How to Get from Logroño to Pamplona: Distance, Train, Bus and Car

There are journeys measured in kilometers, and others measured in landscapes that shift as you drive. The route between Logroño and Pamplona belongs to the latter: barely 92 km through Rioja vineyards, medieval villages, and the start of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, with stops that are well worth a few minutes’ detour off the asphalt.

How to get from Logroño to Pamplona: quick overview

The journey between Logroño and Pamplona takes about 1 hour by car via the autovía (dual carriageway), covering roughly 92 km with no tolls. There is no direct train connection between the two capitals, so the bus is the public transport alternative: the company La Estellesa operates the service with a journey time of 95 minutes and fares ranging from €10.60 to €15. There is no direct flight connecting the two cities. For travelers short on time, driving or taking the bus are the most practical options; for those who prefer to take it slow and make the most of stops along the way, renting a vehicle is the most flexible choice.

By car from Logroño to Pamplona

The road distance between Logroño and Pamplona is 92 km, covered in approximately 1 hour via the autovía. The route combines several toll-free roads that connect La Rioja with Navarre smoothly.

The main roads used on this route are:

• A-13 (Autovía A-13): links Logroño with Navarre heading north, toll-free.
• A-12 (Donejakue Bidearen autobia): also known as the Camino de Santiago motorway, it accompanies pilgrims along much of the route, toll-free.
• A-21 (Pirinioetako autobia): the Pyrenees motorway, connecting Pamplona with the north, toll-free.
• N-232 (Carretera de Vinaròs a Santander): an alternative national road option, toll-free.
• A-1 (Autovía del Norte): one of the great arteries of the northern peninsula, toll-free on this stretch.
• A-15 (Iruñeko mendebaldeko sahiesbidea): the western access to Pamplona, toll-free.

The itinerary is direct and road conditions are generally good all year round. Barely 92 km separate the two capitals, making this a comfortable trip whether for business or a weekend getaway.

By bus from Logroño to Pamplona

There is a direct bus between Logroño and Pamplona, operated by the company La Estellesa. The journey takes approximately 95 minutes and the ticket price ranges from €10.60 to €15, depending on the fare and how far in advance it is purchased.

For those who prefer not to drive, it is a comfortable and affordable alternative: regional buses usually have good frequencies and let you enjoy the scenery without worrying about the wheel. What’s more, being a direct service, no hours are lost on transfers.

It’s worth checking the updated timetables on the La Estellesa website before planning your trip, as availability can vary depending on the day of the week and the season.

Recommended stops along the way

The route between Logroño and Pamplona crosses one of the most beautiful stretches of the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. Taking a break to stretch your legs and discover some of its villages is undoubtedly worth it. Below are the recommended stops along the route:

• Viana (km 10): A historic stop just after leaving Logroño. The walled historic center and the Church of Santa María are its main attractions. Ideal for a short stroll. Recommended time: 45 min.
• Torres del Río (km 32): Requires a small detour of 2 km. The main reason to stop is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, a Romanesque gem with a unique octagonal floor plan. Recommended time: 30 min.
• Puente la Reina (km 71): Famous for its impressive 11th-century Romanesque bridge over the Arga River, an icon of the Camino de Santiago. Walking along Calle Mayor is like stepping back into the Middle Ages. Recommended time: 60 min.
• Church of Santa María de Eunate, Muruzábal (km 76): Requires a detour of about 5 km. It is an isolated and mysterious Romanesque hermitage, with an octagonal floor plan and a unique exterior gallery that surrounds it. Recommended time: 40 min.

Other towns crossed by the route or located very close to it that can also enrich the day are Estella-Lizarra, Mendavia, Ayegui/Aiegi, Artajona, Agoncillo, Mendigorria and Villatuerta, all of them with Navarrese or Riojan charm depending on the stretch.

Where to stay in Pamplona

Pamplona offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit all budgets. The historic center, around Plaza del Castillo and Calle Estafeta, concentrates most of the hotel offerings and is ideal for those who want to get around the city on foot, enjoy the pinchos in the old town and experience the atmosphere of the Sanfermines if they coincide with July.

For tight budgets, the hostels and guesthouses of the old town offer functional rooms at affordable prices, while boutique hotels located in renovated palaces provide a more charming experience. The newer areas, such as the area near the University or the surroundings of the Baluarte and the Citadel, have chain hotels with good transport connections and parking.

As for indicative prices, double rooms can be found from around €60-80 per night in simple options, and between €100 and €180 in mid-to-high-end establishments, with prices skyrocketing during San Fermín week (July 6-14).

Where to eat along the route

Gastronomy is one of the great attractions of this trip. Between La Rioja and Navarre, the palate has much to celebrate:

• Patatas a la riojana (La Rioja): A traditional potato stew with chorizo, choricero pepper, and onion, slow-cooked over low heat. This hearty, flavorful dish is a classic of Riojan cuisine, especially in cold weather.
• Chuletas al sarmiento (La Rioja): Lamb chops roasted over embers made from vine shoots, which gives them a very distinctive smoky flavor and aroma. It is a simple yet emblematic preparation of the region, highlighting the quality of the meat and the touch of the wood fire.
• Vino de Rioja (La Rioja): Red, white, or rosé wine produced in the prestigious Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin. Recognized worldwide for its quality, complexity, and aging potential, it is a perfect accompaniment to local cuisine.
• Chistorra de Navarra (Navarre): A fresh sausage made with minced pork, garlic, paprika, and salt, stuffed into a thin casing. It is eaten fried or grilled and is a staple of the pinchos and tapas of Pamplona and the rest of Navarre.
• Ternasco de Navarra (Navarre): Suckling or young Navarre-breed lamb, slowly roasted to produce exceptionally tender and juicy meat. It is a festive dish highly prized in Navarrese gastronomy, ideal for celebrations.
• Pimientos del Piquillo de Lodosa (Navarre): Triangular red peppers, sweet and slightly spicy, wood-roasted and hand-peeled. They are very versatile in Navarrese cooking, used stuffed with meat or cod, or simply as a side dish.

Frequently asked questions about the Logroño-Pamplona route

How long does it take to get from Logroño to Pamplona?

By car, the journey takes approximately 1 hour along the 92 km of highway that separate the two cities. By direct bus with La Estellesa, the duration is around 95 minutes.

Which is cheaper, the train or the bus?

There is no direct train between Logroño and Pamplona, so the bus is the public transport option par excellence. La Estellesa tickets cost between €10.60 and €15, a very competitive fare.

Is it worth renting a car?

Yes, especially if you want to take advantage of stops such as Viana, Torres del Río, Puente la Reina, or the church of Eunate, which require small detours. Without a car, these Romanesque gems are more difficult to visit in a single day.

When is the best time to travel?

Spring and early autumn are the best seasons to enjoy the landscape without the crowds of Sanfermines. July is perfect for experiencing the festival, although accommodation prices skyrocket. Winter offers beautiful light over the Riojan vineyards and fewer tourists on the route.