Train from Madrid to Pamplona

[SMTuppy]

Hello!

My name is Simone. I am travelling from Brisbane, Australia, arriving in Madrid on Sunday 13 May. My plan is to catch a train from Madrid to Pamplona the following day, where I will start my first Camino. Wow, how incredible to be writing this!! I am travelling to Spain on a ticket that is not confirmed, therefore I do not want to pre-book the train travel in case I do not arrive on the date planned. Is it possible to purchase train ticket on the day of travel, or am I running the risk of not being able to get on?

Many thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some advice on this.

 

[Anniesantiago]

There are many buses right outside the Madrid Airport door on that day. Here is the schedule. If you wanted to book the bus ahead, you can go to the Conda website:

 

[SMTuppy]

There are many buses right outside the Madrid Airport door on that day. Here is the schedule. If you wanted to book the bus ahead, you can go to the Conda website:

View attachment 41500View attachment 41500

Thank you very much!

 

[Quijote141]

Simone, you can check the train schedules on Renfe.com
They are several trains that go to Pamplona each day. The trip is about 3 hours long. You can take a bus from the airport to the Renfe stations or take a taxi (30 Euros) there. A nice and fast train. I took it last year and taking it again April 26.
Buen Camino

 

[SMTuppy]

Simone, you can check the train schedules on Renfe.com
They are several trains that go to Pamplona each day. The trip is about 3 hours long. You can take a bus from the airport to the Renfe stations or take a taxi (30 Euros) there. A nice and fast train. I took it last year and taking it again April 26.
Buen Camino

Many thanks! Did you prebook your ticket or just get one when you arrived at the station?

 

[Quijote141]

I pre-booked. I believe you can buy a ticket and for an extra fee change the train time. You can send them an email and make an inquiry about changes.

 

[SMTuppy]

I pre-booked. I believe you can buy a ticket and for an extra fee change the train time. You can send them an email and make an inquiry about changes.

Will look into that. Thanks again!!

 

[Desert Bruce]

Hi Simone, you might also take the metro or a train to Atocha station from the airport, I have done that twice. Either are much cheaper than a taxi. Last year we took the train from Atocha to Pamplona then a taxi from the station to our hostel. You could buy your ticket for the next day when you arrive in Madrid.

Buen Camino

 

[SMTuppy]

Hi Simone, you might also take the metro or a train to Atocha station from the airport, I have done that twice. Either are much cheaper than a taxi. Last year we took the train from Atocha to Pamplona then a taxi from the station to our hostel. You could buy your ticket for the next day when you arrive in Madrid.

Buen Camino

Thank you. I will do that when I arrive at Atocha on Sunday. Appreciate your advice!

 

[lovetoread3]

When you say you're planning to stay overnight in Madrid, are you coming into Madrid proper to stay? If so, you can get a train ticket at Atocha and I think you can get a bus ticket as well which gives you some options so you wouldn't have to go back to the airport (for a bus). The closer to your departure date you buy a train ticket, the more expensive it will be and, if course, fewer choices. If you're staying overnight near the airport ( eg, Barajas), you could just go back to the airport & take the bus from there.

 

[SMTuppy]

When you say you're planning to stay overnight in Madrid, are you coming into Madrid proper to stay? If so, you can get a train ticket at Atocha and I think you can get a bus ticket as well which gives you some options so you wouldn't have to go back to the airport (for a bus). The closer to your departure date you buy a train ticket, the more expensive it will be and, if course, fewer choices. If you're staying overnight near the airport ( eg, Barajas), you could just go back to the airport & take the bus from there.

Many thanks. I am staying near Atocha, so will try the train first from there.

 

[linkster]

Simone it was pretty easy to take the train from MAD to Atocha. I also took the train from Atocha to Pamplona, and the bus from Pamplona to St. Jean. Make sure you are in the right line if buying your ticket at the station or use a kiosk. Also, they only post the platform about 15~20 minutes before departure, so just keep an eye on the listing.

 

[Desert Bruce]

No one has mentioned that for those over 60 the tarjeta dorada costs 6 Euros and good for discounts up to 40% off train fares. It can be obtained at the train station when buying the ticket.

 

[SMTuppy]

Simone it was pretty easy to take the train from MAD to Atocha. I also took the train from Atocha to Pamplona, and the bus from Pamplona to St. Jean. Make sure you are in the right line if buying your ticket at the station or use a kiosk. Also, they only post the platform about 15~20 minutes before departure, so just keep an eye on the listing.

Ooh, thank you for those really helpful hints!

 

[SMTuppy]

No one has mentioned that for those over 60 the tarjeta dorada costs 6 Euros and good for discounts up to 40% off train fares. It can be obtained at the train station when buying the ticket.

Great thanks! I don't qualify yet, but one day....