How to get to SJPP

[mdolbear]

Hi,
I am new to the forum (just joined tonight).

I am planning to do the camino this year in 2009, and I will be coming from the US. I am either going to be going some time in March or October depending on work. I should know which by the end of January. From the US, the two most convenient places to fly into seem to be Madrid or Barcelona. A couple of questions:

- Is it possible to travel from either of these locations to SJPP by train, or does it take a few trains and a bus ride(s)?
-Of these two locations (Barcelona or Madrid), which will give me the shorter trip?
-How long should I expect "getting there" to take?

Thanks in advance for any information you can give me,
Michael

 

[KiwiNomad06]

Hi Michael,
Depending on the kind of airticket you get, you might find it easier to fly into Paris, then get to Bayonne, then SJPP. There is another thread about this:
http://www.pilgrimage-to-santiago.com/board/traveling-to-from-the-camino/topic4106.html#p22804

All the best with your planning!
Margaret

 

[sillydoll]

If you'll be flying on Iberia, you can fly to Pamplona and get a shared taxi to St Jean from the bus station.

 

[WolverineDG]

Michael, consider getting an open jaw ticket. Fly into Paris on your way in, & out of Madrid on your way home. I did this in May 2007 & the ticket cost about the same as flying in & out of the same city. BTW, Air France has $10 (yes $10) flights from Paris Orly to Biarritz (BIQ). Just leave yourself enough time to get from CDG to Orly (& get on the right RER from CDG). Or overnight it in Paris & fly out the next morning.

Kelly

 

[Javier Martin]

-Of these two locations (Barcelona or Madrid), which will give me the shorter trip?

Always Madrid.

By train you can do Madrid-Hendaya-Bayone-SJPP. But most people choose Madrid-Pamplona and then by taxi to SJPP.

Buen Camino,

Javier Martin
Madrid, Spain.

 

[Arn]

Welcome Michael,

Your question is one of the most often asked and easiest answered as you've already noticed.

I am sure you will have many more questions and I'd encourage you to check two threads (1) FAQ and (2) Class of 2009. The first will give you the most accurate info on any number of topics and the second will introduce you to those peregrinos that will be walking the Way with you.

Also, check into the calendar...there you can put you itinerary and see whom will be starting about the same time as you.

Search the other threads and, if you don't find what you're looking for...ask!

Buen Camino

Arn

 

[crhutch]

When I do my Camino I thinking about flying Aer Lingus to London, then catching Ryanair to Biarritz then go by train to SJPP. The air fare is very reasonable even on a one way. Comments?

 

[Arn]

Good thought Cullen...there are many airlines serving the Way to Santiago and Ryanair is making inroads everywhere, then again;

My favorite site to find airfares is: cheapoair.com

they do a good job.

Tonight airfare from DCA (Ronald Reagan.Wash D.C.) to Madrid and return was as low as $209 and onward to Santiago was $314. This is down from $526 only three days ago.

I can't drive to New York for that price.

Buen get there cheap and drink more vinotinto Camino

Arn

 

[alipilgrim]

One problem about flying into London is most US-based flights land at Heathrow (or Gatwick), yet Ryanair flies out of Stansted and it is a very expensive bus ride between the two airports, and I found the times not convenient. I actually slept overnight in the Stansted airport to await my early morning flight to Biarittz. Fly into Madrid. Much easier also on the return to get to Madrid from Santiago than Paris (plane, train, or bus) vs. just plane.

 

[lorax]

Hi there...

I'm a first timer coming in August from Chicago US....I found the cheapest flights into Dublin and then a cheap jump over to Europe. I'm thinking of flying into Bilboa and then the train to St Jean. Any ideas of where some of the cheaper cities to come into are?? Anyone know how many miles between St Jean and Finesterre??

I can't wait!!!!

 

[sillydoll]

The bus from Bilbao to Bayonne goes twice a day (at 7.30 and at 1300 hours). The company is named PESA http://www.pesa.net.
If you miss these, there are many ALSA buses from Bilbao to IRUN each day. You can then travel from IRUN to BAYONNE by bus/train and from BAYONNE to SJPP by train. Ticket and bus stop at Termibus by the Hospital Civile de Basuto. 1.hr 50mins €7.
From Hendaye to St Jean by train via Bayonne 3 ½ hours http://www.sncf.com (French Rail)

If you need to spend a night in Bilbao try "Albergue Bilbao" http://albergue.bilbao.net or Hostal Gurea, Bidebarrieta 14, 3rd floor, phone +34 944 163 299. http://www.hostalgureabilbao.com/
For a Pilgrim's Credential stop by the Friends of the Camino office in Bilbao: Asociación De Amigos Del Camino De Santiago De Bilbao - Nicolás Alcorta, 7 - Pza. de Zabalburu

St Jean to Santiago is about 774 km. From Santiago to Finisterre is about 90km = 864km. If you walk alternate routes or detours, you could end up walking close to 900km.

 

[WolverineDG]

Lorax, your best bet is to take the bus across the Spanish/French border & then the train to Bayonne & on to SJPP. Spanish buses drive over the border all the time; Spanish trains have to wait until a French train comes to pick them up. There are many, generally connecting in San Sebastian for the trip across to Hendaye.

Kelly

 

[lorax]

I just checked the Air France site and the ticket to Biarritz is now 63.00. Just thought I'd let you know.... 33. plus taxes and fees

Michael, consider getting an open jaw ticket. Fly into Paris on your way in, & out of Madrid on your way home. I did this in May 2007 & the ticket cost about the same as flying in & out of the same city. BTW, Air France has $10 (yes $10) flights from Paris Orly to Biarritz (BIQ). Just leave yourself enough time to get from CDG to Orly (& get on the right RER from CDG). Or overnight it in Paris & fly out the next morning.

Kelly