Madrid to SJPdP

[One Eye]

Hello,

This will be my 3rd Camino, but my first from St Jean. I will be leaving in early May, and will be traveling by bike. My question is, what is the best way to get there with a bike? I have traveled with a bike before and, at best, is tedious and difficult. Taxis are difficult to obtain, due to the size of the box that the bicycle is in, and I haven't given buses a consideration. I've traveled by train from Madrid to Leon, and that was an adventure in and amongst itself.
I don't mind if it takes a few days to get there, that would help with the jet lag, and allow my body some time to adjust.

Any ideas, tips and suggestions would be helpful.

Sean

 

[WolverineDG]

Granted, I haven't traveled with a bike before, but if it's in a box, why not take the bus? It could be stored in the luggage compartment.

As for getting to SJP from Madrid, that should be no problem. You *may* have to go out of your way a bit, since the only way to get from Roncesvalles to SJP is a taxi. What about flying on to San Sebastian (or Biarritz)? From there, you could take the bus to Irun/Hendaye, then the train from Hendaye to Bayonne. And lastly the train from Bayonne to SJP.

Kelly

 

[Anniesantiago]

I really do think this forum needs a "bicigrino" section. There are many questions that pertain to cycling the Camino that could be more easily accessed in its own section.

 

[renegadepilgrim]

biking-the-camino/

There is a bicycling area. Perhaps the question should be posted there, too?

 

[Anniesantiago]

Dang! I didn't know that! lol
Thanks!

 

[renegadepilgrim]

No problem. I know there are parts of the forum I never venture to because I don't have anything to contribute. The bicycling area is one of them!

 

[BHfmSanDiego]

I suggest taking the train to Pamplona then taking Express Bouricott to St Jean, they are a private shuttle service in this area. http://www.expressbourricot.com/en.html

 

[kansas098@aol.com]

Trying to make reservations to travel by train from Madrid to Pamplona in May. Doesn't seem to work using Renfe or Rumbo web sites. Do I need to have a ticket before I get leave? Or buy it when I get there? Any advise on how to book one would be helpful.
Thanks. Jim

 

[ivar]

Trying to make reservations to travel by train from Madrid to Pamplona in May. Doesn't seem to work using Renfe or Rumbo web sites. Do I need to have a ticket before I get leave? Or buy it when I get there? Any advise on how to book one would be helpful.
Thanks. Jim

I would not worry too much about it. Get the tickets at the station once in Madrid (note that there are 2 main train stations in Madrid)...also note that there is a great bus service to Pamplona from Madrid
( http://www.alsa.es ) .

Buen Camino!
Ivar

 

[bgtin]

Does your reply regarding not needing a train reservation to get from Madrid to Pamplona still apply? And does the train leave from Atocha train station?

 

[ivar]

Does your reply regarding not needing a train reservation to get from Madrid to Pamplona still apply? And does the train leave from Atocha train station?

I think that the only days when you need to book in advance would be "special" days like holidays and maybe if you travel in the month of august (august is the big vacation month in Spain). Outside of that, I don't think it is needed.... of course it does not hurt, but not needed (I think). Just give yourself some time to find the ticket counter and get the tickets at least a few hours before the train.

Have a look at the renfe website: http://www.renfe.com/ (click "Welcome" top right for english).

I theory you can book tickets on this site, but I know many trying to book from outside spain has had some problems.

Buen Camino!
Ivar

 

[Olivares]

Any ideas, tips and suggestions would be helpful.

Sean

I realized this post is 2 years old, but in the hope it can help somebody--- Have you consider renting a bike? I saw so many bike rentals ads while doing the Camino. I am sure you have specifications in mind, etc... but why not give it a try that there is a compny that can supply the bike you feel comfortable with and that can ease logistics substantially?

 

[bgtin]

Thank you for the info Ivar.