How much does it cost to walk the Camino?
You’re eager to tick the Camino off your bucket list, but if this is going to be the year you finally walk across Spain, you need to know the cost of the Camino de Santiago.
Lucky for you, walking the Camino de Santiago is possible on a shoestring budget.
Of course, if you have more money to spend on the Camino, there are opportunities to significantly upgrade your comfort.
After this post, you’ll know how much money you need to budget to walk the Camino if you’re a budget traveler, high-end traveler or somewhere inbetween.
This post was originally published on Nov. 29, 2016, and updated on March 12, 2020.
Although I’m a diehard budget traveler myself, you’ll also find information about accommodation costs on the Camino for high-end and mid-range budgets.
This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may receive a small commission (at no cost to you). Please see my full disclosure policy for details.
This post details the cost of the Camino de Santiago for the last 100 km of the French Way (Sarria to Santiago de Compostela), which is the most popular section of the Camino.
Over 300,000 people walk the various routes of the Camino de Santiago each year, according to Wikipedia.
You can also check out how much it costs to walk the Portuguese Camino, which is the second most popular route after the French Way.
At the end of this post, you’ll have a clear understanding about all Camino de Santiago costs including:
- Camino de Santiago accomodation costs
- Municipal albergues, private albergues & more
- Cost of food
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner & snacks
- How much does the pilgrim menu cost on the Camino de Santiago?
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Do you need travel insurance to walk the Camino?
- Budget hacks for doing the Camino de Santiago cheap
- Learn the best tips & tricks for how to save money on the Camino.
Throughout the post, I have converted prices from EUR to USD in accordance with the current exchange rate (€1=$1.10 USD).
Cost of the Camino de Santiago: Gear
If you ‘re like most pilgrims, you’ll have to pony up some cash before you even set foot on the Camino.
It would be a shame to blow your budget on gear, so I recommend taking stock of what you already have before buying anything new.
Don’t feel like you have to run out and buy brand-new hiking pants if you have a perfectly good pair of leggings at home.
Doing the Camino de Santiago cheap starts with making smart decisions about your gear. For more about the gear I used on my Caminos, be sure to check out my detailed Camino packing list post.
That being said, there are a few items you’re definitely going to want to purchase for your Camino—especially if it will be your first long-distance hike.
Hiking Backpack
Yeah, you’re not going to walk the Camino with a JanSport.
A comfortable, durable, properly-fitting backpack will make all the difference on your Camino and is well worth the money.
For both my Caminos, I used the Osprey Kyte 36 and absolutely love it.
In my opinion, it’s the best women’s backpack for the Camino. I give all the reasons I’m obsessed with it in my ultimate Camino packing list guide.
The men’s equivalent is the Osprey Kestral 38.
If you’re packing light on the Camino (which you definitely should be), you don’t need a backpack any bigger than 38 liters.
Sleeping Bag
If you plan on sleeping in albergues, you absolutely need a sleeping bag when you walk the Camino.
Before you hit “Add to Cart” on just any old sleeping bag though, consider what the weather will be like during the time of year you’re planning to do the Camino.
The type of sleeping bag you choose will depend on what month you’re walking the Camino.
For example, when I walked the last 100 km of the French way, I did it in September and used a sleeping bag that was good for 0°C.
But, if you’re planning on walking the Camino in July or August, you might be able to get away with a lighter (and cheaper) sleeping sack.
Whatever sleeping bag you choose, make sure it comes with a compression sack. It will make packing up in the morning a whole lot easier.
Hiking Shoes
Notice that I wrote shoes.
Don’t make the same mistake I did on my first Camino and wear hiking boots.
Traditional hiking boots aren’t necessary for the Camino section from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela where the terrain is mostly flat.
Significant parts of this section are actually paved. Hiking boots + pavement = one VERY sore back ?
Instead, opt for footwear like what I wore for my second Camino: Altra Women’s Torin 4 Road Running Shoe.
Thanks to these shoes unique spread-toe design, I didn’t have a single blister when I walked the Portuguese Way.
You read that right: Not. A. Single. Blister.
If you’re planning on walking a Camino route with a little more elevation change, you might want to consider one of Altra’s trail running shoes since they offer a little more traction.
When I walk the Camino del Norte, I plan on trying the Altra Women’s Lone Peak 4 Trail Running Shoe. This pair looks like it offers a bit more traction and is better suited to that particular route.
For more about what I packed for the Camino, check out this post which details all my Camino essentials plus helpful tips for how you can pack light on the Camino de Santiago.
Cost of the Camino de Santiago: Transportation
Pilgrims traveling from outside of Spain need to factor in the costs of international travel.
If you’re walking the last 100 km of the Camino, in all likelihood, the most cost-effective option is to fly into Madrid.
From Madrid, you can take a train or budget flight to Santiago de Compostela. Both options cost between $40-50 USD for a one-way ticket.
If you decide to use a budget airline like Ryanair to get to Santiago de Compostela, keep in mind that your backpack needs to comply with the carry-on luggage parameters.
You don’t want to get slapped with a $55 USD oversized cabin baggage fee.
How to Get From Santiago de Compostela to Sarria to Start the Camino
From the Santiago de Compostela airport, take the Empresa Freire bus to Lugo.
If you can’t locate where the bus picks up, the tourist information desk can point you in the right direction.
The journey takes approximately two hours and costs $7 USD.
Buses run throughout the day, and you can find the schedule online. Purchase tickets for this bus from the driver.
From Lugo, take the Monbus to Sarria.
The journey takes 30 minutes and costs approximately $4 USD. Buses run more or less every hour throughout the day. Purchase tickets for this bus from the driver.
How to Get From Santiago de Compostela City Center to the Airport
Once you’ve finished your Camino, you’ll likely need to return to the airport in Santiago de Compostela.
The Empresa Freire bus runs every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 1 a.m. Purchase tickets (approximately $3 USD) for this bus from the driver.
You can catch the bus in Plaza de Galicia.
How to Get From Finisterre to Santiago de Compostela
The Monbus from Finisterre to Santiago costs $14 USD and takes a little more than two hours.
~Total Transportation-Related Camino de Santiago Costs: $68 USD~
Camino de Santiago Accommodation Costs
The most popular and cheapest accommodation for pilgrims walking the Camino is staying in albergues.
Albergues are dormitory-style accommodations which can range in price from $5 USD to $17 USD.
Along the Camino, you’ll find both municipal and private albergues.
Municipal albergues are government-run and the cheapest option, costing as little as $5 USD per night.
Private albergues are, you guessed, privately-owned. You can ususally expect to pay $11-17 USD for a dorm bed in a private albergue.
You can learn more about albergues on the Camino in this detailed post. Find out how to book, what to expect and the TRUTH about bedbugs.
~ACCOMMODATION COSTS UPDATED FOR 2020!~
Since I was trying to do the Camino de Santiago cheap, I opted to spend the majority of nights in municipal albergues.
Some of the municipal albergues I stayed in were really quite nice, clean and comfortable. Others were in not-so-good shape.
Remember, folks, you get what you pay for.
Three of my eight nights on the Camino, I opted for a night’s stay in a private albergue.
Private albergues often come with “extras” such as sheets, towels and meals.
When I walked from Sarria to Santiago and then onto Finisterre, I stayed in three incredibly clean and quiet private albergues.
Because private albergues are so reasonably priced on the Camino, even budget travelers can afford to upgrade for a night or two.
Albergues Between Sarria and Santiago
Here’s a list of the albergues between Sarria and Santiago de Compostela that I stayed in:
- Municipal albergue in Sarria
- $9 USD
- My first night in a municipal albergue wasn’t a pleasant experience. The municipal albergue in Sarria was cramped, dark and smelly.
- Municipal albergue in Gonzar
- $7 USD
- I was so tired after my first day on the Camino that I hardly remember what this municipal albergue was like. Nice, I think?
- Municipal albergue in Santa Irene
- $5 USD
- Definitely the nicest municipal albergue I stayed in. Very clean and quiet.
- Roots and Boots in Santiago de Compostela
- $16 USD
- There isn’t a municipal albergue in the Santiago city center, so pilgrims must seek accommodation in private albergues.
- I stayed at Roots and Boots, which is ideally situated between the city center and the Camino toward Finisterre.
Albergues Between Santiago and Finisterre
Here’s a list of the albergues between Santiago de Compostela and Finisterre that I stayed in:
- Municipal albergue in Negreia
- $9 USD
- This was the smallest municipal albergue I stayed in. Since beds are limited, you better walk fast to ensure you get one!
- Municipal albergue in Olveira
- $9 USD
- This municipal albergue was pretty gross. It’s situated next to a cow pasture, so be prepared to smell manure.
- Albergue O Bordón in Cee
- $13 USD
- I practically collapsed in my bunk at this albergue. I’ve never been so thankful for a hot shower.
- Albergue A Pedra Santa in Finisterre
- $13 USD
- Bunk bed in a mixed-dormitory room, located near the city center.
~Total Camino de Santiago Accommodation Costs: $81 USD~
Mid-Range Accommodation Costs on the Camino de Santiago
While I strongly believe staying in a municipal albergue is an essential Camino experience, I understand that sleeping in a giant dormitory isn’t for everyone.
If bunk bed life isn’t for you, you should look for a single room in a private albergue.
While prices vary, a single room will cost approximately $40 USD.
If you’re walking with a buddy or meet another pilgrim you don’t mind sharing a room with, consider getting a double room in a private albergue.
When you split it, a double room in a private albergue will cost around $25 USD per person.
High-End Accommodation Costs on the Camino de Santiago
Of course, there are opportunities to splurge on the Camino.
If budget isn’t an issue and you want to be comfortable, look into hotels and guesthouses.
When I walked the Portuguese Camino, I stayed in several budget hotels for $19-45 USD.
Being the budget traveler I am, I split the room with another pilgrim, but if you’re willing to foot the bill, you’ll get an entire room AND private bathroom all to yourself.
There will be more options for accommodation in bigger cities along the Camino and the closer you get to Santiago de Compostela.
Cost of Camino de Santiago: Food
Food is one area where you can really save money on your Camino.
Some nights, I stopped in at a local grocery store to buy breakfast items and snacks for the trail (fruit, cookies, granola bars).
On my first Camino, I ate the majority of my meals at cafes or restuarants but did see many pilgrims preparing meals in the albergues.
When I walked the Portuguese Way, I cooked most of my meals in the albergues and saved a lot of money.
My go-to dinner was sauteed veggies and kidney beans smothered in pasta sauce over rice.
Hey, after a long day of walking, it tasted like a gourmet meal!
Breakfast on the Camino
On average, I spent about $4 USD per day on breakfast.
I usually ate a granola bar or piece of fruit (purchased the night before) shortly after starting on the trail in the morning.
An hour or so into walking, I’d stop at a cafe for café americano and pan con tomate (toast topped with tomato, olive oil and salt).
If I was feeling fancy, I might order a zumo de naranja (fresh-squeezed orange juice) as well.
Mid-morning snack on the Camino
By mid-morning, I almost always needed a pick-me-up. I’d stop at a cafe for an espresso, sometimes adding on a croissant or tortilla de patata (omelette).
This usually cost me around $2 USD.
Pilgrim Menu Cost on the Camino de Santiago
Many restaurants along the Camino offer specials for pilgrims.
You’ll see it advertised as the menu del peregrinos (pilgrim menu).
For around $10 USD, you can get a hearty meal consisting of a first course, second course, dessert, bread and drink.
This is A LOT of food.
On my first Camino, I often ate the pilgrim menu for BOTH lunch and dinner ($20 USD per day).
Even though walking made me hungry, it never made me that hungry.
To cut costs on the Camino, I recommend preparing at least one of your meals yourself.
Because the section from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela is so popular, the albergue kitchens can be really crowded.
If that’s the case, try making yourself a meal out of meat, cheese, bread, olives and grapes. Don’t forget the wine!
~Total Cost of Food on the Camino de Santiago: $208 USD ($26/day)~
Water on the Camino
Don’t bother buying bottle water on the Camino.
The tap water in Spain (and Portugal) is safe to drink and, in some places, even tasty.
You can always fill up your water bottle or Camelback at the albergue or, if you’re in a cafe, ask the bartender to fill it up for you.
If you’ve purchased a coffee, caña (small beer) or meal, they’re generally happy to do so.
Miscellaneous Expenses on the Camino
As with any trip, there were a few miscellaneous costs along the way.
Pilgrim Passport
Along with your acutal passpost, you need to carry a pilgrim passport when you’re walking the Camino.
In order to be able to stay in albergues, you must have a pilgrim passport.
Some pilgrims purchase their passport ahead of time online, but it’s easy to buy one on the Camino.
For $2 USD, I purchased my passport at the church in Sarria the day before starting my Camino.
In order to get your compostela (certificate of completion), the passport must be stamped a minimum of twice per day at albergues, restaurants, churches and other establishments along the Camino.
Once you reach Santiago de Compostela, you must show the stamped passport in order to receive official recognition of your pilgrimage.
Compostela Tube
After walking more than 70 miles for my compostela, I didn’t want to mess it up by shoving it in my backpack.
Fortunately, the pilgrim office in Santiago sells cardboard tubes for $1 USD. It’s perfect for transporting your hard-earned compostela.
Travel Insurance
As with any trip, I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for the Camino de Santiago.
Hopefully, you won’t twist your ankle on the trail or smash your iPhone on the albergue floor after accidentally dropping it off the top bunk, but in case something does happen, you want to be covered.
For my Caminos, I’ve always used World Nomads. A policy can cost as little as $4 USD/day.
Total Cost of the Camino de Santiago
To figure out how much the Camino de Santiago costs, I’ve totaled the following expenses:
- Domestic transportation
- Accommodation
- Food
- Small miscellanous items
I didn’t include the cost of gear, the cost of an international flight or the cost of travel insurance since that will vary from pilgrim to pilgrim
So, how much does it cost to walk the Camino de Santiago from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela?
- $199 USD for 4 days of walking on the Camino
The cost of walking the Camino from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela and onto Finisterre was:
- $361 USD for 8 days of walking on the Camino
How Much Does It Cost to Walk the Camino?
I spent an average of $45 USD per day while walking the Camino de Santiago.
That figure includes transportation, accommodation, food and miscellanous expenses.
This daily budget is very close to what Camino Adventures suggests.
Even though I mostly stayed in municipal albergues, I realize now that I spent entirely too much money on food.
From walking the Portuguese Camino, I now know so much more about how to do the Camino de Santiago cheap.
Budget Hacks for Doing the Camino de Santiago Cheap
If you’re trying to do the Camino on a budget, it’s good to have a plan.
Otherwise, it’s easy to waste money.
Trust me, a few euros here and a few euros there can really add up.
But, with these tips, you can definitely do the Camino de Santiago on the cheap.
#1 Cook Dinner with Other Pilgrims
It’s difficult to cook for just one person. If you’re walking the Camino solo, ask other pilgrims if they’re interested in preparing dinner together in the albergue.
You’ll save money and make friends!
#2 Get a Charles Schwab Debit Card
ATM fees might not seem like a big deal at first, but they can really eat into your Camino budget.
If you’re American, open a Charles Schwab checking account. Charles Schwab reimburses you for all ATM fees.
It’s FREE to open and doesn’t require a minimum balance.
#3 Choose a Less Popular Route
The Portuguese Camino (particularly the section in Portugal) costs less to walk than the French Way.
See for yourself in this post I wrote detailing how much it costs to walk the Portuguese Camino.
#4 Give a New Albergue a Chance
If you’re looking for a little more comfort but don’t want to spend a whole lot more than you would on a municipal albergue, take a chance on a new private albergue.
As they try to build up reviews, new private albergues are likely to be cheaper.
Just make sure you ask to see the room before you throw down your credit card.
#5 Bring a Collapsible Tupperware Container
This might seem like an unnecessary extra, but you’ll be shocked by how much you use it on the Camino.
Don’t let any food go to waste. Save your leftovers for later.
If you make a plan to follow these budgets hacks for doing the Camino cheap, you can budget approximately (or even less than) $30 USD per day.
Getting Money on the Camino
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about money on the Camino.
First, I never use currency exchanges and prefer to withdraw money from the ATM just like I do at home.
Thanks to the Charles Schwab debit card, I never pay any ATM fees—even when I’m traveling abroad.
On the Camino, I highly recommend you carry cash with you at all times.
If you plan on staying in municipal albergues, know that they ONLY take cash.
For the most part, I just used my credit card to pay for private albergues or hotels.
In restaurants and bars, it’s so much easier to pay with cash.
Spanish waiters and bartenders aren’t exactly known for their speediness, and you don’t want to be waiting around for them to bring the credit card machine when you’re ready to get back on the trail.
Is the Camino de Santiago Worth It?
Absolutely, the Camino de Santiago is definitely worth it.
Considering the minimal cost of the Camino de Santiago compared to other vacations, it’s well-worth your money.
Even with a small budget, you will create memories that you’ll treasure for the rest of your life.
Help Me Walk the Camino del Norte ?: If you found this post helpful, please consider making a donation via PayPal to support future content creation. Your contribution will help me reach Santiago de Compostela.
More Posts About the Cost of the Camino de Santiago:
- How Much Does 13 Days on the Portuguese Camino Cost?
- What It’s Really Like to Stay in a Municipal Albergue
- How to Pack for the Camino Without Spending a Million Bucks
- 25 Camino Tips You Need to Get to Santiago de Compostela
Final Thoughts About the Cost of the Camino de Santiago
If you’re thinking about walking the Camino de Santiago in 2021, be sure to check out this out about what it’s really like to walk the Camino during coronavirus.
Learn what to expect plus get tips to stay safe and healthy from a pilgrim who walked the Camino in 2020. Her insight about staying in albergues is incredibly valuable.
Got questions about the cost of walking the Camino de Santiago? Ask away in the comments.
Cost of the Camino de Santiago {2020}: How Much Should You Budget?
Psst…Don’t forget to pin this post for later!
I’m looking to eventually get over to Spain and hike the camino de Santiago. This is a different than the backcountry backpacking that I’m used to in the States, I won’t have to hang my food from bears! Trying to gather all the info I can and found your site informative. Keep at it and maybe I’ll see you out there…
Hi Eddie! Thank you for taking the time to read and leave a comment. I’m glad you found this post helpful! If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email. Buen Camino, Alex
Alex Wittman recently posted…How To Learn A Language Online With italki
Hi Alex, I’m Leo from Indonesia.
I have a plan for Camino de Santiago next year.
I have a question, can I go with my tent? I mean, can I stay in my tent for a whole journey?
Hi Alex. I’m Leo from Indonesia.
I have a plan to do Camino next year. Not for one week, but for a month.
But I have plan to go with my tent. Can I stay in my tent for the whole Camino? I mean is there places for my tent to stay the night there?
And then is there any markets for buy a food that I can cook everyday there?
Thankyou for your kindness
Hi Leo, thank you for reading the blog and taking the time to leave a comment! As far as camping along the Camino, from what I understand, it’s illegal. There aren’t any official campsites, so you’d need to do backcountry camping on people’s properties. I’ve heard it’s been done, but that’s as much as I know. Perhaps if you have a bit of Spanish, you could ask people if you could put up a tent at the edge of their properties?? There are lots of little towns and convenience shops along the way, so you won’t have any trouble finding places to buy groceries. I hope that helps! Buen Camino, Alex
Alex Wittman recently posted…How To Learn A Language Online With italki
Excellent blog. You gave a great account of the route I intend to take next week, as well as what to expect with a lot of great info. Many thanks.
Hi Colin, I’m glad you found the info help. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment! I hope your Camino was everything you’d hoped for! Best, Alex
Want information on walking the Camino from Sarria to Santiago – 8 days and spent 2 days in Madrid.
Accommodation, all costs etc.
Thank you
Hi Ina, all my costs for the walk from Sarria to Santiago are detailed in this post. For information about things to do in Madrid, definitely check out my posts about the city! If you have specific questions, please feel free to email me. All the best!
I’m planning my Camino by March, I’m so excited, will be starting at Sarria going all the way to the “end of the world”. This post really help to budget myself.
Thank you for the info.
I’m so glad you found the post helpful! Best of luck to you & buen Camino!
I am planning my trip for September. I see that you offer suggestions for women backpacks and sleeping backs. As a older man (66) what would you recommend.
Hi, Pat!
I recommend the men’s equivalent to the pack I used which is the Osprey Kestral 38. You can find it on Amazon or wherever Osprey backpacks are sold (definitely REI). As far as a sleeping bag, it depends on what route you’re doing and what the forecast is like for when in September you’re planning on doing your hike. In general, albergues are warm (what with all the pilgrims in the dorms) so you won’t need anything too heavy-duty. I hope this helps.
Buen Camino,
Alex
Thank You Very Helpful
You’re very welcome!
I just came across this blog. I’m really hoping to do this hike. My daughter and I have backpacked Yosemite many times. I’ve recently gotten arthritis and hope for a bit easier hike. Downhills are toughest. How would you describe the terrain and sights? How long are the rural stretches between alburgues?
Hi, Jennifer!
That’s so great that you are thinking about doing the Camino. I’m not sure which route you are planning on taking. They all have different scenery. The last 100 km of the French Way, which I did in 2016, is the least picturesque section. Albergues are closer together, but that also means there are more people. In 2019, I walk the Portuguese Coastal Camino. You can find lots of information about it on my blog. It was much more scenic. The first bit hugs the coast, hence the name. Albergues, however, were a little more spread apart. I don’t think ever more than 10 km though. I hope this helps!
Buen Camino,
Alex
Great article! I actually have the Exact Altra Lone Peak 4.0 you pictured! I haven’t gone on any long hikes with them yet, but I wear them for three Mike walks and they feel great! Wide toe box and very lightweight! I’m not sure how they’d be in the snow, but for the Portuguese coastal, I think they’d be great!
Hi, Deb!
Yesssss, someone else who can vouch for how amazing Altras are! I seriously can’t imagine doing another Camino without them. They were perfect for the Portuguese Coastal. I’m interested to try a pair with the trail bottoms for a more rugged path like, perhaps, the Camino del Norte. Happy walking in your Altras!
Thank you for this. This is something I hope to do with my husband and two boys, when we get to have enough money for it. Praying it will be soon.
The Camino makes a grand family adventure! Buen Camino to you & yours, Nelca!
I am 73 & my husband is 77. Walking a short part of the Camino is a dream of ours. We are planning a trip to San Sebastian through to Santiago de C then a train/bus to Porto. 3 weeks in total. Can you advise the best short route for us please. Thanks for all the information you have provided. Great stuff.
Hi, Jeanette!
The route you do will depend on how much you plan to walk each day. Keep in mind that to earn your Compostela (official certificate of completion) you will need to walk the last 100 km of any route into Santiago. If you want the most traditional route, then I recommend starting in Sarria.
Buen Camino!
Hi Alex,
Great advice, and thanks for sharing. I don’t know if I did not add correctly the amounts, but do you mind guiding/correcting me if I stipulated the cost for about a month right, please?
I am not including the gear. I gathered it may be up to 500US$ in lodging, another 500US$+/- in meals, and another 300-500+- for incidentals/miscellaneous. Does this sound reasonable?
Hi Alex
My husband survived 2 stroke and sever covid hospitalization in 12 months,thank God for that .
After watching testimony of
60 yers old covid survival man abou woking the Jacobs Wages he whant to do the same!!!
walk the full route !! What is the recmandeed Walking distance per day to cover a full part of the Camino is now a dream of ours. We are planning a trip to Madrid from Ethiopia in September. For 4 weeks walking ,Can you advise if there is accommodation after
every walking distance at the route ?
Thanks for all the information you have provided. Its great
Haimanot
When training at home, how much weight should I put in my backpack. I want to be ready, my sister is a hiker but only walk for enjoyment. I fractured my tibia and need to start building strength back up. I will do the pilgrimage possibly in spring 2023.
I recommend working up to the weight you plan on carrying on the trail. My backpack weighed around 12 pounds.