Immediate action: drop items at the staffed left‑baggage counter in the Arrivals public hall for anything larger than a locker; use automated lockers for short stops under 24 hours. Staffed service accepts oversized bags and offers receipts; lockers suit carry‑on size and single items.
Location and hours: facilities sit in Terminal 3 (Arrivals, public side). Typical opening window runs early morning to late evening (approximately 04:30–23:00); some machines work 24/7 but staffed counters follow the above schedule. Bring a photo ID for check‑in.
Typical costs and limits (approximate): small locker ~€4–€6 per 24 h, medium ~€7–€10 per 24 h, large ~€12–€15 per 24 h; staffed counter fees commonly start around €6–€10 for the first day and rise for size/longer terms. Maximum unattended deposit period usually up to 30 days; individual item weight limits often ~20–30 kg without prior arrangement.
Alternatives and reservations: when on‑site options are full or closed, use city train station lockers at Wien Hbf (from ~€5/24 h), or book third‑party drop services (Stasher, LuggageHero-style platforms) with fixed daily rates (€5–€15/item) or courier transfers to city storage (€15–€40). Pre‑book with an app/service for guaranteed space during peak times.
Practical tips: photograph items and inside any bags, keep the receipt/claim tag, remove high‑value items and perishables, confirm payment methods (card/cash) before check‑in, and check liability/insurance limits at the counter or provider website.
Use the staffed left-baggage desk at VIE for fragile, oversized or high-value bags
Find the manned counter in the public arrivals area of VIE – follow directional signs or ask the main information desk. Staffed service accepts items too large for lockers and offers a signed receipt, declared-value options and basic insurance; small backpacks and daypacks are better suited to coin or electronic lockers when available.
Practical rules and recommended actions
Present a photo ID when dropping off; keep the issued ticket/barcode until retrieval. Do not hand over sharp, flammable or perishable items; mailing or specialist freight is required for restricted goods. For fragile items, request extra wrapping or a dedicated tag and photograph contents before handover. Ask staff about size limits and maximum holding periods – counters sometimes set a limit (days or weeks) and charge incremental fees for extended stays.
If the manned desk is closed
Book a certified third-party city drop-off via apps (examples: Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero) or use hotel/rail-station options as a fallback. Typical city prices range from about €5–€15 per day depending on item size and booking time; always compare reviews and insurance terms before committing. On short layovers, consider a locker only for small bags and reserve courier or same-day delivery for bulky items.
Quick checklist: photograph contents, take and guard the receipt, confirm opening hours and final collection deadline, clarify insurance/declared-value limits, and verify accepted payment methods before leaving the terminal.
Left-baggage counters and self-service lockers at Schwechat
For checked suitcases or valuables leave them at the staffed left-baggage counter in the landside Arrivals hall; use self-service lockers for short, hourly or same-day needs near the train station and terminal exits.
Staffed counters – where to go and what to expect
Find the staffed counter in the public Arrivals area (ground floor) close to the main information desk and primary exits; a secondary manned desk is usually located in the main Check-in hall. Staff accept large suitcases and items requiring receipts or insurance, issue a numbered deposit receipt, record ID, and price by size plus days held. Counters typically close overnight, so plan overnight holds via the central left-baggage office if required.
Self-service lockers – locations and limits
Locker banks sit in the publicly accessible Arrivals corridor near Exit 4, at the rail station under the terminal (S-Bahn/ÖBB platforms), and adjacent to the short‑term car park entrance. Lockers come in small/medium/large sizes, accept contactless card or app payments (coinless), and are best for bags, carry-ons and shopping bags for up to a few days; oversized items will not fit and must go to the staffed counter.
Practical tips: measure your bag before choosing a locker; photograph the locker number and keep the digital/code receipt; do not store passports, cash or irreplaceable valuables in unattended lockers; check posted weight and size limits. For holds beyond the locker time limit or for declared valuables ask the staffed desk for long‑term holding options and official tariffs.
For current exact positions, real‑time availability and opening hours consult the terminal maps at the main information desk or the official Schwechat terminal information line before arrival.
Opening hours, holiday availability and contact numbers for VIE baggage services
Prefer self-service lockers in Terminal 3 Arrivals for round-the-clock access; reserve the staffed left-baggage counter in the Central Area (Level 2) for oversized items or long-term deposits–staffed hours are normally 05:00–23:00 daily.
Holiday availability: staffed counters typically close early on 24 Dec (around 18:00) and operate with reduced personnel on 25 Dec and 1 Jan; self-service lockers remain accessible during public holidays but retrieval requiring staff follows the reduced schedule. Expect adjusted hours on major public holidays and around Easter and national bank holidays–call ahead for exact times.
Contact numbers: main information line (VIE, 24/7): +43 1 7007 – request connection to the left-baggage desk for direct assistance, or ask to be transferred to baggage operations for lost‑and‑found enquiries and special arrangements. For bulky seasonal items call in advance to confirm size limits, insurance options and collection windows.
Pack compact protection for sudden rain – see best windproof umbrellas for college students. For bulky garden equipment consider off-site solutions and compare models before storing items: best cordless robotic lawn mower.
Step‑by‑step: how to store and retrieve baggage at VIE lockers
Prefer self‑service lockers for items that fit a compartment and weigh less than 32 kg; use the staffed counter for oversized or valuable pieces.
Step 1 – Select a compartment: compare your bag’s measurements with the table below and pick small, medium or large. If width or length exceeds the largest compartment, proceed to the staffed counter instead.
Step 2 – Prepare documents and payment: have a valid photo ID and payment method ready (chip/contactless card and cash in euros are usually accepted at the terminal machines). Remove liquids over 100 ml and valuable electronics if you plan to leave items long term.
Step 3 – Book the locker at the terminal kiosk or on the locker touchscreen: choose size, set deposit duration (24‑hour increments), pay the fee, then receive a printed ticket or a QR/PIN on screen. Keep that ticket until retrieval; it is required to open the compartment.
Step 4 – Deposit bag: open the assigned locker, place the bag fully inside on the floor of the compartment, close the door and confirm locking on the kiosk screen. Verify the door is latched and that the locker number on your ticket matches the physical unit.
Step 5 – Extend time if needed: return to the kiosk, enter your PIN/scan QR, and add extra 24‑hour blocks using the same payment methods. Extension is billed per block; check the kiosk display for current rates.
Step 6 – Retrieve baggage: at return, scan the QR or enter the PIN at the same locker terminal; the door will open automatically. Present the printed ticket and a photo ID at the staffed desk only if requested by personnel.
Step 7 – Missing code or jammed door: contact the on‑site assistance number shown on the kiosk immediately and go to the staffed counter with your ID and proof of payment. Do not force the door; staff will unlock and verify ownership.
Security and liability: do not store passports, large sums of cash, irreplaceable documents, jewelry or hazardous items in public lockers. For high‑value items, use the staffed deposit service which records an inventory and issues a receipt.
Locker size | Internal dimensions (cm) | Max weight | Typical rate per 24h | Recommended contents |
---|---|---|---|---|
Small | 35 × 40 × 60 | 15 kg | €6 | Daypacks, small suitcases, coats |
Medium | 55 × 40 × 60 | 25 kg | €9 | Carry‑on cases, camera bags, shopping |
Large | 85 × 45 × 60 | 32 kg | €12 | Full‑size suitcases, sports gear |
Pricing, size limits and insurance options for stored baggage at VIE
For short stays under 24 hours use self-service lockers; for multi-day deposits, oversized items or declared-value protection use the staffed left-baggage counter.
- Typical locker pricing (self-service)
- Small (handbag/backpack): €5–€7 per 24 hours
- Medium (carry-on / cabin case): €8–€12 per 24 hours
- Large (checked-case / sports bag): €12–€18 per 24 hours
- Most systems charge by 24-hour blocks; partial days are normally billed as a full day.
- Staffed counter fees (per item)
- First 24 hours: approx. €6–€10 per item
- Each additional day: approx. €4–€7 per item
- Flat-rate weekly tariffs sometimes available for long deposits – ask the counter for exact weekly pricing.
- Payment methods accepted
- Contactless bank cards and chip-and-pin
- Cash (EUR) at staffed desks; some locker machines accept card only
- Mobile payments (where supported) – carry a backup card or cash for older machines.
- Dimensions and weight limits
- Small lockers: ~35 × 35 × 45 cm
- Medium lockers: ~60 × 40 × 50 cm
- Large lockers: ~80 × 45 × 70 cm
- Weight limit per locker or per item commonly 25–30 kg; oversized or very heavy items must use the staffed counter and are subject to separate handling rules.
- Restricted items
- Perishable goods, hazardous materials (batteries with damage, flammable liquids), live animals and fragile valuables are often refused for deposit.
- High-value items (jewellery, negotiable documents, cash) generally must not be left in unattended lockers; use the staffed counter and declare value if allowed.
- Liability and insurance options
- Operator liability without declaration is typically low (commonly €50–€100 per item). Request the exact limit at the desk before depositing.
- Declared-value coverage: available at the staffed counter for an extra fee; you must complete a value declaration and keep the receipt. Maximum declared sums vary – ask the agent and get written confirmation.
- Third-party travel insurance offers broader protection (theft, accidental damage, total loss). Photograph contents, keep receipts and the deposit ticket to support claims.
- For high-value items, carry them on your person or purchase separate insurance rather than relying on standard deposit liability limits.
- Claims and record keeping
- Keep the deposit receipt or locker code; without it retrieval or claims will be problematic.
- Photograph item condition before deposit and note serial numbers for electronics.
- File loss/damage reports immediately at the staffed desk and request a written report and claim reference number.
- Quick recommendations
- Use a locker for short daytime holds – faster and cheaper for small items.
- Choose the staffed counter if you need declared-value protection, have oversized gear or will store for multiple days.
- Declare high-value items, photograph everything, retain receipts and consider external insurance for items above the operator’s default liability.
- For an unrelated read while you wait: best friends under an umbrella blacked out.
If exact current tariffs, maximum declared values or locker dimensions are required, check the VIE left‑baggage desk or the operator’s official counter information on-site before depositing.
Nearby alternatives: long‑term deposits and hotel baggage holding near VIE
Quick recommendation: for holdings longer than 24–48 hours, book an off‑site long‑term deposit in the city close to major rail hubs (Wien Mitte, Hauptbahnhof or Westbahnhof); expect typical rates €6–12 per day or €30–60 per week and require online reservation for best availability.
Recommended providers and locations
Use reputable peer‑to‑peer platforms (Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero) or local left‑deposit services listed on station maps. Key drop‑off points to target: Wien Hauptbahnhof, Wien Westbahnhof and Wien Mitte – these hubs commonly host self‑service lockers and staffed deposit desks with small/medium/large compartments. Verify accepted sizes before travel: small ≈ 35×20×20 cm, medium ≈ 60×40×40 cm, large ≈ 90×60×40 cm.
Typical coverage and pricing to compare: declared liability commonly €500–1,000 on platform bookings; some providers sell extra cover. Per‑day fees usually billed in 24‑hour blocks; weekly caps may apply. Confirm cut‑off times for retrieval – many centres close evenings or operate limited weekend hours.
Hotel holding: practical rules and tips
Most hotels will hold bags for registered guests free for a few hours; long‑term hold beyond checkout often incurs a fee (commonly €2–5 per item/day). For non‑guests expect either a charge or refusal. On drop‑off request a written tag/receipt with date, item count and staff name; photograph items and keep ID. Do not leave high‑value items (cash, passports, jewelry, electronics) unless the hotel issues written acceptance and declared liability.
Logistics: transfer from VIE terminal to city hubs via CAT to Wien Mitte (~16 minutes), S7 S‑Bahn (~25 minutes) or ÖBB regional trains to Hauptbahnhof/Westbahnhof – choose a deposit point within a 5–10 minute walk from the station you arrive at to minimize transfers. Always check provider opening hours and book online where possible; keep the digital receipt and emergency contact for the chosen provider.