For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
Ponferrada? I understand why you are starting from Ponferrada, personally it's not a place I really like, similar feelings towards the albergue there. The so called "Templar Castle" attracts some but it is best admired from afar. The Basilica de la Encina is much more interesting, the legend more intriguing. The tapas here are vastly overrated. The walkout a bit tedious. Watch your timing! Should you want to arrive and walk on, it's a good, say, 25 kilometers on to Villafranca del Bierzo, not difficult but not something you want to start after lunch. Cacabelos is still a stretch, has a funny round albergue plus plenty of alternative cheap accommodation. Villafranca is a place I like very much, plenty to see and nose about, good food, and great wine. Plan well.
ryanair or easyjet to madrid. then ALSA bus from 'Estación Sur' (metro méndez álvaro) in madrid to ponferrada's only bus station. easyHey folks and fellow pilgrims,i will be returning to the Camino to walk with a friend from Ponferrada where her Camino finished last year,i will be flying from London,what is the best way to get to Ponferrada,many thanks for any advice,Buen Camino.,Bernie.
ryanair or easyjet to madrid. then ALSA bus from 'Estación Sur' (metro méndez álvaro) in madrid to ponferrada's only bus station. easy
so true!Why go all the way into Madrid (Yes, Estación Sur) when one can go DIRECT from Madrid Barajas to Ponferrada?
Why go all the way into Madrid (Yes, Estación Sur) when one can go DIRECT from Madrid Barajas to Ponferrada?
Hi Bernie,
I'm currently living in Ponferrada and I would suggest your cheapest option would be to fly to Barcelona and take the train (I lived in Barcelona prior to Ponferrada). British Airways often has the cheapest flights (if travelling with luggage) and has a stack of flights all through the day to choose from. Typically you can get a seat for £60 in advance. (I checked randomly for 11th Feb).
There are two trains a day from Barcelona to Ponferrada, one in the morning at about 0930 and takes 9.5 hours and the other is overnight (2230 to 0630). The overnight train is a fully reclining seat or a bed. Again in advance (Again I checked for seats mid Feb) and you can get a seat on either train for 30€!!
If you take the daytime train you will of course be closely following the Camino Frances. If you take the overnight train then you can set off walking immediately and don't have to stay in Ponferrada.
And travelling via BCN also means that you can take in the stunning Sagrada Familia.
My second option would be Madrid and catch the bus (4.5 hours) - there are two different tariffs, the more expensive (called 'supra economy') one is for a more direct bus and also more comfortable seats (more legroom) which is important for me at 190cm tall.
Hope this is helpful and good luck in your plans,
Buen Camino
Nick
Very valid point. Thanks
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?