Catching the train in Bilbao

[Jo Dobson]

Hi All .
My walking buddy and I are arriving at Bilbao Airport 30th March , flight arrives 1700 , I have looked at the trains , last one departs for Burgos (start of next section) at 1800 . Does anyone know how far Bilbao train station is from Bilbao airport and what are the chances of making that last train ? Or any other options please ?
Thank you

 

[Turga]

what are the chances of making that last train ?

So you have a one hour window to clear the airport, get to the train station, purchase tickets(?) and board the train - not likely to happen. Perhaps consider a hotel in Bilbao for the night and travel on in the morning.

 

[Jo Dobson]

So you have a one hour window to clear the airport, get to the train station, purchase tickets(?) and board the train - not likely to happen. Perhaps consider a hotel in Bilbao for the night and travel on in the morning.

Targa ,
Thank you , you are so right , I knew we were cutting it fine , wondered if the train station was at the airport , may give us a slight chance as we are sat at the front of the plane so hopefully get off soonest and only carry on bags so no waiting for baggage claim . If not possible, we will do as you suggest and spend the first night at Bilbao instead of Burgos

 

[Vacajoe]

The airport is outside of town while the train station is in the middle of town. Even grabbing the first taxi does not guarantee you’ll make it through traffic to get to the train station on time. The bus takes even longer.

Bilbao is a fabulous city - lots of great food and art, even if it’s just walking around the city (some would argue that the Guggenheim is actually best seen from the outside!). There are pilgrim hostels there, too, if you are headed to your pilgrimage start.

 

[henrythedog]

No point in adding the stress - a night in Bilbao is a great way to start your trip.

Then off to Burgos - seek out Casa Pancho for Cojonudas and Cojonudos.,

 

[Vacajoe]

But give it a try - who knows, right? If you don’t buy a ticket ahead of time, nothing lost. If you make it, you can convince all future pilgrims that you can do it. Plane may be early, train maybe late, all the traffic guys could turn green - Camino miracles DO happen! I think it’s impossible (especially if you have to go through immigration), but stranger things have happened. Let us know the results.

 

[J Willhaus]

Looks like there is a bus to Burgos that leaves at 9 p.m. run by Sociobus? Look at Google Maps for connections.

 

[J Willhaus]

Socibus | Billetes bus | Web oficial

Compra tus billetes de autobus Madrid-Sevilla-Córdoba-Cádiz-Huelva, Córdoba-Cádiz-Huelva, Bilbao-Sevilla-Málaga-Córdoba-Cádiz, Irún-Algeciras.

socibusventas.es

Here is the bus schedule.

 

[Vacajoe]

I see a 9pm Socibus bus that gets to Burgos around midnight.

 

[J Willhaus]

There is a hostel in Burgos right next to the bus station.

Hostel Burgos | Only Pilgrims | Booking hostels

This hostel is located in an ideal place in the center of Burgos, close to the main monuments of the city and perfectly communicated to be located in the building of the bus station. Its modern facilities have services and amenities that will make your stay easier, as well as being a meeting...

www.onlypilgrims.com

Edited to say bus station not train!

 

[naplesdon]

Semanario Hotel is near the airport and caters to pilgrims, I would recommend taking a bus to Burgos the next morning because it is faster and arrives near the catedral. The Burgos train station is somewhat out of town. See a recent previous thread on this topic.

 

[J Willhaus]

Also if you take the bus to Burgos, the bus station and hostel are on an awesome street with a laundromat, bank, grocery nearby and if you are there on the right day there is a Mobile Churros y Chocolate vendor that sets up a stand near where you cross the bridge to the cathedral.

 

[Jo Dobson]

But give it a try - who knows, right? If you don’t buy a ticket ahead of time, nothing lost. If you make it, you can convince all future pilgrims that you can do it. Plane may be early, train maybe late, all the traffic guys could turn green - Camino miracles DO happen! I think it’s impossible (especially if you have to go through immigration), but stranger things have happened. Let us know the results.

Also if you take the bus to Burgos, the bus station and hostel are on an awesome street with a laundromat, bank, grocery nearby and if you are there on the right day there is a Mobile Churros y Chocolate vendor that sets up a stand near where you cross the bridge to the cathedral.

Thank you

 

[Jo Dobson]

Semanario Hotel is near the airport and caters to pilgrims, I would recommend taking a bus to Burgos the next morning because it is faster and arrives near the catedral. The Burgos train station is somewhat out of town. See a recent previous thread on this topic.

Thank you , will look into that option

 

[Wanderingfriend]

Hi All .
My walking buddy and I are arriving at Bilbao Airport 30th March , flight arrives 1700 , I have looked at the trains , last one departs for Burgos (start of next section) at 1800 . Does anyone know how far Bilbao train station is from Bilbao airport and what are the chances of making that last train ? Or any other options please ?
Thank you

I leave in a few days for Bilbao. I have done this before. One hour is too tight. I would suggest a hotel in Old Bilbao, it is lovely. Spend the evening walking the old town, visit the church, eat some tapas. I often stay in a very quirky, charming hotel in Old Bilbao, but there are many accomodations there. From old town you can walk over the bridge to the train station (about 10 mins). It’s easy and you will be so relaxed, showered and will enjoy the lovely train ride in the light of day.

 

[Wanderingfriend]