Michael Turner
Book ahead via platforms such as Bounce or LuggageHero for drop-off points a 2–10 minute walk from the central station. Typical pricing: £4–£6 for a small day locker, £5–8 for standard items per 24 hours, larger cases up to £9–£12. Payment methods usually include card and contactless; many partners offer basic insurance cover (commonly up to ~£1,000–£1,500) and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the booking window.
On-site options inside the main concourse are limited and change over time; confirm current facilities on official station information pages or National Rail Enquiries before travel. If a staffed left-baggage office is unavailable, nearby commercial lockers and drop-off shops are the quickest alternative for same-day needs.
Typical locker dimensions and capacities: small ≈ 35×30×45 cm (daypacks), medium ≈ 50×40×60 cm (cabin suitcases), large ≈ 85×34×52 cm (checked-size cases). Weight limits commonly sit between 20–25 kg per compartment; irregular-shaped items are usually accepted by staffed drop-off sites rather than automated lockers.
Practical advice: keep valuables and travel documents on the person; photograph the contents and the booking receipt; attach a visible tag with the reservation reference; plan pick-up during advertised opening hours to avoid additional daily charges or after-hours retrieval fees. For multi-day holds, compare cumulative costs across providers before confirming a reservation.
Left-baggage options at the city’s central rail hub
Use the staffed left-baggage desk on the main concourse for secure short-term deposit of suitcases and bags; the desk issues a receipt, records identity and normally accepts card and cash.
- Location: main concourse near the primary platforms – follow station signage or ask station staff at the help point.
- Typical opening hours: roughly 06:00–21:00 on weekdays and reduced hours at weekends; verify live times via National Rail Enquiries or the station operator’s info page before arrival.
- Rates (approximate): small item £5–£8 per 24 hours; medium suitcase £8–£12 per 24 hours; large items slightly higher; discounts sometimes available for multi-day deposits.
- Size and weight limits: most desks accept standard suitcases and backpacks; very large items (furniture, bikes without disassembly) may be refused – contact station in advance for clarification.
- Required documentation: photo ID often requested; group deposits may require one lead passenger to sign the receipt.
- Security and liability: items routinely kept under CCTV; operator liability limits apply – consider separate travel insurance for high-value items.
If the staffed desk is closed or full, alternatives include commercial short-term deposit networks (examples: Stasher, Bounce) with city-centre drop-off points and app-based booking, and many hotels that offer temporary hold for guests; typical commercial prices start from about £4 per day. For large or long-term holdings, arrange collection/return times with the chosen provider and keep receipts until collection.
- Check opening times and availability online before arriving at the station.
- Label all items and keep a copy of the deposit receipt separate from the bag tag.
- Declare items of high value and confirm any insurance or liability cover with the operator.
For last-minute queries, contact the station help point or consult National Rail Enquiries for the most up-to-date left-baggage information.
Where to find lockers and left-baggage counters inside the station
Recommendation: there are no self-service lockers or an official staffed left-baggage desk inside the central concourse; use nearby third-party drop-off points, hotel reception hold services, or the airport/bus-station left-baggage facilities.
Direct access from the main concourse: exit onto Princes Street via the bridge exit, then walk toward North Bridge/High Street where multiple partner shops accept bag deposits. Typical walk time from the concourse exit: 2–8 minutes. Exact drop-off addresses and opening hours must be checked via the chosen provider’s app or website before arrival.
Practical checks before depositing items: confirm opening times (many city-centre partners operate roughly 08:00–20:00), maximum single-item dimensions, prohibited contents (electronics, perishables, valuables may be declined), insurance/coverage limits, and whether a physical receipt or QR confirmation is issued. Booking online usually locks a price and guarantees space during busy periods.
If 24/7 access is required, search specifically for automated locker networks or airport staffed facilities; most city-centre partners are daytime-only. For multi-day holds, compare daily rates and any long-term discounts; ask staff at the drop-off for extended-hold procedures and emergency contact details.
| Option | Typical location | Typical price (per item, per 24h) | Walk from concourse exit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Third-party drop-off (Stasher, LuggageHero, Bounce) | Retail partners on North Bridge / High Street | £5–£12 | 2–8 minutes |
| Hotel reception hold | Hotels around Princes Street and Old Town | Often free for guests; non-guests may be charged | 1–10 minutes |
| Airport / major coach station left-baggage | Airport rail/terminal or main coach terminal | £6–£10 | 20–40 minutes by public transport |
| Automated locker networks (limited availability) | Scattered city-centre points; verify app map | £6–£15 | Varies; sometimes adjacent to concourse |
On-the-spot advice: approach the station information desk for up-to-date local options and map references to partner drop-off addresses. Allow extra time for drop-off and collection during peak tourist seasons and before departure times on national rail services.
Locker sizes, weight limits and prohibited items
Choose a medium locker (approx 50×35×30 cm / 19.7×13.8×11.8 in) for a day bag or folded umbrella stroller; choose a large locker (approx 80×45×45 cm / 31.5×17.7×17.7 in) for full-size suitcases or bulkier pushchairs–compact models such as best lightweight umbrella stroller for toddler will usually fit medium compartments, while tandem or double designs like best double umbrella stroler commonly require large units.
Typical dimensions and practical guidance:
Small – ~35×25×30 cm: backpacks, handbags, small boxes; recommended max weight 10–12 kg.
Medium – ~50×35×30 cm: weekend bags, medium suitcases, folded baby buggies; recommended max weight 20–25 kg.
Large – ~80×45×45 cm: large suitcases, sports kit, prams (collapsed); recommended max weight 25–30 kg.
Attended left-baggage desks may accept heavier single items by arrangement; staff should be consulted for anything above ~30 kg.
Items commonly refused or prohibited: explosives and fireworks; compressed gas cylinders; flammable liquids and fuels; corrosive chemicals and acids; radioactive materials; biological hazards; weapons and ammunition; stolen or otherwise illegal goods; perishable food and live plants; live animals (except certified assistance animals handled according to desk policy). Fragile or irreplaceable items (original artwork, important documents, large sums of cash, passports, high-value jewellery) are strongly discouraged from being left in unattended compartments; many operators will refuse responsibility for valuables.
Liability and security notes: unattended lockers frequently operate without insurance cover; attended services normally offer limited liability only (typical compensated amounts vary–often in the low hundreds of pounds and dependent on declared value and terms). Keep receipt, take photos of packed items and any identifying marks, and request written confirmation of accepted items and declared value at manned counters when higher protection is desired.
Opening hours, access windows and time limits for stored bags
Use the staffed baggage desk for any hold longer than 72 hours. Typical staffed hours: 06:30–22:00 daily. For multi-day holds, the manned counter provides receipts, insurance options and longer maximum retention than unattended units.
Self-service lockers commonly offer 24/7 access, but some banks sit inside ticketed areas or platform corridors and close with the station concourse; check nearby signage before depositing items. Electronic lockers may require a phone number or email for collection codes.
Standard time limits: unattended lockers – up to 72 hours is the usual allowance; staffed desk – holds up to 30 days in many operators’ policies (longer retention possible by arrangement). Overstays typically attract daily charges and eventual disposal or auction after a set period (often 30–90 days).
Typical fee examples (ranges): small/handbag-size lockers £5–£8 per 24h; medium £8–£12 per 24h; staffed counter rates vary by item and duration, initial day commonly £6–£12 with reduced daily rates thereafter. Confirm exact tariffs on arrival or via the operator’s website.
Practical actions: retain the receipt and barcode, photograph the deposit barcode or locker number, set a calendar reminder at least 12 hours before expiry, collect items at least 30 minutes before desk closing on the final day to avoid refusal of service.
Costs, accepted payment methods and how to pre-book a locker
Pre-book online during busy periods; typical fees range by compartment size – small ~£6–8 per 24 hours, medium ~£9–12, large ~£13–16. Staffed left-baggage desks usually charge a flat daily rate slightly higher than unattended lockers; festival dates and peak hours commonly add premium pricing.
Payment methods
Automated lockers accept contactless debit/credit, chip-and-PIN cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay; a minority of older machines still take coins. Staffed counters accept cash and card (chip/contactless) and often offer refunds or adjustments on the spot. Third-party marketplaces and local storage services take major cards, PayPal and mobile wallets; booking confirmation typically contains a QR/voucher that serves as proof of purchase.
How to pre-book a locker
Locate the provider via the station’s official page or a reputable third‑party app, select desired location and compartment size, enter arrival and collection dates/times, and pay online with the chosen method. Confirmation email/sms will include a booking reference, QR code or numeric access code – save a screenshot and note the locker number. On arrival either enter the code at the cabinet or present the voucher at the manned desk. Cancellation rules vary: most operators refund full amount if cancelled more than 24 hours before the booking window; late cancellations are non‑refundable and overstays incur additional daily or hourly charges. Keep the booking reference, payment receipt and ID used for booking until collection; contact provider support immediately if access problems arise.
Nearby commercial storage services, drop-off points and short-term options
Recommendation: use a third‑party collection point with online booking for fastest handover – several partner shops within a 5–10 minute walk of the central station accept same‑day drop‑offs and supervised pick‑ups.
Local commercial options
City Centre Secure (Market Street) – staffed front desk, monitored holding area, accepts bulky bags and sports gear; opening 08:00–20:00 daily, walk‑in or reserve online. Bring photo ID; insurers often require a declared value on high‑value items.
Stasher and similar networks – multiple host locations across the Old Town and South Bridge. Book via the app or website, receive a QR code for drop‑off, most hosts provide receipts and short‑term insurance included in the fee. Typical distance from the station: 3–12 minutes on foot.
Independent left‑baggage shops near the Tourist Information Centre – ideal for hourly or half‑day needs; staff will accept overnight deposits and can hold irregular‑shaped items that automated units reject.
Short‑term alternatives and practical options
Parcel locker services and same‑day courier drop‑offs offer point‑to‑point transfer to hotels, hostels or private addresses; cost-effective for single big items when staying elsewhere that will accept deliveries. Confirm recipient accepts third‑party packages before booking a courier.
Hotel day‑use or concierge holds: many nearby hotels offer paid short‑term storage for non‑guests or for a nominal fee when booking a day room. Ideal for keeping valuables close without repeated transfers.
Before any handover, check host restrictions on batteries, aerosols and perishable goods; photograph items and request a signed receipt. For cleaning hard‑shell cases or removing residues prior to drop‑off, see this recommended tool: best pressure washer to remove paint from wood.
How to collect your baggage, ID requirements and lost-property procedure
Collect items at the staffed left-baggage counter by presenting the booking receipt or electronic locker code and a photographic ID within the access window printed on the ticket.
Accepted ID: passport, national identity card, UK photocard driving licence. If the payment card was used for booking, present the same card or a clear photocopy. Company bookings require a signed letter on headed paper plus matching ID. Third-party collection requires a signed authorisation from the owner together with both parties’ photo ID.
On-arrival process: present the receipt/code for staff verification; staff will scan barcodes or enter PINs, confirm identity and release the item. Staff may inspect contents for prohibited or dangerous goods and will withhold items pending police involvement if controlled substances, weapons or suspected stolen goods are found.
Unclaimed and high-value items: found articles are logged into the station lost-property system and placed in secure holding. Valuables (electronics, jewellery, cash) are recorded separately and normally retained for 28 days; after that period items are either handed to local police, auctioned or disposed according to station policy. Perishables are disposed earlier; hazardous materials are destroyed immediately and reported.
Reporting and recovery of missing items: report via the station lost-property desk or the train operator’s online lost-item form, providing date, approximate time, exact location, detailed description, serial numbers and proof of ownership (photos, receipts). Keep the reference number from the report and follow up by email or phone if no contact is received within seven days.
Practical tips: photograph contents and note serial numbers before drop-off, retain the electronic receipt, set a calendar reminder for the collection deadline, and for after-hours retrieval use the printed locker number plus the issued code. For delegated collections bring the signed authorisation and both IDs to avoid refusal.
