Transportation from Madrid to Pamplona

[Anne DR]

I know I saw a thread on this but can't locate it. I'm arriving in Madrid and need to get to Pamplona. I know the options are bus and train. Do I need to make reservations ahead of time for either one (beginning of August). I'm a little nervous of these logistics--starting out. I'm sure once I'm on the Camino I can go with the flow.

 

[Anemone del Camino]

I would be book ahead, if only because earlier you book the less expensive the ticket is.

 

[KinkyOne]

I know I saw a thread on this but can't locate it. I'm arriving in Madrid and need to get to Pamplona. I know the options are bus and train. Do I need to make reservations ahead of time for either one (beginning of August). I'm a little nervous of these logistics--starting out. I'm sure once I'm on the Camino I can go with the flow.

Hi, Anne,
although Renfe (trains) and Alsa (most bus connections) will give you all the required info try https://www.rome2rio.com/ for fast search.

Happy planning and Buen Camino!

 

[t2andreo]

You can also fly from Madrid. Iberia Express has several flights daily. From the Pamplona Airport, it is easy to make onward connections.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I know I saw a thread on this but can't locate it. I'm arriving in Madrid and need to get to Pamplona. I know the options are bus and train. Do I need to make reservations ahead of time for either one (beginning of August). I'm a little nervous of these logistics--starting out. I'm sure once I'm on the Camino I can go with the flow.

Anne, I do it every year.
I never book ahead and have never been stuck in Madrid.
I personally much prefer the bus to the train.
Here is a blog I wrote a few years ago with photos that may help.
http://caminosantiago2.blogspot.com/2013/12/getting-from-madrid-to-pamplona-and.html

 

[Kanga]

The bus option from T4 to Pamplona is brilliant, but so far I haven't been able to face further travel if I've been on a 26 hour flight from Australia. So I stay overnight in Madrid and take the train the next day. Maybe one day I'll just get on the bus and keep going - sleep in Pamplona or SJPDP instead.

 

[Anniesantiago]

The bus option from T4 to Pamplona is brilliant, but so far I haven't been able to face further travel if I've been on a 26 hour flight from Australia. So I stay overnight in Madrid and take the train the next day. Maybe one day I'll just get on the bus and keep going - sleep in Pamplona or SJPDP instead.

If I had to travel 24 hours, I'd stay the night as well!
My trips usually run in the 12-16 hour range, and I just want to get there and sleep in Pamplona.

 

[Sailor]

Thanks Anne for asking the good question and thanks everyone for the information provided and for the links. Just what I was looking for, this is good information I can use to make it from the Madrid airport to St Jean. Arriving Madrid at 0740 in the morning, hope to make it all the way to St Jean on the same day IF feasible [planning for two nights in St Jean] and if not feasible then I will make plans for an overnighter in Pamplona followed by an overnighter in St Jean. Thanks again, y que la luz de Dios alumbre su camino.

 

[Anne DR]

Thank you everyone--this is such a great community. One more question: is it appropriate to book an albergue at the start of the trip. I would not want to take a bed away from someone would spent the day walking.

 

[Kanga]

Entirely fine for your to book a bed at an albergue for that first night @Anne DR - in fact I think most people probably do.

 

[Anne DR]

Anne, I do it every year.
I never book ahead and have never been stuck in Madrid.
I personally much prefer the bus to the train.
Here is a blog I wrote a few years ago with photos that may help.
http://caminosantiago2.blogspot.com/2013/12/getting-from-madrid-to-pamplona-and.html

This blog is a gem! Thank you!