I am traveling to Spain, Portugal and France. Part of my planning is Pamplona and Lourdes. My question is this...what is the best way to get to these cities. I will not have a car and it looks like the shortest trip would be from Madrid but how is the transport from Madrid to these two areas? I am a solo traveling senior and I need guidance. Help please.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23245 posts
If you are not driving, then the choice is either bus or train. In Spain, the bus system is extensive, cheap, and dependable. No experience with Portugal. In France, the best bet for Lourdes will be the train but it depends on where you are coming from. Use bahn.com to check train system through out Europe.
Posted by
Florida, USA
12172 posts
In Spain, a bus will be your best bet. They travel frequently and don't need to be prebooked. Every station I went in had an information kiosk with an English speaker who can help you sort out your options and book your tickets. Buses are cheap and very rarely full, buying early isn't necessary. I like to book tickets the day before, only so I can plan my next morning ahead of time.
Olite isn't far from Pamplona and has a great castle. I think it's worth a stop.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
There are 4 direct trains per day from Madrid to Pamplona, as well as 4 that require a connection. You probably don't need a rail pass, but this route to Pamplona for the running of the bulls is especially a time when rail pass holders could find themselves unable to get seat reservations. From Pamplona to Lourdes requires several train connections, so a bus is likely to be more direct.
Train connections to/from Portugal are also sparse. Flying can also be an option; see www.skyscanner.com.
How to Look Up Train Schedules and Routes Online gives you the DB train schedule link and tips for using it; but that is not the site to purchase tickets (which would be www.renfe.es, if you can navigate some Spanish and pay with PayPal).