How to get from Pamplona to St Jean PdP in April 2013

[Hedley49]

I am planning to arrive in Pamplona 7th April from Perth, Australia via Barcelona. I am struggling to find any information on services to St Jean PdP other than an expensive Taxi. There are bus services from June to Sept but I cannot find anything to even Roncesvalles. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

This will help. Search for Pamplona to Roncesvalles.

http://www.autobusesdenavarra.com/siv/i ... quedas.jsp

 

[zammy]

traveling-to-from-the-camino/topic11050.html
a bus leaves at 1400.
when arriving to SJPD-if you have your strength, make an efort and walk the first 6 km up to Hounto. It'll be easier the next day.
If the weather is bad, snow heavy rain or zero visibility (ask at the information center) don't bother to climb up the mountain, take the shuttle back to Roncevalles and start walking from there.

 

[Hedley49]

Thanks for the feedback folks. Very helpful.

 

[nreyn12]

Wait... you are traveling on 7th April, which is a Sunday and not in peak season. The buses from Pamplona to Roncesvalles don't run on Sundays or holidays. And last year the 2:00pm bus was available only in summer, say June to mid-September.

Check out this website: http://www.autocaresartieda.com/?scc=roncesvalles for what's available in April. It shows the bus runs Monday-Friday 6:00pm, and Saturday 4:00pm.

And that gets you only to Roncesvalles. Then you will need to get a taxi or hitch a ride to SJPP.

On a Sunday from Pamplona your only option - I think - is a taxi.

 

[migolito]

I realize you said no Taxi. However, it looks like your flying in from Australia, which means you will have taken a couple of planes and maybe a train just to arrive. You'll probably be tired, a little lost and anxious to get to SJPDP. I know I was! Do yourself a favor, take a taxi. You may also see some other pilgrims and split the ride. It's about 90 e.

 

[nreyn12]

If you do end up going with the taxi plan, you might also consider staying over a night in Pamplona. There are plenty of comfortable accommodation options and a lively evening promenade to all the tapas bars. Then you could taxi to SJPP on Monday morning rested and refreshed. If you are not rushed for time, then maybe enjoy SJPP, visit the Pilgrim's Office, and then take a leisurely walk up to Orisson or Honto in the afternoon.
Nancy

 

[Cowboy]

Have you tried Express Bourricot? (http://www.expressbourricot.com) I used them in April 2011 to get from Pamplona to St Jean and I can wholeheartedly recommend them. When I booked I was the only passenger and it was a bit costly but on arrival in Pamplona airport I quickly spotted some other pilgrims that were also intend on going to St Jean and who were planning to get the bus later in the day and were only to happy to find this alternative. So four of us shared the journey with Express Bourricot and split the cost. Try them, I am sure you will not be disappointed. Buen Camino, Michael

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Have you tried Express Bourricot?

They are closed, perhaps permanently, by regulatory problems in going between Spain and France. They are limited to Bayonne/Biarritz to SJPdP.

 

[Hedley49]

Have you tried Express Bourricot?

They are closed, perhaps permanently, by regulatory problems in going between Spain and France. They are limited to Bayonne/Biarritz to SJPdP.

Yes I tried them and they are no longer permitted to make the run as you said.

 

[Hedley49]

If you do end up going with the taxi plan, you might also consider staying over a night in Pamplona. There are plenty of comfortable accommodation options and a lively evening promenade to all the tapas bars. Then you could taxi to SJPP on Monday morning rested and refreshed. If you are not rushed for time, then maybe enjoy SJPP, visit the Pilgrim's Office, and then take a leisurely walk up to Orisson or Honto in the afternoon.
Nancy

Thank you Nancy. I will definitely stay in Pamplona for the night and go to SJPdP on Monday. I also like the Idea of Departing SJPdP and getting at least half way up the mountain, if the weather permits, on the first day.