Flying in from U. S.

[cheritagraber]

I am planning a trip to the Camino for the first time. I will be coming for the U. S. I want to take the route from Pamplona to Santiago. Where should I fly into? I know I can fly out of Santiago to go back to the U.S.

Is Santiago the closest airport to Pamplona? If not, what is the closest airport to Pamplona?

Thanks for your help

Cherita

[geraldkelly]

Hi Cherita

The closest international airport to Pamplona is Bilbao, about a 2-hour bus ride away. There are flights to Bilbao from other parts of Europe but not from North America (as far as I know). So you'd have to transfer.

Another alternative would be to fly into Madrid and get the bus or train to Pamplona (about 3 or 4 hours). There are direct flights into Madrid from North America.

Best wishes
Ger

[HuskyNerd]

I agree with Ger that a good choice is US to Madrid. That allows an easy train ride to Pamplona (there are flights, too, but pricey) and then a plane or train trip back to Madrid for return to the US. This qualifies you for a less spendy r/t airfare in/out of Madrid.

[BHinSanDiego]

I also recommend flying into Madrid. Last May when I did my Camino I we flew to Madrid, shuttle to the Atocha train station, caught the 10 am train to Pamplona, the train took 3 hours. On your return to Madrid from Santiago I recommend flying, then train, I heard horror stories from my Camino amigas and amigos who took the bus. If you plan on starting in St Jean Pied de Port I recommend using Express Bourricot to get there. Express Bouricot