Finding my way to St. John pied de port.

Tony Bobcat · Oct 30, 2016

Hello everyone. I am starting my first Camino on 13 of May next year, I fly out of Melbourne Australia and land in Barcelona 14 of May 1.25 pm.
What is the easiest way to get to St.John de port and in your opinion is there a good day to start. I will appreciate any advice given as I enjoy reading this forum weekly. Cheers Tony

Deleted member 3000 · Oct 30, 2016

Monday or Tuesday will help keep you behind the weekend rush. A train to Pamplona then a bus to SJPDP will get you there. ALSA will not post the bus schedule until about May, but there will be a bus or two by May 14.

whariwharangi · Oct 30, 2016

Easiest: Fly Barcelona to San Sebastian EAS. EAS is about 5km from Gare d'Hendaye: take a taxi. Take SNCF train from Hendaye to Bayonne. Take SNCF train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Cheapest:

Take ViBaSa (Monbus) bus from Barcelona Sants to Pamplona. Take CONDA (ALSA) bus from Pamplona to SJPdP.

ALSA operates buses from Barcelona Estacio Nord to Zaragosa and Zaragosa to Pamplona.

Most Convenient:

Renfe operates trains from Barcelona Sants to Pamplona and Irun/Hendaye.

SNCF operates trains from Barcelona Sants to Toulouse and Toulouse to Bayonne.

whariwharangi · Oct 30, 2016

No there is not a good day based on calendar to start. I'd prefer to wait for a day with fair weather if I had a choice.

Tony Bobcat · Oct 30, 2016

falcon269 said:
Monday or Tuesday will help keep you behind the weekend rush. A train to Pamplona then a bus to SJPDP will get you there. ALSA will not post the bus schedule until about May, but there will be a bus or two by May 14.

Thanks for your advise falcon269, will have to sort out wether to go by train or bus to Pamplona. Looking so forward to it. Cheers Tony

Barbara · Oct 30, 2016

You could just walk from Pamplona.

Tony Bobcat · Oct 30, 2016

whariwharangi said:
Easiest: Fly Barcelona to San Sebastian EAS. EAS is about 5km from Gare d'Hendaye: take a taxi. Take SNCF train from Hendaye to Bayonne. Take SNCF train from Bayonne to SJPdP.

Cheapest:

Take ViBaSa (Monbus) bus from Barcelona Sants to Pamplona. Take CONDA (ALSA) bus from Pamplona to SJPdP.

ALSA operates buses from Barcelona Estacio Nord to Zaragosa and Zaragosa to Pamplona.

Most Convenient:

Renfe operates trains from Barcelona Sants to Pamplona and cIrun/Hendaye.

SNCF operates trains from Barcelona Sants to Toulouse and Toulouse to Bayonne.

. Thanks for your advise wharlwarangi I need to work out what time the bus leaves foe Pamplona. The count down has started, just on six months can't wait. Cheers Tony

Smallest_Sparrow · Oct 30, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
. Thanks for your advise wharlwarangi I need to work out what time the bus leaves foe Pamplona. The count down has started, just on six months can't wait. Cheers Tony

while more expensive, if your train from Barcelona doesn't arrive Pamplona in time to make the bus connection to SJPdP, you can take a taxi from pamplona to SJPdP. you may be able to identify and round up some pilgrims waiting at SANTS station or while on the train or even on arrival at Pamplona, and split the cab fare to SJPdP. I did this with two other pilgrims I met in SANTS, and my share wasn't an astronomical amount... to me worth the convenience, and since we'd missed the only bus to St Jean that day, cheaper than getting a hotel room and the bus the next day.

whariwharangi · Oct 30, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
. Thanks for your advise wharlwarangi I need to work out what time the bus leaves foe Pamplona. The count down has started, just on six months can't wait. Cheers Tony

The Pamplona to SJPdP schedule was first there 3 or 4 years ago. Buses are added as demand increases. Last summer, if I recall correctly, there were 4 daily and another from San Sebastian via Biarritz.

Usually the first bus is 1430 starting around Easter or early March.

Sometime mid May another is added for 1730.

Another is added mid June for 1000.

The last bus in any event will likely leave at 1730. That means you have to catch the ~1230 train from Barcelona or stay in Pamplona for the night. At which point you might as well continue on the train to Irun. The SNCF trains from Hendaye start at 0500 and you can be in SJPdP at 0845.

Tony Bobcat · Oct 30, 2016

Barbara said:
You could just walk from Pamplona.

Hi Barbara. I need to be back in Barcelona within 35 days to meet up with my wife,just haven't got the time. Cheers Tony

Tony Bobcat · Oct 30, 2016

Smallest_Sparrow said:
while more expensive, if your train from Barcelona doesn't arrive Pamplona in time to make the bus connection to SJPdP, you can take a taxi from pamplona to SJPdP. you may be able to identify and round up some pilgrims waiting at SANTS station or while on the train or even on arrival at Pamplona, and split the cab fare to SJPdP. I did this with two other pilgrims I met in SANTS, and my share wasn't an astronomical amount... to me worth the convenience, and since we'd missed the only bus to St Jean that day, cheaper than getting a hotel room and the bus the next day.

Great advise Smallest_Sparrow will keep that in mind, shouldn't be hard to find a couple with back packs among the crowd. Cheers Tony

Smallest_Sparrow · Oct 30, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
Great advise Smallest_Sparrow will keep that in mind, shouldn't be hard to find a couple with back packs among the crowd. Cheers Tony

Oh, I almost forgot this, but someone else mentioned it on another thread. There is an albergue Corazon Puro. If you book a room with them, they will pick you up in pamplona, serve you dinner and the next day breakfast and drop you off in SJPdP.
http://www.corazonpuro.es/Enghome.html

Tony Bobcat · Oct 30, 2016

whariwharangi said:
The Pamplona to SJPdP schedule was first there 3 or 4 years ago. Buses are added as demand increases. Last summer, if I recall correctly, there were 4 daily and another from San Sebastian via Biarritz.

Usually the first bus is 1430 starting around Easter or early March.

Sometime mid May another is added for 1730.

Another is added mid June for 1000.

The last bus in any event will likely leave at 1730. That means you have to catch the ~1230 train from Barcelona or stay in Pamplona for the night. At which point you might as well continue on the train to Irun. The SNCF trains from Hendaye start at 0500 and you can be in SJPdP at 0845.

Hi whariwharangi I arrive in Barcelona at 2.00 pm so I will probably continue to Irun. Once again thanks for your advise,much appreciated. Cheers Tony

Yellowfriend · Oct 30, 2016

A lot of information is on the site expressbourricot.com

C clearly · Oct 31, 2016

Barbara said:
You could just walk from Pamplona.

Tony Bobcat said:
Hi Barbara. I need to be back in Barcelona within 35 days to meet up with my wife,just haven't got the time. Cheers Tony

I think the suggestion was that you start walking westward, from Pamplona, instead of going to SJPP.

Barbara · Oct 31, 2016

Yes, it was. Sorry if that wasn't clear.

Tony Bobcat · Oct 31, 2016

Smallest_Sparrow said:
Oh, I almost forgot this, but someone else mentioned it on another thread. There is an albergue Corazon Puro. If you book a room with them, they will pick you up in pamplona, serve you dinner and the next day breakfast and drop you off in SJPdP.
http://www.corazonpuro.es/Enghome.html

Hi Smallest_Sparrow, I have already emailed them to find out the cost but they replied that they pare unable to price me until February next year. I would still like to know different options. Once again thanks for all your help. Cheers Tony

Tony Bobcat · Oct 31, 2016

C clearly said:
I think the suggestion was that you start walking westward, from Pamplona, instead of going to SJPP.

Hello C clearly and Barbara sorry for the misunderstanding, over the past 12 months I have watched just about every video on the Camino,have had a few dreams and also day dreaming at work.
I am so looking forward for the full experience, Meeting a lot of people and hopefully find some spiritual renewal. Once again I thank you both for your advise. Cheers Tony

C clearly · Oct 31, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
I have watched just about every video on the Camino,have had a few dreams and also day dreaming at work. I am so looking forward for the full experience,

Starting at St Jean Pied de Port is an excellent idea. I have done it twice, although not my first time. I recommend it for anyone who has the time and inclination.

Although you may have watched just about every inspirational video, you must have missed the many threads on this forum, such as this one and this one (there are many more; these are just 2 of this week's popular ones) because you have said some "no no" words in referring to the "whole experience"! A "whole Camino" would involve walking from your home to Santiago. Since you are coming from Australia, we'll give you a break, but you get the point! Many people do walk from distant points in Europe. Many others start at other points along the Camino Frances and rightly consider their experiences to be "whole." The suggestion to start in Pamplona was a reminder that St Jean has no official status on the Camino. So, please help us to eliminate misunderstandings about that.

I hope your experience is wonderful. It probably will be, but maybe not in the way you expect in your dreams.

Tony Bobcat · Nov 1, 2016

C clearly said:
Starting at St Jean Pied de Port is an excellent idea. I have done it twice, although not my first time. I recommend it for anyone who has the time and inclination.

Although you may have watched just about every inspirational video, you must have missed the many threads on this forum, such as this one and this one (there are many more; these are just 2 of this week's popular ones) because you have said some "no no" words in referring to the "whole experience"! A "whole Camino" would involve walking from your home to Santiago. Since you are coming from Australia, we'll give you a break, but you get the point! Many people do walk from distant points in Europe. Many others start at other points along the Camino Frances and rightly consider their experiences to be "whole." The suggestion to start in Pamplona was a reminder that St Jean has no official status on the Camino. So, please help us to eliminate misunderstandings about that.

I hope your experience is wonderful. It probably will be, but maybe not in the way you expect in your dreams.

Hello C clearly Once again thanks for your advise I will take it on board, you were right I did miss both them threads. In Terri B Thread it was a shame that she had a few set backs, but at the end she completed her Camino I her own way and enjoyed it. Kangas saying of go with out expectation is a good advise. Cheers Tony

Tony Bobcat · Nov 1, 2016

Yellowfriend said:
A lot of information is on the site expressbourricot.com

Hello Yellofriend thanks for your advise, I will look into it. Cheers Tony

Richard A Stead · Nov 5, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
Hello everyone. I am starting my first Camino on 13 of May next year, I fly out of Melbourne Australia and land in Barcelona 14 of May 1.25 pm.
What is the easiest way to get to St.John de port and in your opinion is there a good day to start. I will appreciate any advice given as I enjoy reading this forum weekly. Cheers Tony

However you get to St J P de P my strong advice would be to book Orison and don't do SJ to Roncevalles in one go. I did it on May 15th this year and the weather at the top can be horrible.

Liz Ward · Nov 5, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
Hello everyone. I am starting my first Camino on 13 of May next year, I fly out of Melbourne Australia and land in Barcelona 14 of May 1.25 pm.
What is the easiest way to get to St.John de port and in your opinion is there a good day to start. I will appreciate any advice given as I enjoy reading this forum weekly. Cheers Tony

Hi,
I just returned from the Camino Frances last week and have another idea for you. I flew from Washington, DC to Madrid and then took a plane to Pamplona (you could probably find a flight from Barcelona too). I then took a cab to the bus station in Pamplona and was picked up Istvan who has an albergue somewhere between Pamplona and SJPP. Had dinner at his place, along with a restful night's sleep. I woke up for an early breakfast and at 7:30 am Istvan and his wife drove me to SJPP to begin my Camino. I did have a reservation in Orisson and I would highly recommend it. While the walk there is not particularly long (it was uphill), it was a perfect way to begin your Camino. The communal dinner was fun and the people that I met that night I continued to see for many weeks on the path. Istvan's albergue is called Curzón Puro and you can find it in Trip Advisor. Buen Camino. Liz

Nelia L Keiser · Nov 5, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
Hi Barbara. I need to be back in Barcelona within 35 days to meet up with my wife,just haven't got the time. Cheers Tony

I took a taxi from Pamplona train station to SJ the cost was €120. A very quick trip thru the winding mountains. Got in at a reasonable hour.

Tony Bobcat · Nov 5, 2016

Liz Ward said:
Hi,
I just returned from the Camino Frances last week and have another idea for you. I flew from Washington, DC to Madrid and then took a plane to Pamplona (you could probably find a flight from Barcelona too). I then took a cab to the bus station in Pamplona and was picked up Istvan who has an albergue somewhere between Pamplona and SJPP. Had dinner at his place, along with a restful night's sleep. I woke up for an early breakfast and at 7:30 am Istvan and his wife drove me to SJPP to begin my Camino. I did have a reservation in Orisson and I would highly recommend it. While the walk there is not particularly long (it was uphill), it was a perfect way to begin your Camino. The communal dinner was fun and the people that I met that night I continued to see for many weeks on the path. Istvan's albergue is called Curzón Puro and you can find it in Trip Advisor. Buen Camino. Liz

Hi Liz. Thanks for your advise I will be booking in at Orisson and I have tried a few months ago to get a quote from Curzon Puro. They told me that they were half way through their season and will not be taking any reservation until February next year. Could you please tell me what the cost was. Cheer Tony

Tony Bobcat · Nov 5, 2016

Nelia L Keiser said:
I took a taxi from Pamplona train station to SJ the cost was €120. A very quick trip thru the winding mountains. Got in at a reasonable hour.

Hi Nelia. Thanks for your advise,with a bit of luck if I decide to take a taxi I might be able to find someone to share the taxi fare. Cheers Tony

Tony Bobcat · Nov 5, 2016

Richard A Stead said:
However you get to St J P de P my strong advice would be to book Orison and don't do SJ to Roncevalles in one go. I did it on May 15th this year and the weather at the top can be horrible.

Hi Richard thanks for your great advise, I will be booking in at Orisson.
I also thought of starting slowly and at the same time it will be a great way of meeting people. Once again thanks for your advise. Cheers Tony

Lisa HS · Nov 6, 2016

Smallest_Sparrow said:
Oh, I almost forgot this, but someone else mentioned it on another thread. There is an albergue Corazon Puro. If you book a room with them, they will pick you up in pamplona, serve you dinner and the next day breakfast and drop you off in SJPdP.
http://www.corazonpuro.es/Enghome.html

Totally with SS on this one. The Corazon Puro folks are lovely. The cost is no more than you would be paying for bus+night in SJPdP + meals anyway, and it's a lot more convenient. Only trick is you'll need to arrive in Pamplona no later than late afternoon.

Doodle99 · Nov 6, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
Hi Liz. Thanks for your advise I will be booking in at Orisson and I have tried a few months ago to get a quote from Curzon Puro. They told me that they were half way through their season and will not be taking any reservation until February next year. Could you please tell me what the cost was. Cheer Tony

The price is on their website - here is the link to the page http://www.corazonpuro.es/AlbergueEng.html

whariwharangi · Nov 6, 2016

Tony Bobcat said:
Hi whariwharangi I arrive in Barcelona at 2.00 pm so I will probably continue to Irun. Once again thanks for your advise,much appreciated. Cheers Tony

A couple of alternatives:

SNCF operates trains from Barcelona to Toulouse and Toulouse to Bayonne.

There are domestic flights from Barcelona to San Sebastian EAS. EAS is located near Irun about 5 km from Gare d'Hendaye.

wally · Nov 7, 2016

Hello & good luck
I just made this trip in September
The train from Madrid takes about 4-5 hours.
It's a short hop from the train station over to the ALSA bus station once you arrive in Pamplona

There is also a bus service from Madrid to Pamplona but this takes longer

There are several bus trips each day from Pamplona over to SJPDP. The bus trip takes about 1 1/4 hrs.

From the bus stop in St. Jean Pied de Port, it's a short walk (about 5 min) to the Pilgrim Office.

buen camino

whariwharangi · Nov 7, 2016

wally said:
There are several bus trips each day from Pamplona over to SJPDP. The bus trip takes about 1 1/4 hrs.

No there are not several bus trips each day. This is only true in summer.

There is not now any bus on this route.

Tony Bobcat · Nov 7, 2016

wally said:
Hello & good luck
I just made this trip in September
The train from Madrid takes about 4-5 hours.
It's a short hop from the train station over to the ALSA bus station once you arrive in Pamplona

There is also a bus service from Madrid to Pamplona but this takes longer

There are several bus trips each day from Pamplona over to SJPDP. The bus trip takes about 1 1/4 hrs.

From the bus stop in St. Jean Pied de Port, it's a short walk (about 5 min) to the Pilgrim Office.

buen camino

Hello Wally Thanks for your advise,you wouldn't know what time the buses leave Pamplona to Sjpdp. Cheers Tony

Tony Bobcat · Nov 7, 2016

whariwharangi said:
No there are not several bus trips each day. This is only true in summer.

There is not now any bus on this route.

Hi Whariwharangi. Thanks for the information, I will have to find out prior to getting to Pamplona. Cheers Tony

Saint Mike II · Nov 16, 2016

C clearly said:
Starting at St Jean Pied de Port is an excellent idea. I have done it twice, although not my first time. I recommend it for anyone who has the time and inclination. The suggestion to start in Pamplona was a reminder that St Jean has no official status on the Camino. So, please help us to eliminate misunderstandings about that. I hope your experience is wonderful. It probably will be, but maybe not in the way you expect in your dreams.

Hi @C clearly; would you care to explain/clarify the comment St Jean has no official status? Yes I am aware that when I reach Santiago the Cathedral Office is going to ask - did you walk & for what reason. My passport stamps will clearly indicate that I have walked (at least) the 100 km. required. So does any starting point have "official status"? Cheers

C clearly · Nov 17, 2016

Saint Mike II said:
would you care to explain/clarify the comment St Jean has no official status?

What I meant was that there are NO official starting points for the Camino. St Jean is the same as Roncesvalles, Pamplona, Sarria or Moscow. Any place further than 100 km from Santiago is a valid starting point.

The OP had referred to wanting "the full experience" as a reason for starting in St. Jean rather than Pamplona (for example). I was pointing out that the "full experience" did not depend on starting in St. Jean Pied de Port.

Marion-SantiagoInLove · Nov 17, 2016

Saint Mike II said:
So does any starting point have "official status"?

None, like @C clearly said.
I'll even take it further. A full experience of the Camino can happen with less than 100km, one can even never go to Santiago and experience it. Monte de Gozo is as good of a start as any other. What truly matter is, what does one mean by "Camino" and does one want an official recognition or not
And don't take for granted what marketing is saying... Sahagun is not the "middle of the Camino", just like Le Puy is not the "European capital of the Camino"

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Finding my way to St. John pied de port.

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