How to Get from Pamplona to La Rioja

If you're in Pamplona, it's likely you'll want to explore a bit of the La Rioja wine region, with the city of Logroño making an excellent hub. If your destination is Logroño or any nearby towns, it's a relatively short journey between the two cities. A quick drive with your rental car or a private transfer of just about 1 hour along the A-12 highway will get you there. But, since this region is packed with interesting villages, cities, wine areas, and parks, you could easily make it into a culturally rich road trip. 

Other ways to travel between Pamplona and La Rioja is by train and bus. The train requires a transfer, so though it could be a 2.5-hour journey, waiting times could extend it to up to 4 hours. If you don't have a car or use a private transfer, you might consider the bus, which is always less than 2 hours, sometimes just around 1 hour. Both of these options connect Pamplona with Logrońo.

By Rental Car or Private Transfer

Duration: 1 hour (standard highway route), up to 4 hours (recommended road trip route)

A drive from Pamplona to La Rioja, whether in your own rental car or with a private transfer, takes about one hour and cuts through dry vineyard land via the A-12 highway. Of course, we recommend a more scenic trip with some stopping points. The route depends on where you plan on ending in La Rioja, but there are several options for interesting and scenic points along the way.

If you want to see all of the listed stops below, you're looking at 4 hours of driving time. Therefore, we suggest picking two or three of the options below:

Estella

The idyllic village of Estella is in Navarra and has a beautiful medieval old town filled with Roman and Gothic architecture, plus the Ega River flows through it. In the 15th century, it was known as "Estella the Beautiful," so it's simply an excellent village to wander. Enjoy its winding streets, picturesque stone houses, palaces, and religious monuments like convents and churches. The town is also home to the Museo Gustavo de Maeztu, featuring works by this beloved Basque artist.

Parque Natural de Izki

To stretch your legs with a hike, consider a stop at the beautiful Izki National Park. About 100 million years ago, the area was underwater, so you'll find trails weaving through forests with limestone rocks hosting fossils of coral, algae, dinosaurs, and marine life. There are 15 hiking routes in the park, with many leading to or by unique sites like rocky outcrops, medieval villages, lagoons, and caves.

Laguardia

Laguardia is a beautiful walled city that was once a defense fortress for Navarra in the 10th century. Today, the old military tunnels serve as a place to store wine, and many residents use them for personal wine storage. We recommend viewing these cellars with a guide, as it's a very historical and cultural experience. 

Haro—Briones

Briones is where you'll find the Vivanco Wine Museum, known as the best wine museum in the world. Not only can you taste varietals, but you can also participate in workshops and dine at the museum's restaurant. Or keep going a bit farther to Haro, a town known for its numerous surrounding wineries, some of the best in the province. To walk and sip, head to Haro's famed Train Station District, where you'll find many wineries with tasting rooms.

Santo Domingo de la Calzada

Visit one of the towns along the famous pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago. The village's large cathedral, Catedral de Santo Domingo de la Calzada, is its biggest draw, with its shrine and remains of Santo Domingo. A stroll through the town won't take long, and other sites to see are the Convent of San Francisco and the medieval wall at Plaza de España.

San Millán de la Cogolla

A monastery town, San Millán de la Cogolla is home to the Monastery of Suso and the Monastery of Yuso. The 6th-century Monasterio de Suso features three architectural styles: Visigoth, Mozarabic, and Romanesque. Don't miss viewing the Cenotafio de San Millán, a 12th-century alabaster tomb. As for the Monasterio de Yuso, also known as the Escorial de La Rioja, you can visit its three naves, library with over 300 original documents, cloister, and hall with beautiful wall paintings.

Logroño

Likely, your destination is Logroño (La Rioja's capital city) or near it; but if not, it's also a picturesque city to visit. Logroño hosts its annual Wine Harvest Festival in September, where you can stomp grapes, and features the beautiful Puente de Piedra spanning the Ebro River. Consider walking along the old city walls, viewing the artwork by Michelangelo in the Concatedral de Santa María de la Redonda, stretching your legs with a stroll along the river in Parque de la Ribera, or grabbing lunch on the always lively street La Laurel.

By Train

Duration: 2.5 hours

The Alvia train runs several times a day, with the first train leaving around 6:30 am or 7:30 am and the final departure at about 10:00 pm. Keep in mind that there aren't any direct routes, so you'll need to switch trains, which can extend the journey time. The fastest routes usually switch in Castejon de Ebro with a 25-minute waiting time, but it's also possible to have a longer transfer time. You can purchase tickets online (and print them out), on the Renfe app, or at the train station. You may have the option to select a "flexible" fare, which allows you to modify your trip if needed. Make sure to be seated on the train at least 5-10 minutes before departure. 

By Bus

Duration: 2 hours

By bus, this journey uses the La Estellesa company and usually takes about 2 hours (though some departures are a shorter, around 1 hour). On any given day, you can choose from up to seven departure times, ranging from 6:30 am (on the weekdays) to about 8:00 pm.