Van or car transport from Paris (CDG) to St Jean PDP

[Heather Anne]

We (4 women) are arriving in Paris on September 1st. Is there a company that provides van/car transport to SJPDP instead of taking the train? We would like to see some of the countryside on the way. Is the cost about the same as the train and how long would it take?

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

Hi Heather, I don't know anything about transport but when you find it it's about 850km. That will take you at least 10 hours.
The train is faster.

Wish you well,Peter.

 

[whariwharangi]

We (4 women) are arriving in Paris on September 1st. Is there a company that provides van/car transport to SJPDP instead of taking the train? We would like to see some of the countryside on the way. Is the cost about the same as the train and how long would it take?

Take a bus
https://www.flixbus.com/

 

[taxicotesud]

We (4 women) are arriving in Paris on September 1st. Is there a company that provides van/car transport to SJPDP instead of taking the train? We would like to see some of the countryside on the way. Is the cost about the same as the train and how long would it take?

Hi,
we are a taxi company and we are driving a lot of pilgrims from Biarritz airport or train station to Saint Jean Pied de Port.
the best way from Paris is to fly, or take the train to see the scenery, and it will be cheaper than a transfer in a van.
last summer, we went to pick up some people in Paris in our van to go to a destination near Biarritz, the price was over 800€ and it took about 9 hours for the drive.

 

[billmclaughlin]

Is renting a car and driving yourselves out of the question?

Once you're out of Paris it's really not difficult. And that's the way to do more than "see" the countryside through the window of a train or bus. Stay in country inns in small towns, stretch your legs when the scenery calls to you, etc.

I realize there are many variables, including time and money and adventurousness, but if you can drive I'm pretty sure you'll know you made the right decision by Chartres.

 

[naplesdon]

Piece of cake in a rental car, and yes, you can stop in some interesting place for lunch or overnight, but why? The train whizzes you past interesting countryside and you don't have the hassle of finding a rental company where you can return you car in SJPdP, in fact I doubt one exists there.

 

[Deleted member 36903]

Hi Heather Anne, I don't know where you will be travelling from, but in the UK I have always booked my train travel with SNCF Voyages. The bargain tickets go on sale approximately 3 months ahead, so for a journey 1 September, start looking at the end of may. That way, you and your friends can get to travel first class for more or less the same price as standard, enjoy a bottle of wine and the views as you pass by. The TGV journey is relaxing and fast. Buen Camino!

 

[Anniesantiago]

First, I wouldn't bother booking a ticket ahead of time unless you're on a tight schedule.
Often (but not always) tickets are much less expensive at the station.

Second, I'm with Whari. Take a bus.
I love love LOVE the bus much more than the train.
Beautiful big Mercedez Benz buses with HUGE viewing windows and nice comfie seats -- and QUIET compared to the train.
Yup... I vote for the bus.

 

[Deleted member 36903]

If the OP was travelling through Spain I would agree with you Anniesantiago, but prices for rail fares in France tend to be very much more expensive the later you leave it to book especially on a route like Paris to Biarritz, and the TGV is luxurious and quiet with wonderful vistas. For those who enjoy travelling by rail, the Paris to Barcelona route takes some beating, especially the last stretch of the journey when the Pyrenees come into view. I love Alsa buses but in France it is the TGV for me everytime.

 

[whariwharangi]

First, I wouldn't bother booking a ticket ahead of time unless you're on a tight schedule.
Often (but not always) tickets are much less expensive at the station.

Second, I'm with Whari. Take a bus.
I love love LOVE the bus much more than the train.
Beautiful big Mercedez Benz buses with HUGE viewing windows and nice comfie seats -- and QUIET compared to the train.
Yup... I vote for the bus.

Just to clarify, my post was to respond to a request for a van or car with driver option to get from Paris to SJPdP.

If I were traveling from Paris to SJPdP ... it'd be by train.

 

[billmclaughlin]

Piece of cake in a rental car, and yes, you can stop in some interesting place for lunch or overnight, but why? The train whizzes you past interesting countryside and you don't have the hassle of finding a rental company where you can return you car in SJPdP, in fact I doubt one exists there.

There's no need to make this difficult. You'd return the car where you can return the car. Bayonne or Biarritz.

And my point would be to experience something more than "whizzes". You can do that on YouTube.