Are you considering cycling the Camino de Santiago and renting a bike for the journey? We’ve compiled this handy guide to answer all your questions about your new travel companion – your bike!
How It Works
You’ve decided to cycle the Camino and booked your self-guided tour—how exciting! Wondering what to expect on your adventure? We also offer group-guided cycling tours, so contact us for more details.
Please note that bike rentals are only available as part of our Camino package and cannot be rented separately.
We recommend cycling the Camino only if you have some experience as a cyclist and are familiar with essential bike maintenance, such as changing a tube, fixing the chain if it comes off or attaching the pedals. If you are cycling for over a week, we recommend adding rest days, particularly if you are cycling the Camino with children. This would allow you to have a day’s rest and explore some great cities and towns along the routes, such as Burgos, León, Porto, etc…
Your Camino bike will be delivered to your first hotel and ready for the following day: your first day of cycling. The bike will be neatly packed in a box, so the handlebar must be straightened, and the pedals must be attached and secured (instructions included). You must check the bike before you start your journey, ensuring everything works properly. If you think something is wrong, let us know so your bike can get replaced and avoid trouble on your way (in a way, it is similar to renting a car!).
Once you finish your cycling trip, you can return your bike to the Santiago de Compostela bike shop. The general information document included in your Camino Travel Documents provides full details.
If you decide mid-tour that you don’t need some of the Camino bike rental accessories (such as the pannier, etc..…), pack them in your suitcase so they can be transferred easily (avoiding additional charges and the risk of losing the equipment). Our bike rental packages include a €100 refundable deposit. Do not leave pedals or any other bike accessories supplied behind in your hotel, as you will be charged for loss or damage to equipment.
A minimum period of 3 days (4 nights) applies when hiring a Camino bike for your Camino de Santiago trip with CaminoWays.com; a minimum of 5 days (6 nights) if hiring an e-bike.
Cycling the Camino de Santiago: What’s included
- Camino MTB Standard Mountain Bike: A local company will provide a standard aluminium 12-gear (1×12) mountain bike with disc brakes and 29-inch wheels.
- These bikes are specifically designed for the Camino de Santiago terrain. They will be adapted to your height (you must give the sales team your exact height – particularly if you are cycling the Camino with children).
- The bike has a rack, bottle holder, lock, and reflectors.
- Camino e-Bikes: are available on selected routes for Camino trips finishing in Santiago de Compostela.
- Pannier Pack: This pack includes a bike repair kit (*If you don’t need it, just let us know two months in advance). The repair kit includes a pump, set of tools, spare inner tube, patch kit, cables, and a simple label showing you how to carry out essential bike maintenance. It also comes with a bike lock.
- Please note that the panniers are waterproof. The model is Ortlieb City roller waterproof (20Lx2).
- Helmet rental is also included in your package, but if you don’t need it and instead bring your own, please let our team know. Remember, Spanish legislation mandates that all cyclists use officially sanctioned protective helmets when cycling in non-urban areas. Children under 16 must wear helmets at all times.
- Exceptions are made for extended, steep descents, medical exemptions, and extremely hot weather. Failure to adhere to these rules could result in a traffic penalty.
- If you are cycling the Camino with kids, let our travel consultants know in advance. We also have various options. We will also give you suggestions for a children-friendly route/itinerary. We generally suggest covering approximately 25km per day with children.
*Please be aware that your bike is not equipped with additional accessories such as lights, reflective gear, or phone holders. You are welcome to bring these items with you or acquire them along the route.
More Information About Our Standard Mountain Bike:
- Shift Sram SX Eagle 1x12s
- Fork Suntour XCM RL 29″, Regulable, T: 100mm
- Rim 29″
- Frame: Limbo 296
- Fork Suntour XCM RL 29″, Remote pop lock
- Frame: Aluminium
- Front derailleur Sram SX Eagle
- Brakes Shimano MT200, Disco Hidráulico F-160/R-160
- Crank Sram SX Eagle 11-50t
- Pannier rack included
- Safety retroreflector
More Information About Our Standard eBike:
- Frame: Aluminium Lite
- Fork: SR Suntour XCR 32 EL (travel 100mm, remote lockout)
- Front hub: Shimano FH-TX505
- Back hub: Shimano FH-TX505
- Tire: Schwalbe Rapid Rob (29″x2, 25)
- Rims: Kross Disc (Aluminium, double wall, 29″, 19mm)
- Front brake: Shimano Disc BR-M315 (disc, hydraulic)
- Rear derailleur: Shimano Deore SL-M6000 (10)
- Crank arm: Shimano Steps 38T, 175mm
- Chain: Shimano CN-HG54
- Engine: Shimano steps E-7000
- Battery: Shimano
- Charge: 80% up to 2.5 hours | 100% up to 5 hours
- Autonomy: ECO + Normal about 70-90km | Normal + Boost under 60km
Cycling the Camino: Support
We have carefully planned the distances you will cover by bike on the Camino, taking into account the nature of the terrain, the type of track, and other circumstances, such as the fact that the trail is usually shared with walkers.
Customising Your Cycling Distances
If you feel the distances for your Camino cycle are too short or long, talk to our sales team when planning your trip. There is probably a good reason behind the mileage chosen; ask us!
Camino Assistance on the Road
The Camino de Santiago routes cover thousands of km/ miles, so it is difficult to always have someone on the ground, but relax—it runs smoothly all the time!
24/7 Support and Emergency Assistance
CaminoWays.com has a 24/7 assistance number should you need assistance and advice (this number is provided with your booking/travel documents); we also provide a support number from the bike provider. While we cannot send someone to repair your bike on the Camino trail, our trusted providers will give you as much support as possible.
Bike Repair Kit and Support
Your bike has a kit for repairs such as flat tyres and punctures. If you have a second puncture, we can provide you with the contact details for the closest bike repair shop (you will be responsible for repair costs).
Remote Area Transfers
If you are in a remote area and don’t feel like walking, we can also get you contact details for local taxi drivers (a taxi transfer will be at your own cost).
If you feel you need a break from cycling, we might be able to organise a bike transfer for you. We will need 48 hours’ notice, and a cost will be associated with the bike transfer (as an additional luggage transfer).
When cycling the Camino, it is vital to remember that you are sharing the tracks with walkers. Be mindful and respectful of other pilgrims, whether on foot or on wheels.
Surcharges for Standard Mountain Bike
Please make a note of surcharges that will be charged should any of the following occur:
When cycling the Camino, it is vital to remember that you are sharing the tracks with walkers. Be mindful and respectful of other pilgrims, whether on foot or on wheels.
- Theft or loss of bicycle MTB Standard Bike: €1,149.50
- Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €60.50
- Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €36.30
- Theft, damage or loss of any tool from the tool kit: €36.30
- Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €60.50
- Late return fee per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement – MTB standard: €23
- MTB bicycle collection at the customer’s hotel rather than a shop (if you finish in Santiago): €38
Surcharges for EMTB e-bike
Please make a note of surcharges that will be charged should any of the following occur:
- Theft or loss of an EMTB e-bike: €5,445
- Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €60.50
- Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €36.30
- Theft, damage or loss of any tool from the tool kit: €36.30
- Theft, damage or loss of the full toolkit: €60.50
- Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €60.50
- Theft, damage or loss of saddle gel cover: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of battery and charger: €300
- Theft, damage or loss of LCD screen: €363
- Theft, damage or loss of key: €200
- Damage to the charging cover of E-MTB Focus: €36.30
- Damage to the stand of E-MTB Focus (XS | S): €72.60
- Damage or scratches of frame: €250
- Damage to wires: €200
- Late return fee of EMTB e-bikes: €50 per day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement.
- Failure to return to the shop an E-MTB Focus at Cycling the Camino: €665.50 per bike
Enjoy the Camino ride!
Contact our travel specialists for more information about the best Camino Routes for cycling, see our Camino Cycling, the last 200km collection, or plan your trip on our Camino Planner.