Luggage transfer on the Camino de Santiago

The service that changes the experience most for the least money, and the one most people end up overpaying for by buying it inside a full package they did not need.

How it works

1. You leave your bag at reception before a cut-off time, usually eight in the morning, with a tag showing that day's destination.
2. You walk with only what you need for the day: water, food, waterproof.
3. A van collects the bags in the morning and delivers them to the destination accommodation.
4. You find it waiting when you arrive, normally from mid-afternoon.

Payment is usually cash in an envelope with the tag, or in advance if you book several stages online.

What it costs

Not yet checked Indicative ranges from commonly published prices by luggage transfer companies. Pending verification against rates recorded on the route.

In context: €25–40 for five days from Sarria. Compared with the rest of the trip, it is one of the best value-for-money items there is.

Weight, times and conditions

• Weight limit. Usually 15 or 20 kg per bag. Above that there is a surcharge or the bag is refused.
• One bag per person. Loose bags hanging off your pack tend to cause problems: put everything inside.
• Drop-off deadline. Almost always eight in the morning. If you leave earlier, hand it in the night before.
• Delivery time. Not immediate: count on mid-afternoon. If you arrive at one and want a shower, you will not have it yet.
• Valuables. Not carried under the company's liability. Documents, money and phone stay with you.

Who it is worth it for

• If you do not train regularlyWalking with five kilos instead of twelve is the difference between enjoying the stage and enduring it, especially from day three.
• If you have knee or back troubleWeight multiplies impact on descents. This is where it most clearly pays off.
• If you walk with children or older relativesIt lets you do normal stages without the load setting the group's pace.
• If you want long daysWithout a pack you can chain 25 km stages that would otherwise be unrealistic.

And who it is not for: anyone after the full self-sufficient experience, and anyone sleeping in municipal albergues with very early arrival times.

The mistakes that cost money

• Buying a full package when this is all you wanted. The commonest and costliest mistake. Luggage transfer is sold separately and stage by stage. When you do not need the package.
• Packing what you need during the day into the transported bag. Waterproof, water and lunch travel with you.
• Not allowing for the delivery time. If you have a train or an appointment mid-afternoon, check when they deliver.
• Changing accommodation without telling them. If you decide to stop earlier, call: the van takes your bag to the tagged destination.