Is it practical to plan to travel CDG - SJPDP in one day?

[Carolyn G]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

 

[mspath]

Yes it is practical. You could take a late morning train from Paris/CDG airport direct to Bordeaux, change to a train from Bordeaux to Bayonne and then take the local TER train to SJPdP. See more below for current schedules which will hardly change come May. New scheules usually are availablr 90 days in advance.

See WWW.Oui.SNCF

Happy planning, Bon voyage and Buen camino

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Another option is to fly out of CDG (or ORY) direct to Biarritz. Then you can be met at the airport by Express Bouricott for the scenic shuttle ride into SJPdP. It is what I do and it saves time. It can also be done, depending on timing, out of Madrid.

 

[Emm2019]

Another option is to fly out of CDG (or ORY) direct to Biarritz. Then you can be met at the airport by Express Bouricott for the scenic shuttle ride into SJPdP. It is what I do and it saves time. It can also be done, depending on timing, out of Madrid.

Is express Bouricott a bus? How long of a ride is it?

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Is express Bouricott a bus? How long of a ride is it?

It is a shuttle service which utilizes mini buses and vans. They are reliable and they fill the seats by reservation only. Since the charge is based on the vehicle, the number of seats filled will determine the cost per person. As usually occurs, seats get filled so the cost per person is less than 24 Euros.

It is advisable to make reservations well in advance as the shuttle is very popular. The ride to SJPdP is about 45 minutes from Biarritz. I've pasted the link to their reservation page below. You can use that to go to their homepage for further information.
https://www.expressbourricot.com/contact-and-booking/

Another option is to look for other pilgrims headed to SJPdP when you arrive at the airport; they are pretty easy to spot. Ask if anyone has a ride to share, or if they would like to share the cost of a taxi ride. A lot of folks do this and it can work well.

 

[Walking Lover]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

Yes.

 

[Philip Nelson]

We flew last year. Arrive CDG, flew HOP airlines from CDG to Biarritz then Express Bouricott shared ride to SJPDP, less expensive than train (and much faster). Don't fly out of Orly, too much trouble getting there from CDG. Piece of cake really.

 

[tomnorth]

Yes it is practical. You could take a late morning train from Paris/CDG airport direct to Bordeaux, change to a train from Bordeaux to Bayonne and then take the local TER train to SJPdP. See more below for current schedules which will hardly change come May. New scheules usually are availablr 90 days in advance.

See WWW.Oui.SNCF

Happy planning, Bon voyage and Buen camino

This it what I did. It is practical, however, next time I will leave myself an extra day in SJPDP before striking out.

 

[Chasrider]

Yes! Take Lebus #4 from cdg to gare Montparnasse. Direct TGV Train to Bayonne. Train/Sncf bus to sjpdp. Once in Bayonne purchase tickets to sjpdp. Spend the time there eating or shopping for next day.

 

[t2andreo]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

It is easy to get to SJPdP from CDG. From baggage reclaim, take the Les Cars Direct shuttle from the curb outside the baggage reclaim exit (see the signs) to Gare Montparnasse. It is a LOT cheaper than a taxi, clean, reliable, safe, and just as fast. You pay the driver. Here is the web site for the shuttle service.

www.lebusdirect.com/en/lines-and-schedules/cdg-airport-paris-gare-montparnasse-line.html

From Gare Montparnasse, take the TGV to Bayonne. There are several trains daily, including the LAST VIABLE one at about noon. It arrives at Bayonne at about 6:00 pm. You should have made advance reservations for this, using www.raileurope.com or directly on www.sncf.fr.

NOTE: There are trains to Bayonne at 07:52, 09:52 and 12:52. It is this last listed train that the note below applies to.

NOTE: At Bayonne, the SNCF personnel will hold the last departing #62 train for SJPdP until the TGV arrival, They KNOW that there are a bunch of pilgrims on it. This is a common practice.

At Bayonne, you switch (next track) to the light rail regional train, the #62 from Bayonne to SJPdP. You can't miss SJPdP, it is the end of the line. You will arrive at SJPdP about 7:15 - 7:30 pm. Here is the Line #62 web site.

www.ter.sncf.com/nouvelle-aquitaine/horaires/

Search for the timetable for line #62

For this reason (evening arrival at SJPdP) it is highly advised to have advance reservations. Personally, I make HOTEL reservations for the first two nights, and walk out on the second morning. The one-day hiatus is perfect for exploring this beautiful, historic French town. You will not be sorry that you lingered.

Hope this helps.

 

[John Sikora]

Yep, easy. I actually went from Brussels to SDJP in on day. Used bourricot shuttle to get the final leg done. I did as others have done and spent an extra day in SDJP. Didn't need the rest but really wanted more of the Basque cuisine (especially the cider)

 

[Tay and I]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

 

[Tay and I]

There is a train that leaves Gare Montpar

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

 

[JabbaPapa]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

Yes.

 

[Tay and I]

There is a train which leaves Mont P about 12 noon to Bayonne and then on arrival an hour wait for the SJPDP train which is one hour journey . You will get to SJDP about six pm ., maybe a bit earlier . .You can hook the train .all the way through to SJPDP and don’t need to worry about getting a ticket at Bayonne .

The walk from the station to accommodation is likely to be minimal .

Or yiou can also get a taxi to SJDP if you want to get there quicker .

I definitely suggest you book comfortable accomidation in SDJP for two nights so you have a day to oreintate be for walk to Orisson . Don’t forget to book the Orisson albergue also and also Ronsevalles as beds may be well sort after in these two destination points . This will give you a chance to see how the Camino process rests with you and your pace of walking , routines etc .

 

[Carolyn G]

There is a train which leaves Mont P about 12 noon to Bayonne and then on arrival an hour wait for the SJPDP train which is one hour journey . You will get to SJDP about six pm ., maybe a bit earlier . .You can hook the train .all the way through to SJPDP and don’t need to worry about getting a ticket at Bayonne .

The walk from the station to accommodation is likely to be minimal .

Or yiou can also get a taxi to SJDP if you want to get there quicker .

I definitely suggest you book comfortable accomidation in SDJP for two nights so you have a day to oreintate be for walk to Orisson . Don’t forget to book the Orisson albergue also and also Ronsevalles as beds may be well sort after in these two destination points . This will give you a chance to see how the Camino process rests with you and your pace of walking , routines etc .

 

[Carolyn G]

For those that have flown CDG to Biarritz, how much time did you allow to clear Customs - go out back through Security, check luggage & board? I worry that 3 hours could be cutting it close during peak travel time. Luckily, the noon train into Bayonne should be easy to make.
Thanks for your advice.

 

[Deleted member 59555]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

Hi yes have done that twice from New Zealand. The bus from CDG terminal 2 goes all the way to montparnasse. As long as nothing goes wrong with arrivals or customs you should be ok. On train leaves around ten another leaves around twelve. ( I think) look it up. Don't panic but keep your wits about you. For example the first time I went I got my ticket prepaid at the station it said 9.53 leaving. At 9.30 I casually showed a guard my ticket to find the platform and he waved his arms around with great gusto and sent me running for platform 3 as the train left at 9.33 not 9.53 as printed on the ticket. So watch it. but don't panic just keep asking questions.
Good luck God bless
I will be back there in April with my daughter.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

For those that have flown CDG to Biarritz, how much time did you allow to clear Customs - go out back through Security, check luggage & board? I worry that 3 hours could be cutting it close during peak travel time. Luckily, the noon train into Bayonne should be easy to make.
Thanks for your advice.

For me, three hours was plenty of time. Enough time to use facilities, grab a snack, and catch the bus/shuttle to the departure terminal.

 

[Tay and I]

Yes check the train platform as that can be a little tricky to determine and can take time. We found the SJPDP train was on the platform for the whole hour we waited but didn’t leave until allotted time . Also remember the Camino is a journey so please feel that you don’t have to rush but pace yourself and breathe gently at each step of the way

 

[Jim]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

I did the very same thing in early June 2014 with exception of taking the RER B line directly from CDG airport and getting off at Montparnasse. I believe I took a 9 or 10 am train from there to Bayonne and then transferred to a SNCF shuttle to SJPDP at around 7:30 p.m. (the train company sometimes runs local trains on that route. Nd also has shuttles in the form of a bus— your train ticket will cover either. Had the opportunity to get a good night’s rest before taking on the mountain climb. Buen Camino to you!

 

[Carolyn G]

I did the very same thing in early June 2014 with exception of taking the RER B line directly from CDG airport and getting off at Montparnasse. I believe I took a 9 or 10 am train from there to Bayonne and then transferred to a SNCF shuttle to SJPDP at around 7:30 p.m. (the train company sometimes runs local trains on that route. Nd also has shuttles in the form of a bus— your train ticket will cover either. Had the opportunity to get a good night’s rest before taking on the mountain climb. Buen Camino to you!

 

[Carolyn G]

That would sure be the best way to get to Gare Montparnasse.
What are the best internet sites are used to book rail? I wonder why no one who has walked recently has mentioned this?

 

[GettingThere]

That would sure be the best way to get to Gare Montparnasse.
What are the best internet sites are used to book rail? I wonder why no one who has walked recently has mentioned this?

Probably because RER Line B doesn't actually run direct to Montparnasse - going this way requires a change at one of several inner-city Metro stations onto a line that does go through Montparnasse. So there's that - and from my experience the distance between the Metro station part of Montparnasse (M. Bienvenue) and the main Gare Montparnasse is the longest I've ever had to walk within one (technically) station! Actually they are really two separate stations joined by underground passages. They do have a moving walkway at one point I think but boy, it felt like a hike when I was trying to get to my train (admittedly with a suitcase, this wasn't on a Camino trip). I wouldn't personally use that method of getting from one to the other, although if you like the Metro, feel like stretching your legs a bit, have plenty of time and very little in the way of baggage (the physical variety anyway!), it would be fine. Ditto if you want to get off earlier and spend a bit of time walking the streets of Paris. Compared to a door-to-door bus though, I would go with the bus. The time involved wouldn't be that much more once you factor in the correspondances and potentially rush-hour Metro crowds. Or fly, of course!

To answer your question about booking - you don't need to (and can't) book ahead for the RER or Metro trains, but they run frequently. For the TGV from Montparnasse to Bayonne (or from CDG to Bayonne with a change at Bordeaux) I always use the official SNCF site (French rail company) at https://www.oui.sncf/. others prefer one of the many third party sites such as Trainline. Raileurope mentioned above is connected to SNCF and you may be redirected there if you are booking from outside Europe (there are ways around this if you prefer to book direct).

 

[Tay and I]

Be gentle on yourself and take a taxi to
Montp and then you will be on your way to Bayonne before you know it and the resl
Journey will begin .!

 

[Carolyn G]

Probably because RER Line B doesn't actually run direct to Montparnasse - going this way requires a change at one of several inner-city Metro stations onto a line that does go through Montparnasse. So there's that - and from my experience the distance between the Metro station part of Montparnasse (M. Bienvenue) and the main Gare Montparnasse is the longest I've ever had to walk within one (technically) station! Actually they are really two separate stations joined by underground passages. They do have a moving walkway at one point I think but boy, it felt like a hike when I was trying to get to my train (admittedly with a suitcase, this wasn't on a Camino trip). I wouldn't personally use that method of getting from one to the other, although if you like the Metro, feel like stretching your legs a bit, have plenty of time and very little in the way of baggage (the physical variety anyway!), it would be fine. Ditto if you want to get off earlier and spend a bit of time walking the streets of Paris. Compared to a door-to-door bus though, I would go with the bus. The time involved wouldn't be that much more once you factor in the correspondances and potentially rush-hour Metro crowds. Or fly, of course!

To answer your question about booking - you don't need to (and can't) book ahead for the RER or Metro trains, but they run frequently. For the TGV from Montparnasse to Bayonne (or from CDG to Bayonne with a change at Bordeaux) I always use the official SNCF site (French rail company) at https://www.oui.sncf/. others prefer one of the many third party sites such as Trainline. Raileurope mentioned above is connected to SNCF and you may be redirected there if you are booking from outside Europe (there are ways around this if you prefer to book direct).

 

[Carolyn G]

Your answer was so helpful - thank you.
I like the direct train from Gare Montparnasse. Do you recall what level the train to Bayonne leaves from?
Thanks again.

 

[GettingThere]

Your answer was so helpful - thank you.
I like the direct train from Gare Montparnasse. Do you recall what level the train to Bayonne leaves from?
Thanks again.

It leaves from the main level where all the TGV trains are. I think technically it's called level 2 (Niveau 2), Hall 1, but just head for the noise and crowds - you can't miss it! The actual platform number for each train appears on the big departure board in that area (and on screens elsewhere) a short time before the train leaves, when it is ready for boarding. There is a good plan of the station here.

 

[Tazz]

I have done this trip twice in the past 3 years with my flight arriving at CDG at 0800 from Toronto.
I was even able to go to the Eiffel Tower with my daughter and have lunch at a café before catching
my Hop flight in 2016 and the train in 2018.
In 2018 we even made it in time despite changing our flight to a train the day prior to arriving in Paris (due to an airline strike).
Both times we arrived in SJDP at around 6:30p.m. and had enough time to explore the town briefly, get our passports and have a nice dinner.
Check out the train and flight times and you will be sure to find one that suits you.
Also look at shared transport with Express Bourricot, especially if you are worried about making the last train to SJDP from Bayonne. Guaranteed there will be others going from Bayonne to SJPD, who want to share a ride. We paid around 18 Euros each in 2016.
Their website is: https://www.expressbourricot.com/

Don't fret and enjoy the adventure; it will be your first of many over the next 30 days

 

[mdelag]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

I have the same problem, I get to CDG at 2 pm and want to travel to SJPDP that same day. My trip is April 23. So lets keep in touch please !!!

 

[Carolyn G]

I have the same problem, I get to CDG at 2 pm and want to travel to SJPDP that same day. My trip is April 23. So lets keep in touch please !!!

 

[Carolyn G]

The information on this thread was hugely helpful. If you are flying into CDG on Air France, you could take the flight to Biarritz without having to pick up luggage and go through security. (Air France told me that the 3 hours I had would not be enough - and even though I’m flying on a partner of theirs, I’d have to re-check bags)
You can look at the current train schedules and get a good idea of what will be running in April.

 

[mdelag]

The information on this thread was hugely helpful. If you are flying into CDG on Air France, you could take the flight to Biarritz without having to pick up luggage and go through security. (Air France told me that the 3 hours I had would not be enough - and even though I’m flying on a partner of theirs, I’d have to re-check bags)
You can look at the current train schedules and get a good idea of what will be running in April.

I will check, but maybe I’ll have to spend the night in Paris because my plane arrives after noon, I’ll look up next week to see if the schedules are still the same as the ones they say. Thanks a lot and BUEN CAMINO !!!

 

[Carolyn G]

I will check, but maybe I’ll have to spend the night in Paris because my plane arrives after noon, I’ll look up next week to see if the schedules are still the same as the ones they say. Thanks a lot and BUEN CAMINO !!!

 

[Carolyn G]

I will check, but maybe I’ll have to spend the night in Paris because my plane arrives after noon, I’ll look up next week to see if the schedules are still the same as the ones they say. Thanks a lot and BUEN CAMINO !!!

 

[dailycamino]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPDP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

you might just consider flying it will take only about an hour. I had this romantic notion of taking the train, unfortunately for me I had delay after delay and when I got to CDG, I missed my train by one minute ( I actually had about 10 minutes but they said I couldn't board. I had to buy another ticket and ended up arriving in bayonne fairly late. It also was not that simple to transfer ( I don't speak french but I can usually figure out a lot of stuff regardless of language) It was difficult to hear the announcements on the train, all of which just added to the stress. I imagined that I'd take a peaceful train ride while looking at the countryside, writing in my journal, and just generally blissing out. I also could have used that extra time hanging out in SJPP. Lesson learned! Not saying you will have these issues just something to consider...best to you buen camino

 

[MichelleElynHogan]

Did you find what will work for you?

There are many ways to get to SJPdP. Ready for another? This likely works best for those coming from North America.

Dublin, Ireland is a travel hub. I have gone to the CF twice in the last few years and have flown into Dublin and Paris. Honestly, the easiest and least expensive route was Dublin / Biarritz, then 25 euro to share a taxi with three other pilgrims to SJPdP. The ride took an hour and as the passengers had much in common, conversations were very enjoyable.

Should this option be of interest, my suggestion would be to research the Dublin / Biarritz flight first and then seek out the flight to Dublin to match in.

 

[Joodle]

Yes it is practical. You could take a late morning train from Paris/CDG airport direct to Bordeaux, change to a train from Bordeaux to Bayonne and then take the local TER train to SJPdP. See more below for current schedules which will hardly change come May. New scheules usually are availablr 90 days in advance.

See WWW.Oui.SNCF

Happy planning, Bon voyage and Buen camino[

Yes it is practical. You could take a late morning train from Paris/CDG airport direct to Bordeaux, change to a train from Bordeaux to Bayonne and then take the local TER train to SJPdP. See more below for current schedules which will hardly change come May. New scheules usually are availablr 90 days in advance.

See WWW.Oui.SNCF

Happy planning, Bon voyage and Buen camino

We arrive at 9:45 am into CDG. Would we have a snowball's chance in heck, to make the train to Bordeaux from the downstairs station? If anyone would know, I figured you would. Thanks

 

[mspath]

If you were to go in January there would be a late morning train at 11:18 which I sincerely doubt you could make. Your plane could be late landing or have other problems.

 

[mdelag]

If you search en OUIF they’ll send you an alert prior to the opening of your travel date

 

[caminoagogo]

Our flight arrives CDG at 6 am and we plan to take taxi to Gare Montparnasse. Assuming we allow 3 hours for Customs & travel time, does that leave us enough time to get to Bayonne & transfer to SJPdP? We’re not traveling until early May and rail schedules don’t seem to be posted yet.
Thanks

I did exactly this last year. The tightest part was getting through customs at CDG and onto the train. While I managed to do it, it was a very long day. I caught the train from CDG to Bayonne (I did have to change trains at one point) and then arranged Express Bourricot (https://www.expressbourricot.com/) to collect me from Bayonne and take me to SJPdP. I didn't get in until late afternoon but still had enough time to settle in, grab dinner and a drink etc. before hitting the hay.