Pamplona: Transportation

Buses are probably the easiest mode of transportation because the station is right in the middle of town and the city usually brings in more buses to accommodate the San Fermín crowds. Regardless, you should definitely book your tickets in advance. From Madrid, the Conda Bus Company, (948 221 026) offers one-way tickets for €28. Buses depart six to nine times daily and take five hours to arrive in Pamplona. From Barcelona, Vibasa, (902 101 363) offers one-way tickets for €25 Buses depart three times daily from both Nord and Sants stations and take five hours to arrive in Pamplona. Some of the smaller towns around Madrid and Barcelona, like San Sebastián and Bilbao, also offer bus service to Pamplona and might be a good alternative.

Unlike the bus schedules, the train schedules do not change to accommodate the crowds during San Fermín. As a result, the trains typically fill up faster than the buses, so you will need to book your ticket as early as possible. One-way tickets from Madrid to Pamplona cost €58, with trains departing four times a day; the trip lasts three hours. The trip from Barcelona to Pamplona is around the same price as Madrid, but takes four hours. You can reserve tickets with Renfe online or by phone (902 320 320).

Air travel is convenient but hard to come by during San Fermín. There are several daily nonstop flights to and from Madrid and Barcelona (about one hour flight time) that land at the Noain airport seven kilometers (4.35 miles) outside of Pamplona. You can get more information and reservations by calling Iberia Airlines at 902 400 500 or visiting their website.

If you decide to drive to Pamplona, it will be worth your while to park outside the town or pay for parking within the city limits. The underground parking available in Pamplona may be expensive, but it’s safe and easy to access. It is possible to park on the streets, but be aware of the risks: because of the large number of people on the street, many of them drunk and without a place to sleep, robberies and other types of vandalism are common.