Travelling from Barcelona to SJPP

[Lara B]

Hola

I am about to begin my first camino adventure!

I am currently in Barcelona and I would like to start making my way to St Jean Pied de Port after St Patrick´s day on 17th March. (I`m Irish so I plan to use this as my last day of intoxication before embarking on the camino).

I had planned to get the train from Barcelona to Pamplona and then a bus to St Jean, but I`ve discovered that the train will cost nearly 100 euros which is wayy out of my price range!

Instead, I was thinking it`d be fun and cheaper to hitchhike at least some of my way there...but I don`t feel comfortable about doing this solo. So, I was wondering if anyone else is coming from the Barcelona direction around this time and would like to join forces and travel together?

Or if anyone has alternative suggestions for getting there that would be much appreciated

Many thanks!

 

[GerFol]

Here's a suggestion.....check your departure date. You mention that you intend to depart for SJPP after Patricks day on 16th March.....to my knowledge St Patricks day still falls on 17th. Buen Camino. Gerard.

 

[Lara B]

Here's a suggestion.....check your departure date. You mention that you intend to depart for SJPP after Patricks day on 16th March.....to my knowledge St Patricks day still falls on 17th. Buen Camino. Gerard.

Here's a suggestion.....check your departure date. You mention that you intend to depart for SJPP after Patricks day on 16th March.....to my knowledge St Patricks day still falls on 17th. Buen Camino. Gerard.

Typo!!! Thanks for pointing that out haha

 

[GerFol]

. I've just checked the Renfe website. There is a train from Barcelons on March 17th at 7.30 that gets into Pamplona at 11.17 priced at €29.75. The Alsa website shows that there is a bus from Pamplona at 14.30 that gets into SJPP at 16.15 priced at €22 so you could make the whole journey in one day for €51.75 if this falls within your budget. Regards, Gerard.

 

[AJ]

Spain is not good for hitching, or rather it wasn't in the 70s. Things do change I suppose.

 

[lsm]

. I've just checked the Renfe website. There is a train from Barcelons on March 17th at 7.30 that gets into Pamplona at 11.17 priced at €29.75. The Alsa website shows that there is a bus from Pamplona at 14.30 that gets into SJPP at 16.15 priced at €22 so you could make the whole journey in one day for €51.75 if this falls within your budget. Regards, Gerard.

We are taking the same routes. Thanks for the info.

 

[Lara B]

. I've just checked the Renfe website. There is a train from Barcelons on March 17th at 7.30 that gets into Pamplona at 11.17 priced at €29.75. The Alsa website shows that there is a bus from Pamplona at 14.30 that gets into SJPP at 16.15 priced at €22 so you could make the whole journey in one day for €51.75 if this falls within your budget. Regards, Gerard.

Wow Gerard thanks very much for doing that!
I don't know why it was so expensive when I looked it up!

 

[Markaphx]

. I've just checked the Renfe website. There is a train from Barcelons on March 17th at 7.30 that gets into Pamplona at 11.17 priced at €29.75. The Alsa website shows that there is a bus from Pamplona at 14.30 that gets into SJPP at 16.15 priced at €22 so you could make the whole journey in one day for €51.75 if this falls within your budget. Regards, Gerard.

I'm doing the same route from Barcelona to STJPdP thru Pamplona on March 22nd. I was prepared to pay for a taxi! Thank you for the info on the bus. Dumb question.... Where do I catch the bus in Pamplona? I thought I read once that the buses stop at the train station in Pamplona? Or do I need a taxi to get to bus station?

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Where do I catch the bus in Pamplona? I thought I read once that the buses stop at the train station in Pamplona? Or do I need a taxi to get to bus station?

You can take a city bus from the train station to the bus station, or walk if you have time. They are not very close together. A taxi is most convenient. The bus to SJPdP leaves from the bus station. Each bus line has its own ticket counter, so you may have to wander around looking for the right one. If the information desk is open, they can direct you. Sometimes they speak a bit of English there!

Av. Guipúzcoa rot cuat vientos

L21 towards San Ignacio
7 min (3 stops) · Stop ID: 0320
11:31 AM Avda. Guipuzcoa (c/ Ochagavía)
11:34 AM
c/ Taconera (Bosquecillo)
Service run by Transports Ciutat Comtal

 

[Lala]

Would I need to buy the train and bus tickets in advance? I am planning to travel in Sept. from Barcelona to SJPdP.

 

[whariwharangi]

Would I need to buy the train and bus tickets in advance? I am planning to travel in Sept. from Barcelona to SJPdP.

You would need to purchase plane tickets in advance.

It is recommended to purchase train tickets in advance because they are often cheaper that way. Otherwise you can purchase bus or train tickets at the station just prior to departure.

2350 Barcelona to Saint Jean Pied de Port

Note at time of writing the tracks between Cambo les Bains and SJPdP were washed out in spring 2014. SNCF TER #62 service currently consists of an SNCF operated bus (autocar).

2351 This section describes transportation options from Barcelona to SJPdP.

Option 2352 and 2353 take about the same travel time either way ... so its dependent on your travel plans which is better.

Option 2355 is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal and limited in number of departures.

Index 2350
2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train
2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train
2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne
2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate trains from Barcelona (Sants) to Toulouse (Matabiau). Use SNCF site.

There is a high speed train to Paris that stops in Toulouse. Other trains transfer at break of gauge station Port Bou/Cerbère and require transfer at Perpignan or Narbonne before getting to Toulouse.

SNCF operates trains from Toulouse to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train

Renfe operates trains from Barcelona (Sants) to break of gauge stations at Irun/Hendaye.

Irun Renfe Station and Gare d'Hendaye are train stations 3 km apart.

Note that an end run might be possible by traveling from Barcelona to Miranda del Ebro (where trains from all over Spain converge) and then to Irun.

Euskotren operates a commuter train from Irun Colon Station to Hendaia Station. Use it if your Renfe train terminates in Irun.

Euskotren Colon Station: exit Irun Renfe Station, turn right, walk across bridge over the tracks and find Colon Station on the left (North) side of the street. Hendaia Station is co-located with Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV, Intercites, and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

Euskotren
http://www.euskotren.es/

2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne

Fly from Barcelona Airport to San Sebastian Airport. The airport is located 3 km from Irun train station.

Take local bus or taxi to Irun Renfe station or Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV, Intercites, and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Barcelona Airport (BCN)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Barcelona/en/Home.html

San Sebastian Airport (EAS)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-San-Sebastian/en/

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

This option is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal only and limited in number of departures.

Travel from Barcelona to Pamplona by Renfe train or by bus. Trains leave from Barcelona Sants. Buses leave from Estacion de Autobuses Barcelona Nord and Barcelona Sants. ALSA (via transfer at Zaragosa) and ViBASA are major service providers on this route.

There is seasonal bus service from Pamplona bus station to SJPdP provided by Conda. Conda is owned by ALSA. See international schedule on ALSA website. Purchase ticket at Pamplona bus station.

At time of writing bus schedule from Pamplona to SJPdP: 1000 13 June to 31 August 2014, 1430 1 June to 30 September 2014 (extended to 7 December 2014), and 1730 17 March to 30 September 2014. Schedules are usually updated only 30 days in advance.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

ViBASA (Monbus website)
http://www.monbus.es/es

ALSA
http://www.alsa.es/en/

CONDA
http://www.conda.es/

 

[Barbara95hr]

Can one buy a train ticket ON the train, once I board it already and does it cost more then?!? I will be in a hurry so I might not have time to wait in line to buy the ticket on the station counter.

thx

 

[whariwharangi]

Can one buy a train ticket ON the train, once I board it already and does it cost more then?!? I will be in a hurry so I might not have time to wait in line to buy the ticket on the station counter.

thx

You must have a ticket and seat reservation for SNCF TGV trains

Renfe allows boarding without a ticket under certain circumstances. Usually there is a stiff surcharge (double fare) or fine and payment is cash only. You likely won't get through security onto a high speed train (Alvia for example) at Barcelona without one. See the legal stuff as follows:

Medium distance trains legal See point 17
http://www.renfe.com/empresa/informacion_legal/condiciones_media.html

Long distance trains legal See point 20
http://www.renfe.com/empresa/informacion_legal/condiciones_larga_distancia.html

There are ticket machines at Barcelona Sants. These are apparently under-subscribed even when there is a line up at ticket counters.

Machinas Autoventa
http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/info/maquinas_autocheckin.html

If your timings are tight ... either purchase a ticket in advance (and risk losing the price of the fare) or have a Plan B.

 

[Barbara95hr]

You must have a ticket and seat reservation for SNCF TGV trains

Renfe allows boarding without a ticket under certain circumstances. Usually there is a stiff surcharge (double fare) or fine and payment is cash only. You likely won't get through security onto a high speed train (Alvia for example) at Barcelona without one. See the legal stuff as follows:

Medium distance trains legal See point 17
http://www.renfe.com/empresa/informacion_legal/condiciones_media.html

Long distance trains legal See point 20
http://www.renfe.com/empresa/informacion_legal/condiciones_larga_distancia.html

There are ticket machines at Barcelona Sants. These are apparently under-subscribed even when there is a line up at ticket counters.

Machinas Autoventa
http://www.renfe.com/viajeros/info/maquinas_autocheckin.html

If your timings are tight ... either purchase a ticket in advance (and risk losing the price of the fare) or have a Plan B.

Thx for all this info

 

[Sue Blue Mountains]

You would need to purchase plane tickets in advance.

It is recommended to purchase train tickets in advance because they are often cheaper that way. Otherwise you can purchase bus or train tickets at the station just prior to departure.

2350 Barcelona to Saint Jean Pied de Port

Note at time of writing the tracks between Cambo les Bains and SJPdP were washed out in spring 2014. SNCF TER #62 service currently consists of an SNCF operated bus (autocar).

2351 This section describes transportation options from Barcelona to SJPdP.

Option 2352 and 2353 take about the same travel time either way ... so its dependent on your travel plans which is better.

Option 2355 is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal and limited in number of departures.

Index 2350
2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train
2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train
2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne
2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

2352 Barcelona to SJPdP via Toulouse by Train

SNCF and Renfe operate trains from Barcelona (Sants) to Toulouse (Matabiau). Use SNCF site.

There is a high speed train to Paris that stops in Toulouse. Other trains transfer at break of gauge station Port Bou/Cerbère and require transfer at Perpignan or Narbonne before getting to Toulouse.

SNCF operates trains from Toulouse to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2353 Barcelona to SJPdP via Irun by Train

Renfe operates trains from Barcelona (Sants) to break of gauge stations at Irun/Hendaye.

Irun Renfe Station and Gare d'Hendaye are train stations 3 km apart.

Note that an end run might be possible by traveling from Barcelona to Miranda del Ebro (where trains from all over Spain converge) and then to Irun.

Euskotren operates a commuter train from Irun Colon Station to Hendaia Station. Use it if your Renfe train terminates in Irun.

Euskotren Colon Station: exit Irun Renfe Station, turn right, walk across bridge over the tracks and find Colon Station on the left (North) side of the street. Hendaia Station is co-located with Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV, Intercites, and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

Euskotren
http://www.euskotren.es/

2354 Barcelona to SJPdP via San Sebastian Airport and Bayonne

Fly from Barcelona Airport to San Sebastian Airport. The airport is located 3 km from Irun train station.

Take local bus or taxi to Irun Renfe station or Gare d'Hendaye.

SNCF operates TGV, Intercites, and TER trains from Hendaye to Bayonne.

The final leg involves SNCF TER train #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Barcelona Airport (BCN)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-Barcelona/en/Home.html

San Sebastian Airport (EAS)
http://www.aena-aeropuertos.es/csee/Satellite/Aeropuerto-San-Sebastian/en/

SNCF
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

2355 Barcelona to SJPdP via Pamplona by Train and Bus

This option is the easiest way to get from Barcelona to SJPdP. However, bus service from Pamplona to SJPdP is seasonal only and limited in number of departures.

Travel from Barcelona to Pamplona by Renfe train or by bus. Trains leave from Barcelona Sants. Buses leave from Estacion de Autobuses Barcelona Nord and Barcelona Sants. ALSA (via transfer at Zaragosa) and ViBASA are major service providers on this route.

There is seasonal bus service from Pamplona bus station to SJPdP provided by Conda. Conda is owned by ALSA. See international schedule on ALSA website. Purchase ticket at Pamplona bus station.

At time of writing bus schedule from Pamplona to SJPdP: 1000 13 June to 31 August 2014, 1430 1 June to 30 September 2014 (extended to 7 December 2014), and 1730 17 March to 30 September 2014. Schedules are usually updated only 30 days in advance.

Renfe
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

ViBASA (Monbus website)
http://www.monbus.es/es

ALSA
http://www.alsa.es/en/

CONDA
http://www.conda.es/

Dear whariwharangi, thanks so much for all this info. I've been trying to see what the bus schedule for SJPdP will be from Pamplona this year via the ALSA site but SJPdP doesn't appear (with any spelling) as a destination on their site as far as I can find. I've tried several spellings and also looked at the list of stops in France that they list on their site - no sign of SJPdP. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong. Would love to hear if anyone else can get this info from this site. Cheers.

 

[whariwharangi]

Dear whariwharangi, thanks so much for all this info. I've been trying to see what the bus schedule for SJPdP will be from Pamplona this year via the ALSA site but SJPdP doesn't appear (with any spelling) as a destination on their site as far as I can find. I've tried several spellings and also looked at the list of stops in France that they list on their site - no sign of SJPdP. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong. Would love to hear if anyone else can get this info from this site. Cheers.

Bus schedules are not usually available more than 30 days in advance ... and that is a rule of thumb. Usually the CONDA (ALSA) bus from Pamplona to SJPdP resumes service for Easter. There are usually more daily buses added in summer ... again, with schedule posted not more than 30 days in advance.

If you are traveling now, go to SJPdP via Bayonne. The train from Bayonne to SJPdP runs all year.