How luggage transfer works
Luggage transfer (also called baggage forwarding or porterage) is simple: you leave your main bag at your accommodation by a set time each morning (typically 8am), and it's collected and delivered to your next night's accommodation, arriving before you do.
You walk with a small daypack — water, snacks, rain jacket, valuables. The physical difference is enormous: a 6 kg daypack vs a 10 kg full pack is the difference between enjoyment and endurance for many people.
Where is it available?
Luggage transfer is most developed in Tuscany and Lazio — the most popular Italian section. Several well-established services cover this area.
In England and France, organised services are rare. Some walking tour operators include luggage transfer as part of a package, but DIY transfer isn't readily available.
In Switzerland, the Alpine section makes luggage transfer complicated — the Great St Bernard Pass crossing is not served by road transfer.
Services in Italy
Via Francigena Services (viafrancigenaservices.it)
Specialises in the Italian section. Transfers bags stage by stage, works with most accommodation on the route. Book in advance for peak season (May–June).
Typical cost: €15–25 per stage per bag.
Local taxi and transfer networks
Many local taxi drivers and B&B owners along the route offer informal transfer services between stages they know well. Ask at your accommodation — this can be cheaper than formal services and more flexible.
Typical cost: €10–20 per stage per bag.
Self-guided walking tour operators
Companies like Inntravel and UTracks offer self-guided Via Francigena packages that include luggage transfer, pre-booked accommodation and route notes. More expensive but zero logistical hassle.
Typical cost: £150–300/week all-in for luggage + accommodation packages.
What it costs over the full Italian section
| Section | Stages | Cost per stage | Total estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aosta → Pavia | ~15 | €15–20 | €225–300 |
| Pavia → Siena (Tuscany) | ~20 | €15–25 | €300–500 |
| Siena → Rome | ~13 | €15–25 | €195–325 |
| Full Italy section | ~43 | — | ~€700–1,100 |
How to book
- Confirm your accommodation first — you need confirmed addresses for pick-up and drop-off
- Contact the service 1–2 days ahead for each stage, or pre-book a block of stages if you have a fixed itinerary
- Leave your bag tagged with your name and next accommodation address by the agreed time
- Confirm delivery at your next accommodation when you arrive
Planning the Italian section?
Read our full cost breakdown to factor luggage transfer into your budget.
See the full cost breakdown →