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Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Starting in SJPP, Travel To SJPP & Accomodations

Gemajams

Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Sept 5, 2017, starting in St. Jean
Hi.

We're getting close and we're super excited. We arrive in Madrid Sept 4th and will travel to St. Jean where we will begin our walk on the 5th.

1. What's the best way to travel from Madrid to St Jean? I have some idea but would like to hear from you.

2. Looking for accommodations in St Jean that are reasonable.

3. We expect to begin our walk early in the morning on the 5th are there any shop open early enough in the morning where we can purchase or Pilgrim passport?

4. I hear there's a service you can have your pack transported to your next Hostel destination...are they trustworthy? Howe do you make these arrangements?

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Thank you
Gem
 
Join our full-service guided tour of the Basque Country and let us pamper you!
What's the best way to travel from Madrid to St Jean?
There are buses from terminal T-4 to Pamplona, then a bus to SJPdP. There are trains from Chamartin train station after you take the shuttle from T-4 to the station. You then need to take a taxi or bus to the bus station for the bus to SJPdP.
 
There are buses from terminal T-4 to Pamplona, then a bus to SJPdP. There are trains from Chamartin train station after you take the shuttle from T-4 to the station. You then need to take a taxi or bus to the bus station for the bus to SJPdP.
Thank you Falcon269
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Last year I flew from Chicago to Madrid and landed around 8 am local time. I then took a noon flight from Madrid to Biarritz. It was a 50 min flight and super cheap, under $100, I think. From there you can take a short bus or cab ride to Bayonne and spend the night. Bayonne is a great little town, you'll love taking some time to walk around and checking it out. The next morning you can catch the train from Bayonne to St Jean. Boom! It was super convenient and easy.
 
@Gemajams what fun!

1. I took the bus option from Terminal 4 to Pamplona, stayed overnight, and then bus the following day to SJPdP. The buses can be booked online before leaving home. The bus from Pamplona to SJPdP travels across winding mountain roads so take precautions against motion sickness if you are susceptible. You won't be the only ones travelling. Fellow pilgrims will be easy to spot because of their backpacks and almost invariably happy to get involved in a chat.

2. There are several nice and reasonably priced places to stay in SJPdP. I enjoyed staying at Gite d'étape Azkorria. Kind host, great location, nice breakfast shared with other pilgrims, and there is a choice of small dormitory or private rooms. This is just one of plenty of other equally good options.

3. By far the best place to get your pilgrim passport in SJPdP is at the Pilgrim Office. Getting it there is all part of the fun. Also these folks are aware of the weather forcasts and the condition of the path. They will give you wise advice as well as a useful list of albergues all the way to Santiago. The Pilgrim Office has very good opening hours. It may be that getting your pilgrim passport on the afternoon or evening you arrive would be the most convenient.

4. The hosts at your accommodations will generally help you arrange luggage transfer. Again there are plenty of options. I can't recommend any one company but I'm guessing they all offer similar services.

Have a very buen camino.
 
Last edited:
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Thank you again Falcon269
Last year I flew from Chicago to Madrid and landed around 8 am local time. I then took a noon flight from Madrid to Biarritz. It was a 50 min flight and super cheap, under $100, I think. From there you can take a short bus or cab ride to Bayonne and spend the night. Bayonne is a great little town, you'll love taking some time to walk around and checking it out. The next morning you can catch the train from Bayonne to St Jean. Boom! It was super convenient and easy.
Thank you Scottlovelace87
 
@Gemajams what fun!

1. I took the bus option from Terminal 4 to Pamplona, stayed overnight, and then bus the following day to SJPdP. The buses can be booked online before leaving home. The bus from Pamplona to SJPdP travels across winding mountain roads so take precautions against motion sickness if you are susceptible. You won't be the only ones travelling. Fellow pilgrims will be easy to spot because of their backpacks and almost invariably happy to get involved in a chat.

2. There are several nice and reasonably priced places to stay in SJPdP. I enjoyed staying at Gite d'étape Azkorria. Kind host, great location, nice breakfast shared with other pilgrims, and there is a choice of small dormitory or private rooms. This is just one of plenty of other equally good options.

3. By far the best place to get your pilgrim passport in SJPdP is at the Pilgrim Office. Getting it there is all part of the fun. Also these folks are aware of the weather forcasts and the condition of the path. They will give you wise advice as well as a useful list of albergues all the way to Santiago. The Pilgrim Office has very good opening hours. It may be that getting your pilgrim passport on the afternoon or evening you arrive would be the most convenient.

4. The hosts at your accommodations will generally help you arrange luggage transfer. Again there are plenty of options. I can't recommend any one company but I'm guessing they all offer similar services.

Have a very buen camino.
Thank you HedaP
 
3rd Edition. More content, training & pack guides avoid common mistakes, bed bugs etc
Hi.

We're getting close and we're super excited. We arrive in Madrid Sept 4th and will travel to St. Jean where we will begin our walk on the 5th.

1. What's the best way to travel from Madrid to St Jean? I have some idea but would like to hear from you.

2. Looking for accommodations in St Jean that are reasonable.

3. We expect to begin our walk early in the morning on the 5th are there any shop open early enough in the morning where we can purchase or Pilgrim passport?

4. I hear there's a service you can have your pack transported to your next Hostel destination...are they trustworthy? Howe do you make these arrangements?

Any suggestions much appreciated.

Thank you
Gem
I am starting on 5th September too, from SJPP. See you in the mountains on the way to Roncesvalles! :)
 
The first edition came out in 2003 and has become the go-to-guide for many pilgrims over the years. It is shipping with a Pilgrim Passport (Credential) from the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.

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