Train question - Sahagún to Ponferrada

[OzAnnie]

Hi
Can anyone advise whether it is necessary to book in advance for trip between Sahagún and Ponferrada?
Not exact yet on date arriving in Sahagún at completion of CdMadrid; and need to catch train to start point of the Invierno.
Has anyone bought a ticket on the travel day ?

Otherwise., I may need to make a decision on days to walk the CdM; in order to eradicate the wee problem. That decision in itself, will solve another issue: of booking date for accommodation in Ponferrada!!

Any insights appreciated
Annie

 

[KinkyOne]

Hi, Annie,

I walked Sahagun - Ponferrada as connection between Madrid and Invierno but I guess you don't have enough time. Anyway, I don't think you need reservation. Maybe it can depend on the season but neither of two towns are some special tourist destination or University towns (like Leon). I wouldn't worry

Buen Camino combo!


PS (If by any chance the trains would be full on desired date which I really doubt there are still buses and blablacar)

 

[OzAnnie]

Thanks Kinky
You’re so right . Also have allowed myself 26 days (inclusive of day 1 out of Madrid to Sahagún/ travelling to Ponferrada /and arriving Santiago on 17th April. ). & so cant squeeze in the CF section in between.
I may cancel booking for 17 and arrive 18th. That gives an extra day.

Wasn’t sure how difficult or how I’ll find the Invierno, so am a bit confused with allocating my days between them. Something tells me I may need a more comfortable pace on The Invierno., but it’s only my gut feeling.

A bit more research on my part and I may answer my own problem re daily split.
Thanks for your feedback
Annie

 

[VNwalking]

Hi Annie,
I booked the only time I did this (going to SdC, actually). When I got to the station there were a number of pilgrims who hadn't and they had no trouble getting a seat. But I'd check to make sure that it's not a holiday or something like that.
The train from Ponferrada to SdC follows part of the Invierno and it looked totally gorgeous. But rugged. So your gut feeling is likely to be trusted!

 

[OzAnnie]

Hi Annie,
I booked the only time I did this (going to SdC, actually). When I got to the station there were a number of pilgrims who hadn't and they had no trouble getting a seat. But I'd check to make sure that it's not a holiday or something like that.
The train from Ponferrada to SdC follows part of the Invierno and it looked totally gorgeous. But rugged. So your gut feeling is likely to be trusted!

Thanks VNwalking, for your sharing your experience - I’ll check for holidays etc.

 

[KinkyOne]

...
Wasn’t sure how difficult or how I’ll find the Invierno, so am a bit confused with allocating my days between them. Something tells me I may need a more comfortable pace on The Invierno., but it’s only my gut feeling.
...

You might be right because apart from Cercedilla - Segovia stage on Madrid, Invierno is everything else but Madrid. Two completely different Caminos (they share the hospitality of people though!). But flat Madrid allows you to build up some more stamina for Invierno. If you walked Norte and Primitivo (which I didn't but have read everything about it) then Invierno would be a bit easier I think.

 

[OzAnnie]

You might be right because apart from Cercedilla - Segovia stage on Madrid, Invierno is everything else but Madrid. Two completely different Caminos (they share the hospitality of people though!). But flat Madrid allows you to build up some more stamina .

Great food for thought ! I’ll have to remember to adjust days suitably.
Thanks again.

 

[laineylainey]

Is the train from Sahagún to Ponferrada direct or do you need to change at León?

 

[OzAnnie]

Is the train from Sahagún to Ponferrada direct or do you need to change at León?

Hi Elaine
I see you’re busy planning. Good luck.
The train was a cinch. I did have to wait a while for it at Sahagún but that suited me. I went for a walk and another café con leche.
Luckily I had someone (fluent Spanish ) who came into ticket office with me and made it that much more simple even though I was prepared to do this myself. No problem buying on the day.
Train was direct (possibly there could be certain trains that change ).but my train didn’t need changing anywhere and it’s awesome getting close to Ponferrada to see the terrain out of the windows to the left. Makes you wonder if you’ve taken on too much; but of course- we know that camino Route always finds the best way. Nothing too daunting.

Will be watching your forum posts. Good luck and buen camino
Annie

 

[Donjek]

On Renfe site you can clik the '+' button under the heading 'opciones'. An itinerary is shown.

 

[laineylainey]

Hi Elaine
I see you’re busy planning. Good luck.
The train was a cinch. I did have to wait a while for it at Sahagún but that suited me. I went for a walk and another café con leche.
Luckily I had someone (fluent Spanish ) who came into ticket office with me and made it that much more simple even though I was prepared to do this myself. No problem buying on the day.
Train was direct (possibly there could be certain trains that change ).but my train didn’t need changing anywhere and it’s awesome getting close to Ponferrada to see the terrain out of the windows to the left. Makes you wonder if you’ve taken on too much; but of course- we know that camino Route always finds the best way. Nothing too daunting.

Will be watching your forum posts. Good luck and buen camino
Annie

Thanks Annie. Yes, have started to map out possible route for the first part of my walk next year, Mendocino then the Madrid. Then a train from Sahagún to Ponferrado to try the Invierno. I might be a bit over ambitious, but I will give it a go!
Great to hear from you xx