Train transfer in Leon

[KariannNor]

The train from Pamplona arrives in Leon exactly 15 minutes before my next one to Oviedo. It is the only option, just once a day as I can see on Rome2Rio and other websites/apps. It's already giving me a nervous stomach. Is 15 minutes enough? I know Leon train station is big. Is it like with flights, that you can actually risk that they don't give you enough time for corresponding departures?

 

[J Willhaus]

No, the Leon train station is not really very big. It is about the same size as Santiago. I believe 15 minutes will be enough time. If for some reason your train is late, the bus station is just across the street and there are numerous buses daily to Oviedo.

 

[KariannNor]

No, the Leon train station is not really very big. It is about the same size as Santiago. I believe 15 minutes will be enough time. If for some reason your train is late, the bus station is just across the street and there are numerous buses daily to Oviedo.

Oh, that's great to hear, thank you very much Didn't know about the bus option

 

[rappahannock_rev]

If for some reason your train is late, the bus station is just across the street and there are numerous buses daily to Oviedo.

When I arrived at the Leon bus station in late October 2023 I discovered that the comfy old Terminal building was closed -- under total reconstruction. People were milling about amongst the external bus-stop slots hoping to make their connections. Much confusion. Hope things are better now.

 

[Sheesh]

News item attached about the Leon bus terminal reno.

León reestrena estación de autobuses que albergará el Centro de Control de Transportes - León24horas

Este viernes tuvo lugar la inauguración por parte del presidente de la Junta de la instalación que lleva por nombre Reina Urraca I de León. La estación de autobuses de León ya está abierta de nuevo desde este viernes tras su remodelación de estos pasados meses. Dos años de obras, que iban a...

leon24horas.net

 

[CWBuff]

I'll be optimistic as per @J Willhaus 's response but IMHO a 15min connection is NEVER enough!
Personally if that it truly the ONLY option for transportation, then I will spend some extra $$$ and will stay an extra day (and in places like Leon... play "the tourist") and will go to my Leg 2 the following day with no stress or worry
Thats just me.

 

[Mito]

I made that connection in 2022 and the transfer was on the same platform —just on the other side. Super easy. Trains in Spain are pretty reliable. It’s a small station. So it may be enough. If you’re nervous, spend the night in Leon near the cathedral and leave the next day. A fun option if you have the time.

 

[trecile]

I'll be optimistic as per @J Willhaus 's response but IMHO a 15min connection is NEVER enough!

It wasn't León, but the first time that I took the train from Paris to SJPdP I had a 7 minute connection between trains in Bayonne, and I made it easily.

 

[Tincatinker]

The OP could always just walk from Leon to Oviedo.. The Salvador is a sweety

 

[CWBuff]

@trecile - Yes but you are a cross between Superman and Wonder Woman!

 

[henrythedog]

Most nights when I’m in the UK I wish I was stuck in Leon for the night.

It’ll be fine - but if it isn’t: life could be significantly worse.

 

[KariannNor]

The OP could always just walk from Leon to Oviedo.. The Salvador is a sweety

Don't give me more ideas now, someone here gave me the tip to change to Primitivo a few days ago but it looks nice... its the thing "time to go to Santiago or not.. and - how important is that?"

 

[KariannNor]

Good idea stay in Leon, but I did last time, and will have a night in Pamplona right before because arriving late, so it will feel like another day wasted.. and I'm not a town-person...

 

[Tincatinker]

Okay, so how long have you got? There are a thousand roads to Santiago. Some of them are even officially recognized.

What do you want out of your Camino? Hint: with a bit of luck you don’t know yet but if you want a Compostela there are rules. If the Compostela isn’t on your bucket-list then you’ve got opportunities

 

[KariannNor]

Okay, so how long have you got? There are a thousand roads to Santiago. Some of them are even officially recognized.

What do you want out of your Camino? Hint: with a bit of luck you don’t know yet but if you want a Compostela there are rules. If the Compostela isn’t on your bucket-list then you’ve got opportunities

In fact, I have the luxury of 18 days from when I leave Oviedo. The idea is to see when it hits Melide (or thereabouts) to choose the way.. Last time was not pleasant from Sarria because of so many people, but - maybe I will enjoy seeing people again after less traffic at Primitivo? I think as you say to see how it turns out. Last time I was so tired of people (+ was sick) that I couldn't bear to stand in the awful line to get the Compostela, and it's not important now either. But, I really liked the atmosphere in Santiago, so if it's fine from Melide, I'll probably go there. Or, alternatives..

 

[Tincatinker]

You’ve time to research the Camino Verde and the “alternative” route down to Lavacola. You could dodge the “crowds”, aka Pilgrims , right up to the final sprint. And no awful lines anymore. Register, get your number, find a bar and ask someone to monitor your ‘phone.

I’ve always figured that the Gatekeeper will know where I’ve been and what I’ve done. Some people like to have the paperwork just in case

 

[KariannNor]

You’ve time to research the Camino Verde and the “alternative” route down to Lavacola. You could dodge the “crowds”, aka Pilgrims , right up to the final sprint. And no awful lines anymore. Register, get your number, find a bar and ask someone to monitor your ‘phone.

I’ve always figured that the Gatekeeper will know where I’ve been and what I’ve done. Some people like to have the paperwork just in case

Yes, I'm privileged, and thankful people ask why I like to travel alone, and exactly that is the reason, free to choose whatever ;-) can't wait! .. will read about the Verde-route..