Cavangal

I will be leaving Santiago De Compostela and need to reach French Border with possibly one stopover in Burgos or Astorga. What is the easiest and fastest route to take by train or bus and of course the cheapest? I want to continue to Lourdes but have problem with connecting trains as I am not familiar with entry points. Thought there was train from San Sebastian to Lourdes, as I was there once and went on train but cannot find anything on Renfe site. I did see a train on Sncf from Pamplona to St. Jean du Port if I could transfer easily to train station taking me onward . Have used Sncf site many times and would order the tickets online if I had the route sorted .

Bayonne would be another possibiity. I don't mind taking a late bus/train if its to a spot where I can find accommodation easily and safely. Many thanks for any help available.

Christina

I can't help you with prices, etc., you'll have to search the websites but I think you may need to look for Spanish trains to Hendaye, France, that is the town closest to the border and may be where some Spanish trains stop and then you transfer to a French train.

PalenQ

Hendaye is entry rail station for France if going to Lourdes - good rail links from Hendaye to Lourdes, probably with one change of trains - www.voyages-sncf.com for schedules and online discounts

I have gone from Santiago to Hendaye by train and it is a long long trek - I did also stopover in Burgos and loved that city not on the map of most foreign tourists - unqie old wooden houses in that area of Spain - the route via Pamplone and St Jean d Port will probably take much longer than going via Hendaye I would suspect (did not realize there was still a train on that route - sure it is not part bus?)

quickest way - take train to Madrid and then overnight train to Hendaye (or Burgos) if it still runs.

St Jean-de-Luz is a train stop in France just up from Hendaye that overflows with hotels and is also a famous beach town - nice old town too. From there to Lourdes would be an easy train ride.

If doing a lot of travel in both France and Spain on the train then look up the France-Spain Railpass - for lots of great info on trains in Spain and France and Europe in general I always spotlight these IMO fantastic sites - www.sseat61.com; http://www.budgeteuropetravel.com/id30.html and www.ricksteves.com.

We broke up the Santiago to Burgos train trip with a nice stay in Leon, another old historic town on the rail route to the French border. San Sebastian, Spain would be another with good rail service to the French border.

Rastaguytoday

Burgos is truly a lovely city. Beautiful cathedral on the warter, very friendly folks.

However, I have spent hours trying to figure out a way to cross the Spanish-French border, without success.

I've read official website after website, and it is totally vague on how to cross the boarder. I believe the gauge on Spanish trains are different than the gauge on trains in the rest of Western Europe.

Good luck.

PalenQ

Spanish trains can go to Hendaye, the French border station where everyone gets off one train and onto a French train - simple though you will need separate tickets for the French train.

PalenQ

I believe the gauge on Spanish trains are different than the gauge on trains in the rest of Western Europe>

this is the reason there are no thru day trains on this route - tracks in Sapin are built to broad-gauge, tracks being wider apart then in France, which used normal-gauge that the rest of Europe uses (except Finland and Russia and Portugal, all broad gauge) - thus physically trains cannot go thru.

Cavangal

Thanks to all for above responses with useful info. I looked at schedules and may leave Santiago on late night ALSA bus getting to Burgos early monring. This service should give enough time to see historic areas and cathedral and enjoy dinner. Will notify hotel of my arrival time and after some rest I'l have full day to sightsee, see camino route and walk a short distance to have the experience. I saw hotel in Burgos that looks good and is central with halfboard which will be great. Next morning I will get train to Hendaye and continue into France to Lourdes. Did not see any available hotels in St. Jean de Luz, most were several Kms outside near Biarritz so may not be able to stop off there.

I may not be able to order the Alsa ticket in advance but can book the SNCF routes. Since I now understand that I am better arriving into Hendaye I think I should be able to get journeys organized. Your help is much appreciated.