Timing from Madrid to st. Jean

[Liz Ward]

I will be flying into Madrid at 7:30 am on Sept. 13. My plan is to take the train to Pamplona then a bus to St Jean (unless I meet some pilgrims on the train who want to share a cab.) Is it realistic to think I can get to SJP in one day and begin walking on Sept. 14. The only reason I'm asking is because I would like to make reservations for the first two nights. One in SJP and one in Orisson.
Thank you for any info you can provide.
Liz

 

[Tincatinker]

@Liz Ward Its likely that the answers to your question can be found here www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/a-compendium-of-useful-links-for-travel-from-madrid-to-sjpdp-via-bayonne.23517/ Journey time Madrid to Irun is about three hours. No reason why you couldn't make the whole trip in a day.

 

[Mike Trebert]

I will be flying into Madrid at 7:30 am on Sept. 13. My plan is to take the train to Pamplona then a bus to St Jean (unless I meet some pilgrims on the train who want to share a cab.) Is it realistic to think I can get to SJP in one day and begin walking on Sept. 14. The only reason I'm asking is because I would like to make reservations for the first two nights. One in SJP and one in Orisson.
Thank you for any info you can provide.
Liz

Liz, I'm very curious to learn how you go with this. I have to get from Madrid to SJPDP at the end of March but so far I'm planning on trains: Madrid to Irun (or Gare D'Hendaye), Gare D'Hendaye to Gare De Bayonne, Then Gare De Bayonne to SJPDP. Sounds do-able in one (long) day!?

Would it be better to go Madrid to Pamplona on the train and then bus it as you say? Sounds better. Sounds quicker.

I know you want answers and not questions, sorry. - Mike

 

[Kanga]

In season it is probably quicker and easier through Pamplona; there is a bus that runs to SJPDP directly. There is a whole section of this forum on "Getting to and from the Camino".

Here is the thread in that section on getting to SJPDP via Pamplona, but you should also look at other threads.

 

[Mike Trebert]

In season it is probably quicker and easier through Pamplona; there is a bus that runs to SJPDP directly. There is a whole section of this forum on "Getting to and from the Camino".

Here is the thread in that section on getting to SJPDP via Pamplona, but you should also look at other threads.

Perfect. Thanks very much. - Mike

 

[whariwharangi]

I will be flying into Madrid at 7:30 am on Sept. 13. My plan is to take the train to Pamplona then a bus to St Jean (unless I meet some pilgrims on the train who want to share a cab.) Is it realistic to think I can get to SJP in one day and begin walking on Sept. 14. The only reason I'm asking is because I would like to make reservations for the first two nights. One in SJP and one in Orisson.
Thank you for any info you can provide.
Liz

You have 10 hours to get from Madrid airport to Pamplona bus station; it should be possible to get to SJPdP the same day as you arrive in Madrid.

There are usually several trains from Madrid (with most leaving from Puerta de Atocha) to Pamplona daily. If you were to travel tomorrow you could take the train leaving Puerta de Atocha at 1135 and arriving Pamplona 1440 ... It would take about an hour to get from the airport to the train station using Cercanias, the Metro, or the EMT express bus. In Pamplona you would have lots of time to take a short taxi ride from the train station to the bus station. As of 23 March 2016, the last bus to SJPdP leaves Pamplona at 1730.

The Renfe train schedule for September won't be available yet but the schedules don't usually change a lot.

The CONDA (ALSA) bus schedule to SJPdP for summer has usually included more buses than are currently listed. The information for September should be available by end May.

 

[movinmaggie]

Not sure when their season starts, but the folks from pension Corazon Puro will pick you up at the train station in Pamplona (must be before 3pm). You dine with them and overnight. Next morning, lovely breakfast, then they drive you to StJPdP. I found this option to be a wonderful experience at a vey reasonable price. Maybe others here might know their opening date.

 

[mspath]

Here is the web for Corazon Puro. Perhaps send them an email for opening times.
http://www.corazonpuro.es/Enghome.html

I have always enjoyed staying there usually as the last pilgrim of the season mid October.

 

[GreatDane]

I loved Corazon Puro too. István sent photos of exactly where to stand at the bus station in Pamplona and when I came up out of the bus station there he was and greeted me by name!! It was a great way to start my camino.

 

[Priscilla NC]

I have my reservation for Corazon Pura for April 20. They also provided me good information on how to navigate from the Madrid airport to Pamplona -- I'm going to take the bus, which I can pick up in Terminal 4 at the airport. My sources have told me that it's just as fast as the train. Then they will feed and house me and take me to SJPP on April 21.

 

[movinmaggie]

I have my reservation for Corazon Pura for April 20. They also provided me good information on how to navigate from the Madrid airport to Pamplona -- I'm going to take the bus, which I can pick up in Terminal 4 at the airport. My sources have told me that it's just as fast as the train. Then they will feed and house me and take me to SJPP on April 21.

You will not regret it Prescilla. They are absolutely wonderful hosts and you will likely meet a few others there. When I stayed there this past September, they had a total of 7 of us. There is something so special about sharing a meal with others. And the drive to StJPdP is gorgeous. Welcome to the forum and Buen Camino.

 

[Liz Ward]

You will not regret it Prescilla. They are absolutely wonderful hosts and you will likely meet a few others there. When I stayed there this past September, they had a total of 7 of us. There is something so special about sharing a meal with others. And the drive to StJPdP is gorgeous. Welcome to the forum and Buen Camino.

Not sure when their season starts, but the folks from pension Corazon Puro will pick you up at the train station in Pamplona (must be before 3pm). You dine with them and overnight. Next morning, lovely breakfast, then they drive you to StJPdP. I found this option to be a wonderful experience at a vey reasonable price. Maybe others here might know their opening date.

Wow thanks so much for that additional information. So if I were to book with Corazon Puro, I need to get to Pamplona by 3:00?

 

[Liz Ward]

Liz, I'm very curious to learn how you go with this. I have to get from Madrid to SJPDP at the end of March but so far I'm planning on trains: Madrid to Irun (or Gare D'Hendaye), Gare D'Hendaye to Gare De Bayonne, Then Gare De Bayonne to SJPDP. Sounds do-able in one (long) day!?

Would it be better to go Madrid to Pamplona on the train and then bus it as you say? Sounds better. Sounds quicker.

I know you want answers and not questions, sorry. - Mike

Hi Mike,
After reading the info about staying at a pension outside of Pamplona, getting a good meal and bed AND then being driven to SJP the following day, I am thinking that might be the best option. At least I know I can begin the trek somewhat rested.

 

[movinmaggie]

Wow thanks so much for that additional information. So if I were to book with Corazon Puro, I need to get to Pamplona by 3:00?

Yes, if the train schedule is on time, it normally will arrive Pamplona at 2:30p but as in my case, it didn't arrive until close to3pm. Istvan will provide you with his mobile number closer to your date.

 

[Priscilla NC]

You will not regret it Prescilla. They are absolutely wonderful hosts and you will likely meet a few others there. When I stayed there this past September, they had a total of 7 of us. There is something so special about sharing a meal with others. And the drive to StJPdP is gorgeous. Welcome to the forum and Buen Camino.

Thanks, MM, I'm getting so excited. You are right, there's nothing like a shared meal, and it will be a great way to meet those who will be starting with me.

 

[MeanPhilippine]

5 weeks and a wake up! I'll be in Madrid 5April2016, make my way to SJPDP 6April2016. On the Camino on the 7th or the 8th. I'll see everyone on the Camino, I'll mostly see everyone's back because I'll be slow and everyone will just pass me by, but don't forget to say, Hola...buen Camino. If I just nod, please don't take it personally, it just means I'm gasping for air