HELP...from San Sebastian to Bayonne and SJPDP!!!

[summrk]

I'll fly into San Sebastian on the 2nd of September. I'm thinking of making reservation at a hostel in Irun for the night, perhaps taking a taxi but a bus could be cheaper if available. From Yahoo map, it looks like I could even walk to Hendaye to get on the train to go to Bayonne the next day and on to SJPDP. Does that sound right? I need an advice about Irun and train and bus and etc....! This is the first time to Spain from US...help...please! Thanks.

[geraldkelly]

Hi Summrk!

Don't worry, it's actually very easy. There's a local train called Euskotren that goes from San Sebastian to Hendaye via Irun. From Hendaye there are trains to Bayonne and onwards to St Jean.

I wouldn't stay in Irun, it's ugly. San Sebastian is much nicer.

More info at Camino de Santiago Guide - St James Way - free guide to download

Ger

[summrk]

Thanks for the response. The reason why I've chose Irun was because of the location...it's real close to the border. I don't want to over sleep in the morning after a jeglag and stuggle to get across the border to catch the train. I'll be flying back home via San Sebastian and figure that I'd spend some time in San Sebastian then. Still looking for a place to stay when I arrive though, hopefully someone knows of a good place!

[geraldkelly]

The train from San Sebastian to Irun only takes about half an hour and then another two minutes to Hendaye. There are no border controls now so you don't have to worry about being delayed there.

If you Google "hoteles irun" there are a few different options. I've never stayed in Irun so I can recommend any of them.

You should be able to get a direct train from Irun to Bayonne. Most French trains terminate there.

[valleyo]

Hi summrk,

If you are arriving at San Sebastian Airport, despite the name, you will actually land near Irun, and not so close to San Sebastian. Unless you really want to visit San Sebastian, there's no reason to go there now - you are actually heading the opposite way.
There is a Pilgrims Albergue at Lucas de Berroa 18, in Irun, it is about 20 mins walk from the airport.
From Irun you can indeed walk, or take the Euskotren to Hendaye. It is just 2 stops and costs about 1.50 euro. Just be aware that there are two different train stations in Irun, one for frequent Euskotrain, and another one for very infrequent long distance trains to France.
If your flight arrives early, you have a chance to get to SJPP even the same day - the last connection from Hendaye to SJPP (with change in Bayonne) is at 5:22 pm and costs about 14 euro.


Buen Camino and good luck!