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    Home » Camino de Santiago Costs

    Camino de Santiago Costs

    06/17/2025 by HelenVW 2 Comments

    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.

    Helen and Wick in Santiago
    Helen and Wick in Alameda Park with the Santiago Cathedral in the background

    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.
    Camino de Santiago Costs image with couple walking with backpacks and euro symbols all around them as they walk

    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, ComfortCost
    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:

    TypeCost Per Night (Per Person)Details
    Municipal Albergues€8–€15Basic, shared dormitories, first come/first served
    Private Albergues€18–€25More amenities, reserve in advance
    Donativo AlberguesDonation-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–€10bocadillo, salad, or tapas
    Dinner€10–€15including 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

    Camino de Santiago Costs poster with a couple on the Camino and a train

    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

    ExpenseEstimated 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 

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    The Rome2Rio website: https://www.rome2rio.com Find the free app in your phone app store.

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Eric Chiang

      June 19, 2025 at 8:32 pm

      Thank you, very helpful. I plan to walk next year end May.

      Reply
      • HelenVW

        July 02, 2025 at 2:33 pm

        Thanks, Eric!

        Reply

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