How Much Does It Cost to Walk the Camino de Santiago?
One of the most common questions we get from fellow pilgrims is: “How much does it cost to walk the Camino de Santiago?” Whether you're a budget traveler or looking for a bit of comfort along the Way, we’ve broken down all the Camino de Santiago costs—from daily spending to flights and gear—to help you plan wisely and walk confidently.

How Do You Pay for Things on the Camino?
Most pilgrims use a combination of an ATM card, a credit card, and cash. Here’s what we recommend:
- Use an ATM card: to withdraw enough euros for 1-2 days of cash.
- Bring a credit card with no foreign transaction fees to save money.
- Keep some small euro denominations (1€ and 2€ coins) for purchases at cafés or markets that don’t accept cards.
- Always have 1–2 days’ worth of cash on hand since ATMs may be sparse in rural towns.
- Pro tip: Withdraw cash from ATMs located at open banks. If the machine "eats" your card, you’ll be able to retrieve it with the help of bank staff.

How Much Does the Camino Cost Per Day?
We’ve gathered real-world data from our own walks and fellow pilgrims. Here’s what you can expect to spend:
Daily Budget (Per Person)/Budget, Mid-Range, Comfort | Cost |
Budget: Municipal albergues, simple meals | €30 |
Mid-range: Private albergues, cafés, occasional treats | €40–€60 |
Comfort: Private rooms, luggage transfer, taxis | €70+ |
Lodging Options & Prices
There are several types of accommodations on the Camino. Here’s how they compare:
Type | Cost Per Night (Per Person) | Details |
Municipal Albergues | €8–€15 | Basic, shared dormitories, first come/first served |
Private Albergues | €18–€25 | More amenities, reserve in advance |
Donativo Albergues | Donation-based | More amenities, reserve in advance |
Budget Hotels/Pensions | €40–€60 (per room) | Private room, often includes bathroom & breakfast |
Some albergues also offer a communal pilgrim meal for an additional €10–€12.
Food Costs Along the Camino
Food is one of the joys of the Camino! Here’s what to expect:
Breakfast | €3–€5 | coffee & toast or pastry |
Lunch | €5–€10 | bocadillo, salad, or tapas |
Dinner | €10–€15 | including the "Menu del Peregrino" |
If you’re staying somewhere with a communal kitchen, you can cook your own meals and save even more.
Getting to Spain: Flight Costs

For pilgrims traveling from outside Europe, the flight to Spain is often the biggest upfront cost.
- Roundtrip airfare (from the U.S.): $600–$1,200 (depending on season)
- Fly into Madrid, Paris, London, or Lisbon, then connect via train, bus, or a commuter flight to your Camino starting point.
- Use points or travel rewards if you have them—just book early.
Apps like Rome2Rio can help you map out your travel itinerary (though it doesn’t show prices—you’ll need to refer to Google Flights, Skyscanner, or individual airline websites for that).
Transportation to Your Starting Point
Once you land in Europe, you’ll need to get to your Camino start location (e.g., St. Jean Pied-de-Port, León, Porto, etc.):
Madrid: Fly or take a train to Pamplona, then bus to St. Jean
Paris: Train to Bayonne, then transfer to St. Jean
London: Commuter flight to Biarritz, or Pamplona
Gear Costs and Strategies
If you’re starting from scratch, expect to spend €300–€600 on gear. Essentials include:
Backpack (28–35L), quick-dry clothing (2–3 sets), good quality hiking shoes, walking/trekking poles, hat, and sleeping bag/liner
To save money:
- Borrow gear from hiking friends, EXCEPT for your shoes.
- Shop used (Facebook Marketplace, REI Garage, local thrift stores)
- Check Costco or Decathlon for affordable outdoor clothing
How Long Will You Walk?
To estimate your total Camino cost, start by calculating:
1. Your walking pace: Most pilgrims average 15–25 km/day (10–16 miles)
2.Distance of your route: St. Jean to Santiago = ~800 km (~500 miles)
3. Days on the trail: e.g., 50 days at €45/day = €2,250 per person
Don’t forget to add travel, gear, and contingency costs.
Camino de Santiago Cost Recap
Expense | Estimated Cost (Per Person) |
Daily Spending with Meals | €30–€60/day |
Flights | $600–$1,200 (USD) |
Transportation in Spain | €50–€150 |
Gear (if needed) | €300–€600 |
Total (30-day trip) | €1,500–€2,500 (excluding flights) |
Final Thoughts on Camino de Santiago Costs
Hopefully we have given you a better idea of what the Camino de Santiago costs are. Consequently, walking the Camino de Santiago isn’t just one of the most meaningful journeys you can take—it’s also incredibly affordable compared to most international trips. Whether you’re walking for 5 days or 50, you can tailor the experience to your budget.
In addition, if you have any questions or tips to share, we’d love to hear them in the comments!
Buen Camino, friends!
—Helen from Camino Provisions
MORE Good Stuff
The Rome2Rio website: https://www.rome2rio.com Find the free app in your phone app store.
Read and Watch More Good Stuff
- Camino Travel Costs Video
- DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CAMINO PILGRIM Video
- Camino Walking Pace, Lodging, and More Blog
Thank you, very helpful. I plan to walk next year end May.
Thanks, Eric!