Arriving at Biarritz Airport.

[martina Mc Donald]

Hello I have just booked 2 flights to arrive in Biarritz Sept 3rd at 17.40, this is a surprise for my husband as he has always wanted to do part of the camino, my worry is how do I get from the Airport to St Jean Pied du Port and if there are trains would they run as late as this on a Sunday, I am starting to panic and really am looking to you all for some help and guidance, we only have 5 days there so need to be time efficient as possible, would it be easier to book a taxi to take us there, any help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[trecile]

There's a company called Express Bourricot that operates a shuttle from Biarritz Airport to St Jean Pied de Port.

Passengers tranport on the way of Saint James | Trip from Biarritz to St Jean pied de port

Transporting people around the Way of Saint James. Trips from Biarritz to St Jean Pied De Port to Roncesvalles, and the whole pilgrimage region

www.expressbourricot.com

You can also look at bus and train options.

You aren't leaving for 9 months - it's far too early to panic! You have plenty of time to do your research, and we are here to help.

 

[trecile]

You will be starting the Camino during the busiest week of the year for pilgrims starting from St Jean. I would recommend that you book your accommodations up through Pamplona on advance. Again, you have plenty of time to research your options. However, if you want to split the first stage over the Pyrenees you will need to book at either Orisson or Auberge Borda as soon as you can

 

[martina Mc Donald]

There's a company called Express Bourricot that operates a shuttle from Biarritz Airport to St Jean Pied de Port.

Passengers tranport on the way of Saint James | Trip from Biarritz to St Jean pied de port

Transporting people around the Way of Saint James. Trips from Biarritz to St Jean Pied De Port to Roncesvalles, and the whole pilgrimage region

www.expressbourricot.com

You can also look at bus and train options.

You aren't leaving for 9 months - it's far too early to panic! You have plenty of time to do your research, and we are here to help.

Thanks a million , I can relax now ,, I am so excited to give him this as a present on Christmas , think I will buy him a sleeping bag as a clue .. thanks so much for taking the time to reply to me

 

[martina Mc Donald]

You will be starting the Camino during the busiest week of the year for pilgrims starting from St Jean. I would recommend that you book your accommodations up through Pamplona on advance. Again, you have plenty of time to research your options. However, if you want to split the first stage over the Pyrenees you will need to book at either Orisson or Auberge Borda as soon as you can

I have not even looked at the map yet , just know starting from St Jean Pied Du Port , and only have Sunday - Friday , I would love to split the first stage and go over the Pyrenees ,, I will look at booking either of these but again silly question , what day would I need to book those for ? sorry that I am asking such stupid questions

 

[trecile]

I have not even looked at the map yet , just know starting from St Jean Pied Du Port , and only have Sunday - Friday , I would love to split the first stage and go over the Pyrenees ,, I will look at booking either of these but again silly question , what day would I need to book those for ? sorry that I am asking such stupid questions

Since you will be arriving late afternoon you will want to spend the night in St Jean. Then book Orisson or Borda for the next day. Orisson is only dorms with bunk beds, Borda has one private double room.

If neither of those work for you, you can book two nights in SJPDP and use Express Bourricot's Mountain Shuttle to walk part way the first day, return to St Jean, then be shuttled back to where you left off thd first day.

 

[woody66]

Rome to Rio shows bus, train times and providers (VERIFY the times with each company) and taxi fares and schedules for the 3 rd Sept.
Going by these and your arrival times you should make it to SJPP (this is only my opinion taxi and train from Bayonne not the cheapest but kind of door to door.)

I arrive Biarritz on May 2nd and was all set to use Express Burricot; but my flight time changed to an arrival time of 18.45 contacted them and their reply stated they did not pick up after 18.00 hours i still have to be in SJPP on the 2nd (cant connect with last train) so using a taxi service www.biarritzairporttransfers.com who were suggested to me by Express Burricot 130 Euros but similar set up where price goes down if you find someone to share.
Like Trecile said you have lots of time and don't panic.
Have a wonderful time all will be fine
Buen Camino
Woody

 

[martina Mc Donald]

That is perfect , do you have anywhere you would recommend to stay in St Jean for the first night

 

[martina Mc Donald]

Rome to Rio shows bus, train times and providers (VERIFY the times with each company) and taxi fares and schedules for the 3 rd Sept.
Going by these and your arrival times you should make it to SJPP (this is only my opinion taxi and train from Bayonne not the cheapest but kind of door to door.)

I arrive Biarritz on May 2nd and was all set to use Express Burricot; but my flight time changed to an arrival time of 18.45 contacted them and their reply stated they did not pick up after 18.00 hours i still have to be in SJPP on the 2nd (cant connect with last train) so using a taxi service www.biarritzairporttransfers.com who were suggested to me by Express Burricot 130 Euros but similar set up where price goes down if you find someone to share.
Like Trecile said you have lots of time and don't panic.
Have a wonderful time all will be fine
Buen Camino
Woody

Thanks so much Woody , starting to see a plan formulating and trying not to panic ,, I am sure I will be asking you lots more questions if you don't mind

 

[woody66]

For accommodation in SJPP check out Booking.com and Gronze (chrome translates to English) they are helpful for planning Camino.
Even the best reviews are only a personal opinion but if they are all positive for the majority take a chance.
It also depends on how much you want to spend.
I have booked these two for SJPP
Les Chemins d'Elika and Maison Fleurie

Should add that train tickets are no yet available it appears for Sept to far in advance i think but the 19.29 (the only one that fits you timescale) train appears to be the last to SJPP so all eggs in one basket so to speak!
If that's cancelled probs only option is the same as mine.
Woody

 

[Corned Beef]

Include ear plugs along with the sleeping bag. He’ll need both

 

[martina Mc Donald]

For accommodation in SJPP check out Booking.com and Gronze (chrome translates to English) they are helpful for planning Camino.
Even the best reviews are only a personal opinion but if they are all positive for the majority take a chance.
It also depends on how much you want to spend.
I have booked these two for SJPP
Les Chemins d'Elika and Maison Fleurie

Should add that train tickets are no yet available it appears for Sept to far in advance i think but the 19.29 (the only one that fits you timescale) train appears to be the last to SJPP so all eggs in one basket so to speak!
If that's cancelled probs only option is the same as mine.
Woody

Thanks Woody , will take a look at these two and get one of them booked , you have been amazing with so much help and advice ,,

 

[martina Mc Donald]

Thanks Woody , will take a look at these two and get one of them booked , you have been amazing with so much help and advice ,,

Include ear plugs along with the sleeping bag. He’ll need both

Living with me , I think he already has these lol for my incessant chatter

 

[Amigos caminando]

Hi, if you plan private accommodation you won't need to carry a sleeping bag or towel. If it's albergues/hostals you intend to stay a silk liner will do, weighs minimal. Weather will be warm still then.
Buen camino.

 

[JR9162]

Hello I have just booked 2 flights to arrive in Biarritz Sept 3rd at 17.40, this is a surprise for my husband as he has always wanted to do part of the camino, my worry is how do I get from the Airport to St Jean Pied du Port and if there are trains would they run as late as this on a Sunday, I am starting to panic and really am looking to you all for some help and guidance, we only have 5 days there so need to be time efficient as possible, would it be easier to book a taxi to take us there, any help will be greatly appreciated.

There is a city bus stop outside the Barritz airport. You catch one that will drop you off at the bridge between Barritz and Bayone. You walk across the bridge to the train station. 300 yards maybe? Then catch a train to SJPP. If I recall correctly, the bus # is 30? You'd need to verify that.

 

[martina Mc Donald]

Hi, if you plan private accommodation you won't need to carry a sleeping bag or towel. If it's albergues/hostals you intend to stay a silk liner will do, weighs minimal. Weather will be warm still then.
Buen camino.

Thanks so much I plan to stay in the albergues/hostals so great shout out for the silk liner , everyone is so helpful here

 

[martina Mc Donald]

There is a city bus stop outside the Barritz airport. You catch one that will drop you off at the bridge between Barritz and Bayone. You walk across the bridge to the train station. 300 yards maybe? Then catch a train to SJPP. If I recall correctly, the bus # is 30? You'd need to verify that.

Brilliant thanks for sharing , I will verify the bus number , cannot believe how lovely and helpful everyone is here

 

[woody66]

Just a thought while i was out with the dog!
Might still be worth contacting Express Bourricot as your flight arrives at 17.45 that might be their last pick up, whereas for mine i won't get to them until 19.15 a lot later!
The two places in SJPP are the most expensive up to Estella from their i will try and wing it!
Even in Albergues /Hostals i have so far booked private rooms as i don't think i could cope sleeping in a bunk room.
Will still have the pleasure of others company without the pain Ha! Ha!

I have a silk liner and a lightweight quilt as using a mix of accommodation albergues, hostals and hotels.
Quite a few say it can be bl**dy freezing in May i think snow at higher parts of the Camino plus i am a old cold fish!
Woody

 

[WayWalker]

Since you will be arriving late afternoon you will want to spend the night in St Jean. Then book Orisson or Borda for the next day. Orisson is only dorms with bunk beds, Borda has one private double room.

If neither of those work for you, you can book two nights in SJPDP and use Express Bourricot's Mountain Shuttle to walk part way the first day, return to St Jean, then be shuttled back to where you left off thd first day.

Not sure if this is still true as we stayed at Orrison in 2013 but they did have two private rooms with a big bed. Cama matrimonial. They were on the way to the back where they had tents set up for overflow.

 

[Vacajoe]

they did have two private rooms with a big bed

Shhhhhhh, that’s one of the most valuable secrets on the entire Camino!!!! Don’t let anyone know that!

It was in use in 2019, but they saved it as one of the last assigned beds so that it was available for pilgrims who needed it for medical, mobility, or other similar reasons.

 

[trecile]

On my first Camino I arrived at Orisson with a peregrina I had met at the Madrid train station. She was older and looked frailer than she actually was. They assigned us this small room with two single beds. It's on the main level with the other dorms. I don't think that you can reserve it though - it's the luck of the draw.

 

[Longhaul69]

Hello I have just booked 2 flights to arrive in Biarritz Sept 3rd at 17.40, this is a surprise for my husband as he has always wanted to do part of the camino, my worry is how do I get from the Airport to St Jean Pied du Port and if there are trains would they run as late as this on a Sunday, I am starting to panic and really am looking to you all for some help and guidance, we only have 5 days there so need to be time efficient as possible, would it be easier to book a taxi to take us there, any help will be greatly appreciated.

My friend and I used a shuttle service along with 5 other people...the max is 8 people. The shuttle arrives when you land. They will stand there with a board. The company is Express Bourricot....tel # (+33) 6 61 96 04 76......email
contact@expressbourricot.com

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Hello I have just booked 2 flights to arrive in Biarritz Sept 3rd at 17.40, this is a surprise for my husband as he has always wanted to do part of the camino, my worry is how do I get from the Airport to St Jean Pied du Port and if there are trains would they run as late as this on a Sunday, I am starting to panic and really am looking to you all for some help and guidance, we only have 5 days there so need to be time efficient as possible, would it be easier to book a taxi to take us there, any help will be greatly appreciated.

I grabbed a cab, asked three others with backpacks if they wanted to share the cab and in an hour we were all in SJPdP. Not sure what the cost is today. Still, the cost can be split 4 ways.

 

[Charles Johnson]

That is perfect , do you have anywhere you would recommend to stay in St Jean for the first night

There is an excellent guidebook here in the Camino store. Highly recommended as it has maps and albergues in each town. Highly recommended for any Camino.

 

[martina Mc Donald]

There is an excellent guidebook here in the Camino store. Highly recommended as it has maps and albergues in each town. Highly recommended for any Camino.

Thanks Charles ,, do you mean the Camino Store when you arrive or is there an online service that I can order one now .. so appreciate your help.

 

[martina Mc Donald]

I grabbed a cab, asked three others with backpacks if they wanted to share the cab and in an hour we were all in SJPdP. Not sure what the cost is today. Still, the cost can be split 4 ways.

Hi Michelle , thanks so much for that , I am sure there would be taxis outside if I miss the last train ,, loving how friendly and helpful everyone is here

 

[trecile]

Thanks Charles ,, do you mean the Camino Store when you arrive or is there an online service that I can order one now .. so appreciate your help.

I think that he means the Camino forum store.

Camino de Santiago Store

Camino guidebooks for the Camino de Santiago

www.santiagodecompostela.me

Though there is a good pilgrim store in SJPDP.

Pilgrim's shop - Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

www.boutique-du-pelerin.com

 

[martina Mc Donald]

I think that he means the Camino forum store.

Camino de Santiago Store

Camino guidebooks for the Camino de Santiago

www.santiagodecompostela.me

Though there is a good pilgrim store in SJPDP.

Pilgrim's shop - Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

www.boutique-du-pelerin.com

Thanks so much will order one now ,, for my husband's surprise ,, can't wait for Chrismas morning to see his reaction.

 

[martina Mc Donald]

Just a thought while i was out with the dog!
Might still be worth contacting Express Bourricot as your flight arrives at 17.45 that might be their last pick up, whereas for mine i won't get to them until 19.15 a lot later!
The two places in SJPP are the most expensive up to Estella from their i will try and wing it!
Even in Albergues /Hostals i have so far booked private rooms as i don't think i could cope sleeping in a bunk room.
Will still have the pleasure of others company without the pain Ha! Ha!

I have a silk liner and a lightweight quilt as using a mix of accommodation albergues, hostals and hotels.
Quite a few say it can be bl**dy freezing in May i think snow at higher parts of the Camino plus i am a old cold fish!
Woody

Hi Woody , love your dog , we have a black lab too , Dexter Chewbacca aptly named by my twin boys ,, I will take your advice and contact the Express Bourricot and see what time their last pick up is .

 

[martina Mc Donald]

I think that he means the Camino forum store.

Camino de Santiago Store

Camino guidebooks for the Camino de Santiago

www.santiagodecompostela.me

Though there is a good pilgrim store in SJPDP.

Pilgrim's shop - Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

Shop for the pilgrims of St Jacques de Compostela

www.boutique-du-pelerin.com

Hi Woody , love your dog , we have a black lab too , Dexter Chewbacca aptly named by my twin boys ,, I will take your advice and contact the Express Bourricot and see what time their last pick up is .

Can I just ask when you reach your last day of the walk , will you get a train back to the Airport at Biarritz , or take a taxi ? again something I have not factored into my planning .

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Hi Michelle , thanks so much for that , I am sure there would be taxis outside if I miss the last train ,, loving how friendly and helpful everyone is here

I have been there in both May and August and there were no trains to SJPdP. Luckily, the taxis were just outside the front door of the airport, as they usually are, and were the transfer with the least hassle and the least amount of time taken to get there.

 

[martina Mc Donald]

I have been there in both May and August and there were no trains to SJPdP. Luckily, the taxis were just outside the front door of the airport, as they usually are, and were the transfer with the least hassle and the least amount of time taken to get there.

Thanks Michelle , last stupid question from me , can't believe I booked flights and never thought of logisitics , when you finished your walk , did you get a train back to the Airport ,,from the last place you had walked to

 

[trecile]

Can I just ask when you reach your last day of the walk , will you get a train back to the Airport at Biarritz , or take a taxi ? again something I have not factored into my planning .

Use Rome2Rio.com to find transport. How many actual walking days will you have? You mentioned five days in your first post. Does that include your travel days?
If you stop at Orisson or Borda on your first walking day you will probably get to Pamplona on the fourth day, which is a good place to find transport from.

According to Rome2Rio there's a bus that takes 3 hrs 15 min from Pamplona to Biarritz.
Of course, that schedule may change by September

Rome2rio

Discover how to get anywhere by searching plane, train, bus, car and ferry routes

www.rome2rio.com

 

[martina Mc Donald]

Use Rome2Rio.com to find transport. How many actual walking days will you have? You mentioned five days in your first post. Does that include your travel days?
If you stop at Orisson or Borda on your first walking day you will probably get to Pamplona on the fourth day, which is a good place to find transport from.

According to Rome2Rio there's a bus that takes 3 hrs 15 min from Pamplona to Biarritz.
Of course, that schedule may change by September

Rome2rio

Discover how to get anywhere by searching plane, train, bus, car and ferry routes

www.rome2rio.com

Thanks so much we should get to Pamplona on the fourth day , brilliant advice ,, a million thank you's

 

[Amigos caminando]

I've used Express Burricot to SJPDP, great service. Another time arriving at 4pm approx to Santiago airport I overheard a passenger saying he was walking out to Finnistere. We both shared a taxi to the start of the walk and got 12/14kms done that evening.
Also check out Camino Society Ireland.
caminosocietyireland.ie

 

[martina Mc Donald]

I've used Express Burricot to SJPDP, great service. Another time arriving at 4pm approx to Santiago airport I overheard a passenger saying he was walking out to Finnistere. We both shared a taxi to the start of the walk and got 12/14kms done that evening.
Also check out Camino Society Ireland.
caminosocietyireland.ie

Great shout , thanks so much ,, I can hardly do my own job I keep checking in to the forum am loving this

 

[woody66]

Can I just ask when you reach your last day of the walk , will you get a train back to the Airport at Biarritz , or take a taxi ? again something I have not factored into my planning .

Hi Martina!
Hopefully my last day will be in Santiago flying back from there if I get that far.
Was going to go 2024 to spend my 70th on Camino but cant wait that long going while i still have a pulse!!!

Woody

 

[martina Mc Donald]

Hi Martina!
Hopefully my last day will be in Santiago flying back from there if I get that far.
Was going to go next year to spend my 70th on Camino but cant wait that long going while i still have a pulse!!!

Woody

That is such a great idea and I am sure you will be back to celebrate your 70th there

 

[Former member 49149]

Definitely, call in to the Camino Society in St James' St Church, Dublin. Only open two more Saturdays before Christmas, but will return to Thu - Sat in the New Year at some stage. First Saturday of the month, Camino Blessing in the Santiago Chapel. Special Pilgrim passports - pricy, but special. Plus, collective experience and wisdom shared freely by volunteers on duty!

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Thanks Michelle , last stupid question from me , can't believe I booked flights and never thought of logisitics , when you finished your walk , did you get a train back to the Airport ,,from the last place you had walked to

I did take a train from Logroño, as I had damaged the quad muscles in my left leg. It was an overnight sleeper and at the time cost 63 euro. So, like a bed and a non-stop taxi for one price.
Once in SdC, I stayed a couple of days at the Hotel Capital de Galicia. Beautiful little hotel with pink marble walls, close to the main modern Mall where you can buy just about anything you may need. On arrival, I booked my homebound flights online (free wifi), and the Owner of the Hotel printed out my flight documents for me and washed my clothes at no extra cost. Daily charge was 30 euro. As I had paid 35 euro at Orisson, I find that better value was found at Hotel Capital de Galicia.

 

[martina Mc Donald]

I did take a train from Logroño, as I had damaged the quad muscles in my left leg. It was an overnight sleeper and at the time cost 63 euro. So, like a bed and a non-stop taxi for one price.
Once in SdC, I stayed a couple of days at the Hotel Capital de Galicia. Beautiful little hotel with pink marble walls, close to the main modern Mall where you can buy just about anything you may need. On arrival, I booked my homebound flights online (free wifi), and the Owner of the Hotel printed out my flight documents for me and washed my clothes at no extra cost. Daily charge was 30 euro. As I had paid 35 euro at Orisson, I find that better value was found at Hotel Capital de Galicia.

Thanks again Michelle for some great tips and advice ,, I stupidly booked return tickets so will plan how to get back to the Airport and not miss our flights

 

[martina Mc Donald]

Definitely, call in to the Camino Society in St James' St Church, Dublin. Only open two more Saturdays before Christmas, but will return to Thu - Sat in the New Year at some stage. First Saturday of the month, Camino Blessing in the Santiago Chapel. Special Pilgrim passports - pricy, but special. Plus, collective experience and wisdom shared freely by volunteers on duty!

Thanks Kirkie , I did email the society so hopefully they will get back to me , I may have to go and visit after the New Year when I have more time

 

[Amigos caminando]

Martina, organised by the Camino Society Ireland there will be information days early in the year, usually February/March. Very informative, meet new and experienced pilgrims. Dates are posted on the website in the new year.

 

[martina Mc Donald]

Martina, organised by the Camino Society Ireland there will be information days early in the year, usually February/March. Very informative, meet new and experienced pilgrims. Dates are posted on the website in the new year.

Thanks so much , will look out for these dates

 

[Charles Johnson]

Thanks Charles ,, do you mean the Camino Store when you arrive or is there an online service that I can order one now .. so appreciate your help.

The store that is here, run by Ivar. https://www.santiagodecompostela.me/
Buen Camino!! (planning ours June '23)