How to get from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: the journey is the essential transit stage for many pilgrims arriving by train before beginning the Camino Francés.
This guide compares all options from Bayonne station — train, bus, taxi and car — with timetables, costs and practical tips.
How to Get from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port : Quick Comparison
TER Train: 1h04 · €7 to €20 · fastest and most affordable option, direct service every 4 hours, approx. 40 departures per week
Bus line 816: approx. 1h30 · €11 to €17 · budget option, departs Bayonne coach station, very limited service (Saturdays only)
Taxi from Bayonne: approx. 50 min · €110 to €140 · door-to-door, no timetable constraints, luggage and Camino gear included
Rental car: approx. 50 min · €8 to €12 fuel · flexible but logistical problem for pilgrims starting the Camino at Saint-Jean
For a direct transfer from Biarritz or BIQ Airport, Smart Moov provides your transfer from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port with a fixed fare — collection from Bayonne also available on request.
Also prepare your arrival with our guide Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Camino Francés.
Bayonne and Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: The Geography
Bayonne is the largest town closest to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port — 53 kilometres separate the two, linked by the Nive valley and the Basque interior hills.
Bayonne station is a major rail hub in south-western France, served by TGVs from Paris (4h30) and regional trains from Bordeaux, Toulouse, Pau and Biarritz. This is why many Camino Francés pilgrims pass through Bayonne before continuing to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
If you are arriving at BIQ Airport or staying in Biarritz, taking a direct taxi to Saint-Jean from Biarritz is simpler than transiting via Bayonne. See our guide how to get from Biarritz to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port for all options from Biarritz.
TER Train — The Fastest and Most Affordable Option
The train is the fastest and cheapest way to travel from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The TER SNCF service runs direct between the two stations in approximately 1 hour 04, with around 40 departures per week — trains every 4 hours throughout the day.
Fares range from €7 to €20 depending on when you book. You can book on SNCF Connect or Omio. Trains depart from Bayonne station and arrive directly at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port station, a few minutes’ walk from the Rue de la Citadelle and the Pilgrims’ Welcome Office.
This is the ideal option for pilgrims arriving at Bayonne by TGV who want to continue to Saint-Jean immediately without extra cost. The only thing to check: that your incoming train connection works with the next TER departure to Saint-Jean.
Bus Line 816 — the Budget Option from Bayonne
For travellers looking for an alternative to the train, the coach is another option for the journey from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Transdev Pays Basque operates this service on line 816 — a scenic route following the Nive valley through Ustaritz, Cambo-les-Bains, Itxassou, Bidarray and Saint-Martin-d’Arrossa before reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port.
Line 816 Transdev: timetables, fares and departure points
The bus departs from Bayonne coach station, right next to Bayonne SNCF station — a few minutes’ walk from the platforms. The journey takes approximately 1h30. The fare is approximately €11 to €17 one way.
The critical point: extremely limited frequency. The service runs only once a week, on Saturdays. This means the bus is simply not a viable option for pilgrims arriving on weekdays — in that case, the train or taxi are the only alternatives. Always check the latest timetables on the Transdev Pays Basque website before planning.
Taxi from Bayonne — Comfort and Full Flexibility
For pilgrims arriving at Bayonne station with a full backpack who want to reach Saint-Jean without depending on train or coach timetables, a taxi is the most practical solution.
Pick-up directly outside the station, drop-off at the Pilgrims’ Welcome Office or your hostel on the Rue de la Citadelle. The journey takes approximately 50 minutes. The fare from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port is €110 to €140 for a saloon (1 to 4 passengers), fixed fare confirmed at booking.
From Biarritz or BIQ Airport: the direct taxi remains the best option
If you are arriving at BIQ Airport or staying in Biarritz, it is simpler to take a taxi directly from Biarritz rather than transiting via Bayonne. Smart Moov provides your Biarritz to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port transfer year-round — and can also collect from Bayonne station on request. Van available for groups of 5 to 7 with full Camino equipment.
Rental Car from Bayonne
A rental car is a flexible option for reaching Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port from Bayonne. The 53 kilometres take approximately 50 minutes via the D932 and D933, following the Nive valley through Basque villages. Several hire agencies are available in Bayonne city centre and at the station. SNCF Connect also offers combined train + car hire packages.
The logistical problem for pilgrims
A rental car creates a major problem for pilgrims starting the Camino at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: it is impossible to leave the vehicle on site and set off on foot. A rental car is therefore only relevant if you are accompanying a pilgrim and returning after the drop-off, or visiting Saint-Jean without starting the Camino. For pilgrims, the train or a taxi remain the hassle-free solutions.
Arriving at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port: What to Do First
Whatever transport option you use from Bayonne, once in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port the first thing to do is head to the Pilgrims’ Welcome Office at 39 Rue de la Citadelle.
This is where you obtain or have your credential stamped, receive tomorrow’s weather information and the status of the Route Napoléon, and ask all your questions about the Camino Francés departure. For everything you need to know about the Welcome Office, the credential and accommodation, see our guide Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Camino Francés.
FAQ — Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port
How long does it take to get from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
By TER train, approximately 1h04 — the fastest option. By bus (line 816 Transdev), approximately 1h30. By taxi or car, approximately 50 minutes via the D932/D933.
Is there a direct train from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
Yes. The TER SNCF service runs direct from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in approximately 1h04, with around 40 departures per week — trains every 4 hours throughout the day. Fares from €7 to €20. Book on SNCF Connect or Omio.
What are the bus timetables from Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port?
Line 816 Transdev runs once a week, on Saturdays only. It is therefore not a viable option for pilgrims arriving on weekdays. In that case, the TER train or a taxi are the only alternatives. Always check the latest timetables on the Transdev Pays Basque website before planning.
Where does the bus from Bayonne to Saint-Jean depart from?
From Bayonne coach station, adjacent to Bayonne SNCF station — a few minutes’ walk from the platforms. Arrival at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port coach station, less than 5 minutes’ walk from the Rue de la Citadelle and the Pilgrims’ Welcome Office.
Can you travel from Bayonne to Saint-Jean on the same day as arriving by train?
Yes, easily thanks to the direct TER service running every 4 hours. If the connection does not work or you arrive late, a taxi allows you to reach Saint-Jean the same day with no timetable constraints.
Find our guide Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port Camino Francés · our page Bayonne to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port transfers · and our page taxi Biarritz.
