Flying into Madrid and getting to SJPP?

[Antoinetteb]

I will be flying into Madrid from the US in mid-September and meeting my friend from Germany. We are planning on getting to SJPP and wondering how long it might take and the best and shortest way to get there. I'm sure flying but first would like to look into the train. It is my first time on the Camino and could use all the help I can get! Thanks! Antoinette

 

[mralisn]

Hello,

Without flying, you could look into the option of taking the train to San Sebastian. I pretty sure there is a train leaving directly from MAD to EAS. From there, a short bus ride to the east can get you near Hendaye there near the border. I can't remember if I took another bus from Hendaye to Biarritz/Bayonne or not. This could be an option.

Some have done a bus to Pamplona and then bus to Roncesvalles and then shuttle to SJPdP as well.

Many options. Each has it's own benefits. If you go to the "Camino Search" above next to the big blue arrow, type in "Madrid to St. Jean..." and you will instantly see bunch of threads already with wonderful answers MUCH better than mine.

A September walk sounds great!

 

[mspath]

Antoinette,

Welcome to the camino!

Use this handy Rome2Rio web site to calculate the various travel options, time involved and approximate cost for traveling from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port. When the first screen of possibilities appears click the circle to see more info. The fastest way would be to fly to Pamplona and then bus to SJPdP. A cheaper way would be by train.

Happy research and Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Madrid to Pamplona by bus:

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Pamplona to SJPdP (if you take a train from Madrid to Pamplona, you need to go between the two stations, which takes about half an hour):

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Train station to bus station in Pamplona:

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Train on current schedule; September is likely to be the same:

 

[Antoinetteb]

Antoinette,

Welcome to the camino!

Use this handy Rome2Rio web site to calculate the various travel options, time involved and approximate cost for traveling from Madrid to Saint Jean Pied de Port. When the first screen of possibilities appears click the circle to see more info. The fastest way would be to fly to Pamplona and then bus to SJPdP. A cheaper way would be by train.

Happy research and Buen camino,

Margaret Meredith

Thank you Margaret!
I know I have time to research and will do so in the next few months. I am trying to book into a place recommended in SJPdP for a couple of nights before starting and need to figure in the time to get there. I arrive in about 10am into Madrid and was hoping to arrive to SJPdP by that evening but not sure that will be possible. I will check more on the website you recommended.
Best,
Antoinette

 

[Antoinetteb]

Hello,

Without flying, you could look into the option of taking the train to San Sebastian. I pretty sure there is a train leaving directly from MAD to EAS. From there, a short bus ride to the east can get you near Hendaye there near the border. I can't remember if I took another bus from Hendaye to Biarritz/Bayonne or not. This could be an option.

Some have done a bus to Pamplona and then bus to Roncesvalles and then shuttle to SJPdP as well.

Many options. Each has it's own benefits. If you go to the "Camino Search" above next to the big blue arrow, type in "Madrid to St. Jean..." and you will instantly see bunch of threads already with wonderful answers MUCH better than mine.

A September walk sounds great!

Thank you! A little overwhelmed with all the choices but I know and trust it will come together. I might check into check flight as well!

 

[Olivares]

Consider flying into Barcelona (BCN) instead of Madrid. Very easy, cheap, frequent, diverse connections with Pamplona and from there SJPDP. My first time on the Camino I flew into BCN and I took a bus to Pamplona and share a ride from the Bus Station in Pamplona and was at SJPDP with plenty time to stop at the Office of Pilgrim, get the credential stamped, get supplies for the next day and explore the town.