Pau/Lourdes - Oloron - Somport - Canfranc by train and bus

[micromegas]

Hi Peregrinos!

There is a rail/bus link from Pau/Lourdes to Canfranc via Oloron and Somport. Check out the following links for the timetables and prices. It is run by SNCF Aquitaine and the Région Aquitaine, and is regularly updated.

http://www.ter-sncf.com/aquitaine (if you know how to navigate the site in French)

or

http://www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/aquitai ... fault.aspx

In the "liste des fichers horaires", scroll down to the "Pau-Oloron-Canfranc", then click on the mauve/purple box "Choisir la fiche horaire". You will then see 2 links under this mauve/purple box. The first is the train/bus timetable, the second is the bus-only timetable. The train and bus connect, so don't worry too much about missing one, the Canfranc bus usually waits for the Pau train, and likewise for the Zaragoza-Canfranc train.

Outside the Aquitaine region, it can be difficult to get specific information. From Tarbes, not far from Pau, the only info we could get was for Pau, Oloron and Canfranc but nothing more on the itinerary!!

If you intend to return home via Pau/Lourdes, think about this route because it avoids having to pass via Irun. You might have to sleep a night in Jaca, but it is worth it. The link from the tourist office of Pamplona helped a lot for finding buses:

http://www.autobusesdenavarra.com/siv/i ... quedas.jsp

I'm going to post some info about the camino: albergues/sleeping, shops, etc.

Nic.

 

[micromegas]

Credencial del Peregrino

If you don't have a credencial and are passing through Lourdes, stop at the "Maison du Chapelain", and get it there for 2€. My walking buddy got his there and I got a new one without any hassles. I asked for Mme Aubry, who sorted everything out. I don't know if she speaks anything else but French, though!

Nic.