Passports

You will need a valid passport to enter Spain.

When To Go

The festival officially starts July 6th at noon, and everything ends at midnight on July 14. July 6, 7, 12 and 13 are the most frenzied and crowded days, when hundreds of thousands of people pour into the city for either the start or end of the festival. July 8, 9, 10 and 11 are less crowded, although the party atmosphere definitely prevails.

Where To Stay

Where you stay depends a lot on what kind of a person you are. If you want to be where all the action is and you don’t plan to sleep very much, try to find a room in Pamplona itself. If you’d prefer a little peace and quiet where you can grab a nap or nurse a hangover, look for rooms in surrounding towns like Vitoria (54 miles away) or Estella (30 miles away). There are buses that can get you to Pamplona in time, but be sure to check schedules and be at the stations early.

Hotels: First and foremost, book at least 6 to 12 months ahead of time if you’re hoping to find a hotel room. Some places are booked years in advance. Second, be aware that Pamplona hotels triple their prices during the festival of San Fermin.

• $200 to $600 per night - double occupancy in Pamplona
• $85 to $350 per night - double occupancy in Vitoria (54 miles away)

Private homes: Many residents of Pamplona turn their homes into mini-hotels during the festival week, renting out beds in shared rooms. Some will serve you a light breakfast.

• $25 and up/bed

Camping: Plenty of people bring or rent tents, vans, or RVs and camp once they get to Pamplona. Campgrounds like Errota-El Molino (17 miles away) or Lizarra (28 miles away) have pools, bars, and a wild party scene, particularly on the first and second nights of the festival.

• $20 to $30 per campsite (more for rentals)

Sleep in the park: Lots of people (mostly young and male) sleep in the parks and plazas for free. If you plan to do this, it’s a good idea to bring a sheet or blanket to wrap up in, and be aware that weather in Pamplona, even in the summer, can get chilly and wet, especially at night. You’ll have plenty of company and there will be lots of noise. Be safe and travel in groups. Stash your valuables inside your clothing when you’re sleeping, and watch for thieves who invade the city during the festival week. There are lockers in town where you can stash your gear.

• Free!

Established campsites: A couple of tour companies out of London own campgrounds near Pamplona, with accommodations ranging from pre-erected tents to dormitories. Packages include 2 to 3 bull runnings, English breakfasts, a tour of San Sebastian, parties at the campsite, free shuttles to and from Pamplona, and a return bus trip to your departure station.

• $320 to 550 (4 – 9 days)