How to get to Pamplona: transport guide
Pamplona is very well connected with the rest of Spain and major European cities. Located in northern Spain, halfway between Madrid and the French border, the capital of Navarra is accessible by plane, high-speed train, bus and car. In this guide we explain all the options so you can choose the one that best suits your trip.
Getting to Pamplona by plane
Pamplona-Noain Airport (PNA)
Pamplona Airport is located in Noain, just 6 kilometres from the city centre. It mainly operates domestic flights with regular connections to Madrid and Barcelona via Iberia and Air Nostrum. The journey to Pamplona city centre takes about 15 minutes by taxi (approximate fare: 12-15 euros) or by local bus line 21.
Bilbao Airport (BIO)
Bilbao-Loiu Airport is the alternative with the most international flights. It offers connections to London, Paris, Brussels, Frankfurt, Rome, Amsterdam and many other European cities through airlines such as Vueling, Iberia, Lufthansa and Ryanair. It is about 155 km from Pamplona (1 hour and 30 minutes via the AP-68/AP-15 motorway). There are direct bus services from Bilbao to Pamplona several times a day.
Zaragoza Airport (ZAZ)
Zaragoza Airport is about 180 km from Pamplona (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes via the AP-15 motorway). It is worth considering if you find cheaper flights to Zaragoza, as the motorway connection is smooth and fast.
Getting to Pamplona by train
Pamplona Railway Station is located on Avenida de San Jorge, about a 20-minute walk from the Old Town or a 10-minute ride on the local bus. Renfe operates daily services connecting Pamplona with Spain's main cities.
The most important connection is the high-speed train (AVE/Alvia) linking Madrid to Pamplona in approximately 3 hours. There are also direct trains to Zaragoza (1 hour and 45 minutes), Barcelona (3 hours and 30 minutes with a change in Zaragoza) and connections to northern Spain via Castejón.
We recommend booking tickets in advance on the Renfe website to get the best fares. AVE prices from Madrid to Pamplona range between 20 and 60 euros depending on how far ahead you book and the fare type.
Getting to Pamplona by bus
Pamplona Bus Station is located on Calle Yanguas y Miranda, next to the Segundo Ensanche district and about a 15-minute walk from Plaza del Castillo. It is a modern, well-equipped station with a cafeteria, luggage storage and a waiting area.
Several companies operate daily routes from Pamplona. ALSA connects with Madrid (around 5 hours), Barcelona (around 5 hours and 30 minutes) and Zaragoza (around 2 hours and 30 minutes). La Burundesa runs routes across Navarra and connects with San Sebastián (1 hour). Conda offers services to Bilbao (around 2 hours) and other towns in the Basque Country.
The bus is an affordable and comfortable option, especially for connections with cities in northern Spain. Fares from Madrid to Pamplona are around 20-35 euros.
Getting to Pamplona by car
Pamplona is a major road junction in northern Spain. The AP-15 motorway connects it directly with Zaragoza and Madrid to the south, and with San Sebastián and the French border to the north via the A-15 and AP-1. From Bilbao, access is via the AP-68 and AP-15.
Approximate driving times from major cities are: Madrid (4 hours), Barcelona (4 hours and 30 minutes), San Sebastián (1 hour), Bilbao (1 hour and 30 minutes), Zaragoza (1 hour and 45 minutes), Bordeaux (3 hours) and Toulouse (3 hours and 30 minutes).
If you are driving, please note that the Old Town is largely pedestrianised. There are underground public car parks at Plaza del Castillo, el Baluarte and Merindades (between 15 and 20 euros per day). Several of our apartments include a private parking space.
Getting around Pamplona
Pamplona is a compact city and very easy to explore on foot. The Old Town is almost entirely pedestrianised and can be crossed from end to end in under fifteen minutes. From our centrally located apartments, most points of interest, restaurants and monuments are less than a ten-minute walk away.
On foot
The best way to discover Pamplona. The city centre is flat, pedestrianised and safe at any hour. The main monuments, restaurants and pintxo areas are all within a one-kilometre radius of Plaza del Castillo.
Villavesa (city bus)
Pamplona's local bus network is called Villavesa. It is comfortable, frequent and covers the entire city and surrounding area. Useful for getting from the train or bus station to the centre. Single ticket: 1.35 euros. The rechargeable card offers reduced fares.
Taxi
Taxis in Pamplona are reliable with regulated fares. A ride from the train station to the Old Town costs around 6-8 euros. From the airport, around 12-15 euros. They can be hailed at taxi ranks, booked by phone or via a mobile app.
Your apartment in the heart of Pamplona
Once you arrive in Pamplona, the last thing you want to worry about is transport. Our apartments in the Old Town place you right at the heart of the city, just steps from everything you want to see. Drop off your bags and head out to explore Pamplona on foot. Several apartments come with a private parking space if you are arriving by car.
Also explore our Old Town guide to discover what to see and where to eat in the neighbourhood, or browse all the experiences Pamplona and Navarra have to offer.
Book your apartment in Pamplona
13 holiday apartments in the city centre. However you arrive, your accommodation is waiting for you in the heart of the Old Town.