In towns and larger villages, cards are accepted almost everywhere and ATMs are easy to find. In small villages, in many albergues and for donativo donations, however, cash is still king. Always carry some cash in small notes — that way you're covered everywhere.

Buen Camino — and a relaxed budget!

• Stay in public and donativo hostels, which run on a donation basis.
• Cook together with other pilgrims — many albergues have a kitchen.
• Refill your water bottle at the many fountains along the route.
• Choose the pilgrim menu rather than ordering à la carte.
• Travel in spring or autumn — outside high season many places to stay are cheaper.

Multiply the daily budget by the length of the route and you get a rough overall figure. Examples for a budget-to-mid-range style of travel:

• Camino Inglés (5–7 days): around €150–400
• Camino Portugués from Porto (12–14 days): around €350–850
• Camino Francés (33–35 days): around €900–2,000

On top of this come your travel to and from the route and a reserve for the unexpected. You'll find a comparison of the routes on our Camino Route Comparison page.

Depending on your travel style, the Camino can be walked on very different budgets:

• Budget (€25–35 per day): staying in public albergues, self-catering and pilgrim menus. Ideal for those who want to travel simply and mindfully.
• Mid-range (€40–60 per day): a mix of private hostels and the occasional guesthouse, plus eating out in restaurants. The comfort level most pilgrims choose.
• Comfort (€70+ per day): private rooms in hotels and guesthouses, luggage transfer between stages, and à la carte dining.

Day-to-day spending on the Camino falls into just a few categories:

• Accommodation: public pilgrim hostels (albergues) €6–15, private hostels €12–20, guesthouses and hotels €30–60 per night
• Food: the three-course pilgrim menu €10–15, self-catering from the supermarket €5–10, coffee and snacks along the way around €5
• Extras: stamps, donations, laundry and the occasional pharmacy — usually €3–8 per day

One of the Camino's greatest advantages is how affordable it is. Pilgrims who stay in hostels and choose the budget-friendly pilgrim menu often get by on €30 to €50 per day. How much you actually spend depends largely on the comfort you want — anything from a simple dormitory bunk to a private hotel room is possible.

This page gives you a realistic overview of typical costs so you can plan your journey with peace of mind.