León is one of the most iconic starting points on the French Way of the Camino de Santiago. Every year, thousands of pilgrims set off from here toward the Plaza del Obradoiro, drawn by the city’s historic beauty, excellent transport links, and nearby stages rich in landscapes and heritage.
If you’re planning to begin the Camino de Santiago from León, here’s everything you need: how to get here, days and distance to Santiago, average times on foot or by bike, practical tips, and one key recommendation for your luggage.
📍 How to get to León to start the Camino
León is very well connected with the rest of Spain:
By train: AVE, Alvia and Intercity services link León with Madrid in about 2 hours, and with other cities such as Barcelona, Bilbao and Gijón.
By bus: Companies like ALSA run routes from many points across the peninsula. The station is just a few minutes from the center.
By car: León sits on the A-66 and the N-120, with easy access from northern and central Spain.
Once in the city, you can visit its stunning Cathedral, the Basilica of San Isidoro, and stroll the Barrio Húmedo before setting off on your first stage.
📏 Distance and stages from León to Santiago
From León to Santiago de Compostela there are approximately 310 km following the French Way.
On foot: most people split the route into 13–15 stages, averaging 20–25 km per day.
By bike: it usually takes 5–7 days, with 45–70 km stages.
Keep in mind these times are approximate and depend on your fitness, weather, and pace.
⏳ Estimated time
On foot: between 2 and 2½ weeks.
By bike: under a week in most cases.
Plan your stages according to your capacity and leave room to enjoy towns and cities along the way, such as Astorga, Ponferrada, or Villafranca del Bierzo.
💡 Tips for starting the Camino from León
- Get your pilgrim credential before you leave. You can obtain it at León Cathedral, the Friends of the Camino de Santiago Association, or authorized hostels.
- Check your gear: light backpack, comfortable footwear, rain jacket, sunscreen, and a basic first-aid kit.
- Plan the first stage: the initial route from León usually goes to San Martín del Camino or Villar de Mazarife, depending on the chosen variant.
- Listen to your body: the first days are key to avoiding injuries. Don’t overdo the distance.
- Enjoy the food: try cecina, botillo, and the tapas in the city center before you set off.
🔒 Store your luggage at León Lockers before you start
Many pilgrims arrive in León with more luggage than they need for the Camino: city clothes, laptops, musical instruments, or travel souvenirs they don’t want to carry for days.
At León Lockers, right in the city center and a few minutes from the train and bus stations, we offer a secure luggage storage service for everything you won’t need on the Camino.
- Individual lockers with electronic locks
- 24/7 CCTV for maximum security
- Flexible access on the day you finish to collect your belongings
- Ideal to store your suitcase and walk the Camino with just your backpack
This way, you can walk or ride light—with only the essentials—and easily pick up your belongings when you return to León.
🗺 Recommended route from León to Santiago
- León → San Martín del Camino / Villar de Mazarife
- San Martín / Villar de Mazarife → Astorga
- Astorga → Rabanal del Camino
- Rabanal del Camino → Ponferrada
- Ponferrada → Villafranca del Bierzo
- Villafranca del Bierzo → O Cebreiro
- O Cebreiro → Triacastela
- Triacastela → Sarria
- Sarria → Portomarín
- Portomarín → Palas de Rei
- Palas de Rei → Arzúa
- Arzúa → O Pedrouzo
- O Pedrouzo → Santiago de Compostela
📌 Advantages of starting the Camino in León
- Arrive in just a few hours from Madrid, Bilbao, or Gijón
- Walk varied stages: from the Castilian plain to the Galician mountains
- Enjoy a city with heritage, gastronomy, and services before you leave
- Option to store your luggage safely and collect it with no hassle
📲 Book your locker for the Camino de Santiago at León Lockers: https://www.leonlockers.com
