The Stages of Carrión de los Condes

Carrión de los Condes

Carrion is one of the main centres in this Tierra de Campos (Land of Fields), the region is full of cereal and devoid of trees with wide horizontal spaces and great perspectives. If situated in the centre of the province of Palencia, about 40 kilometres from the centre. Those pilgrims who want to begin their journey to Santiago from Carrion de los Condes should travel to Palencia, León or Burgos and from there will find bus links to the town. The reverse case applies to those who want to make a stop in Carrión and return to their previous destination.

They should link to these three provincial capitals by bus.   The connections between Carrión de los Condes and Palencia is covered by the bus line AJA. Although there are several daily services in recent months some have been reduced so it is advisable to confirm times with the company or at the bus station in Palencia (979 743 222). Currently from Monday to Friday a bus departs from Carrión at 08.55, 14.10 and 17.10 hours (journey time is between 40 minutes and 1 hour) and from Palencia at, 07.45, 13.30 and 18.00 hours.

On Saturdays a bus departs from Carrión at 08.50 and from Palencia to Carrion at 13.30. On Sundays and bank holidays the departures from Carrion are at 16.55 and 18.10 and, from Palencia, at 13.30 and 19.15 hours. The stop is located in the Plaza Marcelino Champañac.  

To Burgos there is only one daily connection from Carrión (except for on Saturdays when there are no services). Departures from this town are at 17.40 and arrive to the city of Burgos at 19.00. The return from Burgos to Carrion is also daily, except on Sundays when there are no services. The departure from Burgos at 10.30 arrives at 11.51 hours in Carrion. Check times and fares with Alsa.   Alsa also covers the area of León. From Carrion the bus leaves from Monday to Friday at 11.51 hours, arriving at 13.40 to Leon, and on Fridays, there is a second service at 22.30, arriving at 23.30.

On Saturdays the morning service is maintained and on Sundays the night service still operates. From León to Carrión there is only one daily service throughout the week (except on Saturdays when there is none) departures from León are at 15.45 and arrive at 17.40 hours. The bus stop is opposite the bar España, in Plaza Piña Merino.

Correos offers a delivery backpacks service so you can walk without loads and enjoy the routes and stages. You can also purchase a packaging and shipment of bicycles service. The price is 42,03 euros (VAT included, shipping to mainland Spain). This is available in all offices.

In Carrion there are several licensed taxis. That of Pedro Luis Díez (979880414, Calle Piña Blasco, 37); Autocares Díez Mediavilla (608 486 059), María Belén Fierro (979 881 087) and Jesus Garcia Melgar: 979880918/639886824 (j.garcia.melgar @ hotmail.com). For the transfer of luggage the main company is Jacotrans, the company that covers the entire pilgrimage route. The stretch between Burgos and Leon is managed by Luis Ángel (650 451 540). Rates are from 7 euros.

The usual procedure is for those sleeping in public hostels, and thus unable to reserve a place at their next accommodation until their time of arrival-is to assign a bar or another destination point where they can collect their luggage. For those staying in private hostels or hotels, their backpack will be waiting for them at their next accommodation. In both cases walkers should call in advance because the service vehicles with backpacks usually start delivering before 0900 hours.

By noon, they are already at their destination. Another company that also covers the entire route is Camino Facil. The procedure is identical to that of Jacotrans. Pilgrims should call or email the day before to have everything planned. Backpacks are delivered to their destination by lunchtime. Rates are from 7 euros but, prices may vary according to the number of people and the number of stages covered (for cyclists) the price may be higher. Contact: 610798138/947585002/947580010; contacto@caminofacil.net