By train

Pamplona is comfortably reached by train from both Madrid and Barcelona. The journey from Madrid can be made on an Alvia train which takes three hours. From Madrid, from Monday to Sunday, the Alvia 601 leaves at 07.40 and the Alvia 609 leaves for Pamplona at 15.05.

Every day except Saturday, there is also an evening Alvia 801 train which leaves at 19.35. All these trains reach Pamplona in just about three hours. In addition, on working days between Monday and Friday there is an extra train at 10.35 in the morning. It is likely that Renfe, the train company, will provide extra trains for the Sanfermines so it is a good idea to check the Renfe web page.

There are also fast trains from Pamplona to Madrid. From Monday to Saturday, at 06.45 in the morning, the 802 Alvia leaves from Pamplona. From Monday to Sunday inclusive there is a 610 Alvia at 11.15 and on all days except Saturdays there are two trains -the 602 and the 606 Alvia trains which leave at 11.15 and 14.45, respectively. The Estrella train has now gone out of service. This was a sleeper which left from Irún and was popular precisely because it was a sleeper train.

Prices: The Internet price a one-way journey costs 49.80 euros per person in tourist class and in first-class, 75.90 euros. This latter price includes parking, free press and breakfast or snacks depending on the time.

In the foreseeable future with the introduction of the bullet train in Barcelona, the travel time by train will be markedly reduced between Pamplona and Barcelona. But at present the journey takes at least five hours. There are three trains from Barcelona to Pamplona. A Talgo train leaves at 07.03 and at 12.30. In the evening an Estrella train leaves at 22.00 hours and this sleeper train arrives in Pamplona at 05.34.

Prices: The morning Talgo train costs 37.60 euros in tourist class and 49.80 euros in first class while the prices for the midday train are a little lower, being 32.80 euros in tourist class and 43.50 euros in first class. On the night sleeper there is just the one price at 42.80 euros.

There exist a wide range of discounts. Although it has many restrictions, there is a possibility of getting a 60% discount if the ticket is bought 15 days in advance. There is 10% less in the final price if the ticket is a round trip one. There is a 20% discount for those with the Youth Pass card (under 26 years of age) - this card is valid in all countries around the world. There is a 40% discount for those under 14 years of age.

Little children between 0-4 years old need not pay anything if they do not occupy any seating space. Between the age of 4 and 14 they should pay for a ticket with the option of a discount. Groups of children can get up to 25% reduction (groups of between 10 and 25) but these discounts do not apply in July and August.

The railway station in Pamplona is situated outside the city, but the bus number 9 will take you to the old part the city. There are also taxis, not very expensive, but not very cheap, but there is no possibility to negotiate the price; they have taximeter. You can take them at the taxi stops or call to the 948 23 23 00.