The Stages of Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

Puerta de Notre-Dame, situada frente al puente que cruza el río Nive

Main connections Due to the increasing number of pilgrims beginning their journey from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in recent years transport options to reach the enclave from Spain have been reinforced. Pilgrims can travel to this centre by bus, train or taxi.

By bus

A company organises both during Easter and summer (until November), a journey from Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port, stopping in Roncesvalles. Buses depart from Pamplona and the journey takes 20 minutes. To return there is just one service that departs from Saint Jean.

Each bus can carry up to four bikes. The addition of a bike incurs a surcharge  to the price of the ticket. The rest of the year, when this service is not available, there is the possibility of travelling by bus to Roncesvalles and travel from this enclave to Saint Jean by taxi.

Another option by bus is to travel from Pamplona to Navarra de Valcarlos (an enclave situated 11 kilometres from Saint Jean Pied de Port, on one of the Jacobean routes leading from the French enclave to Roncesvalles). Services depart from Pamplona on Tuesdays and Fridays.

The return journey departs on Tuesdays and Fridays. From Valcarlos the journey should be continued by taxi.

By train

To reach Saint Jean Pied de Port from Spain it is best to take a train in Irun-Hendaye, a town located approximately three kilometres from the border (in Hendaye Renfe trains arrive from several Spanish populations). In Hendaye the journey should be continued. The timetables of these routes vary so it is recommendable to visit their website to check each day how many trains are running. The journey usually takes more than two hours.

By taxi

From Pamplona a taxi service for walkers departs. Some companies offers transfers from Pamplona to Saint Jean Pied de Port with surcharge for bikes. Although recommendations are to confirm availability with the company, in theory they can transfer at least three bikes. The nearest airport to Saint Jean is Biarritz, situated at 55 kilometres.

Taxis and the transport of backpacks In Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: there are several taxis with services tailored to the needs of pilgrims. Some therefore, travel the Camino by road to Spain and climb the mountains along the same route as hikers (the itinerary GR 65).