Planning ahead for transportation.

[twigsandribbons]

So I am planning to go on El Camino next year in 2010, sometime around the end of June to hopefully arrive in Santiago in time for July 25.

I've never done any kind of traveling like this before, never purchased plane tickets or traveled out of the country, so this aspect of the trip makes me a little bit nervous.

How far in advance *can* I buy plane tickets? How soon *should* I?

What about train/bus tickets?

I've read that fares are different for American on some of the train sites, what is the best way to avoid this and pay as little as possible?

I want to start my route from SJPP and finish at Santiago (possibly continuing onto Finisterre), and while times are flexible, I want it to be planned beforehand as much as possible because those aren't the sort of things I want to be worried about after my Camino.

Any and all help greatly appreciated!

- Lindsay

 

[WolverineDG]

You can start getting plane tickets 6 months out, but keep an eye out for fare sales. Definitely get your tickets while you can still at least get the 21 day fares.

If you want to start in SJP, there are several places you can fly into; most fly into Paris. That's what I'm doing this time. I fly out the next day on the early Easy Jet flight to Biarritz. On my homeward journey, I'm flying out of Madrid.

I booked this trip on Expedia, which came in $400 + lower than what I was seeing on the airlines' websites, and that's with taxes & fees!!!

As for bus/train tickets in Spain, you can usually walk up & buy them just before you get on the bus/train. There are some exceptions, such as the overnight train from Santiago to Madrid & holiday weekends.

Kelly