The Stages of Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles ©Panoramio TATXU

The main road access to Roncesvalles is via the N-135, which connects with Pamplona and France. Thus, this town is accessible by bus, taxi or hire car. The main bus line that connects Pamplona and Roncesvalles is Autocares Artieda, with daily service except for on Sundays and bank holidays. From September to June, services depart from Pamplona Bus Station (Calle Yangüas and Miranda, 2) there is a bus to Roncesvalles from Monday to Friday at 18.00 pm and on Saturdays at 16.00.

From Roncesvalles (in front of the Silo of Charlemagne) to Pamplona there is a bus line from Monday to Saturday at 09.20 hours. There are more services in the summer. From July 1st to August 31st there are buses from Pamplona to Roncesvalles from Monday to Friday at 10.00 and 18.00 hours, and on Saturdays the buses depart at 10.00 and 16.00 hours. From Roncesvalles to Pamplona buses run from Monday to Saturday, at 08.30 and 11.30 hours. The journey takes an hour and ten minutes and is priced at 6 euros. Those pilgrims who want to take a bike (must remove the front wheel and the saddlebags) can purchase tickets for their transport they cost an extra 6. Although available space for bikes depends on the number of passengers and luggage, in theory each bus can transfer up to 15 bicycles.

Tickets are available from the bus station in Pamplona. Reservations cannot be made in advance by phone or online. From April to September, given the greater influx of pilgrims, the company advises travellers to arrive an hour and a half or two before departure time.  

On Sundays and bank holidays walkers will have to reach and exit the enclave by taxi (the average fare of travelling from Pamplona is 50 euros). There is also a service that caters predominantly for walkers, called Taxi Peregrino (948232300/948351335), which provides transport from Pamplona to Roncesvalles (60 euros) or to St. Jean Pied de Port (100 euros).

The bicycle surcharge is 4 euros. It is recommendable to confirm capacity for bikes with the company, although, they can normally take at least three bikes. Another possibility is to travel to Roncesvalles by hire car.

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.

Despite Roncesvalles not having a taxi license, there are several vehicles available in the surrounding area. The closest are those located in Burguete (Juanjo: 670 616 190), Espinal (Francisco Igoa: 948790386/649725951), Mezkiritz (Pedro Ernaga: 609 436 226), Garralda (Ángel M. Loperena: 948764058/609411449), Zubiri (Fermín Ventana: 948304067 / 609447058 and Miguel Larragueta: 948304006-no bicycle transport) or, to France, in Valcarlos (Andoni Urolategi: 948790218/636191423). Prices based on transfer from Roncesvalles to Pamplona are 50 euros.  Transport of backpacks For the transport of backpacks there is the option of Jacotrans, the company provides services from St. Jean Pied de Port. The contact in Navarre is: 610 983 205. Rates are from 7 euros.

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

By noon, they are already at their destination. Another company that also covers the entire route is Camino Fácil. The procedure is identical to that of Jacotrans. Recommendations are to call or email the day before to have everything planned. Backpacks are delivered to their destination by lunchtime.

The rates are from 7 euros although, prices may vary depending on the number of people and the number of stages covered (for cyclists), the price may be higher. Contact: 610798138/947585002/947580010; contacto@caminofacil.net   With the same rates and procedures another company that also transports backpacks to pilgrims (and bicycles at a cost of 10 euros) is Globetrotte. The contact from Roncesvalles to Burgos is Rodolfo (667386307/948537295 / globtrotterrb@hotmail.com).

Equestrian pilgrims seeking a meadow to leave their horses during their stay in Roncesvalles should call, and consult the pilgrim hostel prior to their visit. (948760000/948760029)

To all those pilgrims who need to repair your bike will have no choice but to continue way to Pamplona.