🚴♂️ How to get to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to start the French Way
Bicigrino practical guide to get to the starting point of the Camino de Santiago by bicycle
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPdP) is the most emblematic starting point of the French Way. A magical place, at the foot of the Pyrenees, where every year thousands of bicigrinos begin their adventure towards Santiago de Compostela.
Getting there may seem complicated, especially if you come from another country, but with good planning the journey is simple and, in addition, is part of the experience. In this guide we explain step by step how to get there and how to arrange the collection of your Bicigrino bicycle in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port itself.
✈️ 1. Arriving in Spain: the most practical entry point is Madrid
The vast majority of international bicigrinos land in Madrid (Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport), as it is the airport with the most international connections and the best rail combinations to the north.
From there, the best option is to travel by train to Pamplona, the capital of Navarre and the natural gateway to the Pyrenees.
🚆 Madrid → Pamplona Train
The high-speed trains ALVIA / AVE depart from Madrid-Puerta de Atocha – Almudena Grandes.
The journey takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes.
You can buy your tickets at www.renfe.com.
From the airport (T4) there is a commuter train C1 or C10 that takes you directly to Atocha station in about 25 minutes.
💡 Bicigrino Tip: If your flight arrives in the morning, it is possible to make the entire trip to Pamplona that same day and sleep there to leave early the next day for the Pyrenees.
🚌 2. From Pamplona to Roncesvalles or Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Once in Pamplona, you will have several alternatives to complete the last stretch to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, the point where many bicigrinos begin their Camino.
🚍 Option A: Bus to Roncesvalles (all year round)
The company Autocares Artieda offers the line Pamplona → Roncesvalles, with a duration of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Schedules vary according to the season, but there are usually one or two daily departures.
Check updated schedules at Autocares Artieda.
From Roncesvalles you can easily continue to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port by taxi or shared van, a very popular option for bicigrinos traveling with luggage or bicycles.
🚍 Option B: Direct Bus Pamplona → Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (in high season)
During the spring and summer, the companies ALSA / CONDA usually operate a direct service Pamplona → Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (approx. 1 hr 45 min).
It does not run all year round, so it is advisable to check schedules at www.alsa.es or www.conda.es.
If it coincides with your dates, it is the most comfortable option: you get on the bus in Pamplona and get off directly in the heart of the French Way.
🚖 Option C: Taxi Pamplona → Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
For those arriving on late flights or trains, or traveling in a group, the best alternative is the taxi.
Duration: 1 hr 30 min approximately.
Price: €130 to €150 per vehicle (possibility of transporting bicycles and saddlebags).
You can share the journey with other bicigrinos or contact services such as Teletaxi San Fermín or Taxi Orreaga, specialized in transfers to the Camino.
🚄 Option D: Arriving from France
If your flights arrive at Biarritz airport (BIQ), you can take a TER regional train from Bayonne (Bayonne) to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Duration: 1 hour and 5 minutes.
Several departures a day operated by SNCF.
Tickets available at www.sncf-connect.com.
This option is ideal if you find cheaper flights to Paris, Bordeaux or Biarritz, as rail connections in southwestern France are excellent.
🧭 3. Arrival in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: the beginning of the Camino
Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is a charming small medieval town, surrounded by mountains, with cobbled streets, cafes and the special atmosphere of those who are about to begin their Camino.
This is where many bicigrinos experience the most exciting moment: the real start of the journey to Santiago de Compostela.
🚲 4. Bicigrino & MAYA SPORT: bicycles checked and ready to pedal
At Bicigrino we have established an official agreement with the MAYA SPORT store, located in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port itself, so that you can pick up your Bicigrino bicycle there, fully checked and adjusted by a professional mechanic.
Thanks to this service:
You avoid transporting your bicycle by plane or train.
You pick up your bike directly at the start of the Camino, ready to pedal.
You have the security and support of a local workshop with experience in assisting bicigrinos.
(When you confirm your Bicigrino reservation we will send you the exact address, schedules and detailed instructions for collection.)
🧳 5. Bicigrino Tips for a smooth trip
Book in advance: train and bus tickets sell out quickly in spring and summer.
Sundays and holidays: the Pamplona → Roncesvalles bus does not always operate. Plan to spend the night in Pamplona or hire a taxi.
Check updated schedules: services change according to the season.
Travel light: everything you need for your Camino can be carried in the Bicigrino saddlebags or sent with our luggage transport service.
Don’t forget your documentation: if you enter from Spain to France (Pamplona → SJPdP), remember to bring your passport or valid ID.
🚴♀️ Your Camino begins in Bicigrino
At Bicigrino we want you to arrive at the beginning of the Camino calm, confident and prepared.
With our bicycles delivered in MAYA SPORT (Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port), assistance during the route and luggage transport options, you will have everything ready to fully experience the experience.
Your Camino starts here.
👉 Book your bicycle with Bicigrino
