Taxis on the Camino

If you are feeling poorly, or if you just don’t feel like walking the entire stretch on a day, you have options. There may be a bus to the next village. Check with Joe or I, or the albergue or hotel - they will know. More than likely, you will call a taxi.

If you know for sure you don’t want to walk the entire stage, I suggest you catch the taxi in the morning from your hotel to the half-way point (or wherever you want to go) and walk into the destination from there, as you may not be able to find a taxi out in the countryside. Joe or I will help you if you need to call a taxi. If we are not around, ask the manager of the lodging. They are almost always willing to call for you.

If you are in the middle of the route, find a bar and ask them to call a taxi for you. They almost always are happy to do so.

Taxis generally cost about 1 to 1.50 Euros per kilometer for the entire cab. They should NOT cost more than 2 euros per kilometer at most. That means if you have 4 people, you can split the bill. Be sure to make arrangements BEFORE you get into the taxi. Most taxi drivers are very fair, but every now and then you get a bad apple.

You must pay a taxi with cash – they will not accept a card.Try to have small bills and 1 Euro coins available so you do not get in the position of the driver “not having change!”

There are several taxi rides included in the price of your trip. There also some bus rides included. Some of these leave early morning. We will give you the departure time the night before. 

Please be ready to go and make a note: If you are late, WE WILL NOT WAIT FOR YOU. One year, I left a pilgrim behind in Castaneda. He was not happy, but he was forewarned. I must do what is best for the group. If you choose to be late, you will need to be willing to make your own transport arrangements.

Don't worry, I'll help you with taxis until you learn the ropes! :)

Tips.
It is not necessary to tip a taxi driver. Nor is it necessary to tip waiters. In Spain, they are paid a living wage, unlike in the USA where they get minimum wage and depend on tips. Spanish people do NOT tip. If your waiter has done a tremendous job, and you feel you want to reward them, that is your decision, but know that it is not expected. What people sometimes do is just leave any change from the ticket - so for instance if your bill is €8,40, you could leave the €,60 cents

(Do not bother bringing traveler's checks. I have never found a business in Spain that accepts them)