New Traveler

[Ally.O]

Hi Camino Friends!

I'm nervous about coordinating all of the travel details for my first camino. Should I book hostels in advance? What's the best way to get from a major airport to St. Jean-Pied-de-Port? Any suggestions would be welcome!

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi Ally, it all depends where you coming from and the time of the year you want to to walk the Camino.
Wish you well, Peter.

 

[SYates]

Hi Camino Friends!

I'm nervous about coordinating all of the travel details for my first camino. Should I book hostels in advance? What's the best way to get from a major airport to St. Jean-Pied-de-Port? Any suggestions would be welcome!

A lot of your questions/worried will be answered by reading through this section https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/frequently-asked-questions.16/ of the forum.

Booking to far in advance can really restrict your spontaneity/flexibility on the way. To get to SJPdP from France you are looking to get from Paris to Biarritz and then to SJPdP. In Spain it would be, for example, from Madrid to Pamplona and then to SJPdP.

Buen Camino, SY

 

[movinmaggie]

Hi Ally, SYates is right. I wouldn't book so far ahead if at all, with the exception of perhaps St. Jean and Orisson (if you don't plan to walk to Roncesvalle (sp?). You'll find so much info on the FAQ, as I did when I was planning my first journey. I do wish you Buen Camino. You'll never be quite the same.

 

[Americanperegrino]

You should be nervous, your doing something thats outside your 'normal' comfort level. Being nervous is perfectly normal, and I suspect that every single peregrino who has ever walked the Way was nervous. So, welcome. As others have pointed out, it depends where you're coming from. I flew from the USA into Madrid, took the high speed train from the airport to Pamplona, walked out the front door of the Pamplona train station and hailed a cab to SJPP. There are many other options ranging from flying into Pamplona, bus to Pamplona, Flying into Paris, Train to Biarritz, bus to SJPP. Check out the above link, and book your flights early. If you are going to use a cab, look around the train for other peregrinos, you might be able to split a cab.

 

[t2andreo]

Yup, please search and learn from the thousands of articles written on the subject of being a "first-timer" and logistical arrangements. Once you've recovered from that experience, feel free to ask any unique questions you may still have here.

Some of us, myself included, are notoriously long-winded on the forum and are willing to discuss anything. But, do narrow down the questions. Simply telling us, okay, I've decided to do this, now what do I do, is an very open question.

However, and because I cannot help being helpful... here is a start for you.

1. Fly into Paris from wherever you are. HOWEVER, if you are coming from the UK or the EU, disregard steps 1-3 here, as your transportation options are much better.
2. Take the "Les Cars du Air France" from the airports to Gare Montparnasse, Line #4 goes from CDG to the station (http://en.lescarsairfrance.com/).
3. Book the TGV to Bayonne, the journey takes about 5.5 hours.
4. At Bayonne, switch to the TER (local) #62 tram / light rail shuttle to St. Jean Pied de Port on the next track. There was a mud-slide last year. They substituted buses for the trains while the line was repaired. I do not know the present status of the TER line. Others will certainly know.
5. Book one or two nights BEFORE you start walking in St. Jean to finalize packing, gear selection, and getting over jet lag (if pertinent). Also, St. Jean is a wonderful old town to explore. Start off by being a tourist for a day or two. You will be glad you did.
6. Once you KNOW the departure date from St. Jean Pied de Port, book your first night at Refuge Orisson. They book via e-mail. They DIO return messages, but it can take some time. Be patient.

If you have tourist stuff or extra gear you will need at Sanitago but not before, ship it to Sanitago using Express Bourricot (http://www.expressbourricot.com/en/), or the poste. They are expensive, but ultra reliable and fast.

I hope this helps get you started...

 

[BrienC]

Your nervousness shall subside as you read through this forum and follow the various links to great advice.

TGV to Bayonne

Well before leaving the states, I used Raileurope.com to buy tickets from Paris Montparnassus station to Bayonne. There is also, Seat61.com, where you can find useful info and reservations. I believe it was there that I found a straight forward tutorial on how to catch the train into the city. Or take the bus directly to Montparnassus as Tom says.
I had never been to Paris, so flew in the day before my train trip to Bayonne. Spent the night walking around the city. I don't recommend this for everyone, but I had a blast seeing the sights and all the people out so very late (in June). Caught the train next morning and slept to Bayonne. Now, must go back so I can take the train and see the countryside.
Good to hear the train to SJPdP is back up and running.

 

[zzotte]

Hi Ally, don't be nervous thousands of pilgrims walked the path before and thousand more will after you, but unfortunately not all of them had the previlige to be a member in this forum therefore your worries are over you are in great hands before you know it you are an expert
Buen Camino

Zzotte

 

[Urban Trekker]

Hi Camino Friends!

I'm nervous about coordinating all of the travel details for my first camino. Should I book hostels in advance? What's the best way to get from a major airport to St. Jean-Pied-de-Port? Any suggestions would be welcome!

You didn't say where you live. I live in the states and I like to fly into Madrid and then take the train to or close to my starting point. You can take the subway to any of the Madrid train stations to Pamplona from the airport and you only need to know a little spanish. Buen Camino

Happy Trails

 

[mralisn]

Hello Ally,

Will second zzote above.

Much of your worries can be subsided with a long afternoon into evening of perusing this forum. There are many questions you will have which have been answered many times over and even more questions we really don't think to ask. As mentioned, using the search brings all kinds of great discoveries.

For your question, let us now you the time you are walking and from where you are flying. Much easier for us to help you get started.

In all of this, enjoy the journey. Very excited for you.

Keep a smile,
Simeon

 

[november_moon]

I was definitely anxious prior to my Camino - as others have said, you're outside your comfort zone, doing something you probably haven't done before, etc. But reading the sources of information suggested by the other posters is a great way to start. I think that when it comes down to it, the things you really need to do are this:
1. Figure out where you are going to start and the logistics of getting there (ie. flight to Madrid, train to _____).
2. Decide what to take with you and what to carry it in - and if you don't get everything right, don't worry - you can buy or ditch things along the way.
3. Get a map or guide book to take - actually this is optional, but I think that's nice to have, especially if you are anxious.
4. Do any physical or spiritual prep that you feel like you want to do.
5. Make a reservation for the night of your arrival (if you want to).

Once you get to the Camino, life gets very simple: Get up in the morning, walk, stop, eat, walk, stop mid-afternoon and look for a bed, shower, do laundry, hang out, eat dinner, have some beer or wine, make friends, go to sleep. Repeat until you get to Santiago.

 

[Americanperegrino]

One other small piece of 'advice'. Let go. Don't try to control everything. We all, myself in particular, get wrapped tight in to controlling every little detail. You will find that you have accumulated enough bricks with just living, so no need to borrow more...they do get heavy and you will feel each one with each step. The most difficult part of the CDS is letting go.