How to get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?

[gigifromms]

Should I fly to Paris first? Is there a train that will take me to Saint Jean Pied de Port if I start from Paris. I've done a lot of searching, but have gotten no really answers.

If it matters, I plan on walking in June of 2014

 

[wayfarer]

If you fly into Paris you can get a train to Bayonne and another from there to St Jean.
Some have flown from Paris to Biaritz then bus to Bayonne station then train to St Jean.
Buen Camino

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Hi gigifromms!

I am flying into Paris (from the US) then making my way over to Gare Montparnnese train station and taking the "fast" train to Bayonne. I will get into Bayonne late, so I am spending the night and getting up to catch a morning train to SJDP. I will be able to walk around St Jean for that day before heading out the next day on May 27th. I am looking forward to spending a night in Bayonne and St Jean! Keep researching this forum.....you will find almost all your questions answered, and then some!

Buen Camino!
Rosemary

 

[gigifromms]

Thanks, guys!

 

[whariwharangi]

Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is the closest airport to SJPdP. If you plan to start at SJPdP, travel via BIQ is the least complicated way of access.

Catch the #14 bus from Biarritz (Anglet Airport) to Gare Bayonne. The SNCF TER 62 train to SJPdP leaves from Gare Bayonne.

If you are traveling by train from Paris or other location a transfer is required at Bayonne.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Airlines flying to BIQ
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/destination/compagnie.html

Chronoplus, the local bus system.
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

Chronoplus Map
http://www.chronoplus.eu/ftp/Plan_reseau_chronoplus_jan2013.pdf

SNCF TER Acquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

Gare Bayonne
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Bayonne

 

[gigifromms]

You guys are truly wonderful!

 

[DeadFred]

and then there's the Madrid Route .... I'm coming from the Mid US and after much time with the web, pencil, eraser and paper I found that the least expensive with the least headache appears to be direct flight from Dallas/Fortworth ( Via Northwest Arkansas ) to Madrid then train to Pomplona then Bus ( to Roncesvalles) or Taxi on to St Jean .

 

[gigifromms]

Thanks, DeadFred. I too am looking for a cheaper route.

 

[jmcarp]

We flew from Denver to Newark, then Newark to Madrid. We took a bus straight to Pamplona from Terminal 4 at the Madrid airport, then spent the night in Pamplona to help overcome jet lag before starting the Camino. We took a bus from Pamplona to SJPP the next day, spent another night there and actually started walking the following morning. On the return, we took the train from Santiago to Madrid, then the Metro from the train station to the airport. The flights back to the U.S. were the reverse order of the flights over.

Jim

 

[JohnMcM]

You guys are truly wonderful!

Aren't they just!

 

[cahaba]

Rosemary,
I have the same plan for the beginning of May 2014. Are you taking the Air France bus or metro from CDG to Gare Montparnasse ? How much time have you allotted?

 

[gigifromms]

Rosemary,
I have the same plan for the beginning of May 2014. Are you taking the Air France bus or metro from CDG to Gare Montparnasse ? How much time have you allotted?

Rosemary, I'm rethinking flying into Paris after all. I started researching flights after reading all of these posts, and it looks like it's cheaper to fly to Madrid and bus to SJPDP.

 

[whariwharangi]

If you go by way of Madrid ...

The bus from Pamplona to SJPdP only runs in summer ... and this past summer there were two per day.

You can also get a bus from Pamplona to Biarritz airport.

Estacion de Autobuses Pamplona
http://estaciondeautobusesdepamplona.com/Inicio.aspx

If you take the train from Madrid you are likely better off to go to Irun/Hendaye with Renfe and transfer to an SNCF train to Bayonne. Then catch the TER 62 from Bayonne to SJPdP. The border crossing at Irun/Hendaye is a bit complex but thousands do it without incident. France and Spain have different rail gauges so it is necessary to transfer trains at the border.

Some Renfe trains go only as far as Irun and others continue to Hendaye.

SNCF trains go to Irun and Hendaye. SNCF TER regional trains only go to Hendaye.

Euskotren (a commuter train) runs every hour and can be used to transfer from Irun to Hendaye.

Renfe website:
http://www.renfe.com/EN/viajeros/index.html

SNCF website
http://www.sncf.com/en/passengers

SNCF TER Acquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

Irun train station:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irun_railway_station

Hendaye train station:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_d%27Hendaye

If you go to Barcelona there is a similar border crossing at Port Bou and Cebere.

Catch the Renfe train Barcelona to Port Bou. TER train goes from Cerbere/Port Bou to Narbonne. SNCF intercites trains connect Narbonne to Toulouse and Toulouse to Bayonne. Then its Bayonne to SJPdP.

Cerbere
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Cerbère

Port Bou
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portbou_railway_station

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Rosemary,
I have the same plan for the beginning of May 2014. Are you taking the Air France bus or metro from CDG to Gare Montparnasse ? How much time have you allotted?

Hi cahaba!
Yes, I am planning on taking the Air France bus. I will have roughly four hours from the time I land in Paris to get to the train station to leave at 14:30 (2:30pm). This puts me into Bayonne around 19:30....(7:30 pm.....I have to get used to the 24 hour clock system) I was going to try and make an earlier train but realized it wouldn't work. So, now I can get to Gare Montparnasse in a more relaxed manner!
Buen Camino to you!

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Rosemary, I'm rethinking flying into Paris after all. I started researching flights after reading all of these posts, and it looks like it's cheaper to fly to Madrid and bus to SJPDP.

Hi gigifromms,
I think it may be cheaper, but I, in my own crazy little mind, did not want to "see or experience" any parts of the Camino before I actually started! I know....crazy....thus, the reason to fly into Paris!

 

[gigifromms]

Rosemary, it's not crazy at all. I'd prefer to go through Paris, alas, I'm a teacher, and have to pinch the pennies. BTW I adore Paris. I went June of 2012. I hope you have a couple of hours to walking around if you've never been there. Are you going on your own? How much money are you budgeting for each day? ---If you don't mind my nosiness.

 

[KinkyOne]

If anyone will come to Bayonne late afternoon/evening from Paris or else you may consider to stay overnight here:
http://hotel-montecarlo.allcommerces.com/
It is small, clean, nicely maintained hotel, not expensive, located across the street from Bayonne train station, with bar & restaurant on the ground floor, you can pay with credit card, with at least three markets in the near... And you can take first train to SJPdP in the morning and take rest day in this beautiful village

Ultreia!

 

[Laliibeans]

If anyone will come to Bayonne late afternoon/evening from Paris or else you may consider to stay overnight here:
http://hotel-montecarlo.allcommerces.com/
It is small, clean, nicely maintained hotel, not expensive, located across the street from Bayonne train station, with bar & restaurant on the ground floor, you can pay with credit card, with at least three markets in the near... And you can take first train to SJPdP in the morning and take rest day in this beautiful village

Ultreia!

That's where I'm planning on staying
Just a question though for everyone, when I've been looking at the Rail Europe site it says you can get the train to Bayonne straight from the CDG airport. Is that incorrect? I may need to rethink our plans if it is.

 

[Thomas1962]

First question: where do you travel from?

Please all: be aware that this is an international forum.
You better take a train to Paris if you live in Belgium, don't try to fly then. It might be better not to go to Paris at all when you live in Italy...

 

[camino07]

Yes you can get the train straight from CDG. I did in 2007 the station is on lower level. I remember waiting a few hours there and getting in very late to Bayonne.

 

[jl]

I too am planning to catch the train from CdG to Bayonne (change at Bordeaux) in Dec. I have done this twice before and it is really easy. With luck my connections will be such that I will actually make it to SJPdP in the same day. Janet

 

[longwalker]

Rosemary, I'm rethinking flying into Paris after all. I started researching flights after reading all of these posts, and it looks like it's cheaper to fly to Madrid and bus to SJPDP.

It has been my experience that the most expenceive nights are the ones at the begining and end of my trips to Spain/France. A night in Madrid or Paris is far costlier than a night on the El Camino itself. So I think the least expensive route is the one that gets you on the Camino the quickest. I also believe that a rest day before starting to walk pays worthwhile dividends.

 

[whariwharangi]

That's where I'm planning on staying
Just a question though for everyone, when I've been looking at the Rail Europe site it says you can get the train to Bayonne straight from the CDG airport. Is that incorrect? I may need to rethink our plans if it is.

Wikipedia site for CDG indicates the TGV train goes direct from CDG 2 to Bordeaux. See the section for ground transportation. The Paris airports site provides a map.

Wikipedia for CDG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paris-Charles_de_Gaulle_Airport

Paris Airports
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-gb/passagers/home/

The SNCF site (SNCF is the company that operates the train) indicates the train goes from Paris CDG 2 to Bordeaux then another train goes on to Bayonne. A transfer is therefore likely required in Bordeaux during 10 minute stopover. Some trains require another short transfer at Dax. Enter Paris CDG pull down menu for 'Depart' and Bayonne as 'Arivee'.

SNCF schedules
http://www.voyages-sncf.com/billet-train/horaires

I would suggest working out how to get from CDG to Bayonne and then from Bayonne to SJPdP ... the site apparently will show only a few of the Paris to Bayonne trains if you try to get the whole Paris to SJPdP trip to connect. You have to buy the ticket for the TER 62 train to SJPdP in Bayonne.

 

[Laliibeans]

Thanks for that information, it's very helpful. When I last traveled in Europe it really didn't seem this difficult!

 

[KinkyOne]

Thanks for that information, it's very helpful. When I last traveled in Europe it really didn't seem this difficult!

And is still not that difficult TGV (high-speed train) 1st class is usually booked well in advance and the same goes for 2nd class very often if you try to buy the tickets at the train station. So it's better to book them on-line. But that's not the case for TER62 from Bayonne to SJPdP. Maybe it did happened but I've never actually heard that this train was full.

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Rosemary, it's not crazy at all. I'd prefer to go through Paris, alas, I'm a teacher, and have to pinch the pennies. BTW I adore Paris. I went June of 2012. I hope you have a couple of hours to walking around if you've never been there. Are you going on your own? How much money are you budgeting for each day? ---If you don't mind my nosiness.

Hi gigromms,

I will be travelling alone and have never been to Paris so that is why I am taking the bus to Gare Montparnnese.....a little sight seeing along the way. I am planning on 50 Euros a day. It seems like a lot and if I end up with some change at the end, great! I started saving for this trip in early August when I had finally decided it was time for me to go! I hope our paths cross...would be fun!
Buen Camino!

 

[Rosemaryk1]

That's where I'm planning on staying
Just a question though for everyone, when I've been looking at the Rail Europe site it says you can get the train to Bayonne straight from the CDG airport. Is that incorrect? I may need to rethink our plans if it is.

Hi Laliibeans,

Yes, you can. I looked at this option and it would get me into Bayonne late. I thought long and hard and decided that I did not want to start out that way, plus riding the bus to Gare Montparnnase will be like a little sightseeing trip!
Buen Camino!

 

[whariwharangi]

Thanks for that information, it's very helpful. When I last traveled in Europe it really didn't seem this difficult!

Its probably harder to figure out how it works using internet resources than it is to actually do it. Considering that SJPdP is a village of under 2000 ... it is surprisingly easy to get there.

 

[Laliibeans]

Hi Laliibeans,

Yes, you can. I looked at this option and it would get me into Bayonne late. I thought long and hard and decided that I did not want to start out that way, plus riding the bus to Gare Montparnnase will be like a little sightseeing trip!
Buen Camino!

Ah, I see. I'd heard a few other people say that they were going from Montparnasse so I thought I should check to be sure. You can always count on the experts here!
As far as I can tell my plane will get in with plenty of time to make it for the 10am train (barring any delays) so I'm hoping we have a nice relaxing trip to SJPP.

 

[janbern]

We flew from Denver to Newark, then Newark to Madrid. We took a bus straight to Pamplona from Terminal 4 at the Madrid airport, then spent the night in Pamplona to help overcome jet lag before starting the Camino. We took a bus from Pamplona to SJPP the next day, spent another night there and actually started walking the following morning. On the return, we took the train from Santiago to Madrid, then the Metro from the train station to the airport. The flights back to the U.S. were the reverse order of the flights over.

Jim

This route and way sounds doable!! Fly to Madrid, bus to Pamplona then bus to SJPP!! Thanks

 

[JoanneK]

I too am planning to catch the train from CdG to Bayonne (change at Bordeaux) in Dec. I have done this twice before and it is really easy. With luck my connections will be such that I will actually make it to SJPdP in the same day. Janet

How long would you need between landing in CdG and getting to the train station? We land at 2:30pm and the train is at 4:30pm....late into Bayonne but at least we get closer to St Jean

 

[whariwharangi]

How long would you need between landing in CdG and getting to the train station? We land at 2:30pm and the train is at 4:30pm....late into Bayonne but at least we get closer to St Jean

There are 6 major train stations in Paris plus the TGV station at CDG terminal 2 and I don't know which train station you mean.

CDG 2 station
Scroll to bottom of page at the link and find description how to get from the various terminals at CDG to the TGV station at terminal 2. Two hours from landing should be sufficient.
http://www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/...ris-CDG/Access/public-transport/cdg-train.htm

Montparnasse station (where most trains depart from Paris to Bordeaux and connect to train to Irun (stopping in Bayonne))
It takes an hour by RER (B) (leaving every 6 minutes) to Gare du Nord and Metro #4 to Montparnasse metro station. Add 15 minutes to walk from Metro to Train station. Two hours ... including deboarding, customs, baggage, and the usual late arrival ... is very tight.

Paris RATP
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/carteidf.php?lang=uk

Montparnasse - Bienvenue Metro station
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montparnasse_-_Bienvenüe_(Paris_Métro)

Gare Montparnasse
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_Montparnasse

 

[JoanneK]

Thanks for that - time for our departure is getting closer and the excitement is rising. Joanne

 

[jl]

How long would you need between landing in CdG and getting to the train station? We land at 2:30pm and the train is at 4:30pm....late into Bayonne but at least we get closer to St Jean

Joannek, I would think that you should have enough time to get to the train station at CdG. The issue for you will be the length of time it takes to get your bag if it is in the hold. When I went in Dec I arrived at around 7.00 and caught the train around 10ish. I had plenty of time to get there, even with having to wait for my bag, and could almost have had enough time (and with a bit of stress) to catch the 8.30ish train. Janet

 

[JoanneK]

Thanks for your input. I went and made a rash decision - and booked the train from Montparnasse 3 hours after we land in Paris. I hope it all goes smoothly. If not...well it will just be part of the journey.

 

[whariwharangi]

Thanks for your input. I went and made a rash decision - and booked the train from Montparnasse 3 hours after we land in Paris. I hope it all goes smoothly. If not...well it will just be part of the journey.

I note the 1630 (sunday) train has a transfer in Bordeaux ... to the train that leaves Paris 1730 (sunday).
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-trains/trains-in-france.htm#schedules

3 hours should be enough.

 

[newfydog]

I would go to the tower of St. James in Paris and head down Rue St Jacques. You'll see trail markers which will take you to SJPP in about 35- 40 days.

 

[Rambler]

I too am making my plans for getting to SJPP from CdG and wanted to make sure this seems reasonable:
We arrive May 31 in CdG, landing at 6:10. We plan to catch the next train into Paris as soon as we get through customs (don't plan to check anything).
I show that, worst case, we could take RER B 84983 CDG to Gare du Nord at 10:36am. Our plan is to catch the earliest one we can and then walk to the Eiffel Tower.
We then plan to take TGV 8537 Paris Montparnasse to Bayonne at 12:28 arriving 17:32 and TER 67331 Bayonne St Jean PdP 18:06 19:31 to get to SJPP. So these are my questions:

• Is the train the best way from the airport to Paris? Is the bus better or faster?
• Is Gare du Nord and Montparnesse walking distance for a nice route past the Eiffel Tower and a meal?
• How long does that take to do? Assuming 45-60 minutes for a meal?
• We at this point were planning on leaving the next morning from SJPP to Roncevalles. If we get to our lodging by 21:00 (get passport stamped at pilgrim office), will we be able to get supplies to begin the next morning?
• Will places be open in time to buy food for the walk? I understand you should leave SJPP by 8 if you plan to get to Roncevalles the same day.

We have a very limited amount of time, so we would need to bypass something if it is best to acclimatize one day and delay our start.

What say you, oh sages of the well worn path?

Rambler

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Will places be open in time to buy food for the walk?

Few stores open on Sunday, so if you are departing on June 1, don't expect much to be open, but it is a tourist town, so more stores open than in other French villages. Some Petit Casino stores open early, but other markets do not, and on a Sunday, all of them may open later than 8 a.m.

You don't need supplies. You can get a sandwich or two at Orisson, so a couple of snacks will be enough. Bring two granola bars from home and you will be set!

 

[whariwharangi]

I too am making my plans for getting to SJPP from CdG and wanted to make sure this seems reasonable:
We arrive May 31 in CdG, landing at 6:10. We plan to catch the next train into Paris as soon as we get through customs (don't plan to check anything).
I show that, worst case, we could take RER B 84983 CDG to Gare du Nord at 10:36am. Our plan is to catch the earliest one we can and then walk to the Eiffel Tower.
We then plan to take TGV 8537 Paris Montparnasse to Bayonne at 12:28 arriving 17:32 and TER 67331 Bayonne St Jean PdP 18:06 19:31 to get to SJPP. So these are my questions:

• Is the train the best way from the airport to Paris? Is the bus better or faster?
• Is Gare du Nord and Montparnesse walking distance for a nice route past the Eiffel Tower and a meal?
• How long does that take to do? Assuming 45-60 minutes for a meal?
• We at this point were planning on leaving the next morning from SJPP to Roncevalles. If we get to our lodging by 21:00 (get passport stamped at pilgrim office), will we be able to get supplies to begin the next morning?
• Will places be open in time to buy food for the walk? I understand you should leave SJPP by 8 if you plan to get to Roncevalles the same day.

We have a very limited amount of time, so we would need to bypass something if it is best to acclimatize one day and delay our start.

What say you, oh sages of the well worn path?

Rambler

Factors: The Air France buses leave every half hour vice every 6 minutes for the B train. The bus takes 1:15 (but is subject to traffic delays) to get to Gare Montparnasse vs 1:00 by Metro and RER B train plus :15 walking. The bus is direct: no transfers. The bus costs more than the trains involved. I don't know which bus would best suit your aim of visiting the Eiffel tower.

Gare du Nord is 35 minutes by Metro to Montparnasse Bienvenue plus 15 minutes walking to Gare Montparnasse. How is your walking pace relative to Metro?

I would not count on finding anything open after 2100 (except a couple of restaurants) and before 0900 (except for a sandwich place at the bridge (Port d'Espana) out of town). There was not when I travelled in late October 2012.

"What say you, oh sages of the well worn path?" You're underestimating Jet Lag. Si yo fuera tu ... either plan to spend a day in Paris or give up on the tourist bit. Allowing 15 minutes to visit the Eiffel tower seems to me to be ... well ... wrong. Besides which SJPdP is probably even more interesting as a tourist attraction. Try catching the TGV at 0819 from CDG 2 and give Paris a miss. Seeing as how you asked ...

 

[JoanneK]

I note the 1630 (sunday) train has a transfer in Bordeaux ... to the train that leaves Paris 1730 (sunday).
http://www.bonjourlafrance.com/france-trains/trains-in-france.htm#schedules

3 hours should be enough.

We are on the 17:28 train - supposedly direct. But there is one at the same time that has a connection.... a bit confusing, but I think we will be OK . Also it is Monday 21st so after Easter...

 

[whariwharangi]

We are on the 17:28 train - supposedly direct. But there is one at the same time that has a connection.... a bit confusing, but I think we will be OK . Also it is Monday 21st so after Easter...

Yes the entire trip is confusing because each train has a different schedule. Some have transfer points at Bordeaux and Dax, often to the slower regional TER trains while others go direct to Irun. I guess it would be different if we were regular users and knew what we were doing.

Further the websites are not all consistent; for instance the Bonjour La France website I quoted incorrectly indicated the typical schedule did not have a train at 1730 except Sundays. Moral of story is to use only information from the SNCF website.

 

[Britchik]

Rail Europe, train leaves Paris, Charles de Gaulle at 1400 arrives bordeaux around 1800. Spend the night, take train to Bayonne at 0746, arrive Bayonne at 0946, 1100 train to SJPP at noon... Tickets available for May now....

 

[newfydog]

?

• Is Gare du Nord and Montparnesse walking distance for a nice route past the Eiffel Tower and a meal?
• How long does that take to do? Assuming 45-60 minutes for a meal?

I afraid the only 45 minute meal in Paris involves golden arches.

Google maps has a great tool for working out walking routes and time.

https://www.google.com/maps/preview...e380ef7e0!2m2!1d2.294481!2d48.85837!3e2?hl=en

 

[Rambler]

We made our reservations for the 12:28 TGV out of Paris. We have decided to spend the next day in SJPdP and head out on Monday, June 2. With jetlag and the desire to see some of St. Jean, I figure it will work out the best.
Thanks for all the input.

Rambler

 

[Monk Moses]

We made our reservations for the 12:28 TGV out of Paris. We have decided to spend the next day in SJPdP and head out on Monday, June 2. With jetlag and the desire to see some of St. Jean, I figure it will work out the best.
Thanks for all the input.

Rambler

I was able to get a flight on Air France (for Sept) that's cheaper than the train. Shop around. (€40)

 

[Rambler]

Hmmm...
That is tempting, but don't you still have to transfer to Orly?
I used newfydog's Google map link to find a walk from Gare du Nord to the TGV train that will take us past the Opera house and Eiffel tower. It is about 6 miles, so it will be a good primer for the Camino and help us fall asleep when we get to St Jean.
Is there plenty to do in St Jean for a day (Sunday)? Obviously we will go to mass and get our Credentials. My 16yo son loves history and I get the sense we can spend the day walking around town.
Rambler

 

[Monk Moses]

Hmmm...
That is tempting, but don't you still have to transfer to Orly?
I used newfydog's Google map link to find a walk from Gare du Nord to the TGV train that will take us past the Opera house and Eiffel tower. It is about 6 miles, so it will be a good primer for the Camino and help us fall asleep when we get to St Jean.
Is there plenty to do in St Jean for a day (Sunday)? Obviously we will go to mass and get our Credentials. My 16yo son loves history and I get the sense we can spend the day walking around town.
Rambler

Yeah it does require the transfer to Orly. I figured that saving the time as well as the €€€ was worth the transfer.

 

[whariwharangi]

Hmmm...
That is tempting, but don't you still have to transfer to Orly?
I used newfydog's Google map link to find a walk from Gare du Nord to the TGV train that will take us past the Opera house and Eiffel tower. It is about 6 miles, so it will be a good primer for the Camino and help us fall asleep when we get to St Jean.
Is there plenty to do in St Jean for a day (Sunday)? Obviously we will go to mass and get our Credentials. My 16yo son loves history and I get the sense we can spend the day walking around town.
Rambler

Easy Jet has flights from CDG to Biarritz. I think this is a recent change. Flights too early and too late to be of use though.

I was quite jet lagged when I got to SJPdP. So I spent a lot of time snoozing on a park bench by the citadel. SJPdP is quite picturesque. There is at least one museum. The restaurants serve good Basque food. So its definately a good place to spend a day to get yourself sorted out before walking.

 

[Rambler]

Yes, we are having to make many compromises for this Camino. I only have 3 weeks off from work so we obviously cannot walk the entire trip. We plan to start in SJPdP and walk to Longrono, rent a car, and drive to Ponferrada and then finish up. Originally we were going to drive to Astorga, but by taking the extra day in St Jean, we lose another day of walking because the only rental car return past Leon is Ponferrada. The trains and buses were all more costly in time and money. I hate that my son will miss walking to Rabanal and Cruz de Ferro, but we can't come up with another option. We are taking one day at the end now to go to Finisterre and Muxia and one full day in Santiago.

Rambler

 

[whariwharangi]

Yes, we are having to make many compromises for this Camino. I only have 3 weeks off from work so we obviously cannot walk the entire trip. We plan to start in SJPdP and walk to Longrono, rent a car, and drive to Ponferrada and then finish up. Originally we were going to drive to Astorga, but by taking the extra day in St Jean, we lose another day of walking because the only rental car return past Leon is Ponferrada. The trains and buses were all more costly in time and money. I hate that my son will miss walking to Rabanal and Cruz de Ferro, but we can't come up with another option. We are taking one day at the end now to go to Finisterre and Muxia and one full day in Santiago.

Rambler

Ah yes ... the old I-only-have-three-weeks-to-cram-in-the-entire-camino problem.

Respectfully I submit that you are missing the point. You've given yourself the gift of time and now you are planning to fritter it away as quickly as possible.

Si yo fuera tu ... count how many days you have to walk ... multiply by 20 km ... find out where that distance puts you from Santiago (or Finisterre) and start at that point. If you really must 'do' the route Napoleon then start at SJPdP and finish where you finish. You can always come back to experience the rest of it.

 

[alexwalker]

Ah yes ... the old I-only-have-three-weeks-to-cram-in-the-entire-camino problem.

Respectfully I submit that you are missing the point.

Respectfully I submit that you are missing the point. Not all people have the time/money to complete the Camino like others, more lucky. Let them have/decide/create their own Camino, without judgements. IMNSHO.

 

[whariwharangi]

Respectfully I submit that you are missing the point. Not all people have the time/money to complete the Camino like others, more lucky. Let them have/decide/create their own Camino, without judgements. IMNSHO.

You're right. I'll just shut up and slope off now.

 

[Rambler]

Respectfully, We would love to do the whole trip. My daughter and I did just what you suggested and walked Leon- Finisterre, but for my son I wanted the trip to be a little different, but with the same opportunity to get the Compostela and arrive in Santiago. He would see his trip as being something less than his sister's if not. Maybe when I retire, we will do it all, but for now, I need to stay employed. As I said before, it is all a compromise...
Rambler

 

[Rambler]

Ah yes ... the old I-only-have-three-weeks-to-cram-in-the-entire-camino problem.

Respectfully I submit that you are missing the point. You've given yourself the gift of time and now you are planning to fritter it away as quickly as possible.

Si yo fuera tu ... count how many days you have to walk ... multiply by 20 km ... find out where that distance puts you from Santiago (or Finisterre) and start at that point. If you really must 'do' the route Napoleon then start at SJPdP and finish where you finish. You can always come back to experience the rest of it.

I have to share this based on whariwharangi's comment:
I met a client today that I know well and shared with him that I was taking 3 weeks off work to walk the Camino with my son. His comment:
"3 weeks!!!! I never in my career have taken off three weeks!" This is the typical US perspective.

I am having to weigh this against doing some portions of the Camino that will both provide my son a sense of accomplishment and build our relationship. I also want to make it unique from the one I did with my daughter so that each one of them had something special.

I am very comfortable with the compromise approach we have taken to our Camino. I only struggle to maximize our experience without turning it into a forced march.
And not all of us may be able to come back to experience the rest of it. No one knows what the future holds...

Rambler

 

[Monk Moses]

I have to share this based on whariwharangi's comment:
I met a client today that I know well and shared with him that I was taking 3 weeks off work to walk the Camino with my son. His comment:
"3 weeks!!!! I never in my career have taken off three weeks!" This is the typical US perspective.

I am having to weigh this against doing some portions of the Camino that will both provide my son a sense of accomplishment and build our relationship. I also want to make it unique from the one I did with my daughter so that each one of them had something special.

I am very comfortable with the compromise approach we have taken to our Camino. I only struggle to maximize our experience without turning it into a forced march.
And not all of us may be able to come back to experience the rest of it. No one knows what the future holds...

Rambler

Good for you Rambler......... Our Camino truly must be our own. Nobody has the right to judge how someone else does their Camino.

God bless you on " The Way"!
Fr. Moses

 

[Rambler]

God bless you on " The Way"!
Fr. Moses

Thank you Father! We can use all the blessings we can get!!!

Rambler

 

[DeadFred]

and then there's the Madrid Route .... I'm coming from the Mid US and after much time with the web, pencil, eraser and paper I found that the least expensive with the least headache appears to be direct flight from Dallas/Fortworth ( Via Northwest Arkansas ) to Madrid then train to Pomplona then Bus ( to Roncesvalles) or Taxi on to St Jean .

Rethinking this , have decided that taking a taxi from Madrid Airport to St Jean is not much more expensive then the round about way when one calculates in food and lodging and WAY quicker . This also opens up an R&R day for acclumation , sightseeing and re-energizing . So taxi has been reserved and we load up on the 24th when the plane arrives in Madrid .

 

[Snake]

Rethinking this , have decided that taking a taxi from Madrid Airport to St Jean is not much more expensive then the round about way when one calculates in food and lodging and WAY quicker . This also opens up an R&R day for acclumation , sightseeing and re-energizing . So taxi has been reserved and we load up on the 24th when the plane arrives in Madrid .

Oh Dead one, could you PM me your figures. I am taking the flight to Madrid, train to Pamplona and bus to SJPP? The only difference, is I'm spending two nights in SJPP before I start.

Thanks!



Buen Camino

"Snake"

 

[xin loi]

Snake---two nights in SJPDP is a lot of time---not a lot to do in SJPDP. We arrived there in morning after night at Corazon Puro (great place). Tasmanians in our car took off walking upon arrival while we stayed in town for a day. Don't think we could sign in at albergue until 1500. Walked all over town and took several naps in park. Take a walk to the outdoor store and prepare to get shocked--shotgun shells are 16 euros per box! They have a good selection of items , in case you forgot anything. Grocery store is next door if you want to make a sandwich.

If you feel like getting some exercise, you might consider hiking up to Orrisson for a coffee and taking an easy walk back to SJPDP.

 

[Kanga]

Snake---two nights in SJPDP is a lot of time---not a lot to do in SJPDP. We arrived there in morning after night at Corazon Puro (great place). Tasmanians in our car took off walking upon arrival while we stayed in town for a day.

I happily spent 3 nights there.

Here's what's there

"The entrance to the old city, surrounded by ramparts, offers many points of interest: pink sandstone walls, medieval streets, gardens cascade, the speaker doors, the 12th century church, the bridge Notre Dame, the Roman Bridge ...

Spain Street with its shops, rue de la Citadelle climbing between the houses of the 16th and 17th centuries, after the famous citadel built under Richelieu offers a splendid view. You can visit the museum of the Prison of Bishops and vaulted underground room warhead. Further, the Porte Saint Jacques, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, offers a nice look at the plain of Cize.

Citadel overlooking the city on the spur kept the brand Vauban, a paved ramp leads to the monumental arch and half moon.

Surrounded by mountains, the feet in the Nive, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is probably one of the most beautiful cities in the Northern Basque Country."

Farmer's market every Monday, gourmet market in the covered area til 1pm, bare hands pelota every Monday at 5pm (4pm in winter).

There are a couple of hiking shops near the centre but the large sporting goods store and supermarket are in the commercial area out near the high school.

PS - Don't follow Tasmanians - Van Diemans land was where the most desperate convicts were sent! (tongue in cheek - it's actually very beautiful, with a relaxed lifestyle)

 

[MargheritaM]

Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is the closest airport to SJPdP. If you plan to start at SJPdP, travel via BIQ is the least complicated way of access.

Catch the #14 bus from Biarritz (Anglet Airport) to Gare Bayonne. The SNCF TER 62 train to SJPdP leaves from Gare Bayonne.

If you are traveling by train from Paris or other location a transfer is required at Bayonne.

Biarritz Airport (BIQ)
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/

Airlines flying to BIQ
http://en.biarritz.aeroport.fr/destination/compagnie.html

Chronoplus, the local bus system.
http://www.chronoplus.eu/

Chronoplus Map
http://www.chronoplus.eu/ftp/Plan_reseau_chronoplus_jan2013.pdf

SNCF TER Acquitaine
http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/Aquitaine/fr/Default.aspx

Gare Bayonne
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gare_de_Bayonne

Would you know how much it would roughly cost with the TGV from Paris to SJP (I understand there are 2 changes to be made), I plan to travel in May 2016. I tried looking on the TGV site, but it won't give out information past Feb.
Would appreciate any help. Thanks

 

[Kanga]

@MargheritaM there are a couple of options; when I last took the TGV there was only one stop (at Bayonne, to get the little local train to SJPDP) and it was about 40 euros, but that was ten years ago. Others with more recent information will probably respond but if you still need more information try looking in the "resources" section, or maybe do a search of the forum.

 

[MargheritaM]

@MargheritaM there are a couple of options; when I last took the TGV there was only one stop (at Bayonne, to get the little local train to SJPDP) and it was about 40 euros, but that was ten years ago. Others with more recent information will probably respond but if you still need more information try looking in the "resources" section, or maybe do a search of the forum.

Thanks very much. Eventually I will work this all out

 

[GettingThere]

Would you know how much it would roughly cost with the TGV from Paris to SJP (I understand there are 2 changes to be made), I plan to travel in May 2016. I tried looking on the TGV site, but it won't give out information past Feb.
Would appreciate any help. Thanks

The costs don't change a lot through the year, so if you put in some dates for between now and February you will see prices and they will give you a rough idea. There are options depending on how much flexibility you want etc. You can't book ahead for the section from Bayonne to St Jean, but the SNCF website will still give you prices. Your journey will depend on whether you are taking the train from Paris itself, if you're going into the City, or if you catch the TGV direct from Charles de Gaulle Airport (in which case a change in Bordeaux is needed, but that's easy to do and it's so convenient to hop on the train right in the airport). I think the 2 changes you have heard about relate to taking the train from the Airport - you change at Bordeaux and then again at Bayonne onto a local train (or train/bus combination depending on works on the line).

 

[Kanga]

Margherita if you can't get enough information from the SNCF site, try the Deutsche Bahn site. Or Loco2 - its an agency and charges a fee but I think they are pretty reasonable and it is very easy to use.

 

[ZenKitchen]

Hi gigifromms!

I am flying into Paris (from the US) then making my way over to Gare Montparnnese train station and taking the "fast" train to Bayonne. I will get into Bayonne late, so I am spending the night and getting up to catch a morning train to SJDP. I will be able to walk around St Jean for that day before heading out the next day on May 27th. I am looking forward to spending a night in Bayonne and St Jean! Keep researching this forum.....you will find almost all your questions answered, and then some!

Buen Camino!
Rosemary

Did you consider flying from Paris to Biarritz?

 

[Jim Thompson]

We flew from Denver to Newark, then Newark to Madrid. We took a bus straight to Pamplona from Terminal 4 at the Madrid airport, then spent the night in Pamplona to help overcome jet lag before starting the Camino. We took a bus from Pamplona to SJPP the next day, spent another night there and actually started walking the following morning. On the return, we took the train from Santiago to Madrid, then the Metro from the train station to the airport. The flights back to the U.S. were the reverse order of the flights over.

Jim

Thanks Jim! very helpful