A Complete Guide to Luggage Transfer Services on the Camino Portugués

For many people, walking the Camino de Santiago is a bucket list adventure and one that more and more are undertaking every year.

However, carrying a fully loaded backpack day after day isn’t for everyone. If you want to walk the Camino but don’t want to carry a full backpack then luggage transfer services are the answer. Rather than carry all your belongings with you each day you just carry what you need for the day in a small daypack and send your main bag ahead.

As the number of pilgrims walking the Camino has increased so has the number of companies offering luggage transfer services which means it can be confusing when you’re deciding which company to use.

In this post I’m going to explain how the luggage transfer services work and compare the main companies who offer this service so that you can choose the one that suits you best.

I’m focussing on the Camino Portugués but most of the companies mentioned operate on all the main Camino routes.  

This post may contain affiliate links which means if you click a link and purchase something that I have recommended I may receive a commission. While clicking these links won’t cost you any money, it will help to keep this site going. Thank you for your support.

What are luggage transfer services?

In a nutshell, they’re a way of transporting your belongings from one place to another along the Camino. Your luggage will be collected every morning from your accommodation and delivered to wherever you’re staying at your next destination leaving you free to enjoy the walk with only a daypack rather than a full backpack.

How do luggage transfer services work?

Using a luggage transfer service couldn’t be easier. You can book your entire Camino in advance or just choose specific stages as and when you need to.

Step one: make your booking

Typically you make a booking online (whether for the whole Camino or just for selected stages).

At some accommodation, if it’s popular with pilgrims, you’ll often find information about luggage transfer services whereby you can attach an envelope containing money to your bag and they’ll take payment in cash when they collect it. If you decide to do it this way I would suggest contacting the company the day before anyway to confirm that they’ll collect.

Step two: label your luggage

If you’ve booked online you’ll receive a printout, often with a QR code, that you need to attach to your luggage. If you’re using luggage transfer services on an ad hoc basis and don’t have access to a printer you can often write your details on a piece of paper.

When I transferred my luggage I put the printout in a plastic wallet which I tied to my bag with a spare shoelace.

Step three: leave your bag for collection

You will need to leave your bag in the reception area of your accommodation usually by 8am. If you use a service that collects earlier they’ll let you know an exact time, otherwise 8am is the norm.

Step four: collect your bag at your next destination

Most companies will have your luggage ready and waiting in reception at your next accommodation by 2.30pm/3pm.

If you want to walk the Camino but don’t know where to begin I’ve written this Camino Portugués planning guide which tells you everything you need to know and outlines all the steps you need to take to get you on your way.

Which companies offer luggage transfer services on the Camino Portugués?

There are a number of companies who will transfer your luggage for you – this is a list of the most popular and well-known on the Camino Portugués (in alphabetical order).

For each company I’ll be looking at the following:

Coverage – do they operate along both the Central and Coastal routes? Is the Spiritual Variant covered?
Booking process – can you book online? Do they have an app?
Price – how much does it cost per bag for each stage? Do they have any special deals?
Weight limits – what is the maximum weight per bag?
Extras – do they offer any additional services?

All prices are correct as of October 2025.

Caminofácil

Based in Spain, Caminofácil have been offering a luggage transfer service for over ten years.

Coverage – they operate on both the Central and Coastal routes from Porto as well as the Spiritual Variant (this is shown as Camino Espiritual on their website).
Booking process – transfers can be booked on their website but be aware that, if you’re not booking all your stages in advance, they do require at least 48 hours’ notice to pick up.
Price – this can vary between €4.50 and €15.00 depending on the route, how many bags you have and which stages you are booking. Discounts may be available.
Weight limits – the weight limit is 18 kgs per bag with a maximum size of 50 x 80 x 30 cms.
Extras – they offer a taxi service whether at the beginning or end of your Camino or if you want to take a detour on a rest day. They transfer bikes and also offer luggage storage if required.

You can find out more details on their website.

Correos (Paq Mochila)

Correos is Spain’s national mail service and they offer daily transfers on various Camino routes.

Coverage – they operate on the Central route from Porto, but the Coastal route is only available from A Guarda. They also cover the Spiritual Variant. During the winter months (November to Easter) only Tui to Santiago is covered.
Booking process – transfers can be booked on their website and bookings must be made by 8pm the day before.
Price – prices vary depending on the route but discounts are available for more than five stages. As an example, Tui to Santiago with a discount is €36.00.
Weight limits – the weight limit is 15 kgs per bag.
Extras – they offer a bike and luggage shipping service to Santiago plus have storage lockers close to Plaza del Obradoiro in Santiago.

You can find out more on their website.

Pilbeo

Pilbeo have been transporting luggage on the Camino since 2016.

Coverage – they operate on both the Central and Coastal routes from Porto however, they don’t cover the Spiritual Variant.
Booking process – transfers can be booked on their website and they also have a really user friendly app to make bookings.
Price – from €6.00 per stage and, if you’re booking in advance they have Camino packs which have a discounted price. As an example, I used them from Porto to Santiago on the Coastal route and 13 stages cost €87.00.  
Weight limits – the weight limit is 20 kgs per bag.

You can find out more details on their website.

TopSantiago

TopSantiago were founded in 2015 and have their headquarters in Barcelos on the Central route.

Coverage – they operate on both the Central and Coastal routes from Porto as well as the Spiritual Variant.
Booking process – transfers can be booked on their website – there’s a handy video on the site which explains how to book.
Price – from €7.00 per bag and discounts may be available.
Weight limits – the weight limit is 18 kgs per bag. They don’t transfer bikes.
Extras – they also offer transfers and luggage storage.  

You can find out more details on their website.

Tuitrans

Tuitrans were founded in 2010 and, as the name suggests, are based in Tui on the Central route.

Coverage – they operate on both the Central and Coastal routes from Porto as well as the Spiritual Variant.
Booking process – transfers can be booked on their website up to 8pm the day before.
Price – from €6.00 per bag and discounts may be available.
Weight limits – the maximum weight limit is 15 kgs per bag.
Extras – they have a taxi service and will also send luggage directly to Santiago.

You can find out more details on their website.

When should you use a luggage transfer service?

There are many reasons why you might want to use a luggage transfer service. You don’t even have to use the service every day if you don’t want to. Even if you have your itinerary all planned out you might decide to start walking with your backpack for the first day or two and then decide later to transfer it ahead on some days.

You simply need a helping hand

If you’re an older pilgrim, have an injury, or a disability, or are just lacking confidence at taking that first step then using luggage transfer services opens up the Camino to you.

Even if you think you can go the distance it can take some getting used to, walking long distances every day.

You’ve got more travel planned before or after the Camino

Many pilgrims, particularly those travelling some distance to Europe, are walking the Camino as part of a longer overseas trip so will naturally have more luggage than they need for the duration of their walk. In this case it makes total sense to have it transferred.

Another option if this is something you’re planning, is to send anything you don’t need on a daily basis directly to Santiago. You can ship it to Casa Ivar and it will be held for you until you arrive in Santiago. Likewise if you have Camino clothes that you don’t want to carry with you on your onward travels you can arrange for them to be shipped back to your home there too. You can read all the info on their luggage storage and transfer services here.

You’re worried about the terrain on certain stages

If you’ve been reading up on the different stages of the Camino there might be some that fill you with dread. The hill from Combarro to Armenteira on the Spiritual Variant I’m looking at you here!!

If you’re not sure whether you want to commit to carrying your backpack on days when you’re feeling uncertain about your abilities then you can have your luggage sent ahead just for that day.

When shouldn’t you use a luggage transfer service?

While there are many reasons to use luggage transfer services it’s not for everyone.

I outlined the pros above so these are some of the cons to having your luggage transferred.

You don’t have a strict schedule

If you’re not planning ahead and are just going to start walking each morning and stop when you feel as though you’ve done enough for the day then luggage transfer services won’t work for you as you need to confirm your destination the night before.

You’re on a tight budget

It might seem reasonable at around €7 per stage but, if you’re walking for 13 or 14 days which is about the norm from Porto to Santiago then it can soon mount up and potentially add an extra €100 or so to your budget.

You’re not a morning person

You’ll have to leave your bag in reception ready for collection by 8am so there’s no chance of a lie in or leisurely start to your walk. When I walked the Central route of the Camino Portugués and carried my backpack I was rarely on the road before 9am. However, when I walked the Coastal route and was using a luggage transfer service I was on my way by 8am, or earlier, every day.

You’re staying in municipal albergues

Not all accommodation is set up to receive luggage transfers. If you’re staying in municipal albergues they won’t accept bags as they can’t guarantee your bed.

Also, some apartments without reception areas may not be able to accept bag transfers. However, it’s always work asking the company that you book with as they may be able to leave your bag at a nearby bar or café.

Is it cheating to use luggage transfer services?

There is some resistance to using luggage transfer services among certain pilgrims who think that it’s cheating.

In fact, if you go into any online Camino forum or Facebook group* you’ll find comments saying that anyone who has their bag transported isn’t a real pilgrim. Judgemental comments like this make me angry – you’re not a better pilgrim because you carried your backpack all the way to Santiago anymore than you’re a better pilgrim because you slept in dorms in municipal albergues every night while others (like me on all my Caminos) opted for private rooms in hotels or guest houses.

Walking to Santiago whether it’s from Porto, all the way from Lisbon, or the last 100 kms from Tui or Vigo, makes you a pilgrim and that’s all you need to know.

*If you join my Facebook group, Camino Portugués Planning, you won’t find any Camino snobbery like this. I actively manage the group and will remove anyone who goes against the grain of the Camino being accessible to everyone.

Practical checklist for using luggage transfer services        

When using a luggage transfer service it helps to be prepared to keep your belongings safe.

🎒 Tag your bag clearly with your name, destination, and contact number.
🎒 Keep valuables (passport, money, credit cards and electronics) with you and not in your transferred luggage.
🎒 Make a note of booking references and key phone numbers.
🎒 Take a quick photo of the luggage label before drop-off in case it goes missing.
🎒 Use a distinctive strap or ribbon to make your bag easy to identify.
🎒 Put daily essentials in your daypack. That will include your credencial, a first aid kit, any medication you need, water, snacks, suncream, and rain gear as well as any valuables mentioned above.

Final thoughts

You’ve probably heard the saying ‘Your Camino, Your Way’. If your way is transferring your luggage then go right ahead. Whether you want to protect your knees, keep your pace comfortable, or simply enjoy the journey without the weight on your back, these services can make a huge difference in how you experience the Camino.

If it makes the Camino accessible for more people then I’m all for using a luggage transfer service. I walked my first Camino carrying my full backpack and then walked my second using a luggage transfer service. I also used a luggage transfer service when I walked the last 100 kms of the Camino Francés from Sarria to Santiago. I’m glad I’ve experienced what it’s like to walk with a full pack on my back but, trust me, it’s a lot easier with just a daypack.

I hope that you’ve found this post useful – if there are any other luggage transfer services that you’ve used please let me know so I can update this with additional information.

If you want to read my latest posts you can sign up below to my monthly newsletter to receive them straight to your inbox. Even better, why not come and join the Camino Portugués Planning Facebook group where you can chat to others who are planning, or have already walked, the Camino. Buen Camino!

Buen Camino!

Why not pin this for later and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more inspiration, photos and updates?