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Backpacks, Bags & Luggage Transfer on the Camino : My Experiences & Useful Tips

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You want to walk to Santiago de Compostela but you’re not sure about carrying a backpack? You’re not alone. Thankfully, several companies offer luggage transfer on the Camino to make your journey easier.

I’ve been walking the Camino de Santiago for almost 12 years; sometimes carrying my pack, sometimes using backpack transport and also leading groups where this service is used. There are many reasons why people choose to have their pack moved forward, but sometimes it is simply a case of lightening your load.

But how does it work? How much does it cost? How do you book it? Keep reading and I’ll explain

If you’re dreaming of walking the Camino but worried about carrying a backpack, don’t let that stop you. There is an great solution and it’s easier than you think.

What is Luggage Transport on the Camino?

Luggage transport or transfer is a service that moves your backpack, rucksack, or suitcase along the Camino from one accommodation to the next. Each morning, your bag is collected from your accommodation and delivered to your next destination. Think of it as a taxi service for your bag.

This service has become incredibly popular, especially for :

Luggage transfer makes the Camino more accessible for so many people and that has to be a glorious thing!

And What Luggage Transport Isn’t

I debated whether to include this, but you know me; I like to be thorough and leave no stone unturned.

So let’s talk about Camino snobbery. We’ve maybe all heard the comments that Real pilgrims carry their own packs.  I really dislike this and I totally disagree with the statement. Using luggage transport does not make you less of a pilgrim. Ever. Ever. Full stop.

Just like sleeping in a bunk over a private room doesn’t make you a better pilgrim, neither does sending your pack ahead.

The official Compostela guidelines are crystal clear:

Notice what’s missing? There is no mention of a backpack in the rules. The Camino is about the journey and has never been about how much weight you carry.

Ignore the naysayers; they are perhaps still novices in understanding the true spirit of the Camino.

Why Use Luggage Transfer Services Along the Camino?

Pilgrims choose luggage transfer for many reasons. Some use it for a day or two over tough terrain or when nursing an illness or injury, others plan their entire Camino with bag transport. Whatever the reason, the service is there when you need it.

The Benefits of Bag Transfer

The Downsides of Using Bag Transfer

This might seem like a long list of downsides, but on balance, I still believe luggage transfer is a fantastic option. I use it when I need it, and I will continue to take advantage of it the service for myself and my groups.

Safety and Security of Your Luggage

Luggage transport on the Camino is very safe. Bags are rarely lost and in 12 years of using this service, I’ve never had a problem. However, to ensure a hassle-free experience, there are a few important rules to follow.

1. Label Your Bag Clearly

Most services provide stickers or tags so use them and ensure you include :

2. Never Pack Valuables

I have a rule of thumb; how would you feel it you never saw the contents of you bag again?  If there is something that instantly jumps to mind then it should be in your day bag.  But you should always keep the following with you at all times :

Clearly the point of luggage transport is to lighten the load but there are certain things you need to carry in your daypack.  And if in doubt then maybe you should leave some things at home.

3. Know the Weight Limit

I have walked with folks who’s luggage was so heavy it needed two people to carry it up the stairs.  This should never happen.  If for no other reason than the poor person who’s working for the luggage company has to lift that bag too.

Stick to under 15 kg max per bag.  When I walked 1007 kilometres on the Via De La Plata my bag weighed 5kg.  This was enough to keep me going for seven weeks.  Using bag transport should not be a reason to carry more stuff.

Top Tip : If your bag is too heavy luggage companies may simply refuse to transport it, or ask you to repack into two bags and pay extra before they accept it.

4. Use a Suitable Bag

Yes, this needs to be said! I once had a lady walking the Camino with all her belongings in a black plastic bag.  And yes of course it got damaged.

Ask yourself would you load that bag into the hold of a bus or a plane?  Honestly, I’ve never had a problem with damage and the companies go out of their way to help us but we need to do our bit to make their job easier!

5. Don’t Pack Fragile Items

Anything fragile or valuable should stay with you.

Use common sense and if in doubt, leave it out.

6. Perishables : Keep Food Out of Your Bag

I once saw a pilgrim add ham and cheese to their bag every morning and then wonder why they had an upset stomach.

Luggage transport is NOT refrigerated; food may sit in a van all day. If you’re carrying snacks, keep them in your daypack.

7. Hazardous Materials

This is probably obvious but it’s worth repearing. Just like an airline, you cannot transport hazardous materials.

Luggage transport on the Camino is reliable, safe, and efficient and a fantastic option for many reasons.  We need to follow basic common sense guidelines to help ensure that our luggage goes from A to B safely. . Pack smart and don’t put anything inside your bag that you can’t afford to lose or break.

If in doubt, carry it with you!

Companies That Transport Luggage Along the Camino?

Thankfully there are a number of excellent companies who offer to move luggage along the Camino.  Whilst not every route is covered, most are. 

These are the companies I know and have used and would recommend; it’s alphabetical as they’re all great!

1. Correos (Spanish Postal Service)

We’ve used Correos multiple times, and it’s efficient and reliable. The big advantage is that it’s the Spanish national postal service, so it has a strong infrastructure.  The downside is maybe I’ve found other companies easier to use, and they only operate in Spain. But overall, Correos is a solid choice.

Website: elcaminoconcorreos.com

Routes Correos Cover

2. Caminofácil

Caminofácil has been handling luggage transfers for over a decade and they also offer taxi services & storage in Santiago.

I’ve used them many times and their customer service is first-class; and I’ve never had a problem with the luggage transfer.  I have found the taxi service to be a little pricey, but you can book in advance, it’s reliable and hassle-free and they are very easy to work with.

Website: caminofacil.net

Routes Caminofácil Cover

3. Pilbeo

Pilbeo provides rucksack and luggage transfer services across various Camino routes. I haven’t used them personally, but I’ve seen them recommended time and time again. They have a great website, and their app allows real-time tracking of your bags.

Website: pilbeo.com

Routes Pilbeo Cover

4. TopSantiago

TopSantiago is a Portuguese-based company offering airport transfers, luggage collection & stage-by-stage delivery services.

They are one of the few companies supporting pilgrims leaving from Lisbon along all the Portuguese routes.  They also offer real-time tracking of your luggage.

Website: topsantiago.com

Routes TopSantiago Cover

5. Tuitrans

Tuitrans focuses exclusively on the Portuguese Camino routes; covering both the Central & Coastal routes, along with the Spiritual Variant. I planned to use them in 2020, but, well… things didn’t go as expected!

Website: tuitrans.com

Routes Tuitrans Cover

6. Jacotrans

Jacotrans was the first luggage transport company I ever used, and they’re one of the longest-running services on the Camino. You see their vans along the Camino Francés, and their labels are in almost every reception area in hotels and albergues.

The only minor downside is that their website is mainly in Spanish, but there’s lots of good information, so use Google Translate if needed.

They are a long-standing well trusted service along the Camino Frances.

Website: jacotrans.es

Routes Jacotrans Cover

7. Express Bourricot

A French-based company focused on the Pyrenees and the French side of the Camino into Roncesvalles.  If you’re staying at Orisson, this is the company you’ll use as they only accept luggage from Express Bourricot.

The company also offers shared and private airport transfers and can transport pilgrims between Biarritz, Bayonne, Pamplona, and Bilbao and along the first stage of the Camino.   This is a well trusted pilgrim service provider.

Website: expressbourricot.com

Routes Express Bourricot Cover

As you can see, there are plenty of great options for luggage and people transfer on the Camino.  I’ve used some of these services, but not all.  I’m always keen to have first hand reviews; have you used luggage transport on the Camino?  Join my Walking the Camino Facebook community and share your experiences with the group.

How to Book Luggage Transport on the Camino

Every luggage transport company offers an online booking option via their website. While each has slightly different terms and conditions, the general rule is:

Most pilgrim accommodations have information about bag transfer services, and while you can still find envelope payment options, I strongly recommend that you inform the company the evening before. One lady in my group once completed a label and left her luggage at reception, assuming it would be collected. It wasn’t. She had to pay for an expensive taxi to retrieve her bag.

Booking online, via WhatsApp or with a quick phone call is the best way and remember :

FAQs: More About Luggage Transfer on the Camino

I feel like I’ve covered everything you need to know, and every company has more on their website but here are some common questions:

How can I pay for my bag transport?

Most companies accept credit cards, PayPal, and in some cases, cash left with your backpack.

How much does luggage transport cost?

There’s no one fixed price because costs depend on:

Typical cost are between €6–€12 per stage, but an average of €8 per day. Some providers offer multi-day discounts if you book in advance.

What if I don’t have accommodation yet in Santiago but need gear forwarded?

Some companies offer luggage storage in Santiago, or you can send your bag to:

I once sent a pair of boots ahead to Santiago’s Post Office and also forwarded summer clothes to Casa Ivar while walking the Via de la Plata in the autumn.  Both worked well but Ivar will offer a more personal service.

Is there an app for booking luggage transport?

Some companies have dedicated apps, while others allow bookings via email, WhatsApp, or a simple phone call.  And most have customer service available until 8 or 9pm at night.

What if my bag is lost or delayed?

I’ve never had a bag go missing, but I once had a slight delay; only 30 minutes late though.

If your bag doesn’t arrive, contact the company immediately; most services can track luggage in real-time.

What’s a Backpack Called in Spanish & Portuguese?

Just in case you’re curious, here are some useful words in Spain and Portugal :

Can I use luggage transfer if I stay in albergues?

Yes, but not all albergues accept luggage transport. You must check in advance, if you can’t find your accommodation on the service provider’s list.

Some traditional donation-based albergues only accept pilgrims who carry their own packs.

My lodging isn’t listed on the transfer website. Can I still use the service?

Usually, yes! Contact the luggage transport provider directly, and they’ll likely find a solution for you.

I once booked an apartment in Logroño, and the owner had my luggage delivered to his office instead of the apartment.  You may have to go find the luggage but there’s always a solution.

Is luggage transfer available on weekends & public holidays?

Yes! During the Camino season, most companies operate 7 days a week and you can email, whatsapp or call without problem.

Should You Use Luggage Transfer Services Along the Camino?

Why not? You’ve chosen to walk the Camino de Santiago, not as a punishment, but as a celebration of Spain, and of life and of St. James. The Camino is many things, but the one thing it’s not is a test of how much weight you can carry on your back.

For some pilgrims, luggage transfer makes the difference between walking the Camino or not walking at all. And like all things in life, it’s not for everyone; but that’s ok. The Camino is about choice and we each walk it in our own way.

There’s no doubt that luggage transport makes the Camino more accessible; whether you use it for just one stage or your entire pilgrimage. But like everything, it comes with compromises, such as needing to plan ahead and sticking to a schedule.

I’ve done both and I’ve loved both. On less-travelled paths you carry your own bag and that’s part of the experience. On busier routes, you have the option to send it ahead and for many that is also part of the experience too.

I love walking the Camino, it changed my life. And if luggage transfer means that more people get to experience this incredible journey, then that’s a wonderful thing.

Are You Walking the Camino De Santiago?

You may have noticed that I love the Camino de Santiago. If you’re planning your own walk I have many other resources that may help :

Along with many other posts covering travel, insurance and currency, travel to St Jean Pied de Port and What to do in Santiago and pilgrim guides to Porto! I have a lot of great content for pilgrims!

If you’re planning your Camino or already on the trail, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Join my Camino Facebook Community, share your stories, and or ask questions and find inspiration for the road ahead.