Cycling holidays: how much does it really cost? (Budget & prices)

Bikepacking: What's the Real Cost of a Bike Trip?

Setting off on a bikepacking adventure, embarking on a self-supported cycling journey, means tasting an unmatched sense of freedom. But financially speaking, the same question always comes up: what is the real cost of a bike trip?

From buying your first gear to unexpected expenses on the road, not to mention choosing your camping equipment or booking a guided trip, the final bill can vary anywhere from single to quadruple.

From the ultra-minimalist, fully self-supported journey to the all-inclusive gravel trip, here's an unfiltered breakdown to help you budget your next two-wheeled adventure.

1. Gear investment: What's the equipment budget for bikepacking?

This is the initial expense that impresses people the most. The good news? Quality bikepacking or bike touring gear pays for itself over several years and thousands of kilometers.

The Gravel or Touring Bike (€800 to €3,500)

• Used or commuter-adapted option: A used gravel or mountain bike equipped for touring can be found between €800 and €1,200. It's perfect for starting bike travel on a budget

• A new bikepacking-specific gravel bike : Expect to pay between €1,800 and €3,500 for a responsive frame (aluminum or carbon), a drivetrain with wide-range gearing suited to elevation gain, and reliable hydraulic disc brakes.

Bikepacking Bags (€150 to €450)

Forget the heavy racks of the past. Bikepacking favors lightweight bags mounted directly onto the frame:

• Saddle bag: €60 to €160

• Frame bag: €40 to €120

• Handlebar bag: €50 to €150

Camping Gear (€300 to €700)

If you choose full self-sufficiency and plan to sleep under the stars:

• Ultralight 1- or 2-person tent (€150 to €400)

• Compact down or synthetic sleeping bag (€80 to €700 depending on comfort rating)

• Insulated inflatable sleeping pad and camping stove (€70 to €250 depending on insulation)

💡 Team tip: If you're hesitant to invest several thousand euros right away, check out our guide on how to choose the right gravel bike, or consider renting for your first trip.

2. Daily budget on the road: 3 ways to travel by bike

Once you're in the saddle, your daily cycling budget mainly depends on two factors: the type of accommodation and how you eat.

Option A: The wild adventurer (~€20 to €30/day)

• Accommodation: Free wild camping (within local regulations) or a night at a campsite (€10 to €18).

• Food: Stove-cooked meals and supermarket groceries.

• The profile: For self-sufficiency and wilderness enthusiasts looking for a cheap bike trip.

Option B: Comfort cycling (~€60 to €120/day)

• Accommodation: Bed and breakfasts, hotels, or "Accueil Vélo"-labeled guesthouses (€40 to €80 a night).

• Food: Bakery stops at midday, local restaurant in the evening.

• The profile: For those who want to combine the physical effort of gravel riding by day with real comfort at night.

Option C: The all-inclusive gravel trip (~€200 to €350/day)

• The concept: An organized bike trip that includes logistics, luggage transfer, exceptional GPS routes, guiding, and high-end accommodation.

• The profile: Ideal if you don't have time to plan your own routes, want to ride safely as a group, or want a true getaway with zero mental load.

3. Extra expenses and hidden costs of bikepacking

To avoid unpleasant surprises in your budget, remember to include:

• Getting there: Train tickets (don't forget the bike surcharge on SNCF/TGV) or tolls/fuel to reach the starting point of your loop.

• Mechanical upkeep: Spare inner tubes, tubeless sealant, quick links, and chain oil (€30 to €50 as a safety margin).

• The fun budget: A coffee-and-croissant break at kilometer 40 or an artisanal ice cream at the bottom of the climb are essential for keeping cyclist morale up!

A high upfront investment... but paid off by your second trip

Let's be honest: gearing up for bikepacking represents a significant sum at the start. Between buying a good gravel bike, technical bags, and lightweight camping gear, the entry cost quickly exceeds €1,500 to €2,500. That's a budget that can make beginners hesitate (even though, yes, you don't have to buy all the top-tier gear right away, of course).

Here's the real math to consider:

Unlike a classic vacation where you pay for plane tickets, a rental car, and pricey hotel nights every time you leave, bikepacking gear is a long-term investment.

• Paid off within two or three trips: Once you own the gear, your weekends and vacation weeks cost you almost nothing (a €10 campsite spot, some water, and a few groceries).

• Gear built to last: A good waterproof bag, a quality tent, or a reliable gravel frame will stay with you for years and thousands of kilometers.

• Freedom without variable costs: The more you ride, the more the "cost per trip" drops. After your first big loop, every new adventure becomes the most affordable kind of vacation there is.

If you plan to make it a habit, even just two or three weekends a year, the initial investment pays off enormously. And if you'd rather test the waters before reaching for your credit card, bike rentals and turnkey trips remain the best way to confirm you love it before you invest.

Discover bikepacking hassle-free with GravelUp

Dreaming of exploring the most beautiful regions of France and Europe by gravel bike (Grands Causses, Vosges, the Swiss Alps, Provence...), but don't have the time to organize the route or the gear? That's exactly why we created GravelUp trips.

As gravel adventure specialists, we offer small-group point-to-point and hub-and-spoke trips, led by state-certified local guides.

Our rates and what's included:

• Formats to fit any schedule: From a 3-day weekend to a full 5-day trip, our rates start at €890 and go up to €1,290 depending on the destination (with self-guided options starting at €150).

• A 100% worry-free package: The price includes accommodation in characterful, memorable places, all meals and refreshments made with local products, a personalized GPS route, and support from a professional guide.

• High-end gravel bike rental : Don't have your own bike? We offer muscle-powered or electric gravel bike rentals directly at the start of our adventures.

Check out the calendar of our upcoming gravel bike trips and adventures now to find the adventure that matches your level and your budget.

In summary

There's no single price tag for bike travel, but rather endless options suited to your budget and your appetite for adventure. Whether you set off with your tent strapped to the handlebars for a minimalist road trip or choose comfort along the way, the investment is always worth it: the memories, the shared effort, and the feeling of freedom on the road are priceless.