How much does it cost to do the Camino de Santiago?
The budget for doing the Camino de Santiago varies depending on the style of pilgrimage. Generally speaking, a pilgrim who sleeps in public hostels and eats the pilgrim’s menu can spend between 25 and 35 euros a day. On the other hand, a pilgrim who opts for private hostels, guesthouses and meals in restaurants can spend between 50 and 70 euros a day.
In addition, to these expenses you have to add the transport costs to the starting point and the return from Santiago, as well as the gear and equipment. With all expenses included, doing the Camino Francés from Sarria (5 days) can cost between 300 and 500 euros.
Budget for doing the Camino de Santiago: accommodation costs
Accommodation is the biggest expense and the one that varies most depending on the pilgrim. These are the main options:
- Public hostels: Between 6 and 12 euros. This is the cheapest option, and they tend to be in high demand in peak season. You cannot book, you get in on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Private hostels: Between 12 and 20 euros. They offer more comfort and allow booking.
- Guesthouses and hostels: Between 25 and 50 euros. An option for those looking for more privacy.
- Hotels and country houses: From 50 euros. For those looking to rest with all the comforts.
- Donation hostels: parish or association hostels that run on voluntary donations.
Budget for doing the Camino de Santiago: food and drink costs
Another of the biggest expenses on the Camino de Santiago is food. A pilgrim can spend between 15 and 30 euros a day, depending on whether they cook or eat out. There is also the option of the pilgrim’s menu, which includes a first course, a second course, dessert, bread and a drink, and costs between 12 and 18 euros.
To save money, most pilgrims buy from supermarkets and cook in the hostels. A simple breakfast costs between 2 and 4 euros, a sandwich between 3 and 5 euros, and for dinner, if you don’t go for the pilgrim’s menu, you can make do with a salad or a combined plate for 8 to 12 euros.
Transport costs for the Camino de Santiago
The transport needed to get to the starting point and for the return from Santiago is also part of the budget. Here we set out the most common costs:
- Transport to the starting point: You can find tickets between 30 and 100 euros by train or bus from a Spanish city, depending on the distance and how far in advance you book. For international pilgrims the cost is higher.
- Transport of the bicycle: Between 20 and 60 euros for transferring the bike by train, bus or plane.
- Return from Santiago: between 30 and 120 euros by train, bus or plane; the price varies depending on the distance and how far in advance you book.
Budget for doing the Camino de Santiago: equipment costs
It should be borne in mind that equipment is an initial investment.
- For a pilgrim on foot: You need to invest in a quality backpack (between 80 and 200 euros), good trekking boots (between 100 and 200 euros), technical clothing (between 150 and 300 euros), trekking poles, a sleeping bag and a first-aid kit.
- For cyclists: You need to invest quite a bit more than if you go on foot. If you don’t have a suitable bicycle, renting one can cost between 300 and 600 euros. To this expense you must add panniers, a helmet, lights, tools and spare parts. Approaching the total, cycling equipment can cost between 500 and 1,500 euros.
Questions about the Camino de Santiago budget
How much does it cost to do the Camino Francés from Sarria?
The Camino Francés from Sarria is 5 stages (111 km). The total cost can range between 300 and 500 euros, including accommodation in public hostels, meals and the return transport. If you opt for private hostels and pilgrim’s menus, the budget can rise to 500-700 euros.
Is it more expensive to do the Camino de Santiago by bicycle?
The Camino de Santiago by bicycle can be more expensive initially because of the cost of the bicycle or its rental, the panniers and the specific equipment. However, by covering more kilometres per day, fewer nights of accommodation are needed, which can offset the expense. In general, the daily cost can be similar to that of a pilgrim on foot.
How much cash should I carry?
Although more and more establishments accept cards, many public hostels, small bars and villages along the Camino only accept cash. It is recommended to carry between 200 and 300 euros in cash for unforeseen expenses, and to withdraw money from ATMs in the cities. It is not advisable to carry large amounts on you.
