How to Get to Saint Jean Pied de Port (SJPDP), the Camino Frances Starting Point
Here's a straightforward guide on reaching your starting point for the Camino Frances, Saint Jean Pied de Port, France.
Option 1: by way of Madrid Airport
Step 1: Arriving to Madrid
Fly to Madrid–Barajas Airport (MAD). Option to skip step 2 by taking a ~1hr connecting flight to Pamplona Airport (PNA). There are 2-3 flights a day from Madrid.
Getting from Madrid airport to train station:
Easiest option: Take a taxi. Just make sure you tell the taxi driver which train station you need to go to as there are many in Madrid.
To travel from Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) to Pamplona by train, you will need to first reach a train station in Madrid. The primary train station in Madrid for long-distance and high-speed trains is Madrid Puerta de Atocha. From the airport, you can take the Cercanías commuter train, Line C-1, to reach Madrid Atocha.
Here are the general steps to get from MAD airport to Pamplona:
From Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport, you can take the Cercanías commuter train, Line C-1 (C-1 Aeropuerto T4 - Príncipe Pío). The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
Get off the train at Madrid Atocha. This is one of the main train stations in Madrid.
At Madrid Atocha, you can catch a high-speed train (AVE) or another long-distance train to Pamplona.
Step 2: Train to Pamplona
Take a 3 to 4-hour train ride from Madrid to Pamplona. Renfe and Euskotren operate regular services, offering scenic views along the way. Renfe Train is your go-to for reliable train schedules and bookings.
Step 3: Bus to SJPDP
Pamplona's bus station offers direct services to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPDP). The journey lasts 1.5 hours. It's quite a mountainous, winding road, so if you get car sick, try to sit in the front of the bus. It is advisable to secure tickets in advance. For ticket purchases and to verify the schedule, you can visit the ALSA website.
Important! During the high season (~April - October) there’s only one bus daily that departs at noon.
STEP 3B: Taxi to SJPDP
Another option (and only option during off-season) is to take a taxi from Pamplona to SJPDP. This is definitely the easiest option!
It will cost at least 110 euros but could be split among other pilgrims headed in the same direction. Organize a taxi to pick you up at the airport or bus/train station in Pamplona using Teletaxi San Fermin. You can book a car for up to 8 passengers. Booking has to be made at least 5 days in advance. The price is 118 euros per car (weekdays), and 148 Euro (weekends and holidays).
Option 2: by way of France
Note: It’s important to consider that occasional strikes and protests in France may disrupt public transportation. If you have the option to travel to St. Jean from either France or Spain, I recommend selecting the Spanish route to minimize potential disruptions.
Step 1: Arriving in Biarritz Airport
Fly into Biarritz Airport. While it's a smaller airport, Biarritz is well-connected, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.
Step 2: Bus to Bayonne
From Biarritz, take a bus to Gare de Bayonne (Bayonne train station). Buses leave regularly throughout the day, about every half hour.
Bus operator link: https://www.chronoplus.eu/
Step 3: Train to SJPDP
There are five direct daily trains from Bayonne to SJPDP, though the times change depending on the season. The journey takes about an hour.
Link to purchase train tickets: https://www.sncf-connect.com/en-en/
The easiest option would be to take a taxi.
Tips for a Smooth Arrival:
1. Advance Bookings: Secure your train and bus tickets in advance to ensure availability and smoother travel.
2. Time Considerations: Plan your flights with enough buffer time for potential delays and to comfortably catch your train or bus. It’s even better if you are able to give yourself two days to make this journey, so that you can adjust to the jet lag and not be as pressed for time. It’s a long trip if you’re coming from the US!
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By following this recommended route, you'll arrive from your point of origin to the starting point of the Camino Francés, Saint Jean Pied de Port. The Camino awaits. Buen viaje!
While you’re here: Be sure to get ahead of jet lag by reading this article.
