How to Get to Pamplona. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Several airports serve Pamplona, ranging from local to international hubs.

Airport Guide

Pamplona Airport (PNA): Small, regional, mainly domestic flights (Madrid, Barcelona).
Bilbao Airport (BIO): About 160 km west, largest international gateway. Many European connections.
Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ), France: About 115 km north, European low-cost carriers.

Flight Options & Transfers

Planning your flight and onward journey from the airport is a step.

Connecting to Pamplona

Direct Flights: No direct flights to PNA from North America/Asia/Africa. Fly to major European hubs first. Dollar Flight Club, Skyscanner for flight searches.
Seasonal Pricing: Prices rise during peak season (July, especially San Fermín). Book months in advance.
Airport Transfers: PNA to Pamplona: Taxi (~€15-€20), City Bus (Line 16, ~€1.50). BIO to Pamplona: Direct bus (La Burundesa/Condá, ~€16-€18). BIQ to Pamplona: Bus (Condá, ~€15-€20, might involve change in Bayonne).

Optimal Flight Booking

Book flights several months in advance, especially for July, to secure better prices and availability.

Airport Facilities

PNA has limited facilities. BIO offers extensive amenities, including shops, restaurants, lounges. BIQ has standard small airport services.

No Direct Long-Haul

No direct flights to Pamplona Airport (PNA) from North America, Asia, or Africa. Connections through major European hubs.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Travel

Pamplona Train Station (Estación de Pamplona-Iruña): Northwest of city center. Renfe operates routes to Madrid (3-4 hrs), Barcelona (4-5 hrs), Vitoria-Gasteiz, Zaragoza, Logroño.
Pamplona Bus Station (Estación de Autobuses de Pamplona): Modern, underground, city center. Condá (La Burundesa) for Basque Country/Navarre/France. ALSA for national connections (Madrid, Barcelona). Vianesa for La Rioja.
Booking: Book train/bus tickets in advance for better prices and availability.
Border Crossing (Spain-France): No routine passport controls in Schengen Area.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Requirements: Valid driver's license. Non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Credit card for deposit. DiscoverCars.com for rentals.
Road Conditions: Excellent highway network (Autovías, Autopistas). Some toll roads (Autopistas).
Parking: Difficult/expensive in Old Town. Use underground public car parks (Plaza del Castillo, Baluarte). Blue Zone (metered) & Green Zone (resident).
Safety: Watch aggressive drivers, narrow roads in mountains, cyclists on Camino routes.

Sea & River Travel

No Direct Sea Access

Pamplona is an inland city, so direct sea arrivals are not possible.

Ferry Ports

Closest major ferry ports are Bilbao (Santurtzi) and Santander (Bay of Biscay), with connections to the UK.

No River Navigation

The Arga River is not navigable for public transportation or large vessels.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Ensure a smooth departure from Pamplona by following these guidelines.

Timing & Taxes

Exit Fees: Spain does not impose specific departure taxes paid directly by travelers; they are usually included in ticket prices.
Flights: Arrive at least 2 hours before scheduled international departure. 1.5 hours for domestic from PNA.
Trains/Buses: Arrive 20-30 minutes before scheduled departure to locate platform/gate and board.

Airport & Station Facilities

Familiarize yourself with the amenities available at departure points.

Available Services

PNA (Pamplona Airport): Minimal facilities, small waiting area, a cafe.
Bilbao Airport (BIO): Wider range of facilities, duty-free shops, various cafes and restaurants, airline lounges.
Pamplona Bus Station: Cafes, waiting areas, restrooms, luggage storage facilities.

Train Station Facilities

The Pamplona Train Station offers basic amenities for travelers.

Station Amenities

Offers basic amenities like a cafe.
Provides waiting areas.
Includes restrooms for traveler convenience.

Travel Day Reminders

A few checks on the day of travel ensure a smooth departure.

Before You Go

Always confirm your flight, train, or bus departure times the day before you leave.
Small schedule changes can occur.
Plan your route to the airport or station.

Critical Departure Points

Check-in deadlines for flights are strict.
Security lines can be long during peak times.
Ensure all required travel documents are readily accessible.

For train/bus, platform changes can happen.
Allow extra time for unexpected delays.
Verify luggage allowances before arriving.

How to Get to Pamplona