Traveling from the UK to Sarria

[Vince Meegan]

Hello everyone. I have been let down badly by my airline. The flight was supposed to be on the 1st of June but they cancelled it yesterday and the few alternatives they offered were unsuitable. My plan was to fly to Santiago airport and journey from there by bus to Sarria.
I have been looking into getting a ferry to Bilbao, but there isn't one. Or traveling by train but that seems convoluted with multiple changes over two or three days. Has anyone managed to do that by public transport or is it simply impractical?

 

[Bradypus]

There seems to be a flight from London to A Coruña (LCG) early on 1 June. It would be possible to take a train from there to Sarria that day.

 

[LavanyaLea]

If you could find a flight to San Sebastián or Bilbao… I’ll be driving from San Sebastián to Sarria on Sunday 29th May and have a spare seat.

 

[Vince Meegan]

Thanks all for rapid response. am on the case now... Lots of faffing around to get actual quotes.
Crazy that Skyscanner is offering the flight that Easyjet cancelled.. I hoped to travel from Gatwick. Am trying earlier dates..

 

[Former member 95219]

Thanks all for rapid response. am on the case now...

Three cheap direct flights from LON to SCQ on 01 June available!

 

[Vince Meegan]

Three cheap direct flights from LON to SCQ on 01 June available!

Thanks for that, but the flight which is appearing twice is the one that was cancelled : We’re really sorry that your easyJet flight 8589 from LGW to SCQ on 01-06-2022 has been cancelled. We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.
The other flight gets in at almost 11pm. So I'd miss my 'log in' with my guide at Sarria. Checking out the San Sebastian option. It's so stressful. I'm a bit tired so I'll resume in the morning. I'm afraid I'll put in the wrong information when I am like this. Good night and thanks all!

 

[Former member 95219]

Thanks for that, but the flight which is appearing twice is the one that was cancelled : We’re really sorry that your easyJet flight 8589 from LGW to SCQ on 01-06-2022 has been cancelled. We’d like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.
The other flight gets in at almost 11pm. So I'd miss my 'log in' with my guide at Sarria. Checking out the San Sebastian option. It's so stressful. I'm a bit tired so I'll resume in the morning. I'm afraid I'll put in the wrong information when I am like this. Good night and thanks all!

Ah ok! Don’t stress. Spain is about the easiest place in the world to get to from UK. Alsa/ flixbus (buses) and RENFE (trains) can help to for internal Spanish travel.

 

[Vince Meegan]

A big thank you to all. I scoured around and couldn't find any flight that suited. Some were astonishingly expensive. I forgot that my preferred travel time was over the Queen's Jubilee celebrations so that might account for it .In the end I found an Easyjet flight 5 days earlier direct to Santiago. So panic (hopefully) over.
I will just take my time getting from the airport to Sarria. Might even walk part of the way! My only concern is the plane's seat plan showed very low occupation. So will be holding my breath in case they cancel this flight too.

 

[LavanyaLea]

A big thank you to all. I scoured around and couldn't find any flight that suited. Some were astonishingly expensive. I forgot that my preferred travel time was over the Queen's Jubilee celebrations so that might account for it .In the end I found an Easyjet flight 5 days earlier direct to Santiago. So panic (hopefully) over.
I will just take my time getting from the airport to Sarria. Might even walk part of the way! My only concern is the plane's seat plan showed very low occupation. So will be holding my breath in case they cancel this flight too.

Yes, in the UK it’s the Queen’s jubilee. The weekend before is the Ascension of Jesus which is public holiday in France and all the French people are travelling, plus Champions League final Liverpool vs Real Madrid in Paris. And I’m travelling in the midst of all that!

If you have a few extra days before starting what sounds like an organised walk from Sarria, I would recommend visiting Samos monastery and stay overnight there. Then you can walk to Sarria!

Or if you have a lot of extra days before, then hire a car from Santiago and go on a wine trip in the Rias Baixas region, sample some Albariño, eat seafood etc (the Camino Portugues esp with the Spiritual Variant will pass some of these areas).

 

[Bradypus]

My only concern is the plane's seat plan showed very low occupation. So will be holding my breath in case they cancel this flight too.

easyJet make a extra charge to reserve specific seats in advance. It is cheaper to have one randomly allocated at check-in. You may find that many of the "empty" seats on the plan are in fact already sold but have not yet been reserved for a specific traveller.

 

[gagseymt]

Hello everyone. I have been let down badly by my airline. The flight was supposed to be on the 1st of June but they cancelled it yesterday and the few alternatives they offered were unsuitable. My plan was to fly to Santiago airport and journey from there by bus to Sarria.
I have been looking into getting a ferry to Bilbao, but there isn't one. Or traveling by train but that seems convoluted with multiple changes over two or three days. Has anyone managed to do that by public transport or is it simply impractical?

Hi, I did it from Manchester to Helsinki and then onto Biarritz.

 

[Vince Meegan]

Sounds like you took the scenic route!

 

[Airfix]

Hello everyone. I have been let down badly by my airline. The flight was supposed to be on the 1st of June but they cancelled it yesterday and the few alternatives they offered were unsuitable. My plan was to fly to Santiago airport and journey from there by bus to Sarria.
I have been looking into getting a ferry to Bilbao, but there isn't one. Or traveling by train but that seems convoluted with multiple changes over two or three days. Has anyone managed to do that by public transport or is it simply impractical?

Looks like your sorted, easyJet seems to drop and pick up the SDC route as it pleases.
We were let down last year, flying to Porto and from SDC (Portuguese Caminho), both legs with easyJet out of Gatwick, they cancelled the return flight.
We eventually booked return with Vueling. (Flight VY7108 18:20 out of SDC) Flew in and out of Gatwick.
Could try this is if easyJet cancel again.

Edit, just checked Vueling website, and this flight still goes from SDC but at 18:30. Currently starts at 19:99 Euro's!! I may book this myself

 

[Vince Rollason]

Hello everyone. I have been let down badly by my airline. The flight was supposed to be on the 1st of June but they cancelled it yesterday and the few alternatives they offered were unsuitable. My plan was to fly to Santiago airport and journey from there by bus to Sarria.
I have been looking into getting a ferry to Bilbao, but there isn't one. Or traveling by train but that seems convoluted with multiple changes over two or three days. Has anyone managed to do that by public transport or is it simply impractical?

Hello everyone. I have been let down badly by my airline. The flight was supposed to be on the 1st of June but they cancelled it yesterday and the few alternatives they offered were unsuitable. My plan was to fly to Santiago airport and journey from there by bus to Sarria.
I have been looking into getting a ferry to Bilbao, but there isn't one. Or traveling by train but that seems convoluted with multiple changes over two or three days. Has anyone managed to do that by public transport or is it simply impractical?

Hello Vince
I am flying from Birmingham to Madrid next Friday, staying overnight and taking a direct train to Sarria the next day. Don't know if this will help.
Buen Camino
Vince

 

[Richard of York]

If you are still considering the ferry, Brittany Ferries don't go to Bilbao, it's Santander or San Sebastián from Portsmouth or Plymouth. Not every day of the week though and you arrive the next day. Check their website. Don't miss the whale watching talk and sessions on deck.

 

[DoughnutANZ]

During 2019 I needed to break my Camino (long story for another day) and was in the UK and needed to restart at Sarria. This is what I did and it was cheap.

Bus to Stansted, cheapo flight in a tiny aircraft to O Corruña (flight arrived really late and all the taxis had stopped but fortunately I sat next to a Spanish couple and we chatted during the flight. They saw me wandering around the airport looking lost and gave me a lift to my AirBnB in O Corruña).

Got up really early and caught the bus to Santiago de Compostela to pick up my backpack which I had left there. Then bus to Lugo, lunch there then bus to Sarria. Arrived about 3 pm then I walked from Sarria to Portomarin.

Arrived around 8pm and was thankful that the hospitalero had saved me a bed although I had phoned him a couple of times during the walk with updates on my position so that he had some assurance that I would turn up.

He seemed quite impressed with my progress that day

I did sleep quite well that night.

 

[Vince Meegan]

If you are still considering the ferry, Brittany Ferries don't go to Bilbao, it's Santander or San Sebastián from Portsmouth or Plymouth. Not every day of the week though and you arrive the next day. Check their website. Don't miss the whale watching talk and sessions on deck.

Hi Richard, I'm committed to Easyjet even though I'm not as sure they are quite as committed to me. I dread the ping of every email expecting them to cancel my flight yet again.
I'm told you do a mean cream tea! If I bought a couple of Twinings tea bags with me, would that be OK?

 

[Vince Meegan]

During 2019 I needed to break my Camino (long story for another day) and was in the UK and needed to restart at Sarria. This is what I did and it was cheap.

Bus to Stansted, cheapo flight in a tiny aircraft to O Corruña (flight arrived really late and all the taxis had stopped but fortunately I sat next to a Spanish couple and we chatted during the flight. They saw me wandering around the airport looking lost and gave me a lift to my AirBnB in O Corruña).

Got up really early and caught the bus to Santiago de Compostela to pick up my backpack which I had left there. Then bus to Lugo, lunch there then bus to Sarria. Arrived about 3 pm then I walked from Sarria to Portomarin.

Arrived around 8pm and was thankful that the hospitalero had saved me a bed although I had phoned him a couple of times during the walk with updates on my position so that he had some assurance that I would turn up.

He seemed quite impressed with my progress that day

I did sleep quite well that night.

I am quite impressed too. I am on the south coast in Hove -nearest airport is Gatwick - and Stansted is 'here be dragons' territory. Even travelling from Heathrow would seem treacherous! I never think of AirBnB. My age, i suppose. I hope to get a bus to Lugo from SdC then check out the Samos monastery. * Stay there one night if they'll have me then walk to Sarria. I have five days to do that before I get to Sarria!
* All plans subject to alterations. Seems to be the way of things so far!

 

[Richard of York]

Hi Richard, I'm committed to Easyjet even though I'm not as sure they are quite as committed to me. I dread the ping of every email expecting them to cancel my flight yet again.
I'm told you do a mean cream tea! If I bought a couple of Twinings tea bags with me, would that be OK?

Of course! DM me when you know when you'll be here.

 

[Vince Meegan]

Hi guys. Your advice and opinions please. Arriving Santiago airport around 8pm this evening. Is it too late to attempt to reach Sarria this evening? I really don't want to spend the night in the city as I'd like that to be the treat at the end of my camino. Any suggestions or ideas on what I should do?

I have had to change plans so many times that I haven't booked anywhere for this evening. My original flights were changed by Easyjet so I hesitated to commit to booking accommodation in advance.
In extremis I will head into Santiago but I'd much rather not. Thank you.

 

[SabsP]

Hi guys. Your advice and opinions please. Arriving Santiago airport around 8pm this evening. Is it too late to attempt to reach Sarria this evening? I really don't want to spend the night in the city as I'd like that to be the treat at the end of my camino. Any suggestions or ideas on what I should do?

I have had to change plans so many times that I haven't booked anywhere for this evening. My original flights were changed by Easyjet so I hesitated to commit to booking accommodation in advance.
In extremis I will head into Santiago but I'd much rather not. Thank you.

Unless you want to take a taxi tonight then indeed you will have to wait for public transport till tomorrow morning. A bus to Sarria , leaving 11 am tomorrow will be your best option ( better than a later train via Renfe).

There are some options of hotels and pensions at Lavacolla, close to the airport.

 

[Vince Meegan]

Thank you. I'll do a bit of Googling and see what's available.

 

[MinaKamina]

Hello everyone. I have been let down badly by my airline. The flight was supposed to be on the 1st of June but they cancelled it yesterday and the few alternatives they offered were unsuitable. My plan was to fly to Santiago airport and journey from there by bus to Sarria.
I have been looking into getting a ferry to Bilbao, but there isn't one. Or traveling by train but that seems convoluted with multiple changes over two or three days. Has anyone managed to do that by public transport or is it simply impractical?

I see that you already have your ticket booked and hope for the best.

Just in case you might need this, now or in the future:

The website 'direct ferries' has (among other offers) tickets for a crossing from Plymouth to Santander on June 1. Free wifi included!

https://ssl.directferries.com/ferry...LV1uijo1ZLiiltiHSc8VZ-NfU01mctERoCR1QQAvD_BwE

We have sung the praise of Santander on other threads. Good luck whatever you comes your way!

 

[Vince Meegan]

Thank you. I am so grateful and impressed by the kindness and wisdom of this confraternity.

 

[MinaKamina]

I see that you already have your ticket booked and hope for the best.

Just in case you might need this, now or in the future:

The website 'direct ferries' has (among other offers) tickets for a crossing from Plymouth to Santander on June 1. Free wifi included!

https://ssl.directferries.com/ferry...LV1uijo1ZLiiltiHSc8VZ-NfU01mctERoCR1QQAvD_BwE

We have sung the praise of Santander on other threads. Good luck whatever you comes your way!

Dear me, I click on the link that I just posted and all the ferries are gone, no matching sailings are found.



That is not what I hoped it would be. Fortunately, if you start again from the homepage, the list with options - all to Santander and not to Bilbao, even though I entered 'Bilbao' - magically appears again.

 

[LavanyaLea]

Hi guys. Your advice and opinions please. Arriving Santiago airport around 8pm this evening. Is it too late to attempt to reach Sarria this evening? I really don't want to spend the night in the city as I'd like that to be the treat at the end of my camino. Any suggestions or ideas on what I should do?

I have had to change plans so many times that I haven't booked anywhere for this evening. My original flights were changed by Easyjet so I hesitated to commit to booking accommodation in advance.
In extremis I will head into Santiago but I'd much rather not. Thank you.

When I checked, the bus to Sarria leaves Santiago at around 11am.

 

[Richard of York]

There is one single bus that follows the camino frances every day leaving Santiago bus station at 11.00, the airport at 11.20. It finishes at O Cebreiro but technology defeated me on that one. It then turns around and does the same route back, passing through Portomarin (my town) at 4ish I think.

11:00

Santiago de Compostela - Estación Intermodal (Santiago de Compostela)
11:05

San Marcos (Santiago de Compostela)
11:09

Lavacolla de Santiago - (Lavacolla (a))
11:15

Aeropuerto Rosalía de Castro (SCQ) - (Santiago de Compostela)
11:20

Castrofeito - (Amarelle)
11:22

Amenal - (Amenal)
11:23

Vilachá - (Vilacha)
11:25

Arca - (Pedrouzo)
11:28

A Rúa - (Rua (a))
11:30

Santa Irene - (Santa Irene)
11:31

E.S. Irene - (Santa Irene)
11:32

San Miguel - (Brea)
11:33

Xen - (Cabo)
11:34

Salceda - (Salceda)
11:34

O Petril - (Pino)
11:35

Regas - (Regas)
11:36

Ferreiros - (Taboada)
11:38

Rourís - (Calle)
11:40

Burres - (Cruceiro)
11:42

Penedos - (Penedos)
11:43

Raído - (Raido)
11:43

Polígono Arzúa - (Arzua)
11:45

Arzúa - (Arzua)
11:50

Rivadixo - (Ribadiso)
11:49

Bascuas - (Bascuas)
11:51

Portela - (Portela)
11:54

Castañeda - (Fraga Alta)
11:55

Boente - (Boente De Abaixo)
12:00

Melide - (Melide)
12:11

San Pedro - (San Pedro)
12:13

Palas De Rei (Palas De Rei)
12:15

Rosario - (Lamelas (as))
12:23

Eirexe - (Airexe)
12:25

Ligonde - (Ligonde)
12:29

Albergue O Cruceiro - (Vendas De Naron)
12:30

Vendas de Narón (Vendas De Naron)
12:34

Gonzar - (Gonzar)
12:39

Portomarin (Portomarín)
12:46

Pacios (Pacios)
12:58

Vilei - (Vilei)
13:02

Sarria - Parque de bombeiros (Sarria)
13:06

Sarria - Estación de Autobuses (Sarria)

 

[Vince Meegan]

Hi guys. Just an update. I got the bus to Sarria. Wish I had remembered to have my phone charge cable about my person. The bus had USB charging outlets but my backpack was stowed in the baggage compartment.
On arrival at Santiago took a right put of the airport building and simply followed the pedestrian signs for the camino. It was getting on a bit and twilight. The path goes through forestry and is quite fragrant at times; eucalyptus and honeysuckle predominantly. Not a soul in sight for long periods but finally got to a small hamlet and asked for directions to Lavacolla. There were plenty of Camino direction signs but I wasn't sure if I was already there. They told me just to follow the Camino signs. I must admit that as it got darker I began to lose faith, but when I did find the albergue, clearly signposted as being 100 metres from the path, I was welcomed and shown around even though it was well past 10pm and many pilgrims were sleeping. All I needed was a bed and a shower and a few hours later got a bus from there to Santiago train station. There is one every half hour. Note, there's no way they allow anyone to step on a bus without a mask. Crossed the bridge over the railway lines and in lots of time for coffee and croissant and the bus at 11.00. I notice that the ticket mentioned there had been no discount applied (would they have accepted my passport as age identity?) but at €10.60 I thought the fare astonishingly inexpensive anyway.
Managed to get a room in a pension and been happy as a clam exploring Sarria and surrounding area. My camino doesn't begin until Wednesday but in some ways I am glad Easyjet compelled me to get a much earlier flight. It has been a great unwind.

 

[Airfix]

Hi guys. Just an update. I got the bus to Sarria. Wish I had remembered to have my phone charge cable about my person. The bus had USB charging outlets but my backpack was stowed in the baggage compartment.
On arrival at Santiago took a right put of the airport building and simply followed the pedestrian signs for the camino. It was getting on a bit and twilight. The path goes through forestry and is quite fragrant at times; eucalyptus and honeysuckle predominantly. Not a soul in sight for long periods but finally got to a small hamlet and asked for directions to Lavacolla. There were plenty of Camino direction signs but I wasn't sure if I was already there. They told me just to follow the Camino signs. I must admit that as it got darker I began to lose faith, but when I did find the albergue, clearly signposted as being 100 metres from the path, I was welcomed and shown around even though it was well past 10pm and many pilgrims were sleeping. All I needed was a bed and a shower and a few hours later got a bus from there to Santiago train station. There is one every half hour. Note, there's no way they allow anyone to step on a bus without a mask. Crossed the bridge over the railway lines and in lots of time for coffee and croissant and the bus at 11.00. I notice that the ticket mentioned there had been no discount applied (would they have accepted my passport as age identity?) but at €10.60 I thought the fare astonishingly inexpensive anyway.
Managed to get a room in a pension and been happy as a clam exploring Sarria and surrounding area. My camino doesn't begin until Wednesday but in some ways I am glad Easyjet compelled me to get a much earlier flight. It has been a great unwind.

If you have a couple of free days try and get to Samos. (Bus there walk back to Sarria perhaps) Well worth a visit to the Monestry.

 

[Vince Meegan]

I had planned to visit Samos today but there was a thunder storm last night and it was raining sporadically this morning here in Sarria so I abandoned the idea. I do have a rain jacket but it became very clammy and uncomfortable with the high humidity. Ther

 

[Vince Meegan]

Apologies. Accidentally pressed 'post reply'. There is time tomorrow if I leave early and get a bus to Lugo. I hope so.
Just a general tip. When I was at Gatwick they wouldn't allow me to take my toothpaste, mosquito repellent and something else - can't remember right now - because it wouldn't all fit in a small plastic bag which they supply and it must be able to be closed by them. The products were all less than the 100ml maximum but the containers had pump action that made them marginally too big for the bag. Picture of the bag for scale.
Lesson Two. On arrival in Sarria I had to buy some toothpaste. The shop on the main path from the bus station to the camino charged €2.30 for a miniature tube which is the type often given free at the dentist.
I happened to mention this to my host at the pension who directed me to a Chinese supermarket at the bottom of the stairs beside Pension Escalinata. The surprising thing was they stocked all the fridge magnets and knick knacks we feel obliged to bring back at roughly a quarter of the price asked for the identical stuff on the C/Mayor.
Toothpaste at 'normal' price!

 

[Richard of York]

There is an Eroski supermarket right by the bus station in Sarria too, and a Mercadona, Froiz etc. elsewhere. That Chinese bazaar at the bottom of the steps is amazing. I wonder how they manage to keep such a huge inventory when their daily sales can't be that much. It's where do do my bit to keep the Chinese economy going
Santiago has them too, so wait so you aren't carting stuff. Just south of the old city is the new city, and there are a few there. Google bazar oriental or similar.

 

[David with new Kit!]

The Chinese stores have everything.

Because we take hand luggage only we can’t take ‘sharps’ so we buy scissors there every time, and then leave the scissors in our last hotel in Santiago.

 

[Vince Meegan]

If I had known what I know now...famous last words...
I wouldn't have brought a lot of the stuff with me. As Richard of York observed, they are astonishingly inexpensive. I had to buy some toenail clippers down there and they are much better than those I have at home. Hoping to get them through security on the way back. They even came with a kind of muzzle!
Buen Camino Todos!