- Time of past OR future Camino
- Frances; Aragones; VdlP; Madrid-Invierno; Levante
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) |
---|
Hello @Albertagirl: With regards to Canadian COVID regulations, I returned to Toronto from Madrid yesterday (with a connecting flight in Lisbon). The current Canadian test requirement is that a PCR test must be completed within 72 hours of the flight departure. The cheaper, faster rapid antigen test is not acceptable. THIS IS IMPORTANT. I saw a number of people at the airport gates being denied entry to their flights because they did not have a test or the appropriate test. In fact, the couple that I sat beside on the flight from Lisbon to Toronto had experienced it. They had arrived at the airport for their flight last Friday, but were not allowed to board because they did not have a test. They had to spend considerable time and money re-booking their flights, arranging the tests, and on food and accommodation in Lisbon. It had extended their planned trip by 4 days.Hello to all from another volunteer hospitalera for Nájera. Today I finished my pilgrim walk in Santiago and am spending a few days resting in San Martin Pinario and preparing for my hospitalera stint in Nájera. I shall travel there on the 13th to be on duty the next morning. Another hospitalera will be joining me there a day or two later, so I hope that someone there now can cover for the day (or two). My return flight to Canada goes from Madrid airport on the very early morning of November 29, and I may have to get a PCR test at the airport in sufficient time for it to be processed before my flight. If anyone has up-to-date information on Canadian covid travel regulations, please pass it on.
Albertagirl
Hi AB Girl!Hello to all from another volunteer hospitalera for Nájera. Today I finished my pilgrim walk in Santiago and am spending a few days resting in San Martin Pinario and preparing for my hospitalera stint in Nájera. I shall travel there on the 13th to be on duty the next morning. Another hospitalera will be joining me there a day or two later, so I hope that someone there now can cover for the day (or two). My return flight to Canada goes from Madrid airport on the very early morning of November 29, and I may have to get a PCR test at the airport in sufficient time for it to be processed before my flight. If anyone has up-to-date information on Canadian covid travel regulations, please pass it on.
Albertagirl
From: https://happytravel.viajes/test-pcr/donde-hacer-el-pcr-en-la-rioja/Where to do the PCR in Nájera
◉ Name: Unipresalud medical center
Address : Brieva, 2 bajo (Corner Calle San Fernando). Najera
Telephone : 941 362 277
Observations: The extraction hours are Tuesday and Friday from 08:00 to 09:30. The Covid IgG and IgM antibody test costs 40 euros. The Covid test costs 110 euros, the post-vaccination test costs 30 euros and the antigen test costs 50 euros.
Thanks for highlighting that! I didn't think to mention it since 3 hours seemed like plenty for time to get between the two, but for reference there are several city buses that run from the train station (Rosa de Lima) to within a block or two of the bus station.The bus and train station are not colocated in Burgos. They are several km apart.
Ok. Actually met John one year when he was volunteering in Foncebadón and I was walking. Of course he won't remember me though. Nájara is IMHO an easier posting as it involves no cooking.I didn’t meet Paul, he left the day before, it was from John who was frazzled by a nearly full house.
As @Albertagirl has said, there is no train from Santiago to Logroño this Saturday 13 November, and none that I can see on the Renfe website, but as others have pointed out there is a train from Santiago to Burgos this Saturday 13 November and then a Jiménez Movilidad bus from Burgos to Najéra, and the transfer from Burgos train station to Burgos bus station can easily be achieved within the given timeframe, either by citybus or even on foot. The distance from Burgos train station to Burgos Cathedral is 5 km and pretty straightforward to walk, and then it is about 400 m from the Cathedral to Burgos bus station, again pretty straightforward and easy to find.As others have mentioned travel Santiago to Logroño by train and Jiménez bus to Nájara. I made the same trip when I volunteered there.
Yes. About 5½ km.either by citybus or even on foot (a distance of 5 km I think?)
Thanks @Kathar1na. There are so many good suggestions here that I feel I have choices. At present, it makes sense to me to take the train to Burgos from Santiago then a Jiménez Movilidad bus from the Burgos bus depot to Nájera, largely because I served as a hospitalera in Emaus in Burgos and both stations feel familiar to me. I shall have to check the times for Saturday, then purchase the train ticket in advance and ensure that I am prepared. I went through the Ourense train station recently and I don't recall any particular problems, but five minutes does seem very tight timing and station staff were not helpful. Any delay could undermine the schedule, but I don't see an option.As @Albertagirl has said, there is no train from Santiago to Logroño this Saturday 13 November, and none that I can see on the Renfe website, but as others have pointed out there is a train from Santiago to Burgos this Saturday 13 November and then a Jiménez Movilidad bus from Burgos to Najéra, and the transfer from Burgos train station to Burgos bus station can easily be achieved within the given timeframe, either by citybus or even on foot. The distance from Burgos train station to Burgos Cathedral is 5 km and pretty straightforward to walk, and then it is about 400 m from the Cathedral to Burgos bus station, again pretty straightforward and easy to find.
I already have an accommodation booking for the night before my flight with Hostal Vicky in Barajas , who will shuttle me to the airport for a very early flight. I shall book the PCR test at the airport for the day before, allowing 12 hours for processing.Re the covid test:
From: https://happytravel.viajes/test-pcr/donde-hacer-el-pcr-en-la-rioja/
Editing to add: call them to confirm they can offer a PCR test: I am surmising from the cost that what is referred to as "The Covid test" in the above quote is a PCR test, but don't know. If so, and if the timing of scheduling the sample works out, this would mean you wouldn't need to go to Madrid early
For my first arrival in Burgos, I went the opposite way. I walked out of an exit from the bus station and looked right. There was a city wall with a curved open gate in it, as in your first photo. It looked interesting, so I trotted through, and there I was! I hope that it will be as simple getting to the bus station from the out of town train.
There seems to be an infinite variety of possible complications. Of the three Alsa buses which can take me from Logroño to Madrid airport, only the one which leaves Logroño at 8 am can arrive in time to get the PCR test done and processed 12 hours before my early flight the next morning. The other two buses would be too late for the twelve hour processing, or require an overnight bus trip a day in advance. I must be at the airport the day before, as my flight leaves very early on November 29. This is the second change made by Air Canada, and there may be more before I fly. Air Canada is currently promising to update the schedule three days in advance. That could mean anything. To summarize, there is simplicity in having the PCR test done in advance: one less thing to do at the airport. But I trust the airport tests and I'm not sure I can trust them elsewhere. It is one more option that I can look into after I arrive in Nájera. Thanks for that.Re the covid test:
From: https://happytravel.viajes/test-pcr/donde-hacer-el-pcr-en-la-rioja/
Editing to add: call them to confirm they can offer a PCR test: I am surmising from the cost that what is referred to as "The Covid test" in the above quote is a PCR test, but don't know. If so, and if the timing of scheduling the sample works out, this would mean you wouldn't need to go to Madrid early
You're welcome.I'm not sure I can trust them elsewhere. It is one more option that I can look into after I arrive in Nájera. Thanks for that.
Agree. If I were in your shoes, @Albertagirl, which I am not, I would take the test at the last minute before leaving Najera. Their test centre MUST conform to standards. That way, you have time to receive the results, without having to contend with another pressure, apart from getting to the airport on time.You're welcome.
Labs are responsible for the accuracy of their results, so you shouldn't need to worry about that.
More important is
1. Whether they are actually offering a PCR test; 2. Whether the reporting format meets the necessary specifications; and
3. Whether the collecting schedule fits the legal cutoff time for your itinerary - whatever that ends up being.
But you have two weeks in Nájera to suss all that out.
Hello @Albertagirl: With regards to Canadian COVID regulations, I returned to Toronto from Madrid yesterday (with a connecting flight in Lisbon). The current Canadian test requirement is that a PCR test must be completed within 72 hours of the flight departure. The cheaper, faster rapid antigen test is not acceptable. THIS IS IMPORTANT. I saw a number of people at the airport gates being denied entry to their flights because they did not have a test or the appropriate test. In fact, the couple that I sat beside on the flight from Lisbon to Toronto had experienced it. They had arrived at the airport for their flight last Friday, but were not allowed to board because they did not have a test. They had to spend considerable time and money re-booking their flights, arranging the tests, and on food and accommodation in Lisbon. It had extended their planned trip by 4 days.
I had reserved a time beforehand for my test at the Madrid airport COVID Test Centre, but I believe they accept walk-ins as well. The PCR test cost 58 euros, and they said that the result would be available by e-mail in 12 hours. I had my results within 9 hours. I took the test early on Sunday afternoon for an early Tuesday morning flight out of Madrid. During the homecoming process, I was asked by the airlines to produce the actual test certificate twice, and it was scrutinized carefully each time. There has been some speculation in the press for the past few weeks that the Canadian government will eventually drop this testing requirement, but that has not happened yet.
The other Canadian requirement is that you need to fill in and submit the ArriveCan app. It is a fairly simple process. The one difficult item (for me) was that you are required to attach a copy of your proof of vaccination to the submission. I eventually figured out how to do that on my phone. You can download and start filling in the app anytime and save it, but you cannot submit it until you have your test result.
I apologize if this is hijacking the original thread, but this details my recent experience. Moderators, please feel free to move it if you think it should be elsewhere.
There is an app in iPhone that scans and can save such documents (Notes). There will be one for other phones as well. Keep your eyes peeled for helpers on the ground who can assist you, in Santiago, and in Najera.I definitely need help to attach copies of my proofs of vaccination to the ArriveCAN app. My proofs of vaccination are printed forms on two double-sided sheets of paper with the information filled in in print by the nurses who vaccinated me: standard procedure for Alberta, but not professional in appearance and I have no idea how to attach them. Just take photos? How do I attach them? I started this app, and am currently not permitted to go any further.
There is an app in iPhone that scans and can save such documents (Notes). There will be one for other phones as well. Keep your eyes peeled for helpers on the ground who can assist you, in Santiago, and in Najera.
Another thought: you are in Santiago. Go to somewhere safe - like Natefaith, or Egeria house, or Ivar's place, ask them to help you with the scanning and saving...I definitely need help to attach copies of my proofs of vaccination to the ArriveCAN app. My proofs of vaccination are printed forms on two double-sided sheets of paper with the information filled in in print by the nurses who vaccinated me: standard procedure for Alberta, but not professional in appearance and I have no idea how to attach them. Just take photos? How do I attach them? I started this app, and am currently not permitted to go any further.
I was in Pilgrim House on Tuesday. With Faith's help, I got my phone working and went on to do some necessary work. I would be in worse shape communicating with my phone without her assistance, and that of others on this forum.Thanks to all who felt inspired and able to assist.Another thought: you are in Santiago. Go to somewhere safe - like Natefaith, or Egeria house, or Ivar's place, ask them to help you with the scanning and saving...
edit: or the Pilgrim office centre. There are a couple of offices there for welcome and help for pilgrims...
There is no need to worry about this. I had a look at the ArriveCan app. You can attach your proofs of vaccination either as a digital file or as photos that you take through the ArriveCan app. You are in luck as you have your proofs of vaccination in printed form. Simply position your iPhone above the sheet and click where it says "Photo" when you have reached this point while filling in the form. You can either take one single photo containing proof of 2 vaccine doses or two photos each containing proof of a separate vaccine dose.I definitely need help to attach copies of my proofs of vaccination to the ArriveCAN app. My proofs of vaccination are printed forms on two double-sided sheets of paper with the information filled in in print by the nurses who vaccinated me: standard procedure for Alberta, but not professional in appearance and I have no idea how to attach them. Just take photos? How do I attach them? I started this app, and am currently not permitted to go any further.
Your comment here reminds me of my experience when going through security in Heathrow airport on my way to Spain. Many hours of research and effort produced a perfect file (so I thought) but I'm fairly sure that no one ever looked at it. However, I could not risk the possible consequences of leaving the file incomplete.Agree. If I were in your shoes, @Albertagirl, which I am not, I would take the test at the last minute before leaving Najera. Their test centre MUST conform to standards. That way, you have time to receive the results, without having to contend with another pressure, apart from getting to the airport on time.
Allow me: I recently had to deal with a weight of tension in relation to Covid certs, and boarding cards, and so on and so forth. I did my part. Then, as I have written elsewhere, if I had had a photo of Mickey Mouse, it would have made no difference, as it - the required Covid proof - was not asked for. I needed to have it. They did not ask for it! So, I totally understand your need to ensure you have done all that you have been required to do.
Exactly. You will get the help you need, no doubt about that!Your comment here reminds me of my experience when going through security in Heathrow airport on my way to Spain. Many hours of research and effort produced a perfect file (so I thought) but I'm fairly sure that no one ever looked at it. However, I could not risk the possible consequences of leaving the file incomplete.
Transfer the load, dear @Albertagirl ! So good to know you are almost there. I have no idea of the route, but my own train journey from Santiago to Bilbao so many thousands of years ago was such a delight. Retracing kilometres in minutes that had taken hours and days... do start a new thread, we will be avid to read what you have to say.So since this thread is about getting from Santiago to Nájera I thought some of you might be amused by an update. All went well leaving Santiago. I even had time to scoff down a useful amount of the free breakfast before taking a taxi to the train station. With all the other passengers on the train, I transferred trains in Órense. I was a little surprised to find myself on the high-speed train to Barcelona. I expect that I shall be let off in Burgos. I am hoping for a bus to the bus station, but shall walk if I must. I am very well provisioned for the day. so can stop every few minutes to eat something and lighten the load.
I have had a good look at the maps of Burgos and Nájera, so I think I know where I am going. I shall deal with any adventures when they come along, hopefully not in Barcelona.
Thanks again for all who helped to set me on my way. I expect to reach Nájera after dark this evening.
Via Ponferrada, which I visited briefly on my last camino, as I transferred to the Invierno.Retracing your steps part of the way from the sound of it.
May it all go well, fidgeting people notwithstanding.
Do you go via Ponferrada or Zamora? Either way, backtracking on a camino. Enjoy. and safe travels!
Download app ‚Rome to Rio‘. Multiple options with bus/train. Easiest is train to Logroño then bus to Najera. But you can also take a train via Madrid but need to change a couple of timesI have discovered that transportation to Nájera from Santiago is pretty much impossible. I am hoping that someone at Nájera has better information or options. I have just spent some time at the Santiago bus/train station trying to sort it out. What I could find is that there is no convenient public transportation to Nájera. There are daily Alsa buses with connections to Logroño- leaving Santiago at 3:00 pm and arriving in Logroño at 1:20 am. As for trains, there is no Saturday service, which is the day that I was hoping that I might get to Logroño by train, then on to Nájera. If I leave Santiago on Friday, a day earlier than I planned, and if the train arrives in Logroño at a reasonable daytime hour, I could probably get a taxi to Nájera from the Logroño train station. I need some help here, so am hoping that someone with recent information about the situation in Nájera-Logroño can pass it on to me.
I have found the Alsa bus ticket machine in Santiago to be impossible to use, as did the potential customer in front of me.
I must also keep at the front of my mind my need to get to the Madrid airport in good time on Nov. 28, to get a PCR test in time for it to be processed before my flight early the next morning. I no longer trust Alsa to get me anywhere.
If anyone has better information, please pass it on.
Bis from Logroño hourlyDownload app ‚Rome to Rio‘. Multiple options with bus/train. Easiest is train to Logroño then bus to Najera. But you can also take a train via Madrid but need to change a couple of times
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?