St Francis from Pamplona

[margie king]

Hi, I am a nervous newbie ( 67) who is presently in El Puerto Santa Maria. I will take the train to Madrid and on to Pamplona. I have read of busy days in the week and wonder about when to head to Pamplona... will the Pilgrim office be clear from the train when I arrive?

 

[HedaP]

Welcome to the forum, Margie. I always get nervous too. It’s normal but you’ll be fine once you start walking.
I don’t think there is a pilgrim office in Pamplona but no doubt there will be someone on this forum who does know. Don’t worry if there isn’t a pilgrim office because there are places where you can get a credential if you don’t already have one.
Buen camino

 

[SYates]

Hi and welcome to the forum @margie king

There isn't a pilgrim office per se in Pamplona, but you can get the pilgrims passport (if you haven't one already) either at the albergue Jesus y Maria or at the cathedral. To find them, the best thing is to pick up a city map at the train station. As for which day to choose: A lot of pilgrims start Friday/Saturday in Saint Jean Pied de Port/Roncesvalles and arrive circa 3-5 days later in Pamplona, others start, like you in Pamplona (often on a weekend). So if you are free to choose your day, I personally would aim at a Thursday/Friday start from Pamplona. But there is no warranty that it will be less busy as other pilgrims might do the same ;-)

Buen Camino, SY

 

[margie king]

So helpful! Thank you.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Are you starting the Camino Frances in Pamplona?

 

[Former member 49149]

Margie, I will attach a screenshot of a map section of Pamplona. In it you will find an icon towards top left, of a train. That is the station. There is a bus stop just outside. It is not far to the city, you are in the suburb of San Jorge. To walk, up to the Cathedral and/or an albergue, maybe half an hour. The bus, ten to fifteen minutes. Around the Cathedral, or the Plaza, there will be people, including policía, who will be helpful. It is a small city, friendly people - in my experience. Buen Camino!

 

[margie king]

Yes I am starting in Pamplona and my train arrives late on Thursday-after 11 PM.
Thank you. I am sure things will be fine, but good to know about the bus. I am not sure I'd be comfortable in a new place at that hour.
It will be too late for a hostel...

 

[Former member 49149]

Yes I am starting in Pamplona and my train arrives late on Thursday-after 11 PM.
Thank you. I am sure things will be fine, but good to know about the bus. I am not sure I'd be comfortable in a new place at that hour.
It will be too late for a hostel...

Your arrival time indicates that you need to book a room in an establishment that will be open at the time of your arrival. I know Hostel Hemingway is popular, but I do not know if they have late arrival entries. Some of the central hotels will definitely have that. A taxi rank will also be there, for sure, when you come out of the station. Pamplona is a city that feels safe to me.