Madrid to Pamplona
Jan 19th, 2005, 10:12 AM
#2
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
there is a good train service try www.renfe.es
Jan 19th, 2005, 11:49 AM
#4
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,827
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There are four main options besides flying to Pamplona from Madrid.
The first option is to take the train, but there are only three scheduled runs a day between Madrid's Atocha station and Pamplona, 07:15, 14:10 and 19:30. These trains are very popular during the fiesta and reservations have to be made in advance. The price for 1st class is 71.50 euros, Tourist Class is 46.50 euros. You may have to reconfirm these reservations at least 24 hours in advance because seats are limited on this run. The trip is about 3-1/2 hours long.
You second option would be to take the bus. There is regular service between Madrid and Pamplona. The trip takes around 4-1/2 hours and can be reserved in advance.
(http://www.movelia.es/)
You third option would be to rent a car and drive, also about 4-1/2 hours. You can book a one day rental, dropping off the car when you reach Pamplona, but this is an expensive option unless there are at least three of you. There are only a couple of agencies that will rent a car for one day when you are going to drop it off at a different location. This can also be a little stressful after flying all night. You might need to stop somewhere along the way to take a break and have a nice leisurely lunch, say about three hours worth.
The forth option would be to fly to Bilbao (much cheaper than flying to Pamplona) and take the bus from the main bus station in Bilbao. This is much more interesting then just taking the train from Madrid to Pamplona and you get to see a little more of the country.
The first option is to take the train, but there are only three scheduled runs a day between Madrid's Atocha station and Pamplona, 07:15, 14:10 and 19:30. These trains are very popular during the fiesta and reservations have to be made in advance. The price for 1st class is 71.50 euros, Tourist Class is 46.50 euros. You may have to reconfirm these reservations at least 24 hours in advance because seats are limited on this run. The trip is about 3-1/2 hours long.
You second option would be to take the bus. There is regular service between Madrid and Pamplona. The trip takes around 4-1/2 hours and can be reserved in advance.
(http://www.movelia.es/)
You third option would be to rent a car and drive, also about 4-1/2 hours. You can book a one day rental, dropping off the car when you reach Pamplona, but this is an expensive option unless there are at least three of you. There are only a couple of agencies that will rent a car for one day when you are going to drop it off at a different location. This can also be a little stressful after flying all night. You might need to stop somewhere along the way to take a break and have a nice leisurely lunch, say about three hours worth.
The forth option would be to fly to Bilbao (much cheaper than flying to Pamplona) and take the bus from the main bus station in Bilbao. This is much more interesting then just taking the train from Madrid to Pamplona and you get to see a little more of the country.
Nov 20th, 2013, 04:49 AM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 218
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I will be flying in to Madrid in April, 2014, and my destination for the day will be Pamplona.
I would like to take train because it takes about half the amount of time than taking a bus. I am old enough to qualify for tarjeta dorada. I think someone said online advance purchase might be cheaper. And I understand I have to be at the station in person to buy the card.
The questions I have are:
1. Would it be cheaper to buy ticket (one-way) on line in advance without the card(tarjeta dorada) because I have not purchased the card, or should i wait until I get to Renfe station to buy the card first?
2. I have never been to Madrid, and I have limited capability of speaking Spanish. If my flight arrives at Madrid at noon, would I have enough time to collect my luggage, find a transportation like bus to Atocha station, buy the card and ticket and get on board without getting stomach acid?
I would like to take train because it takes about half the amount of time than taking a bus. I am old enough to qualify for tarjeta dorada. I think someone said online advance purchase might be cheaper. And I understand I have to be at the station in person to buy the card.
The questions I have are:
1. Would it be cheaper to buy ticket (one-way) on line in advance without the card(tarjeta dorada) because I have not purchased the card, or should i wait until I get to Renfe station to buy the card first?
2. I have never been to Madrid, and I have limited capability of speaking Spanish. If my flight arrives at Madrid at noon, would I have enough time to collect my luggage, find a transportation like bus to Atocha station, buy the card and ticket and get on board without getting stomach acid?
