Do you find it unpleasant or difficult to walk with your backpack every day? Or do you experience back or shoulder pain while walking and wish you could walk with less strain for a few days? In these cases, the Camino de Santiago luggage service is a helpful option to consider during your pilgrimage.
If you book through WAW.travel, we arrange the luggage transportation for you and this article shows the essential steps you need to follow during your walk. And even if you are organising your Camino on your own, this guide can be just as useful if you plan to use luggage transport from the start or decide to arrange it later while already on the Camino.
To help you prepare even better for your Camino, we have also written several practical guides that many walkers find useful. You can read more about the essential expenses on the Camino, understand how the tourist tax works, check what kind of weather to expect, and discover which items you definitely do not need to pack. We also share tips on mistakes first-time walkers often make and a helpful guide on choosing the best hiking socks for long walking days. These resources will make your preparation smoother and ensure you start your Camino with confidence. Now let’s get to the luggage service!
Camino de Santiago luggage service made simple: step-by-step guide
At WAW.travel, we work with multiple providers. Think about Correos and Top Santiago, two of our trusted partners who safely transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next. Of course, there are several other luggage transport companies operating along the Camino as well.
The steps below explain how the process works when you travel with WAW.travel, but the procedure is often similar if you organise your Camino independently. If you are walking on your own, make sure to follow the specific instructions of the provider you choose.
Step 0: Before anything else — arrange your luggage transport
a) If you booked with WAW.travel
If you have booked an organized trip with WAW.travel, we arrange the luggage transport service for you exactly as requested. You can move straight to Step 1 and do not need to take any further action.
b) If you walk independently
If you are walking independently, contact Correos or Top Santiago at least before 8 p.m. the night before to reserve the service. In many accommodations, you can also arrange it directly at the reception.
Step 1: Prepare your luggage in the morning
Start your day by getting your luggage ready for pickup. Your bag needs to be placed at the reception before 8:00 a.m., as drivers begin their rounds early. Having everything packed and ready on time ensures the Camino de Santiago luggage service runs smoothly and that your luggage reaches the next accommodation without delay.
It’s actually best to pack your suitcase first thing in the morning, then go for breakfast afterwards so you don’t feel rushed. Double-check that all zippers are closed and any loose items are packed away securely. If you are walking with others, for example on a group trip, place all your luggage together in the same spot so the driver can collect everything easily.
One more important detail: do not attach any loose items to your suitcase or backpack. This includes shoes, flip-flops, plastic bags, souvenirs, or anything hanging from the outside. Loose objects can get caught, fall off during transport, or prevent the driver from safely handling your luggage. Always pack everything inside your bag to avoid loss or delays.
Step 2: Attach both luggage labels
Once your luggage is packed, make sure the correct labels are attached.
IMPORTANT! With the correct labels in place and your luggage ready before 8:00 a.m., you can start your walking day knowing everything will be taken care of.
a) If you booked with WAW.travel
If you book with WAW.travel, we will always include every label or tag you need based on the requirements of your chosen provider. Please print the luggage label before your trip, or ask your first accommodation to print it for you. This is what a luggage label looks like:
We also send your WAW.travel luggage tag together with your pilgrim passport before your trip. This is what the WAW luggage tag looks like:
Please attach both your WAW luggage tag and the provider’s luggage label to your suitcase. Attaching them clearly is important, as it helps the driver identify your luggage quickly and without any confusion.
b) If you walk independently
If you booked your Camino de Santiago luggage service yourself, your provider may or may not require a luggage tag: some transport providers, such as Correos, require their own luggage label, while others do not. Make sure to check their instructions carefully.
If a luggage label is needed, it is ideal to print it before your trip. If you are already on the Camino, most accommodations can print it for you. If you are using Correos and do not have a printed label, many accommodations also offer Paq Mochila envelopes, which you can fill in and attach visibly to your luggage. This also works when you have not made an online reservation.
Step 3: Receive your luggage at the next accommodation
After completing the previous steps, you can start your walking day stress-free. Your luggage will be delivered to your next accommodation before 3:00 p.m.
If your bag has not arrived, contact the service provider (Correos or Tuitrans) immediately. And if you booked through WAW.travel, you can of course contact us as well so we can help resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
If you are walking independently and have not yet booked your accommodation, or if you decide to change it, that is no problem. You can update your luggage transport reservation until 8 p.m. the day before, as long as you inform the provider in time.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Camino de Santiago luggage service
1. How do I reserve my Camino de Santiago luggage service?
If you book your Camino with WAW.travel, we arrange the Camino de Santiago luggage service for you, so you do not need to handle the reservation yourself.
Let’s look at the most popular choice: Correos. You can reserve their Paq Mochila service in just a few simple steps. The easiest way is to complete the online booking form, where you can enter all the accommodations you have already booked. If you prefer, you can also send an email to [email protected] to request the Camino de Santiago luggage service. Correos will then guide you through the next steps and the payment process.
After making the payment, by card or PayPal, you will receive a confirmation email with your booking details and a personal access code. Correos also allows free cancellation until the day before the start of your Camino, which makes planning much easier. For the most up-to-date instructions, visit the official Correos website.
Tuitrans is another reliable provider of the Camino de Santiago luggage service. They operate on several Camino routes and make it easy to book your daily luggage transport online. Similarly, when making a reservation, you simply choose your stages and accommodations, and Tuitrans takes care of delivering your bag to the next stop before you arrive. Make sure to visit the Tuitrans website for more information.
2. How many kilos can my luggage weigh?
Most providers on the Camino de Santiago luggage service allow a maximum weight of 15 kg (33 lb) per bag.
IMPORTANT! Keep in mind that this is often less than what airlines permit, so it is smart to plan ahead if you know you want to use the service. Adjust the weight of your luggage before you leave home to avoid any issues during your pilgrimage.
The weight limit for the Camino de Santiago luggage service is very strict. If your bag exceeds the limit, the driver may refuse to transport it, which is the last thing you want after a long day of walking. Better to pack light than risk missing your clean socks at the next accommodation!
3. How far can I have my luggage transported?
Most providers on the Camino de Santiago luggage service will transport your luggage for a maximum distance of up to 60 km (37 miles) per day. This gives you plenty of flexibility, but it is important to keep this limit in mind if you plan to shorten, reroute, or speed up your Camino by using public transport, taxis, or transfers.
If you decide to skip a stage or walk a shorter section, make sure your next accommodation is still within the 60 km range. If it is farther away, the service provider may not be able to deliver your luggage that day.
4. How much does the Camino de Santiago luggage service cost?
The price of the Camino de Santiago luggage service depends on the provider you choose, but in general you can expect to pay between €5.00 and €10.00 per bag per stage. Prices may vary slightly depending on the region, the distance between accommodations, and the company operating the service.
Although the cost is modest, it can make a significant difference in comfort, especially on long walking days or during hot weather. Many pilgrims use the service for the entire route, while others choose to use it only on selected stages.
If you book the Paq Mochila service through Correos, you can also benefit from several discounts:
- If you book more than 5 stages, you receive a €1 discount per stage.
- If you walk from Roncesvalles or Irún all the way to Santiago, you receive a 10 percent discount on the total price.
- Groups can also save: when booking 5 or more backpacks, you receive a 5 percent group discount.
5. Can I take my bike with the Camino de Santiago luggage service?
Yes, you can. Most providers of the Camino de Santiago luggage service also transport bikes, and the price is usually the same as for a standard piece of luggage. Simply make sure your bike is clean and ready for transport, and follow any instructions given by the provider for that day’s stage. When you arrive in Santiago, you also have the option to send your bike home with Paq Bicicleta.
And what should I pack in my daypack?
If you choose the Camino de Santiago luggage service, you only need to carry the essentials you will use during the day. A small daypack is perfect for this. A capacity of around 10 liters is usually enough, and anything below 20 liters works well. So to close off, here is a list of 10 essential items for your daypack on the Camino de Santiago:
- Passport or ID
- Pilgrim’s Credential
- Phone
- Water bottle
- Snacks
- Cash and debit card (useful for small cafés and village shops)
- Small first-aid kit
- Rain gear (raincoat or poncho plus rain cover)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat or cap)
- Dry socks (a spare pair in case you need to change or something)
Final reminder
If you book your Camino with WAW.travel, we arrange the entire Camino de Santiago luggage service for you. All you need to do during your pilgrimage is follow the three simple steps:
1. Prepare your luggage in the morning
2. Attach both luggage labels
3. Receive your luggage at the next accommodation
That’s it. You can simply enjoy your walk while your luggage travels safely ahead of you. If you have any questions, feel free to write to us at [email protected] – we’re always happy to help. Buen Camino!
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