The Stages of Viana

Viana ©Panoramio jesus angel

Viana is the last stop on the Camino before entering La Rioja. It is located just eleven kilometres from Logroño. Therefore, those pilgrims who wish to start walking from here should ideally travel to the capital of La Rioja (a city with rail and airport links) and from which they can travel by bus to the town.

The opposite case would apply to those who need to make a stop in Viana and return to their place of origin. They should travel to Logroño by bus.   One of the two companies that cover this route is La Vianesa, with multiple connections from Monday to Friday, with a reduced number on Saturdays (no service on Sundays).

Consult all times on this link. For more information call: 948 645 231.   The other company is La Estellesa, with multiple connections from Monday to Friday and also a smaller number during the weekend. In this case there are some buses on Sundays. Check timetables on their website.

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 Viana there is a licensed taxi, managed by Raúl Jubera, through the service VianaTaxi (Calle La Solana, 27). An eight-seater vehicle is available. The telephone number is: 663921888 For the transport of backpacks pilgrims have three options. One is Jacotrans, the company that provides services from St. Jean Pied de Port. The contact in Navarre is: 610 983 205. Rates are from 7 euros. The normal procedure for those sleeping in public shelters, -and thus unable to reserve a place at their next accommodation until their time of arrival-should choose a bar or another destination point where they collect their luggage.

For those staying in private hostels or hotels, their backpack will be waiting for them at the next accommodation. Walkers should call in advance because in both cases the vehicles usually begin delivery before 0900 hours.

By noon, they are already at their destination. Another company that also cover the entire route is Camino Facil. The procedure is identical to that of Jacotrans. Hikers should 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 the same methodology 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).