Starting CF in Astorga?

[jenner]

If I start CF in Astorga, is it easier to access from Santiago or Madrid? Looking at options online, it seems like it would take about the same time from either city. Is that right? Thanks!

 

[trecile]

Have you looked at Rome2Rio.com?

It would really depend on where you can fly into. It sounds like you are looking at flights to Madrid or Santiago, and trying to decide which is best.

Astorga is easiest to access from León.

 

[SabsP]

Alsa bus from Madrid airport T4 to Astorga.
Different daily buses with longer and shorter routes but all direct.

 

[jenner]

Alsa bus from Madrid airport T4 to Astorga.
Different daily buses with longer and shorter routes but all direct.

Thank you. By the way, how do the Alsa busses compare to the trains, seating/comfort wise? Curious.

 

[jenner]

Have you looked at Rome2Rio.com?

It would really depend on where you can fly into. It sounds like you are looking at flights to Madrid or Santiago, and trying to decide which is best.

Astorga is easiest to access from León.

Yes, trying to decide which city to fly into. It looks to me like the bus travel times are about the same from either.

 

[trecile]

Yes, trying to decide which city to fly into. It looks to me like the bus travel times are about the same from either.

Can you fly into León?

 

[Robo]

Not sure about Santiago, but we have accessed Astorga from Madrid and it was very easy.
Nice fast train with lovely views, with a quick change in Leon.
Literally one platform to the next.
On the way into Astorga the train goes along next to the Camino

Just looking through train timetables. Not sure that fast train connection still runs though.

Best way to travel from Chamartín to Astorga in 2022

Trains and buses are the easiest way to get from Chamartín to Astorga and depart 4 times a day. You can find and compare other options here.

www.rome2rio.com

 

[jenner]

Can you fly into León?

I will check!

 

[J Willhaus]

Buses are pretty comfortable and some have wifi. Almost always cheaper than the train and often leaving more often. Trains are usually pretty comfortable (some exceptions of course) and some have wifi and some don't. Usually more expensive. This summer I took eight different trips during my 6 wks in Spain by train and bus. Some were train/bus connections, others just bus or just train. If I were going to Astorga from Madrid, I would probably take the bus from the Airport. It is just easier than getting to the train station from the airport when you are tired after a long flight to catch a train. However, if you plan to stay overnight in Madrid the first night then the train could also be a good option.

Going on to Santiago or Leon adds another leg to your flight and sometimes that is the next day and then you still have to get to the bus/train station to take a bus or train to Astorga.

However, all these options are usually possible and it just is up to you. I am always very jet lagged when I arrive from the States and need a couple of days before I can start walking. I like to stay overnight in Madrid, travel to where I will start walking by bus or train and then stay another night to help me overcome the jetlag.

 

[trecile]

Another question is how easy is it to fly into Sarria or León vs Madrid?
Usually there aren't as many options when flying into small airports, and there are often more connections that need to be made.

 

[donalomahony]

Alsa bus from Madrid airport T4 to Astorga.
Different daily buses with longer and shorter routes but all direct.

Agree!

 

[mvanert]

If I start CF in Astorga, is it easier to access from Santiago or Madrid? Looking at options online, it seems like it would take about the same time from either city. Is that right? Thanks!

I found the bus from the Madrid airport direct to Astorga to work perfectly for me.

 

[Susan Peacock]

Looks like you are from the US. I suspect you will be flying through Madrid to get to Santiago. In that case going to Santiago is an extra step.
I suggest you train from Madrid to Leon. Spend a day or two recovering from jet lag and seeing this beautiful city. You can then go on to Astorga. Keep in mind that they don’t post bus and train schedules far in advance, so it may appear that this isn’t possible. It is.

 

[Myra13]

Next october I'll fly into Bilbao (from Amsterdam) and then take a direct train to Astorga.
Normally I take a bus. Is very good.

 

[Alan Pearce]

I am flying from Madrid to Santiago on August 31st. On Sept. 2nd I am taking the 8.00AM train to Astorga, arriving about 1.00 PM. I am staying that night at Albergue Las Aguedas in the village of Murias de Rechivalda, some 4 KM from Astorga on the way to Rabanal del Camino. Las Aguedas is on of my all-time favourite albegues, and have stayed there 3 times before.

 

[Embee12]

I will will take the AVE train from Madrid-Chamartin. It was suggested to me on this forum that I might opt to take the Confort class (1st Class), which is just a few dollars more, and provides more space and some solo seats. I was able to purchase my ticket just the other night. There are a few trains following that one should I miss it due to delays, but am hoping that 3+ hours will be enough time to get through Customs and to the station.

https://www.raileurope.com/en-us

 

[J Willhaus]

@Embee12 if you come into T4 there is a direct train from the airport to Chamartin in the lower level.

 

[lt56ny]

Thank you. By the way, how do the Alsa busses compare to the trains, seating/comfort wise? Curious.

I am 6'2". I have more legroom on the bus if I sit on the aisle than the train. They are both comfortable but I have always been on a train where the seats face each other so if it is crowded I can't stretch out anywhere near as well.

 

[Embee12]

@Embee12 if you come into T4 there is a direct train from the airport to Chamartin in the lower level.

@J Willhaus Thanks! I was going to ask when I got closer to the date! Now I know!