Getting to the Way of St James: how to reach the start and get home

In short: Biarritz. From there you continue by train or bus via Bayonne.

Getting there can be stressful if it is badly planned. With a few fixed points it is easy.

To Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port

The starting point of the Camino Francés is in France. The closest airports are Biarritz and Bordeaux, and from there you take the train via Bayonne. Pamplona is another option from the Spanish side.

To Sarria

You can reach Sarria by train from Santiago or via Madrid. Santiago airport is often the best way in for the last 100 kilometres.

To Porto

Many airlines fly to Porto, and the metro runs into the city. The Camino Portugués starts from there.

By train and bus

The detour by train through France takes longer, but for many people it is already part of the journey. Long-distance buses are often the cheapest alternative.

The journey home

Book it only once your schedule is roughly fixed, or leave a buffer. Santiago has an airport, a train station and a bus station. Poles and knives go in your checked luggage. If you still have time, walk on to the sea on the Camino Finisterre.