Need help deciding on train station in pamplona

[Jackieduda]

I will be flying to madrid, train to pamplona, then bus to sjpdp. I have researched train schedules at www.en.oui.sncf. Here are some questions before i can make a reservation...hoping those with much more experience can help me. 1/ is pampeluna the same as pamplona? 2/ the madrid trains go to three places in pamplona...they are chamartin, atocha, atocha cercanais. Which of the stations is closest to where my bus departs in “estacion de autobusses calle yanguascy miranda 2, pamplona”? And finally, 3/ do you think 1 1/2 hours will be sufficient to get from the madrid airport and the madrid train station?
Thank you all. Arriving madrid sept 5 and walking to orisson on sept 6, if i cam get there from here!
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[Rick of Rick and Peg]

The stations you mentioned are in Madrid. I see only one station in Pamplona: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamplona_railway_station

 

[trecile]

The stations you mentioned are in Madrid. I see only one station in Pamplona: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamplona_railway_station

This is correct. There is one station in Pamplona. The others are the origin stations in Madrid. I have found it easier to use rge Renfe app on my phone than the website. And after having trouble using my credit card on their site I use PayPal.

 

[CSmith]

I am currently in Spain. Did the Atocha Madrid train to Pamplona and bus to SJPP. Only one train station in Pamplona. I have liked using the GoEuro app to buy my tickets and they scan your ticket off your phone except for the bus ticket, which needs to be printed.

I think you could possibly make the Madrid airport to the train in 1.5 hours, if all goes well, but it will be a close call. There was a taxi strike the day we arrived and we had to take a city bus. I would want more time.

 

[Bala]

Have you considered taking the bus to Pamplona? It leaves just outside the door of terminal T4 at the airport. No need to get into Madrid or get from the train station to the bus terminal in Pamplona.

The bus is comfortable and you can buy your ticket online beforehand, or at the kiosk just before you exit T4. There is one transfer, but it's a small, low-key station. You basically get off your bus, use the restroom quickly if you need to, and get on the other a few minutes later. Then off to Pamplona.

Whatever you decide, you will probably meet fellow pilgrims travelling exactly where you are before you even leave the airport. Buen Camino!

 

[Deleted member 3000]

The train station in Pamplona is a bit of a hike to downtown or the bus station. If you are transferring immediately to a bus to SJPdP, it will be more convenient to take the bus from the Madrid airport. Cercanias is just the shuttle train from the airport to Atocha and Chamartin. Atocha is the station with trains to Pamplona. Chamartin will get you to Leon and Santiago. Buen camino.

 

[Glenshiro]

The train is quicker but more expensive, and you have to get from the airport to Atocha station at the other end of Madrid.

(Not difficult - there is a bus right outside the terminal, line 203 direct to Atocha, every 15-20 minutes from all terminals, fare €5 on the bus, journey time approx 40 minutes or you can take a cercanias (suburban) train from Terminal 4, line C1 or C10, every 20 minutes, journey time 30 minutes, buy ticket (€2.60) at machine with euros) This is the official Madrid airport public transport site in English.

Some of the trains to Pamplona have compulsory reservation - look at the RENFE site.

Bus is cheaper, easier but slower (5.15h as against 3.05 - 3.45 on the train, but not taking into account the transfer to Atocha.) Check the ALSA site.

Can I just make a general plea to those seeking help with travel directions - it helps a lot if you can include your date of travel and when you expect to arrive.

Buen Camino, all!

 

[Marbe2]

We are taking same route. Technically, we will have 1:40 hrs to deplane go through customs and catch taxi to Atocha, Oct1st. Taxi is quickest, and 30 euros. We arrive 9:55am. At 10am the traffic rush is abt over and we will hopefully arrive at the Atoche station in less than 20 minutes so if all goes smoothly we will catch our train. We will not arrive in Pamplona early enough to get the bus. If your schedule is such that you can catch the bus from Pamplona bus station,suggest you take a taxi to it. The taxi will take about 10minutes and should costs abt 8 euros. We have prearranged a taxi service from Pamplona train station To St Jean. It costs 100euros unless others will share the ride. However, there will not be any other immediate connections to St Jean so we will splurge. I prepaid the train tickets which are Promo preference tickets. This will save us time at the train station. It is a gamble which Iam willing to take given the Jet lag we will have.

 

[StephenChad]

Make sure you get off the train when the platform signs say Iruña, the Basque name for Pamplona

 

[Camino2014]

I will be flying to madrid, train to pamplona, then bus to sjpdp. I have researched train schedules at www.en.oui.sncf. Here are some questions before i can make a reservation...hoping those with much more experience can help me. 1/ is pampeluna the same as pamplona? 2/ the madrid trains go to three places in pamplona...they are chamartin, atocha, atocha cercanais. Which of the stations is closest to where my bus departs in “estacion de autobusses calle yanguascy miranda 2, pamplona”? And finally, 3/ do you think 1 1/2 hours will be sufficient to get from the madrid airport and the madrid train station?
Thank you all. Arriving madrid sept 5 and walking to orisson on sept 6, if i cam get there from here!
.

1. "Pampelune" is the French name for the city of Pamplona, so yes, it is the same place! That might also be what you're seeing on SNCF, since that is a French train site. The station is called "Pamplona/Iruña" in Spanish/Basque languages, respectively.

2.Chamartin and Atocha are actually two train stations in Madrid, NOT Pamplona. "Atocha Cercanias" is Atocha station, but referring to just the "cercanias" routes (short-distance commuter trains that only service Madrid community). Pamplona only has one train station, to my knowledge. Also, that location you posted (Calle Yanguas y Miranda) is the location of the bus stop in Pamplona. You will need to get from the train station to the bus stop, which is near the Ciudadela park in Pamplona center.

3. 1 1/2 hours should be more than enough time. There is regular transportation taking travelers from the airport to Chamartin. Just make sure you know your itinerary/plan to get there ahead of time!

I hope this was helpful! Please let me know if you have any other questions. And BUEN CAMINO!!!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Just outside the Pamplona train station is a bus stop/shelter with a bus line that has stops near the bus station “estacion de autobusses calle yanguas y miranda 2, pamplona.” The buses leave about every 15 minutes and cost about 1.50 euros or so. Memory tells me it is linea 9 - L9.

 

[BucketBabe]

Have you considered taking the bus to Pamplona? It leaves just outside the door of terminal T4 at the airport. No need to get into Madrid or get from the train station to the bus terminal in Pamplona.

The bus is comfortable and you can buy your ticket online beforehand, or at the kiosk just before you exit T4. There is one transfer, but it's a small, low-key station. You basically get off your bus, use the restroom quickly if you need to, and get on the other a few minutes later. Then off to Pamplona.

Whatever you decide, you will probably meet fellow pilgrims travelling exactly where you are before you even leave the airport. Buen Camino!

This is exactly what I'm doing thanks to this forum! I believe the change is in Sarria. Hoping to follow the other "backpacks". BTW, where do I get a scallop shell...anyone know. I'm starting my walk in Pamplona.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

BTW, where do I get a scallop shell...anyone know.

We brought over ours from a local beach. More personal than buying them but I did pick up one along the way with Santiago's cross painted on it to give to Peg (along with patches, pins, postcards and other trinkets) when she picked up her Compostela.

 

[Bala]

This is exactly what I'm doing thanks to this forum! I believe the change is in Sarria. Hoping to follow the other "backpacks". BTW, where do I get a scallop shell...anyone know. I'm starting my walk in Pamplona.

That's great. It worked out very well for us. I'm confident it will for you as well. Just an fyi, the change is in Soria, not Sarria, but no matter. Off the bus, then on the next one, and soon you are in the wonderful town of Pamplona.

Ask at wherever you are staying where to get a shell. The cathedral or the Caminoteka store (right on the on the camino) are two likely spots. With so many pilgrims starting or passing through Pamplona, though, there are likely to be shells for sale at just about any retail outlet.

Buen Camino!

 

[Devereaux]

Im a bit late to this discussion, but here's my notes on getting to SJPDP from Madrid Airport (note:this is for a US to Spain flight):
To the Train in the airport:
1. Proceed to Floor 1 "Departures" and take the free shuttle bus to Terminal T4. You arrive at T4 in 10 minutes on Floor 0... 30 minutes
2. The Spanish railway RENFE, connects Madrid with the Madrid Barajas airport through the local train network service "Cercanías" C1 line on the terminal T4 floor -1, and is called Aeropuerto T4.

3. C1 Renfe train stations itinerary from the city to airport
Estimated travel time: Aeropuerto T4-Estación de Atocha: 25 minutes.

Note: For passengers with long distance train tickets (I.e. To Pamplona), or an AVE ticket (high-speed train), this service is free.

Otherwise, a Single ticket tariff is 2,60 €, valid for one journey in the two hours after it is issued. Return ticket tariff is 5,20€, and outbound journey must be made in the two hours after the ticket is issued, but return must be made any time until the next day. The transport passes are also valid.

4. Several RENFE trains leave Madrid Atocha Station daily for Pamplona ( http://www.renfe.com/ )
11:35 AM MADRID PUERTA DE ATOCHA. Arrive 02:40 PM PAMPLONA
3h 05m Direct. Alvia.
$48 2nd class

3:05 PM MADRID PUERTA DE ATOCHA. Arrive 06:26 PM PAMPLONA
3h 21m Direct
BEST VALUE $63 1st class

7:35 PM MADRID PUERTA DE ATOCHA. Arrive 10:40 PM PAMPLONA
3h 05p Direct
$56
2nd class

5. From Pamplona there are three buses to St Jean – see details here on website are run by the Conda bus company and they can be booked online at: http://www.gomarbella.com/marbella/online-bus-reservation-spain.htm

Best advice I've seen: get a full day's rest in Pamplona or SJPDP to recover from jet lag and get your tickets now, online and save time.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

From Pamplona there are three buses to St Jean – see details here on website are run by the Conda bus company and they can be booked online at: http://www.gomarbella.com/marbella/online-bus-reservation-spain.htm

Thanks @DeverUx for all the information you provided. I do have to correct you though on the above. There are 0 to 4 CONDA buses running from Pamplona to SJPdP. It depends on the time of year.

 

[Felipe]

Be aware that Atocha has actually two train stations: Cercanías (short and medium distance) and Puerta de Atocha (long distance). Both are close, a short walk; just look for the right place.
The train from airport T4 to Atocha is Cercanias; not high speed, it spends around 30 minutes.
The train to Pamplona will be surely Puerta de Atocha.
I warn you because I have seen tourists desperately seeking the right station, just minutes before their train leave.

 

[Nezabudka]

Thank you, @Felipe, very usefull information. I tried to "walk" in the station on Google maps and got confused, hopefully I will not be that tourist desperately looking for the right station.

@Jackieduda, just my five cents about it As I have very little time and arrive to Madrid in the afternoon, it was too late to catch a bus from the airport to Pamplona, so I booked train ticket on Renfe app from Atocha (Puerta de Atocha) station respectively. Actually, I've booked TWO tickets, just in case at 17.35 and 19.35. Buying in advance it cost me ~45 EUR for both. If you buy on the spot, the ticket is ~60EUR. I took the ones, that can be cancelled with 30% fee (just a couple euros more expensive than the cheapest promo fare), thus planning to cancel whichever I do not use after all.
I arrive to Pamplona quite late anyway, that's why booked a hotel (albergues close quite early normally), hope to get there on taxi, and taking the bus to SJPP next morning at 10am (tickets on ALSA app ~20 eur).

 

[Felipe]

Yes, there is a taxi stop outside the Pamplona train station, and I suppose that even if you arrive very late, there will be drivers waiting for customers. Anyway, given the hour, you may consider a reservation:

• Taxi San Fermín
• Parada: Plaza La Estación,S/N
• 948 232 300 - 948 351 335
• info@taxipamplona.com
• http://www.taxipamplona.com

The RENFE station is just 2 km from downtown.

 

[irishrock]

I took the subway (look up Madrid metro and the site will give you the exact directions and the estimated time...it is very accurate) from the airport to the Atocha train station. It was pretty quick. I landed at 7:00, made it through passport control, picked up my pack and was on the subway quick enough to make a 9:00 train to Pamplona (easily, I might add) But the problem was the train was booked and I had to sit around and wait for an 11:30 train. If you can swing it, I'd suggest getting your train tickets in advance as the Spanish trains would remind you of an airline flight where a reservation and seat assignment is required.

 

[Nezabudka]

Thanks again, @Felipe I may call them while on the train. I know it's jut two kms, but arriving either around 9 or 11pm, tired and jet-lagged, so taxi would be the best option.

@irishrock , you made me feel better. Yes, I do plan to catch a Cercanias train to Atocha. My flight is scheduled to fly in at~3.30pm, so hopefully I'll be able to repeat your quick journey and get to the train in two hours. I will not have to pick up my pack, and have an EU passport, hope, it will fast-track things.

 

[Devereaux]

Thanks, filipe! I was unaware ther were two Atocha stations!

 

[Felipe]

Well, I suppose that technically it is one station, with two different access to trains; I tried to be "didactic".
About Barajas, I was recently there. The airport has installed (for EU citizens) an automatic biometric scan system. They go through the gates in a breeze. But even the non EU citizens queue went quite fast; it is a well-organized procedure. Problem is, as always, the delivery of baggage; I had to wait for a while. Anyway, I left the airport in 40 minutes approx (after deplaning, obviously)

 

[Jackieduda]

Hello all, i just recieved your replies, along with another reply directly to me that have helped enormously for me to figure out these complex details. Thank you all so much. Since i have posted this question i also tried a taxi service from pamplona to sjpdp, got all the way through their online res system then it wouldnt take my visa credit card even though it was shown as an acceptable form of payment. My bank says there is no rejection on their end so it is the same problem i had when trying to book at roncevalles. I have emailed the taxi service twice bit they do not answer. ( teletaxi san fermin). Is it likely there is not an english speaker at their end?

 

[marcdefaoite]

Have you considered starting your Camino from Pamplona? That's what I did on my second Camino. My wife was with me and she didn't fancy the hike across the Pyrenees. We used the extra days to walk from Santiago onward to Fisterra and Muxia, which I hadn't walked before and that turned out to be one of the best parts of the walk - less people, better/cheaper food, cooler weather, seaside, forests.

 

[Kelly Ann]

Have you considered starting your Camino from Pamplona? That's what I did on my second Camino. My wife was with me and she didn't fancy the hike across the Pyrenees. We used the extra days to walk from Santiago onward to Fisterra and Muxia, which I hadn't walked before and that turned out to be one of the best parts of the walk - less people, better/cheaper food, cooler weather, seaside, forests.

Marc, can you expand on that a bit please? So if someone was to start their walk in Pamplona, and not SJDP, that just means that they would be skipping the more difficult Pyrenees section and therefore would not be going to Orissa and/or Roncelles. Have I got that right?

 

[marcdefaoite]

That's correct. Getting to Roncesvalles from SJPDP (whether staying at Orissa or not) is probably physically the most demanding part of the Camino Frances. From Roncesvalles to Zubiri is practically all down hill, then from Zubiri to Pamplona is quite flat, so neither of those are extraordinarily demanding days. Scenery wise they are nice, particularly going through the beech forests. So basically if you started in Pamplona you would save yourself 3 days (or 4 if you planned stopping in Orissa), the slog hike up and down the Pyrenees, and the hassle of getting to SJPDP. Alternatively, it's easier to get a bus from Pamplona to Roncesvalles than to SJPDP and you could start from there and walk 2 days back to Pamplona and continue from there. A lot of people start from Pamplona, but nowhere near as many as start from SJPPDP. Inevitably as you walk you will hear people talk about those first few days. There's a special first-day-at-school everyone checking each other out, unsure of what they're doing kind of atmosphere to those first days from SJPDP. My wife said if she was to do it again she would like to start from SJPDP, but doesn't regret starting from Pamplona. I guess it depends on how important the FOMO (fear of missing out) element is.
The short answer is that if you're relatively fit, and have the time, then starting at SJPDP is not so hard, especially if you've done some hiking/training in preparation. But if time is an issue, or if you're interested in having extra time for the Galaician stretch at the end, then Pamplona is definitely a starting place worth considering. (Stay at Jesus y Maria Albergue in Pamplona.) Buen Camino.