Before the journey
Have your brakes, drivetrain, tyres and bag attachments checked. Try several rides with your intended load and prepare spare parts and tools you know how to use.
Setting off by bike.
Prepare for the Camino de Santiago by bicycle, from transport to the starting point through to returning home. Here you will also find references for planning an Italian pilgrimage route by bike.
Choose a route for your bike
Start with the route you want to follow, the season and the days available. Compare surfaces, climbs, stretches where you need to push and resupply points with your bike type and luggage. A mountain bike, gravel bike and touring bike may call for different choices.
The pilgrimage route tracks on this site are not certified as cycling tracks. Before importing or following them, check dedicated variants, restrictions and updates from the route source. The planner does not automatically turn a footpath into a cycling itinerary.
For the Compostela, the Pilgrim’s Office specifies 200 km by bicycle, with further conditions for the route and credential. Check the official requirements before choosing your starting point. Short itineraries designed for arrival on foot do not automatically meet the cycling requirements.
Bike, luggage and your day
During the stage
Plan for water, supplies, rain protection, lights and a way to read the track. On shared stretches, slow down, give pilgrims space and follow signs and local rules.
E-bike
Check your range with the load and elevation gain, charging points and storage conditions. For flights and shipping, check acceptance of the bike and battery: removing the battery does not guarantee the bike will be accepted.
Getting your bike to the starting point
Plan passenger and bike travel together. Check every leg and connection, including the transfer from the airport or station. References checked on 4 October 2026: recheck the conditions for your chosen service.
| Transport | Before booking | Plan for the return | Conditions and references |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plane | Add the bike as sports equipment and check acceptance, weight, dimensions and packing for every flight, including those operated by other airlines. | Arrange where to find a box or bag in Santiago and how to reach the airport with the package. Do not assume bike transport is included in the passenger ticket. | Iberia · special baggage ↗ |
| Train in Italy | Check bicycle carriage on the exact train: assembled, folding and dismantled bikes have different conditions. Check spaces, supplements and reservations before buying. | Also check local trains and any replacement services. A passenger seat does not automatically reserve a bike space. | Trenitalia · travelling with bikes ↗ |
| Train in France | On TGV INOUI, an assembled bike requires a dedicated space, where available, reserved with your journey. A dismantled bike must meet the bag conditions; TER and OUIGO have their own rules. | Check every change and the international leg’s conditions. Allow time to move the bike, bike bag and luggage between platforms. | SNCF Connect · bike transport ↗ |
| Train in Spain | Renfe distinguishes folded, dismantled and fully assembled bikes. For a dismantled bike, it specifies a maximum bag size of 140 × 90 × 40 cm; several commercial services require a bike add-on. Fully assembled bikes are not permitted on AVE and other commercial services. | On services allowing fully assembled bikes, check availability or the Tren+bici add-on for your chosen train. Rules depend on the service, not just the destination. | Renfe · bicycles ↗ |
| Car and transfers | Agree the number of bicycles, dimensions, bike racks and luggage. For a transfer, request written confirmation of vehicle capacity; a standard taxi may not be suitable. | If leaving your car at the starting point, plan how to return to collect it with your bike. Confirm security and parking duration. | Find connections to the starting point ↗ |
| Bus | Ask the service operator whether it accepts bicycles, with what packing and reservation. Check any changes separately. | Confirm the return service using the same checks. Do not confuse normal suitcase carriage with bicycle acceptance. | Organize the trip ↗ |
| Shipping | Request geographical coverage, timings, packing requirements, insured value, delivery location and storage. Coordinate the bike’s arrival with the collection point’s opening hours. | The online Paq Bicicleta form from Santiago lists destinations at offices in Spain. For Italy or other destinations, request specific confirmation: do not consider them included in that form. | Correos · bicycle shipping ↗ |
Operator references are for information and do not indicate partnerships with SantiagoLand. Fees, spaces and conditions depend on the actual service.
For e-bikes: Iberia states that carriage is not permitted. For other airlines, check the specific rule before purchasing. Iberia conditions.
Find connections to the starting pointThe return journey begins before you leave
- Choose your transport. Confirm bike acceptance and a space or supplement where required, separately from the passenger ticket.
- Arrange packing. Agree where to obtain a box or bag, who can help you dismantle the bike and where to drop off or collect the package.
- Check the final transfer. The vehicle must be able to carry the bike or box and all your bags.
- If shipping: confirm the destination, timing, insurance cover and storage. Do not assume a domestic service includes Italy.
- Allow extra time. Delivery, assembly and check-in times must fit your flight or train.
Where to stay with your bike
Before booking, ask whether there is secure enclosed storage, whether the bike can be kept overnight, what maintenance services are available and where to wash or dry your gear. For an e-bike, arrange charging; for a group, give the exact number of bicycles.
A map icon does not confirm these services. Find the accommodation and request an answer for your dates.
Partner facilities for bikes
No active bike partnerships have been published yet. Facilities will appear here after their agreement is confirmed, with services, the expected benefit and validity period.
Do you run accommodation, a workshop, a rental service or transfers for cyclists? Submit a proposal for Santiago or an Italian pilgrimage route.
Propose a bike partnershipLa tua checklist bici
Spunta le verifiche completate: 0 di 10. La checklist conserva le tue scelte; non verifica prenotazioni o disponibilità .
By bike, together too
The Groups noticeboard was created for the Camino de Santiago and is also open to Italian pilgrimage routes. If you propose a cycling departure, specify a title, bike type, verified route, pace, kilometres and service arrangements. Applying and publishing remain free, following approval.
Propose a cycling groupFrom the Magazine: setting off by bicycle
Walking route in bici in autunno: borse, pioggia e visibilitÃ
Come preparare le borse per il Walking route in bici in autunno: prova a pieno carico, impermeabilità , luci e controlli prima della partenza.
Read the articleCamino de Santiago by bicycle: how to prepare your journey
Route, stages, transport and return: organise Santiago by bike with SantiagoLand’s dedicated section and a practical checklist.
Read the articleQuestions and answers
Can I use the same track as walkers?
Not automatically. Some walking passages may require variants or pushing your bike, or may be prohibited to bicycles. The site’s Camino tracks are not certified as cycling itineraries: check the specific source and local notices.
How many kilometres do I need by bike for the Compostela?
The Pilgrim’s Office specifies 200 km by bicycle and further conditions concerning route, continuity and credential. Check the official requirements before fixing your starting point; a nominal catalogue distance does not certify eligibility.
Can I take an e-bike on a plane by removing the battery?
Do not assume it is allowed. Conditions depend on the airline and bike: Iberia states that e-bike carriage is not permitted. Ask the airline operating your flight for specific confirmation before buying a ticket.
Are the accommodation listings on the site bike partners?
Only properties in the Active bike partnerships section, when present, have a published agreement. Other listings are informational references: check storage, services and availability directly.
Can I propose a cycling group?
Yes. In the Groups noticeboard, state in the title and description that the trip is by bike, specifying bike type, track, kilometres and services. Santiago remains the main focus, with options for Italian pilgrimage routes too.
Does the site’s planner already calculate cycling itineraries?
The Camino planner works with available tracks without certifying their suitability for bikes. You can import a verified cycling GPX into the personal editor, which keeps the track but does not check access or safety.
Official sources and conditions
Checks dated 2026-10-04. Rules and availability must be rechecked before purchase.