Question- The FEVE route along the the Camino Del Norte

Camino Chrissy · 2024-11-18T20:03:47+0100

Hi all, I have walked the full Norte; first in 2016 to the Primitivo, and then the remainder last year.
For some background, I walked the Via Podiensis with two friends in 2018. They have not walked a Camino since then, but are eager to embrace one as a threesome again in June 2025. They both have occasional feet, back, or hip issues, so are hoping for a route with shorter stages this time, or the ability to rest if an injury occurs.

I remember reading on the forum that some members have ridden the slow FEVE train between many of the stages on the Norte and enjoyed the experience. Before I put too much research into this idea of hopping on and off the FEVE to accommodate my aging friends and I, I thought I would first ask those of you who have skipped around on this Camino. This would not be a typical, normal Camino (thus no Compostelas), but more a combo of walking and trains as we go along. Is this possible? Would we need to purchase a train package ahead of time on all of the stops we would want to plan? Would we need to "figure it out" and book everything ahead, or can we wing it as we go? I have no idea how often the train runs in June as I am "picking your brains" first. We would choose a combination of albergues and pensions that work best and are all fine options.

I am thinking of about two to three weeks away from home. No need to end somewhere specifically as both friends have walked to Santiago in the past.
Thanks ahead for any comments or ideas from those of you who have done something similar.

caminka · 2024-11-18T20:16:04+0100

I have not done a hop-on-hop-off route but I did ride the feve train in one day from Oviedo to Irun in 2022. It took me from about 6am till 21h45. I think I changed in Santander, San Sebastian and Bilbao (which is the end of the feve).

A few notes:

The feve train stations were not always at the same spot as the renfe train stations.

There was only one toilet on the ~5h ride from Oviedo and it was broken.

I had Interrail but I still needed to obtain free passes to let me through the stile gates. Those ticket booths were not the same as the renfe ticket booths, even at the same train station.

I think that schedules for feve trains are under the 'cercanias' schedules on the renfe site.

Count on delays of about 15min.

I greatly enjoyed the ride.

Camino Chrissy · 2024-11-18T20:24:36+0100

Thanks for replying, @caminka. It sounds a bit of a hassle, but doable. Thanks for the tip about the cercanious schedules, and it was good to hear you "greatly enjoyed the ride"!

Bedspring · 2024-11-18T21:12:14+0100

Camino Chrissy said:
Hi all, I have walked the full Norte; first in 2016 to the Primitivo, and then the remainder last year.
For some background, I walked the Via Podiensis with two friends in 2018. They have not walked a Camino since then, but are eager to embrace one as a threesome again in June 2025. They both have occasional feet, back, or hip issues, so are hoping for a route with shorter stages this time, or the ability to rest if an injury occurs.

I remember reading on the forum that some members have ridden the slow FEVE train between many of the stages on the Norte and enjoyed the experience. Before I put too much research into this idea of hopping on and off the FEVE to accommodate my aging friends and I, I thought I would first ask those of you who have skipped around on this Camino. This would not be a typical, normal Camino (thus no Compostelas), but more a combo of walking and trains as we go along. Is this possible? Would we need to purchase a train package ahead of time on all of the stops we would want to plan? Would we need to "figure it out" and book everything ahead, or can we wing it as we go? I have no idea how often the train runs in June as I am "picking your brains" first. We would choose a combination of albergues and pensions that work best and are all fine options.

I am thinking of about two to three weeks away from home. No need to end somewhere specifically as both friends have walked to Santiago in the past.
Thanks ahead for any comments or ideas from those of you who have done something similar.

I took the FEVE from Ferrol to Oviedo in early June this year, and spent much of the time on a Bus. I was inspired to use it after reading Tom Chesshyres book, Slow Trains Around Spain, but TBH I am not sure why I was inspired, as he spent much of his time on buses as well.
So, I would say as a rail experience, very poor.
If you decide to use trains, and are over 60, its worth getting a Targeta Dorada, for discounted fares.

Tincatinker · 2024-11-18T21:12:50+0100

Apart from the major towns and termini most of the FEVE is hop-on hop-off. You flag down the train as it approaches the station, buy a ticket from the Guard and tell them which station you want to alight at.

I’ve never found a rail-pass that would work on the FEVE without a remarkable amount of hassle so I just do what the locals do.

All the various timetables are available online but as you’ll be using the RENFE website have a soothing drink to hand and no other commitments that day.

FEVE tickets cannot be purchased online or in advance. Don’t even try.

It’s a lovely way to travel through a beautiful part of Spain

SabsP · 2024-11-18T21:17:49+0100

Tincatinker said:
Apart from the major towns and termini most of the FEVE is hop-on hop-off. You flag down the train as it approaches the station, buy a ticket from the Guard and tell them which station you want to alight at.

I’ve never found a rail-pass that would work on the FEVE without a remarkable amount of hassle so I just do what the locals do.

All the various timetables are available online but as you’ll be using the RENFE website have a soothing drink to hand and no other commitments that day.

FEVE tickets cannot be purchased online or in advance. Don’t even try.

It’s a lovely way to travel through a beautiful part of Spain

Ah the memories.
I just searched randomly for Luarca to Ferrol.
I stopped counting the stations .

Renfe - Inicio Compra

PAGINAS OFICIALES DE RENFE, HORARIOS, COMPRA, VENTA, BILLETES,

venta.renfe.com

Camino Chrissy · 2024-11-18T21:23:38+0100

Bedspring said:
I took the FEVE from Ferrol to Oviedo in early June this year, and spent much of the time on a Bus.

Hmmm, I was hoping we could start in San Sebastian and head west and only use the FEVE for small stages at a time

Tincatinker said:
Apart from the major towns and termini most of the FEVE is hop-on hop-off. You flag down the train as it approaches the station, buy a ticket from the Guard and tell them which station you want to alight at.

I’ve never found a rail-pass that would work on the FEVE without a remarkable amount of hassle so I just do what the locals do.

All the various timetables are available online but as you’ll be using the RENFE website have a soothing drink to hand and no other commitments that day.

FEVE tickets cannot be purchased online or in advance. Don’t even try.

It’s a lovely way to travel through a beautiful part of Spain

Your reply sounds very interesting, @Tincatinker, but you are an interesting man. I do not have your Spanish skills and my choice of a soothing drink will prob be different than yours, but I'll do my best when I start researching. I hope the trains pass by the Norte route more than once a day.
.

OzAnnie · 2024-11-18T21:27:03+0100

Tincatinker said:
FEVE tickets cannot be purchased online or in advance. Don’t even try.

It’s a lovely way to travel through a beautiful part of Spain

Hi Chrissy
I also wanted to just meander slowly (after a hospi time in 2017 ) from Grado to Ferrol / to walk the Camino Inglés. Advice was to have snacks etc as no food car on train.

Reading the stories about the terrain I was looking forward to a beautiful trip.
I’m not sure how far the train was toward Ferrol that day (less than halfway ), but the train could not continue for some reason or other. No problem for those travelling …. as Renfe sent a number of taxis to pick up the passengers and took all of us to our destinations. All the way to Ferrol train station for me.

Good luck Chrissy., I’m sure you’ll work something out that suits the 3 of you if you need it. Sounds like fun
Buen camino

Edit : Chrissy - do a quick rome2rio / to
Match or look up stops (there are many on the FEVE) heading west. Google says it runs across the top of spain.
Lots of places I’d never heard of.. maybe there could also be local buses in between some areas you may be walking. I didn’t try those.

Bedspring · 2024-11-18T21:27:39+0100

You should be OK then, if the Train runs, it runs, if it doesn't, a Bus will be provided, so nothing to lose really. As a form of transport it works.

Tincatinker · 2024-11-18T21:32:04+0100

Camino Chrissy said:
Hmmm, I was hoping we could start in San Sebastian and head west and only use the FEVE for small stages at a time

Your reply sounds very interesting, @Tincatinker, but you are an interesting man. I do not have your Spanish skills and my choice of a soothing drink will prob be different than yours, but I'll do my best when I start researching. I hope the trains pass by the Norte route more than once a day.
.

They are regular commuting routes for local workers and school children. There are plenty, just not many long distance services like say Bilbao to Santander in one hop. FEVE starts in Bilbao not Donostia (use Euskotren for that bit).

TravellingMan22 · 2024-11-18T21:40:31+0100

Camino Chrissy said:
Hi all, I have walked the full Norte; first in 2016 to the Primitivo, and then the remainder last year.
For some background, I walked the Via Podiensis with two friends in 2018. They have not walked a Camino since then, but are eager to embrace one as a threesome again in June 2025. They both have occasional feet, back, or hip issues, so are hoping for a route with shorter stages this time, or the ability to rest if an injury occurs.

I remember reading on the forum that some members have ridden the slow FEVE train between many of the stages on the Norte and enjoyed the experience. Before I put too much research into this idea of hopping on and off the FEVE to accommodate my aging friends and I, I thought I would first ask those of you who have skipped around on this Camino. This would not be a typical, normal Camino (thus no Compostelas), but more a combo of walking and trains as we go along. Is this possible? Would we need to purchase a train package ahead of time on all of the stops we would want to plan? Would we need to "figure it out" and book everything ahead, or can we wing it as we go? I have no idea how often the train runs in June as I am "picking your brains" first. We would choose a combination of albergues and pensions that work best and are all fine options.

I am thinking of about two to three weeks away from home. No need to end somewhere specifically as both friends have walked to Santiago in the past.
Thanks ahead for any comments or ideas from those of you who have done something similar.

I am planning a big FEVE trip soon. Maybe next summer.

I did Ferrol to Ribadeo a couple of months back. It was a 3 hr journey and costs €11. You could actually book online (this trip anyway, which I think may be a recent development) but there is no need too. It is a very much a ‘hop on hop off’ proposition. I really enjoyed it, and it felt pretty unique, hence desire to do a longer trip from Ferrol to Oviedo/Gijon and beyond soon.

We returned Ribadeo to Ferrol following day, abeit it turned out to be a taxi/train combo due train unservicebility.

Martyduc · 2024-11-18T21:41:47+0100

Hi,,, this app will give you all you need,, timetables,, map,, open up the menu bottom right hand, and select Feve!!
And from San Sebastián to Bilbao is a local train, Euskotren,, that also parallels a lot of the Norte!
Buy the tickets on the train,, some stations have automatic ticket machines!!
Both trains are great!

dick bird · 2024-11-18T22:01:57+0100

And when you are in Bilbao, take some a few minutes to look at the outside of Concordia Station - it's an Art Nouveau gem.

Flog · 2024-11-18T22:08:34+0100

As others have said, don't expect any kind of seamless journey. It's a series of connecting links that don't always work time wise. Probably best to take it as you find it and make an adventure of it. Wonderful way to see Northern Spain with plenty of pilgrims to be seen out of the window..

TravellingMan22 · 2024-11-18T22:23:38+0100

Camino Chrissy said:
Hi all, I have walked the full Norte; first in 2016 to the Primitivo, and then the remainder last year.
For some background, I walked the Via Podiensis with two friends in 2018. They have not walked a Camino since then, but are eager to embrace one as a threesome again in June 2025. They both have occasional feet, back, or hip issues, so are hoping for a route with shorter stages this time, or the ability to rest if an injury occurs.

I remember reading on the forum that some members have ridden the slow FEVE train between many of the stages on the Norte and enjoyed the experience. Before I put too much research into this idea of hopping on and off the FEVE to accommodate my aging friends and I, I thought I would first ask those of you who have skipped around on this Camino. This would not be a typical, normal Camino (thus no Compostelas), but more a combo of walking and trains as we go along. Is this possible? Would we need to purchase a train package ahead of time on all of the stops we would want to plan? Would we need to "figure it out" and book everything ahead, or can we wing it as we go? I have no idea how often the train runs in June as I am "picking your brains" first. We would choose a combination of albergues and pensions that work best and are all fine options.

I am thinking of about two to three weeks away from home. No need to end somewhere specifically as both friends have walked to Santiago in the past.
Thanks ahead for any comments or ideas from those of you who have done something similar.

I think as long as you give yourself some time it looks great and straightforward. It’s very cheap too! Ferrol to Oviedo is only €24 and it’s only one price (there is no early / late or supply/demand pricing). We never had more than a few folks onboard. A lovely way to see northern Spain.

Camino Chrissy · 2024-11-18T22:28:46+0100

Flog said:
As others have said, don't expect any kind of seamless journey. It's a series of connecting links that don't always work time wise. Probably best to take it as you find it and make an adventure of it. Wonderful way to see Northern Spain with plenty of pilgrims to be seen out of the window..

I would like to make it a partial adventure, but would like to do a fair amount of walking, too, not only looking out the windows at other pilgrims. We would also want to be those pilgrims some of the time. I'm not sure if it is possible to book lodgings on some of the Norte stages ahead of time. It looks like it may be rather confusing to coordinate it, but I have not begun to scratch the surface yet.

Flog · 2024-11-18T22:39:18+0100

It follows the Northern route for much of the way. Last year we stayed a few days in Aviles and got out walking daily with trains back and forth. And this year the same, based in Gijon..

Yes, it's quite doable. I dont remember which stops, but there were bus connections between some links too.

TravellingMan22 · 2024-11-18T22:45:19+0100

Camino Chrissy said:
I would like to make it a partial adventure, but would like to do a fair amount of walking, too, not only looking out the windows at other pilgrims. We would also want to be those pilgrims some of the time. I'm not sure if it is possible to book lodgings on some of the Norte stages ahead of time. It looks like it may be rather confusing to coordinate it, but I have not begun to scratch the surface yet.

If you google there is a Norte map overlaid with the FEVE map and it’s displayed at many stations such as Ribadeo.

caminka · 2024-11-18T22:49:40+0100

Camino Chrissy said:
Thanks for replying, @caminka. It sounds a bit of a hassle, but doable. Thanks for the tip about the cercanious schedules, and it was good to hear you "greatly enjoyed the ride"!

Of course.

I was limited in the number of days I could take the train due to Interrail and didn't get any beds in Bilbao or San Sebastian (€50+ for a bunk?? no thank you) so I opted for this crazy day. When I was closing on Irun, I phoned the albergue for vacancies and they said "Corre, corre!" (they close at ten).

Taking shorter rides without much time limit shouldn't be that problematic.

grayland · 2024-11-18T23:47:46+0100

Flog said:
As others have said, don't expect any kind of seamless journey. It's a series of connecting links that don't always work time wise. Probably best to take it as you find it and make an adventure of it. Wonderful way to see Northern Spain with plenty of pilgrims to be seen out of the window..

Chris
I have had the occasion to use the FEVE in both directions from time to time.
I have to agree with @Flog that it could be a great "adventure" walking some days and riding others...searching out thinks off from the actual Norte route without the pressure of keeping up with a Camino schedule.
You would be somewhat obligated to walk some portions in order to move forward reasonably...it would not be seamless (as @Flog points out) but I suggest it would be great under the conditions you propose.

Actually, you could start another thread and have folks here help plan it based on their experience and research.

Go for it and give us a daily report.
Ed

Camino Chrissy · 2024-11-19T00:17:05+0100

grayland said:
Actually, you could start another thread and have folks here help plan it based on their experience and research.

That sounds like a good idea, Ed, and once I get familiar with a few things, I will do that!

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Camino Chrissy · 2024-11-18T20:03:47+0100

Hi all, I have walked the full Norte; first in 2016 to the Primitivo, and then the remainder last year. For some background, I walked the Via Podiensis with two friends in 2018. They have not...

Question- The FEVE route along the the Camino Del Norte

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