfo Suarez Madrid airport terminal T-4.
PLMautocares.com

Remember that:
The etape St Jean to Roscesvalles is very beautifull but it is long and hard.
Although you are in the mountains if the day is sunny could be very hot, protect you head and get a provission of food and water.
There is no villages along the way. Is possible that people on farms can´t understand you.
If you get involved in an emergency problem, lost, or injured call 112, the emergency services from France and Navarra in Spain are coordinated.
If it is possible do not walk alone. The way is well marked but fog can appear suddenly and get lost.
Buen camino.