How to Book Flights and Transportation for the Camino de Santiago

Choosing Your Camino Starting Point

Before you book anything, you need to decide where you’ll begin your Camino. This decision will directly impact your flights and other transportation needs.

Here are the most common starting points for first-time pilgrims:

1. St. Jean Pied de Port (France) – The classic start for the Camino Francés.
   
   
   
   

2. Porto or Lisbon (Portugal) – Perfect for the Camino Portugués.
   
   
   
   

3. Sarria (Spain) – Great for those walking just the final 100 km for their Compostela certificate.
   
   
   
   

4. Oviedo or Irún (Spain) – Ideal for the Camino Primitivo or Camino del Norte.
   
   

Each starting point has different transportation logistics, so choose based on your available time, fitness level, and the experience you want.

Related post: Budget vs. Luxury: How to Plan Your Camino Experience

On our way to Paris, then to Biarritz, then to St. Jean Pied de Port, France

Booking International Flights to Spain

Once you know where you’re starting, the next step is booking your international flight.

Tips for Finding the Best Flight Deals

• Search Multiple Airports: If you’re starting in northern Spain, check flights into Madrid (MAD), Barcelona (BCN), Bilbao (BIO), or Biarritz (BIQ).
  
  
  
  

• Use Flexible Dates: Flying a day earlier or later can save hundreds of euros.
  
  
  
  

• Book Early: The best fares are usually found 3–6 months before departure.
  
  
  
  

• Consider Budget Airlines: For shorter hops within Europe, airlines like Ryanair, Vueling, or EasyJet are budget-friendly options.
  
  
  
  

Pro Tip:

I flew into Paris, then into Biarritz because it offered the best international flight prices and then I took a shuttle service to St. Jean Pied de Port, my starting point. It added a bit of travel expense, but I saved a lot of time compared to having to take a train.

Related post:How Much Does It Cost to Walk the Camino de Santiago?

St. Jean Pied de Port, France-Starting Point of the Frances Way

Getting to St. Jean Pied de Port

If you’re starting in St. Jean Pied de Port, transportation requires a few steps since there’s no major airport in town.

Step-by-Step Route: Madrid or Paris to St. Jean

1. Fly into Madrid, Barcelona, or Paris.
   
   
   

2. Take a train or flight to Pamplona or Biarritz.
   
   
   

3. Transfer by bus, taxi, or shared shuttle to St. Jean Pied de Port.
   
   
   

Sample Itinerary:

• Flight into Madrid (MAD)
  
  
  

• Train to Pamplona (4–5 hours)
  
  
  

• Taxi or shuttle to St. Jean Pied de Port (1.5 hours)
  
  
  

Estimated Cost:

• Madrid to Pamplona train: €30–€60
  
  
  

• Taxi/shuttle to St. Jean: €25–€50 per person
  
  
  
  

• Related post: Budget vs. Luxury: How to Plan Your Camino Experience

Get Your Gifts and Gear Here

Transportation Along the Camino

Once you’re on the trail, most pilgrims walk everywhere. However, it’s good to know your options if you need to skip ahead or take a rest day.

Options for Getting Around

• Public Buses: Inexpensive and reliable for most towns.
  
  
  

• Taxis: Great for short hops or emergencies.
  
  
  

• Luggage Transport Services: Companies like Correos Paq Mochila will carry your bag to your next stop so you can walk light.
  
  
  

• Private Transfers: For groups or those wanting extra comfort.
  
  
  

Pro Tip: If you get injured or need to make up time, taking a bus or taxi is perfectly okay—there’s no “wrong” way to do the Camino.

The square in Santiago

FOLLOW THE CAMINO CHRONICLES

INSTAGRAM: @CAMINO.CHRONICLES

FACEBOOK: THE CAMINO CHRONICLES

Getting Back Home from Santiago

Finishing your Camino is an incredible moment, but don’t forget to plan how you’ll get home!

From Santiago to Madrid or Barcelona

• Flight: Several daily flights connect Santiago (SCQ) to Madrid and Barcelona.
  
  

• Train: Comfortable and scenic, though slower than flying.
  
  

• Bus: The cheapest option but also the longest travel time.
  
  
  

My Recommendation:Book a flight from Santiago to Madrid. It’s fast, affordable, and saves you energy after your long journey.

Sample Camino Transportation Timeline

Here’s an example of how you might structure your transportation plan:

Step Transportation Cost Estimate

International flight Portland → Madrid €800–€1,200

Train to Pamplona Madrid → Pamplona €30–€60

Shuttle to St. Jean Pamplona → St. Jean Pied de Port €25–€50

Return flight Santiago → Madrid → Home €850–€1,300

Internal Linking Suggestions

To help readers dive deeper into Camino planning, link to related guides:

The Complete Packing List for the Camino de Santiago (What You Really Need)

How Much Does It Cost to Walk the Camino de Santiago?

Camino Foot Care: Preventing Blisters & Injuries for a Comfortable Pilgrimage

We are on our way back home.

Final Tips for a Smooth Journey

Here are a few extra pointers to make your travel stress-free:

1. Keep all tickets digital and printed.
   

2. Allow buffer time between flights and trains in case of delays.
   

3. Travel light. If you can’t carry it comfortably, don’t bring it.
   

4. Download offline maps and train schedules before you go.
   

5. Double-check holiday schedules for transportation closures.
   
   
   

Conclusion: Start Your Camino With Confidence

Booking flights and transportation for the Camino de Santiago might seem daunting at first, but with a bit of planning, it becomes part of the adventure.

Remember, there’s no single “perfect route.” Whether you fly directly into a small northern airport or take the scenic route by train, the journey to your starting point is just the beginning of a life-changing experience.

When you finally set foot on the Camino trail, you’ll know that all the planning was worth it. Buen Camino!

Renae

Call-to-Action:

For more tips on planning your pilgrimage, follow @Camino.Chronicles and explore our other resources to help you prepare for every step of your journey.