To join the Camino at Burgos is to begin it in front of one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Christendom. It is one of the great capitals of the Camino Francés, the gateway to the meseta, and from here to Santiago de Compostela there are around 490 kilometres left. At Bicigrino we make it simple: we deliver a prepared, serviced bike to you in Burgos, you ride the Camino at your own pace, and you leave it with us when you reach Santiago. No boxing up your bike, no flying with a bike bag, and no going back to the start.
Burgos, far more than a starting point
Burgos was the capital of the Kingdom of Castile and the birthplace of El Cid, and that dual character —royal and warrior— can be felt everywhere. Its Cathedral of Santa María, Gothic and dazzling, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984; its openwork spires, the lantern tower, the Golden Staircase and the tomb of El Cid leave you breathless. Nearby, the Arco de Santa María, the city’s monumental gateway, opens onto the old town and the Espolón promenade beside the River Arlanzón.
On the outskirts, two jewels of Gothic and Castilian art: the Monastery of Las Huelgas, a royal pantheon, and the Charterhouse of Miraflores, with polychrome altarpieces by Gil de Siloé. And since Burgos is the land of Atapuerca, the modern Museum of Human Evolution tells here, through the fossils of the first Europeans, where we all come from. At the table, hearty Castilian fare rules: Burgos morcilla (blood sausage with rice), fresh cheese, roast suckling lamb and a good red from the Ribera del Duero. Beginning the Camino with this much history and flavour is part of the experience.
The Camino Francés from Burgos: route, distances and what to expect
From Burgos, the Camino Francés heads into the meseta, that plain of enormous skies and horizons of cereal that many remember as the most meditative stretch of the whole Camino. It passes through Hornillos, Castrojeriz and its castle, crosses the Canal de Castilla and reaches Frómista, with its perfect Romanesque church, and Carrión de los Condes, before arriving at Sahagún and, already in the province, León. From Burgos to Santiago it’s around 490 kilometres.
Most cyclists cover this stretch to Santiago in 7 to 10 days, depending on their pace. The terrain is comfortable: flat or gently rolling across the meseta, with the only real demand being the final climb into Galicia at O Cebreiro. It’s a rewarding Camino for the bike, whether you ride with confidence or prefer an e-bike, with long sunny stretches where an early start pays off in summer. From Burgos you comfortably clear the 200 kilometres required for the Compostela.
How we work: your bike ready at a shop, right before you set off
Whenever possible, we don’t leave the bike waiting for you at a hotel reception: we deliver it to a partner bike shop at your starting point. Why? Because that way, after transport, a professional mechanic gives it a final check right before you leave: brakes, gears, tyre pressure, saddle and handlebars set to your size. You set off knowing the bike is genuinely ready, not simply parked. If a holiday or logistics make a shop delivery impossible, we arrange delivery to your accommodation instead.
The rest of the service follows the “you just pedal” philosophy. It’s a one-way rental: you pick the bike up in Burgos and return it in Santiago, with no need to go back. You ride the Camino with complete freedom and we handle the logistics from start to finish. We deliver bikes throughout Spain and Portugal.
What your rental includes
Every bike goes out ready for the Camino, with panniers, a rear rack, a lock and a repair kit, serviced before delivery. We include delivery at the start and pick-up in Santiago, and we stay with you with phone and WhatsApp support in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. The helmet is not included, for hygiene and fit: bring your own. The rental is for the full route, with a 7-day minimum rate and prices from €345 (VAT included); see every model and price on our rates page.
Gravel/mountain bike or e-bike?
Both work wonderfully. A gravel or mountain bike is the natural choice if you ride with confidence on the meseta tracks. An e-bike —with 750 to 800 Wh batteries— makes the long flat stretches and the climb to O Cebreiro easier, and lets you enjoy the ride without exhausting yourself; you just recharge it each night. It’s the most popular choice. Those who ride an e-bike, cover the distance and get their credential stamped can also request the Compostela (confirm it at the Pilgrim’s Office).
More services to round off your Camino
We can take care of transporting your luggage, offer you our optional assistance insurance —breakdowns, punctures and bike replacement— and handle the deposit simply and refundably. We’re specialists in the Camino de Santiago by bike.
Frequently asked questions
Can I pick up the bike in Burgos and leave it in Santiago?
Yes, it’s our main service. We deliver it in Burgos, already checked, and you return it when you reach Santiago.
How many days do I need from Burgos?
Most riders take 7 to 10 days of riding. The rental minimum is 7 days.
Is the Camino from Burgos hard?
It’s one of the most comfortable stretches: flat meseta and a single serious climb at the end, in Galicia. Suitable for anyone with basic fitness and very comfortable on an e-bike.
Why do you deliver the bike to a shop and not the hotel?
Because that way it gets a final professional check after transport, right before you set off.
Do you carry my luggage between stages?
Yes. We can arrange to transport your luggage so you ride light.
At Bicigrino we deliver the bikes in Burgos and in any city across Spain and Portugal. See all the models, prices and conditions on our bike rental page.
Ready to set off from Burgos?
Tell us your dates and we’ll prepare your bike in Burgos, serviced and ready for the Camino. Write to caminosantiagobike@gmail.com or WhatsApp +34 627 92 82 13; we answer in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Buen Camino!
