- Time of past OR future Camino
- cycled from Pamplona Sep 2015;Frances, walked from St Jean May/June 2017. Plans to walk Porto 2020
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I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers
In September I was one of 15 people removed from an overcrowded last train of the day by SNCF which then left without us. SNCF hired taxis to take we 15 to St Jean by taxi at their expense. Not sure if that counts as better or worse. Got there in the end though.The Bayonne - SJPP is a local train -just for a few village people and pilgrims. The worst thing that could happen is not having a seat -but hey, it is just an hour.
The other thing to know is that although it is only a one hour journey, there are no toilets on board. Last year the train driver stopped and waited at one of the intermediate stations while a fellow pilgrim rushed off for a comfort break !!!The Bayonne - SJPP is a local train -just for a few village people and pilgrims. The worst thing that could happen is not having a seat -but hey, it is just an hour. By the doors there is usually ample space, it is quite comfortable; I noticed that cyclists usually travel there.
If you like, you can buy this ticket in Montparnasse.
The train is a shiny, little and cute thing. I loved it.
Don't forget to compost (validate) your ticket in the yellow devices in the station.
Buen camino!
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I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers
Just be aware that May 1st is Labour Day and in most EU countries. That's non-working day and lots of people are taking mini-holidays for a week or so.Thanks everyone for your most informative responses. I was aware that the train to St Jean was a local - take a seat where you can. The new train looks flash, especially as the train line was out of service for much of 2016. Cheers to all.
Just be aware that May 1st is Labour Day and in most EU countries. That's non-working day and lots of people are taking mini-holidays for a week or so. Ultreia!
I too am travelling to SJPP by train on 1 May - from Biarritz which changes at Bayonne arriving at 1.25pm and departing Bayonne at 2.55pm (the only train that day). I am not pre booking, just turning up and getting the ticket. It'll be fine. See you on the train or the trail!I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers
Hello Linda - with a bit of luck I will be at Orisson early in the afternoon of May 1st, but I may have a "long day" in Pamplona so may see you somewhere on the camino. CheersI too am travelling to SJPP by train on 1 May - from Biarritz which changes at Bayonne arriving at 1.25pm and departing Bayonne at 2.55pm (the only train that day). I am not pre booking, just turning up and getting the ticket. It'll be fine. See you on the train or the trail!
Linda
I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers
I have now mastered the SNCF-Rail Europe booking system and found that it discriminates against non-French travellers. It would not let me book my preferred train from Paris-Montparnesse direct to Bayonne - I have to depart an hour earlier and change at DAX. In the confusion of making this booking I did not book the Bayonne to St Jean section. So, as I am travelling during the May Day long weekend does anyone recommend I pre-book the Bayonne-St Jean journey or just chance it an buy this ticket on arrival at Bayonne (doing this will save the booking fee - E4 or $8 (AUD)). If the trains arrive on time I should have an hour in Bayonne to arrange the ticket. Thanks in advance. Cheers
I too am travelling to SJPP by train on 1 May - from Biarritz which changes at Bayonne arriving at 1.25pm and departing Bayonne at 2.55pm (the only train that day). I am not pre booking, just turning up and getting the ticket. It'll be fine. See you on the train or the trail!
Linda
I would check again closer to dates of travel. There are usually 3 or 4 trains per day, Sundays and Holidays included, Bayonne to SJPdP. Its way to early to rely on the schedules being finalized.
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