Only have 21 days. Can I make it from Pamplona to end in 21 days? Madrid to Pamplona?

[Roxanne Schreiber]

I am a single mother of a 6 year old and I just cannot bring myself to leave her more than 21 days. That is killing me already. Cld I make it from Pamplona to the end in 21 days? I'm fit and feel prepared. If so, how would I get from Madrid airport to Pamplona? Is there a place to stay the night in Pamplona? Recommendations? Sorry for the barrage of questions. Excited but overwhelmed. It will just be me traveling.

 

[whariwharangi]

how would I get from Madrid airport to Pamplona?

2002 Madrid Airport

The airport in Madrid is called Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD). There are 4 terminals. T1, T2, and T3 are connected while T4 is connected via shuttle. Terminal 4S is connected to Terminal 4 by Automatic People Mover (APM) and has a shuttle stop.

Madrid Airport (MAD)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Madrid-Barajas/en/

Information about the shuttle to T4 is located here
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee...554331229//Connections-between-terminals.html

2003 Getting around in Madrid

Connections to Madrid include subway (Metro), light rail transit (Cercanius), and Express bus (EMT).

Madrid Metro has stations at T1-T2-T3 and at T4. The trains run every 6 - 12 minutes.

Madrid Cercanius has a station at T4. The trains run every 30 minutes.

EMT Madrid Aeropuerto Express operates a bright yellow express bus every 13 -20 minutes from the airport T1-T2-T3 and airport T4 to Puerta de Atocha Renfe station.

Madrid Metro
http://www.metromadrid.es/en/index.html

Madrid Metro Map
http://www.metromadrid.es/export/sites/metro/comun/documentos/planos/Planomayo2013.pdf

Madrid Cercanius (operated by Renfe)
http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/cercanias/madrid/index.html

EMT Madrid provides Madrid transit bus services
http://www.emtmadrid.es/

EMT Madrid Aeropuerto Express
http://www.emtmadrid.es/lineaAeropuerto/index.html

2004 Train Service Madrid

Renfe operates Spain's national train network.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/index.html

2005 Madrid Train Stations

Madrid has two major Renfe train stations operated by adif; Puerto de Atocha and Chamartin.

Chamartin Renfe Station Madrid
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/17000/informacion_000295.shtml

Puerta de Atocha Renfe Station Madrid
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/60000/informacion_000070.shtml

2006 Madrid Airport to train station Puerto de Atocha

a. Puerto de Atocha is reached by Metro. Take line 8 from airport T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Nuevos Ministerios; line 10 to Tribunal; and, line 1 to Renfe Atocha.

b. Puerto de Atocha is reached by Renfe Cercanius direct from Madrid Airport T4

c. Puerto de Atocha is reached by EMT Madrid Aeropuerto Express direct from Madrid Airport.

2007 Madrid Airport to train station Chamartin

a. Chamartin is reached by Metro. Take line 8 from airport T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Nuevos Ministerios; and, line 10 to Chamartin.

b. Chamartin is reached by Renfe Cercanius direct from Madrid Airport T4.

2008 Bus Service Madrid

There are hundreds of bus companies in Spain. Usually the best tactic is to refer to bus station information at your destination for listings of bus service providers and schedules.

ALSA is a major bus carrier with service to Madrid.
http://www.alsa.es/en/

Avanza bus is a major bus carrier with service to Madrid.
http://www.avanzabus.com/web/default.aspx

2009 Madrid Bus Stations

There are several bus stations in Madrid. I've listed four. There likely are other stations that I'm not aware of at time of writing.

There is a bus station at Madrid Airport T4. See Transport and Access tabs.
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Madrid-Barajas/en/

Estacion Sur de Autobuses de Madrid
http://www.estacionautobusesmadrid.com/frameset.html

Intercambiador de Avenida de America
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intercambiador_de_Avenida_de_América

Moncloa
http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Estación_de_Moncloa

2010 Madrid Airport Access to Bus Station T4

There is a bus station at T4 Barajas Airport. A shuttle connects T1-T2-T3 with T4.

2011 Madrid Airport to bus station Avenida de America

Intercambiador de Avenida de America (Madrid) is co-located with the Metro. Take line 8 from Barajas airport T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Colombia; and, line 9 to Avenida de America.

2012 Madrid Airport to Estacion Sur de Autobuses de Madrid

Estacion Sur de Autobuses de Madrid is located near the Méndez Álvaro Metro Station. Take line 8 from Barajas airport T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Colombia; line 9 to Avenida de America; and, line 6 to Méndez Álvaro. Exit the Metro to find the bus station.

2013 Madrid Airport to bus station Moncloa

Madrid Moncloa is co-located with the Metro. Take line 8 from Barajas airport T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Nuevo Ministerios; and, line 6 to Moncloa.

Madrid to Pamplona

There are at least 3 options for travel from Madrid to Pamplona.

a. Travel by plane from Madrid to Pamplona.

b. Travel by Renfe train from Madrid to Pamplona.

c. Travel by bus from Madrid to Pamplona.

2053 Madrid to Pamplona by train

The Renfe train route from Madrid to Pamplona goes via Zaragoza. Transfers may be required so check the itenerary.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/index.html

2054 Madrid to Pamplona by bus

ALSA operates buses to Pamplona from Barajas Airport T4, and Estacion (or Intercambiador) de Avenida de America. Note there is usually a transfer at Soria or Zaragoza.

ALSA
https://www.alsa.es/

2056 Pamplona

Pamplona Airport (PNA)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Pamplona/en/Home.html

Estacion de Autobuses de Pamplona
http://estaciondeautobusesdepamplona.com/Inicio.aspx

Pamplona Renfe Station
http://www.adif.es/es_ES/infraestructuras/estaciones/80100/informacion_000111.shtml

 

[whariwharangi]

Cld I make it from Pamplona to the end in 21 days?

Define end?

710 km from Pamplona to Santiago. Thats 35 km per day. Its possible but its a lot more distance than most of us prefer. I would suggest a pace 20 - 25 km /day would be a more reasonable pace.

 

[tyrrek]

It would certainly be a challenge and more than most would want to do. It means no flexibility if you want to take a rest day, get ill etc. Is there any reason to start in Pamplona and not, say Burgos? Pamplona is great but you could spend a day or two there then bus to a different start point. At 35kms a day you‘ll also be less likely to form a ‘Camino family, which is a highlight of many a Camino. All of that said, you could start in Pamplona, see how you get on, and take a bus if necessary. Buen Camino!

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, Roxanne, welcome to the forum!

I have just returned from a two week stint volunteering in the pilgrims office and I now have a much better understanding of why first time camino walkers really want to end in Santiago. So many people told me that it was that first trip of 100 km, or from O Cebreiro, or from Leon, etc, into Santiago, that whet their appetite for more. So, anyway, I won't try to encourage you to just start in St. Jean and see how far you get, which is what many of us typically do suggest.

I also agree with Burgos as a starting point, unless you've got enough experience to know you can do an average of 35 km a day over a three week period. There are lots of people who can do that, but it is at the high end, more for an elite walker than the rest of us.

Let us know what you decide and we can help with the transportation. If you're going to stick with Pamplona, and if you haven't bought your ticket yet, you should check to see what adding on the Madrid-Pamplona and Santiago-Madrid legs cost. A forum member gave that tip a few years ago and since then I've found that flying to my starting point and back to Madrid from Santiago, if I buy it as part of my original international ticket, adds very little to the cost and saves a few days travel time. Anyway, good luck with your plans, buen camino, Laurie

 

[santiago_67]

Hi Roxanne, I agree with what peregrina 2000 said, " if you haven't bought your ticket yet, you should check to see what adding on the Madrid-Pamplona and Santiago-Madrid legs cost." Last year I flew Miami to Madrid and on to Pamplona and then back from Santiago to Madrid to Miami and it only made a difference of $70. I used the multi-city tab on kayak.com Buen Camino!

 

[davidinaus]

May I offer a different view . 20 km a day is about 4 hours or so walking , 5 with a coffee con lech or two. If the OP is fit and a walker 35k a day is not an issue noting that in many cases people start at 6am. My biggest frustration when I did the Camino in 2012 was that I relied on the "stages" in the first instance as I didn't know any better,,, but on ignoring that managed much more in a day without still being on the road at dusk (I'm 55 and not a walker per se)

Hope this helps

 

[Rambler]

Roxanne:
First question is where are you flying from? If it is Europe it is one thing, but if it is the Americas or Oceania, you will lose at least a day of travel both directions. Assume you want one day in Santiago, then you really only have 18 days. And if you are flying many time zones, at some point you will likely need a rest day to either overcome the jetlag, or to address blisters and fatigue. So let's say you have 17 days.
So if you walked 30kms per day for 17 days you would have 510kms covered. Burgos is pretty much that far from Santiago.

You can easily fly, bus or train to Burgos from Madrid.
I think Tyrek has a good option for you. Also remember that anything could go wrong (cancelled or delayed fight there, missed connection, lost bag) and you would have painted yourself into a corner. 30kms per day is still a very hard pace to maintain, but if you are very fit, and keep your pack to about 8kgs, it is doable.

But you may need a vacation from your vacation when you get home...

Leon would give you much more flexibility and you could walk to Finisterre after Santiago to complete your Camino. My daughter and I did this and we had only 21 days. It was perfect because we were never rushed and always able to do the things we wanted.

That may be another option.

Rambler

 

[Houlet]

I'm 66 and have just completed SJPdP to Santiago in 21 days, walking on average from 06:30 to 14:00, so it is definitely possible. I just depends on what your goals are.

 

[MichelleNichols]

I'm walking the Camino w my 22-year old dtr so I understand your moms' worries.
Re bikes: listen to posters above. Walk.
Re safety: there are going to be short, slightly spooky stretches if you're city girls BUT you've got each other, you can wait for others to walk with you, you can bring a big whistle. I bought my daughter a knife in Spain to cut bread but she could use it other ways if necessary.
Re adventure: there's risk in everything, including staying home. Come. Walk. Enjoy. Text or Email your moms daily. And bring them home nice presents!

 

[viv1959]

I am a single mother of a 6 year old and I just cannot bring myself to leave her more than 21 days. That is killing me already. Cld I make it from Pamplona to the end in 21 days? I'm fit and feel prepared. If so, how would I get from Madrid airport to Pamplona? Is there a place to stay the night in Pamplona? Recommendations? Sorry for the barrage of questions. Excited but overwhelmed. It will just be me traveling.

Hi Roxanne I am on camino at the moment and started in pamplona. My first camino so I am no expert. But here is my opinion, start later on the journey, start slower than you think and have time to enjoy your camino. It is not a race it is a wonderful experience to be enjoyed!

 

[lettinggo]

Hola

Best advice I can give is to go ahead with your plan.
Once on the road you will find out both if it is possible for you, but also if it is the speed you want to walk.
Along the camino you can jump a bus if you are short of time.
Go slow the first week, to allow your body to adjust and you will be fine.

Buen Camino
Lettinggo

 

[Roxanne Schreiber]

Wow, I already feel like a pelegrino with all of this support. Many many thanks and it was all helpful. I so want to walk as much as I can and truly enjoy this experience but I am flying in from US and do see that in all reality I will only have 18 to 19 days to truly walk. I thought about starting at Longrona or Burgos instead as I don't want to stress myself out. And now I have a new question. Will the train take me to either place from Madrid? And I believe I can take a taxi to train station and then I guess refer to the link provided in first post of which train to take. It's a little daunting as it will just be me and my Spanish is ok but limited. Also, what is the best recommendation to get back from Santiago to Madrid? Many many thanks again for the support. It is very much appreciated.

 

[whariwharangi]

Madrid to Burgos.

Use Renfe train or Alsa bus.

Most but not all Renfe trains depart for Burgos Rosa de Lima Station from Madrid Chamartin Station.

Buses depart from Madrid Avenida de America. Some but not all buses stop at Madrid Airport T4 on their way to Burgos. A transfer is required at Soria. Bus station is downtown Burgos near the Cathedral.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/index.html

ALSA
https://www.alsa.es/

 

[alex1972]

You could also walk from Saint Jean Pie de Port in 21 days. Take care of tendinitis

 

[Roxanne Schreiber]

Hi, Roxanne, welcome to the forum!

I have just returned from a two week stint volunteering in the pilgrims office and I now have a much better understanding of why first time camino walkers really want to end in Santiago. So many people told me that it was that first trip of 100 km, or from O'Cebreiro, or from Leon, etc, into Santiago, that whet their appetite for more. So, anyway, I won't try to encourage you to just start in St. Jean and see how far you get, which is what many of us typically do suggest.

I also agree with Burgos as a starting point, unless you've got enough experience to know you can do an average of 35 km a day over a three week period. There are lots of people who can do that, but it is at the high end, more for an elite walker than the rest of us.

Let us know what you decide and we can help with the transportation. If you're going to stick with Pamplona, and if you haven't bought your ticket yet, you should check to see what adding on the Madrid-Pamplona and Santiago-Madrid legs cost. A forum member gave that tip a few years ago and since then I've found that flying to my starting point and back to Madrid from Santiago, if I buy it as part of my original international ticket, adds very little to the cost and saves a few days travel time. Anyway, good luck with your plans, buen camino, Laurie

Hi Laurie, thanks so much for the information. I'm actually now trying to start in Logrono but cannot find a train from Madrid to Logrono on Saturday. Also a little worried about getting to train station. Have decided to just take a taxi from airport to train station bc I'm directionally challenged and am afraid I would get too confused with all the connections via the metro. If you have other recommendations, they are certainly welcome. Thanks again.

 

[jpflavin1]

I am a single mother of a 6 year old and I just cannot bring myself to leave her more than 21 days. That is killing me already. Cld I make it from Pamplona to the end in 21 days? I'm fit and feel prepared. If so, how would I get from Madrid airport to Pamplona? Is there a place to stay the night in Pamplona? Recommendations? Sorry for the barrage of questions. Excited but overwhelmed. It will just be me traveling.

Roxanne:

Can this be done in 21 days, possibly. Would I recommend you try to walk it in 21 days, no. I just think you would be to rushed and not really have the time to enjoy your walk. I would recommend you start in Sahagun or even Leon. Starting in Leon would be my recommendation. This will give you the opportunity to walk at a more common pace, including walking with new friends you will meet along the way. If things go well you might even have time to walk to Finisterre or spend time in Santiago with friends. If you have any medical issues or just want to take a day off, this start will give you that buffer.

Both Sahagun and Leon are available by train from Madrid Chamartin train station.

Hope this helps,
Joe

 

[whariwharangi]

Renfe provides service to Logroño. When selecting Logroño make sure you select the destination with the - ñ.
http://www.renfe.com/

There are 5 trains this Saturday. They leave from Madrid Puerta de Atocha. A transfer is required at Zaragosa.

Madrid Airport to train station Puerto de Atocha

a. Puerto de Atocha is reached by Metro. Take line 8 from airport T1-T2-T3 or T4 to Nuevos Ministerios; line 10 to Tribunal; and, line 1 to Renfe Atocha.

b. Puerto de Atocha is reached by Renfe Cercanius direct from Madrid Airport T4

c. Puerto de Atocha is reached by bright yellow EMT Madrid Aeropuerto Express bus direct from Madrid Airport.

 

[santiago_67]

Hi Laurie, thanks so much for the information. I'm actually now trying to start in Logrono but cannot find a train from Madrid to Logrono on Saturday. Also a little worried about getting to train station. Have decided to just take a taxi from airport to train station bc I'm directionally challenged and am afraid I would get too confused with all the connections via the metro. If you have other recommendations, they are certainly welcome. Thanks again.

The alsa bus system (http://www.alsa.es/en/) is wonderful in Spain. You can take a bus from the T4 terminal at the Madrid airport to Logroño - there are 4 or 5 buses a day to Logroño. Buen Camino!

 

[CaminoKris2013]

I'm 66 and have just completed SJPdP to Santiago in 21 days, walking on average from 06:30 to 14:00, so it is definitely possible. I just depends on what your goals are.

It also depends on what kind of condition you are in. My feeling is that unless you are walker that has experienced walking in all kinds of weather and terrains, don't push yourself to hard in the beginning.

You will build up (and you are hearing this from a couch potato). I finished my 4th day (SJPDP to Orrisson, Roncesvalle to Bizkaretta, Bizkaretta to Zubiri and today Zubiri to Zurlain. ). Maybe only about 40 km altogether (not accounting for inclines and descents), I am definitely feeling better than my first night, and I expect to feel even better 4 days from now (assuming I make it over Alto del Perdon).


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[santiago_67]

It also depends on what kind of condition you are in. My feeling is that unless you are walker that has experienced walking in all kinds of weather and terrains, don't push yourself to hard in the beginning.

You will build up (and you are hearing this from a couch potato). I finished my 4th day (SJPDP to Orrisson, Roncesvalle to Bizkaretta, Bizkaretta to Zubiri and today Zubiri to Zurlain. ). Maybe only about 40 km altogether (not accounting for inclines and descents), I am definitely feeling better than my first night, and I expect to feel even better 4 days from now (assuming I make it over Alto del Perdon).


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

CaminoKris, your advise is excellent. I did the same thing last year (at age 67). I started with 10 km days, then 15 and half way through my Camino I could do 20-25 km. The Spanish have a saying that translates to, "Start like an old man, finish like a young man." Buen Camino!