[Gocamino] Is there a consensus on easiest way to get from US to St. Jean?

[Rosina]

Myself, and everyone I know,  think highly of the tremendous convenience of using Iberia on  round-trip ticket from wherever USA to Pamplona returning from Santiago.  First of all, the luggage directly tp the destination  and the tickets are less expensive that going to Madrid, or whetever, first.  Second, with Composetla in hand one can change the day of return without incurring the customary extra charges.
There is a bus at the Pamplona airport that takes one, for a mere pittance, into the city and then there is the fare-free Pilgrim's bus that takes would-be pilgrims from Pamplona to Roncesvalles.  The bus leaves the bus station (very centrally located), arrives at Roncesvalles at about 6:30 p.m. with ample time to get the credential, register for the albergue, etc., and attend the pilgrims Mass and benediction at 8:30 p.m.  There are also plenty of taxis available there that would take pilgrims who want to cross the Pyrenees to SJPP for about 20 Dlls. or so.
I, for one, cannot think of an easier or more efficient way.

Hugs! 

Rosina
 


 



-----Original Message-----
From: Walt Lersch <welersch at acctgsys.com>
To: 'Ralph Alcorn' <rbalcorn at gmail.com>; gocamino at oakapple.net
Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2010 12:33 am
Subject: Re: [Gocamino] Is there a consensus on easiest way to get from US to St. Jean?


Ralph,
Clearly, there is no consensus.
In 2008 I did the trip from Portland, OR.
Flew to Paris (landing in early AM).  Took the Air France bus to the train
tation and the high speed train to Bayonne (I recall) and the 'local' to
JPD.  Even made the short connection (ten minutes?) between trains.
rrived in SJPD late afternoon, in time to get a bed in an alberque.
Flew out of Bilbao (to Paris and on to Portland) for the return trip (the
uggenheim was awesome!).
I believe I made all of the transportation arrangements from the US via the
nternet.  I read/speak little Spanish or French.
One cautionary note.  I had to change my return flight.  As it turns out the
eturn flight I originally scheduled had not started yet, so working through
hat was a real problem, but I did get it worked out.
Buen Camino,
Walt Lersch

----Original Message-----
rom: gocamino-bounces at oakapple.net [mailto:gocamino-bounces at oakapple.net]
n Behalf Of Ralph Alcorn
ent: Thursday, January 14, 2010 5:51 PM
o: gocamino at oakapple.net
ubject: [Gocamino] Is there a consensus on easiest way to get from US to
t. Jean?
Someone asked me this recently. To me the easiest way would be to fly to
aris, then train via Bayonne, staying over in Paris if necessary. But also,
ne could fly to Madrid, bus or train to Pamplona and taxi to St. Jean,
taying over in Madrid or Pamplona if necessary. Comments, other
uggestions?
-- 
alph Alcorn
ttp://www.backpack45.com/camino2.html
ttp://timecheck00.blogspot.com
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