west coast paul
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- (2007)
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Bus timetable http://www.chronoplus.eu/ftp/FR_lignes/Fiche_horaire_Ligne14.pdfdavidinaus said:Ok this is GREAT - so if I arrive at Biarritz airport at 12.15 will I make the 14.07 train?
Thengel1 said:RE: Buying train tickets online
If you are from the US, you need to be careful booking train tickets online. When you are filing in the search query, one of the questions asked is the country of ticket collection. If you pick the US, you will be diverted to a subsidiary of SNCF called Rail Europe. There you can expect to be gouged. For example, as an experiment the other day I tried a couple of searches:
All prices are in CAN$, but given current exchange rates, it makes almost no difference.
Paris - Toulouse
Rail Europe - $80
SNCF- $33
Toulouse - Bordeaux
Rail Europe - $34
SNCF - $20
Picking another country for ticket collection would be appear to be the simplest method of avoiding the problem. for full details, try looking at the section on France at http://www.seat61.com, which is actually a very useful site for anyone using the trains in Europe.
lea_r said:I was looking at the two websites posted below and the trains departing from Paris to Bayonne are fully booked. Do I really need to book that far out in advanced? Or will there be remaining seats if I go directly to the train station?
Hola bulwurth,bulwurth said:How long does it take to get from Paris to SJPdP by Train?
Does it make more sense to fly into Pampalona and bus/train to SJPdP?
mspath said:You NEED a reservation for any TGV train and it is cheaper to book the ticket well in advance; you do NOT need a reservation for the TER line 62 which is open seating like a tram or Metro.
BuzzBuzz said:...Now to figure out how to get from Logrono back to Bayonne!
I like your thoughts on Paris to SJDP. I am going to make my plans accordingly! Do you speak French? Is it advisable to be able to know some key phrases? I am leaving late May -June 2014. Thank you again for your post!Well, maybe others will have other suggestions but i always love to start my contenental adventures from Paris. There is a fantastic hostel owned by the French govt in the absolute heart of the city with views of the Seine. It's near the metro, near the bus that goes to Montparnasse and near the Tour de St Jacques where Paris pilgrims like to start off from. So from there, there is a great fast train to Bayonne and the the little mountain train up to SJPP connects shortly from there. I dont know if that is the cheapest way... With the cheap airlines now, it probably isnt the cheapest but it may be the most scenic. So you might consider that option. Buen camino.
I concur with you! Ncali12 has helped me with the hard part.....getting there!!Enjoyed the post by ncali12 in January 2013. It is thoughtful, informative and shows a love of travel and an appreciation of Paris and of history - The Tour St. Jacques, etc. I liked the originator's playful romantic update post after two years (2007-2009) of no answer. I enjoyed reading the frustrated response of someone actually looking for useful information who was bored by the romance. I found these exchanges a hoot and, thanks to ncali12, have a favorite plan for the start of our own trip.
I like your thoughts on Paris to SJDP. I am going to make my plans accordingly! Do you speak French? Is it advisable to be able to know some key phrases? I am leaving late May -June 2014. Thank you again for your post!
Rosemary
Hi Irène Elizabeth. I'm also aiming to start from SJPDP in April '14. I think it's perfectly normal to feel doubt about such a big decision. If it was easy it wouldn't hold the same attraction for so many pilgrims. It is so totally outside our comfort zone but yet the call of the Camino is getting ever stronger.
Absolutely normal! Where would be the fun if it were terribly easy and no big deal?Came to this thread to learn something but through no ones fault I've come away stressed out! ... Planning to walk April 2014 and must admit to some serious cold feet. If it wasn't for the packed backpacks STARING at me every morning and night in my bedroom I think I'd scrap this whole idea. Is it normal to experience this?
Isn't that life? How many times in my life...I hope one day to wonder what we were ever fearful about.
Hi Julie. I am also from Australia. Is it possible to print the ticket from Paris to Bayonne when booking the ticket online from Australia. We start our Camino Easter Monday.This is also a problem for Australian residents and there is an added charge for delivery. There are a couple of ways around the issue of being pushed onto another supplier.
Some journeys allow you to print your own ticket from your email. This has become my preferred option.
If this is not available, then select to pick up in France from the ticket machine. The machines are readily available. To do this you just have to insert the same credit card you used to purchase the ticket.
Hi Marbuck, Paris to Bayonne is fine as you'll be given a choice to print out your ticket. The problem arose because that option wasn't always available. However, every year it becomes easier and easier to book online and in 2013 I made a number of bookings and was able to print out tickets for all of them. To book a ticket, use http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train which is in French or the English version which is at http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/Hi Julie. I am also from Australia. Is it possible to print the ticket from Paris to Bayonne when booking the ticket online from Australia. We start our Camino Easter Monday.
Thanks Julie, great advice. Now I just have to wait a few more weeks to be able to book our tickets.Hi Marbuck, Paris to Bayonne is fine as you'll be given a choice to print out your ticket. The problem arose because that option wasn't always available. However, every year it becomes easier and easier to book online and in 2013 I made a number of bookings and was able to print out tickets for all of them. To book a ticket, use http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train which is in French or the English version which is at http://en.voyages-sncf.com/en/
If you are trying to book tickets and the site bumps you to Rail Europe, simply change the pick up option and say you're going to pick up the tickets in France. If there is no option to print out the ticket, you'll be able to retrieve it from a machine using the same credit card you used to purchase it.
I sometimes do a check on the fare using the French version of SNCF, the English one and Rail Europe. Surprisingly I did on one occasion find Rail Europe had a better price than the SNCF site.
Plug 'Bayonne Hotel Monte Carlo' into the Search area at the top of the page. Seems to be quite a few threads about it, and other options. Ask for a quiet room if you decide to stay there. Then you takes your chances.Has anybody stayed at the Hotel Monte Carlo? I notice it is opposite the train station, how quiet is it for sleeping?
Hello. Great to see some people who will be walking in April. I will be starting from SJPP April 17th. I am undecided what to do about train tickets. I have lived in France twice, and rarely did I purchase tickets well in advance while traveling. When I did, purchasing them in advance didn't necessarily mean cheaper tickets. My flight arrives at CDG at 7 in the morning, and I think I saw that the train for Lourdes (as I will be spending a few days there before starting from SJPP) leaves at 8:30 and 2pm. I am hesitant to buy train tickets beforehand for the 8:30 train and have something happen and miss it. Have most of you purchased train tickets in advance or wait until you got there? Sorry - I know this seems a redundant question, but any advice would be appreciated!
Hi everyone,
well, i did it, booked my ticket for september 4th to paris. i am a bit nervous to say the least!
hey, i might lose my job over this trip, but i am so happy that i went for it, finally! it's been on my mind since 1st year art history, 7 years ago.
now all i need to do is figure out how i'm getting down to the start of the route. (st.jean pied-du-port)
i would like to take a train so that i can see some a bit of france on my way there, but i know nothing about the trains there.
can anyone help me figure out where to look up scheduals, and where i can expect to get a train?
do i pay there or do you have to book ahead/get ticket online?
oh man, do i have things to organize. been too busy getting my place ready for a three-month sublet.
thanks for your help,
paul
Hi PaulHi everyone,
well, i did it, booked my ticket for september 4th to paris. i am a bit nervous to say the least!
hey, i might lose my job over this trip, but i am so happy that i went for it, finally! it's been on my mind since 1st year art history, 7 years ago.
now all i need to do is figure out how i'm getting down to the start of the route. (st.jean pied-du-port)
i would like to take a train so that i can see some a bit of france on my way there, but i know nothing about the trains there.
can anyone help me figure out where to look up scheduals, and where i can expect to get a train?
do i pay there or do you have to book ahead/get ticket online?
oh man, do i have things to organize. been too busy getting my place ready for a three-month sublet.
thanks for your help,
paul
Last year I travelled from Montparnasse but this year I am going from CDG airport and have a 30 min break (enough time for a vino) at Bordeaux which links to the train from Montparnasse, the ticket prices are showing as 67 euro at the moment.I have twice travelled from Montparnasse to Biarritz/Bayonne.
Bought the tickets on-line and have not paid more than 35 Euros.
Tickets are available from 90 days out. I buy as early as possible - put a note on my diary.
I like to spend a night in Paris - keeps a few hours up my sleeve in case of travel delays.
Regds
Gerard
i just got an email notification saying my thread had a reply, so i thought i'd drop in after posting two years ago.
i never did get that train from CDG airport. the travel assistance there had no idea where st.jean was, so i figured i'd hop on a random train into paris, walk around, get a good sleep, and think it over in the morning. i wasn't travelling to be in any hurry anyway. walking up and out of the tunnel to be face-to-face with notre dame was worth it, with my last sight being of vancouver.
the next morning, i casually walked to the train station near my hostel, and got on the next train whenever that was, with an eventual destination of st.jean. it happened to be a 10:10am train.
10:10am didn't seem that significant to me then, but if it wasn't for that 10:10 train, i would have never met my current girlfriend when we both got off in st.jean.
we hiked the entire route to santiago together, there were good times, some bad times, but all times were worth it. of course, she lives in australia, i in canada, and that's a challenge in itself.
Such a cool story! One of you will have to move!
Hi everyone,
well, i did it, booked my ticket for september 4th to paris. i am a bit nervous to say the least!
hey, i might lose my job over this trip, but i am so happy that i went for it, finally! it's been on my mind since 1st year art history, 7 years ago.
now all i need to do is figure out how i'm getting down to the start of the route. (st.jean pied-du-port)
i would like to take a train so that i can see some a bit of france on my way there, but i know nothing about the trains there.
can anyone help me figure out where to look up scheduals, and where i can expect to get a train?
do i pay there or do you have to book ahead/get ticket online?
oh man, do i have things to organize. been too busy getting my place ready for a three-month sublet.
thanks for your help,
paul
I also will be in Paris on the Sept. 4 I will be taking in the sight's and then heading to St. Jean On the 6th or 7th to start the Camino Monday. May be wil will see each other out there. Go with the flow and don't hold back.it was a great story to live, but unfortunately the cards folded upon themselves and it didn't work out. it's amazing what the camino can give and take away (in a good way). the complications arise when one is back within their own ill-defined caminos at home
it was a great story to live, but unfortunately the cards folded upon themselves and it didn't work out. it's amazing what the camino can give and take away (in a good way). the complications arise when one is back within their own ill-defined caminos at home
I also will be in Paris on the Sept. 4 I will be taking in the sight's and then heading to St. Jean On the 6th or 7th to start the Camino Monday. May be wil will see each other out there. Go with the flow and don't hold back.
Hi everyone,
well, i did it, booked my ticket for september 4th to paris. i am a bit nervous to say the least!
hey, i might lose my job over this trip, but i am so happy that i went for it, finally! it's been on my mind since 1st year art history, 7 years ago.
now all i need to do is figure out how i'm getting down to the start of the route. (st.jean pied-du-port)
i would like to take a train so that i can see some a bit of france on my way there, but i know nothing about the trains there.
can anyone help me figure out where to look up scheduals, and where i can expect to get a train?
do i pay there or do you have to book ahead/get ticket online?
oh man, do i have things to organize. been too busy getting my place ready for a three-month sublet.
thanks for your help,
paul
Hi Sonia, I'm sort of new to this forum and sometimes find it difficult following a thread. It looked to me that Paul was travelling back in 2007. I am flying into Paris on September 3 2016 and will be looking for the best way to get to SJPDP. I am assuming that train is the best way, but still a bit foggy about how to find all the schedules. Also I don't want to arrive in SJPDP too late in the evening so was wondering if it would be better to plan on spending a night in Biarritz? Then getting to SJPDP the next day, spending an evening there and then start the trek early the next morning. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?Hi
Hi Paul, I will be leaving Paris on the 2nd September with my husband to St Jean Pied de Port and starting my Camino on the 3rd September. Hopefully we will see you on the road. We will be walking the whole Camino and meeting my family who live in Vigo at the end of it. We are sooooo excited. If you have any questions just ask I may be able to help.
Cheers Sonia
Hi mspath - many thanks for your reply so quickly. I have been up to my eyeballs reading earlier parts of this thread. I SO appreciate the kindness and willingness of people to be helpful. So Bayonne it is.Take the train from Paris to Bayonne not Biarritz. Spend the night in Bayonne and early next morning take the TER local train to SJPdP. For train schedules see www.voyages-SNCF.com.
Be sure to check many of the earlier posts in this same Forum topic for additional info.
Hi Sonia, I'm sort of new to this forum and sometimes find it difficult following a thread. It looked to me that Paul was travelling back in 2007. I am flying into Paris on September 3 2016 and will be looking for the best way to get to SJPDP. I am assuming that train is the best way, but still a bit foggy about how to find all the schedules. Also I don't want to arrive in SJPDP too late in the evening so was wondering if it would be better to plan on spending a night in Biarritz? Then getting to SJPDP the next day, spending an evening there and then start the trek early the next morning. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
Thanks for such a complete reply. Gives me a lot to look at. I just got my tickets confirmed from Boston to Paris (Orly), so I think I'll get to Montparnasse and train to Bayonne and next day train to SJPDP.
Hi Paul,Hi everyone,
well, i did it, booked my ticket for september 4th to paris. i am a bit nervous to say the least!
hey, i might lose my job over this trip, but i am so happy that i went for it, finally! it's been on my mind since 1st year art history, 7 years ago.
now all i need to do is figure out how i'm getting down to the start of the route. (st.jean pied-du-port)
i would like to take a train so that i can see some a bit of france on my way there, but i know nothing about the trains there.
can anyone help me figure out where to look up scheduals, and where i can expect to get a train?
do i pay there or do you have to book ahead/get ticket online?
oh man, do i have things to organize. been too busy getting my place ready for a three-month sublet.
thanks for your help,
paul
Hi Paul,
I am flying into Paris from California on August 31st and hope to spend a day seeing Paris. so, leaving for SJPP on Sept 2nd or 3rd. Im also figuring out transportation. I too would like to take the train to see what I can see! I'll keep you updated on what I learn.
Buen Camino
Beth
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