Camino de Santiago Luggage Transport: How to Send Your Backpack Between Stages

Walking light: the best decision on the Camino

One of the most common mistakes on the Camino de Santiago is carrying too much weight. After 2-3 days walking with a 10-12 kg backpack, your knees, shoulders and feet really feel it.

The good news is that today there are many options for transporting your luggage between stages so you walk with just the essentials: water, some food and your documents.

How much weight is too much

The general rule is that your backpack should not exceed 10% of your body weight. For a 70 kg person, that's 7 kg maximum. In reality, most first-time pilgrims carry 10-14 kg.

• Ideal walking backpack: 5-7 kg
• Typical pilgrim backpack: 10-14 kg
• Pain threshold: from 8 kg onwards, discomfort starts after the third day

Luggage transport options

1. Taxi with backpack transport

We carry your luggage from one accommodation to the next while you walk. We collect your backpack in the morning and when you arrive at your destination, it's already waiting for you.

• Advantage: flexible, you can change your destination on the go
• Ideal for: those who want maximum freedom
• Coverage: all points along the last 100 km

2. Backpack transport companies

There are specialised companies that transport backpacks between hostels for a fixed price per stage.

• Price: 5-8 EUR per stage per backpack
• Drawback: rigid schedules, you must leave your backpack before 8:00 a.m.
• Limitation: only between predefined points

3. Carry everything yourself

The traditional option. Many Camino purists prefer to carry everything. It's admirable, but it's not required to earn the Compostela certificate.

What to carry in your day pack

If you use luggage transport, you only need:

• Water bottle (1-1.5 litres)
• Some food (fruit, nuts, a sandwich)
• Sun protection and a cap
• Lightweight rain jacket (this is Galicia)
• Documents and Pilgrim Credential
• Phone and a small charger
• Basic first-aid kit (plasters, vaseline, ibuprofen)

Total: 2-3 kg. The difference from 12 kg is enormous.

When luggage transport makes most sense

• Long stages (>25 km): the Palas de Rei to Arzúa stage is 29 km. With a heavy pack it's very tough
• [Rainy days](/en/blog/walking-camino-in-rain-tips): a wet backpack weighs twice as much
• Injuries or pain: if your knees or feet are protesting, removing weight is the first remedy
• Older travellers or those with reduced mobility: there's no shame in asking for help
• [Families with children](/en/blog/camino-santiago-with-kids-family): children can't carry much weight

Alternative: taxi between stages

Sometimes the best move isn't just sending your luggage ahead, but getting a ride yourself. If one day you're exhausted, have an injury or simply want to arrive sooner, a taxi between stages is the solution.

From Palas de Rei we connect all stages of the last 100 km. Fixed price and 24-hour availability.

Final tips

• Don't wait until you're injured to lighten your load

• Sending your backpack ahead doesn't invalidate your Compostela

• Book the transport the night before

• Label your backpack clearly with your name and destination

• Always keep your documents on you, never in the backpack you send ahead