If you’re planning on walking the Camino de Santiago, you may be wondering what the luggage allowance is for luggage transfers between accommodations. This is an important question to consider, as you want to make sure you’re not carrying too much weight on your journey.
As part of our package, we provide luggage transfers between each of your accommodation. So you can walk light with your basic necessities in your backpack! Please note: daily luggage transfers are only included if you book all your accommodations with us.
How do luggage transfers work?
This service is included only when all your overnight stays are booked through us.
Your luggage will be waiting for you upon arrival at the reception of your next hotel. In the morning, before you begin your walk, simply leave your tagged luggage at the hotel reception. Our transporter will come and collect it during the morning.
- Luggage must be left at reception by 8am every morning.
- To ensure that your luggage is properly identified and handled, please use the luggage tags provided in your holiday pack. Please, write your trip reference and the group leader’s name (if applicable) so our luggage handler can identify your luggage straight away.
- Your luggage will typically be delivered by 3pm at every accommodation, however this time may differ during high season (May and September)
There are specific regulations regarding luggage weight limits that vary by country. Please review the following guidelines to avoid any additional fees or disruptions during your trip:
Maximum Weight Per Bag:
- Spain, Portugal, and Italy: 18-20 kg per bag
- France: 10-13 kg per bag*
We recommend packing only 18 kg (for Spain, Portugal, and Italy) or 10 kg (for France) before your trip to allow some flexibility and avoid incurring overweight fees.
Please note: The maximum luggage size is 50 x 80 x 30 cm.
Overweight Luggage Fees:
Spain, Portugal, and Italy:
- If your luggage exceeds the weight limit, you will be charged an extra €15 for walkers and €30 for cyclists on the first day your bag is overweight.
- You will be informed of the overweight status and will have one day to split the weight into two bags and pay for the extra piece.
- If not corrected, the transporter will stop moving your bag(s) until the weight is adjusted.
France:
- Bags exceeding 13 kg will not be transported.
- You must redistribute the excess weight into another bag and pay €10 per day for additional transportation (€20 per day for cyclists).
Extra Luggage Requirements
Daily luggage transfers are not available as a standalone service — booking accommodations through us is required.
You can purchase extra luggages to be transported at additional cost, please contact your sales representative before your trip for details.
If you have extra luggage you do not need every day as your trip with us is part of a longer holiday, we recommend sending the spare luggage to Santiago so that you can retrieve it when you get there. Please ask your sales representative for details and cost.
It’s also important to pack your bag wisely to make the most of your allotted weight. Consider packing lightweight clothing and minimizing the number of shoes you bring. You can refer to our ultimate packing list blog to find all that you may need for your Camino journey. You may also want to invest in lightweight and compact travel gear, such as a travel towel.
Overall, while the luggage allowance on the Camino de Santiago may be limited, it’s important to remember that this is for the safety and convenience of all travelers. By packing smart and adhering to weight limits, you can enjoy a safe and comfortable journey along the Camino de Santiago.
Frequently Asked Questions about Luggage on the Camino de Santiago
1. How do luggage transfers work on the Camino de Santiago?
Luggage transfers are typically included when you book all your overnight stays through a single provider. Each morning, you leave your tagged bag at reception by around 8 am, and it’s delivered to your next accommodation by approximately 3 pm, depending on the season and route.
2. What is the maximum weight allowed per bag for luggage transfers?
In Spain, Portugal and Italy, the maximum allowed weight is around 18–20 kg per bag. In France, the limit is lower—typically 10–13 kg per bag. It’s best to pack light and stay within these limits to avoid extra charges or delays.
3. What happens if my bag exceeds the weight limit?
If your bag is overweight, you may need to pay an additional fee. For walkers, this can be around €15, and for cyclists, approximately €30 on the first day. You’ll have one day to repack or pay for the excess. In France, bags over 13 kg are not transported and must be repacked before collection.
4. What are the size restrictions for bags?
The standard maximum bag size is about 50 × 80 × 30 cm. Make sure your luggage fits these dimensions to ensure smooth transfers between accommodations.
5. Can I send extra luggage ahead and still walk lightly?
Yes. Many travellers choose to send additional, non-daily bags ahead to their final destination, such as Santiago. This allows them to walk light each day. However, it usually carries an additional cost and should be arranged before starting your Camino.
6. Is daily luggage transfer included in all bookings?
Daily luggage transfer is included only when all accommodations are booked through the same provider. If you book some nights independently, the service may not be available as a standalone option.
7. What packing tips help stay within weight limits?
Pack light, focus on versatile clothing, and avoid unnecessary items. Use lightweight fabrics, minimise footwear, and choose compact essentials like travel towels. Following a Camino-specific packing checklist can help keep your bag within the recommended weight.
8. Are there any differences between walking and cycling the Camino in terms of luggage allowance?
Yes. While the general weight limits are similar, cyclists often pay slightly higher overweight fees—around €30 compared to €15 for walkers—especially on the first day of transfer.
