Train status for May, next week?

[djulyca]

Hey guys

I'm very new to the forum but not the Camino idea.

I am starting my own next week - by arriving to Biarritz at 21:00. I understand it won't be possible to get myself to SJPDP that very night so I will rest in town, planning on leaving the following morning.
Now, I understand the best (only?) option is going to Bayonne and catching a train from there. Since my French is poor (*non-existent) I don't even know where to start searching for if there are any cancelation with the railway for that time. Care someone to help?

I also looked into that bus transfer from the airport but they are fully booked for that morning.

Þakk fyrir!

 

[naplesdon]

SNCF website look for trains from Bayonne to Saint Jean Pied de Port, there are several hotels near the Bayonne train station, it is sketchy area but general lots of pilgrims in the hotel waiting to get started like you. You will definitely need to book a room in advance arriving at that hour.

 

[djulyca]

Hey there Thanks for the reply!

I have already booked my accommodation in Biarritz (didn't want to do any kind of a trip that late at night) and will start my way to SJPDP the following morning.

My question was more concerned with the trains running throughout the day or is there a strike happening at the time or anything similar?

 

[naplesdon]

What day is it? The rolling strike is 3 day of service followed by 2 days of strikes until the middle of June, but so far that is not affecting the drivers of the buses that have replaced the train service due to track repairs. There lots of threads on the forum discussing which days you can travel but like I say so far I don't think that has affected the buses operated by SNCF.

 

[djulyca]

Next Thursday (May 10th).

Well, knowing there are substitute bus lines is already a big relief
When you say 3 day of service + 2 of strikes - is that in continuity or is it during workdays?

 

[Mournes]

The sncf.com shows a calendar with all the strike dates.It is the French Railways web site.

 

[RJM]

Too late for the OP, I realize that, but it looks like the striking railway workers have their heels dug in firmly. I mentioned this before and mention it again, I recommend avoiding France completely in any plans to walk the Camino. That included starting in Saint Jean. Planning travel can be difficult enough, especially when you have limited time off from work, but to have to deal with politics and other BS along with it, and it just becomes not worth it. Find somewhere else to spend your money. I would recommend just flying in to Madrid, bus to Pamplona or perhaps Roncesvalles and start there. No price for peace of mind knowing you can move from point A to point B without fear of delays or cancellations. Sure, the whole thing may blow over next week, but probably not.
This advice is of course for anyone still in the process of making arrangements.

 

[LidetGet]

Next Thursday (May 10th).

Well, knowing there are substitute bus lines is already a big relief
When you say 3 day of service + 2 of strikes - is that in continuity or is it during workdays?

djulyca, i am planning the same arriving in Biarritz on the 16th and spending the night there to make my way to SJPDP on the 17th. how did you make out with this? did you end up taking the train/ bus? i'm looking at my options and so far contemplating between booking through sncf or ride share through Express Bourricot.

Hope all is well.