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I booked a flight from LAX to Pamplona with a quick stop over in Madrid. Then you just need to get from Pamplona to SJPDP.
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Hi all,
Haven't purchased my airline ticket yet. Almost did three nights ago when I found a really good price. I am almost all ready to go this time (been planning since 2012). Got my clothes, pack, boots (not 100% happy with them but so far they don't hurt my feet - I think they just might be overkill for the Camino), most of the incidentals and I'm really getting tired of playing mind games with what to take and what not to take. Final decision will be made by departure date. I'm not afraid of the travel, nor the walking. Here is what's holding me up from pushing the purchase button for the airline. I'm female, will be 74 by then, pretty athletic, healthy and in good shape. I've been to Europe several times but always with a group and always someone else has made all arrangements. I just need someone to tell me I won't get lost and how easy it will be to get from MAD to SJPP. I've printed out a whole "how to get there from here" sheet posted by a forum member. I'm more interested in buses than trains or planes. I have ALSA's schedule printed out. I prefer going to Pamplona straight from airport but schedules may not work for me. Today I looked into EMT Madrid to get me to Avenida de America to catch ALSA from there. Once I make it to Pamplona I figure I will get a hotel and spend the night and start fresh to SJPP (and spend another night there before heading out walking). Hoping CONDA is running by June (couldn't find a time schedule for them). Does all this sound reasonable? The logistics of the timing from whatever flight I get and getting a bus to Madrid/Pamplona is what is keeping me up at night
Sorry for my long "question". If I can get this settled in my mind I will purchase my airline ticket and probably my ALSA ticket. Perhaps I should ditch the fear and let God and the Camino guide me.
Thanks so much. Really looking forward to this after all these years of planning.
P.S. Anyone else leaving from CA around that time?
Here is CONDA's version of the bus schedule for Pamplona to SJPdP.
http://www.conda.es/eventos.php?tipo=3&id=438
Problem: no matter what bus, you will get to SJPdP too late to start walking from SJPdP to Roncesvalles if you expect to get there before dark.
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Thanks for your help. I won't be on a tight schedule so I don't plan on walking immediately upon getting to SJPdP even if I arrive early in the day. I want to take in the town, spend the night, and start fresh in the morning. It's just all very confusing to someone who has always had someone else hand me my itinerary and tickets in a little blue travel case with a local language speaking guide waiting on the other end. I'm sure I will manage to get it all done.
Did you book a return flight to LAX at same time? If so, was it from Pamplona/Madrid/LAX or Madrid/LAX? Flying on into Pamplona does sound easier, but not sure I want to go back there after Santiago. Would rather go directly to Madrid then LAX. Sorry for my ignorance. I'm beginning to think I should go to AAA or someplace to help me with all this.
I booked my return trip at the same time but flew out of Santiago to Madrid to LAX.
I have flown from SFO to Madrid, then on to Pamplona. Easy, but a long day, especially if you continue to SJPP on the "same" day. You can also fly into Madrid and stay overnight if the transportation isn't convenient the same day. I am the kind of traveler who likes to plan everything in advance, so letting that all go was a big leap of faith for me. You will not get lost. If what you have planned doesn't work out, remember that there are other options, and I have found the people in Spain to be friendly and helpful, so just ask. For me, I would make reservations in Pamplona and SJPP before leaving home, just to make it easy when you get there. I use Booking.com and pick the ones with free cancellation so if something changes you're not stuck. You'll be fine!
I booked my return trip at the same time but flew out of Santiago to Madrid to LAX.
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