Immediate action: Use the staffed left-baggage office when open; if closed, choose coin-operated or app-accessible storage cabinets located near platforms 1–3. Typical pricing: €4–€12 per item per 24 hours; large-case surcharge typically €2–€6. Check the terminal’s official website or live departures display before travel to confirm availability and access rules.
Typical specifications: Small cabinet dimensions 30×30×45 cm – fits backpack and small tote; medium 40×50×70 cm – fits weekender or standard carry-on; large 60×80×100 cm – fits large suitcase. Payment channels: coins, EMV contactless cards, major mobile wallets, dedicated terminal apps. Usual maximum continuous deposit spans 7–14 days depending on operator policy.
Security and handling tips: Photograph deposit tag and keep the QR/payment receipt until retrieval. Do not store passports, high-value electronics or large sums of cash; carry those items on person. Prefer the staffed office when storage duration exceeds a single day, since staff-issued receipts simplify any claim process.
Practical alternatives: Hotel concierge hold services during daytime, insured courier pick-up and point-to-point baggage transfer, city central baggage depots with extended hours and oversized-item acceptance. Compare total cost, pickup window and insurance terms before selecting an option; confirm exact dimensions and weight limits via the operator’s info line when needed.
How to verify storage availability at a specific commuter rail stop
Consult the official rail operator website immediately: open the stop page, check “Facilities” or “Services” entries and downloadable PDF maps; these usually specify secure bag storage, staffed left-baggage counters, size limits, tariffs and opening hours.
Online verification
Use search queries like “StopName baggage storage”, “StopName bag deposit” and “StopName left-baggage”; check national journey-planner portals, the operator’s Twitter/X feed and Google Maps Amenities tab plus user photos. Add site:operator-domain.com “Facilities” to narrow results. Check third-party networks (Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero) for short-term options near the stop.
On-site confirmation
Call the customer service number shown on the operator page and ask a single clear question: “Does this stop offer staffed left-baggage or coin-operated secure cabinets, and what are maximum bag dimensions, opening hours, daily charge and maximum storage period?” If staff present, verify physical dimensions and payment methods, photograph size labels or cabinet plates, and note any time limits printed on ticket-office notices.
Storage unit sizes, hourly and daily rates, and maximum storage periods
Select a medium compartment to store one large suitcase; budget hourly rates USD 1–3 and daily caps USD 8–12.
- Size guide
- Small – approx. 30 × 30 × 60 cm (12 × 12 × 24 in): fits a backpack, small trolley, camera bag.
- Medium – approx. 45 × 45 × 70 cm (18 × 18 × 28 in): fits one checked suitcase (24–26″) plus a small carry item.
- Large – approx. 60 × 45 × 100 cm (24 × 18 × 40 in): fits two large suitcases or one large case plus sports gear.
- Oversize – approx. 80 × 60 × 120 cm (32 × 24 × 48 in): for bicycles (partial disassembly), skis, long boards depending on shape.
- Typical pricing
- Hourly: USD 1–3 per hour (EUR ~1–2.5); minimum charge commonly equals one hour.
- Daily cap: USD 6–15 per 24‑hour period; some systems apply a single cap after 4–6 hours of continuous rental.
- Peak-day uplift: staffed facilities may add 10–50% on weekends and holidays.
- Payment: coins, card readers, mobile app; app/card usually required when booking longer holds.
- Deposit/ID: rare for automated units; staffed counters may request ID and hold a deposit equivalent to one day’s fee.
- Maximum hold periods and extensions
- Automated compartments: common maximum 24–72 hours continuous hold; machine interfaces typically block extensions.
- Staffed left‑baggage desks: extensions up to 7–30 days possible with registration and extra fees; advance arrangement recommended for multi‑day storage.
- Counting rules: rental clock begins at payment time; partial days often rounded up to next hour or converted to full‑day charge after 24 hours.
- Overstay consequences: uncollected property after allowed period becomes subject to handling charges, storage penalties, disposal, or auction; expect retrieval fees equal to one to several days’ rates plus administrative charges.
Measure items before selecting a compartment and choose the next size up when uncertain. Keep valuables on person and declare high‑value pieces at staffed counters; consider travel insurance for irreplaceable items. Do not leave hazardous materials, perishables, or leaking batteries; uncollected property may incur disposal and administration fees.
Using a storage compartment: step-by-step payment, access codes and item retrieval
Use contactless card payment or the operator app to secure a compartment rapidly; older kiosks accept coins and chip cards.
At kiosk: select compartment size on touchscreen, tap duration, pay via NFC or EMV card, scan mobile wallet QR if using app; machine prints a receipt with unit number and a numeric or QR access code.
Upon payment: note unit number, photograph the printed receipt or save the screenshot QR; if a mechanical key is issued, keep it until retrieval; do not close the door until belongings sit fully inside and the latch clicks shut.
Access codes typically run 4–8 digits; some systems use alphanumeric passwords or single-use QR tokens delivered in-app. Enter the code on the keypad or present the QR at the reader; latch releases within 1–3 seconds after correct entry.
If a code fails: re-enter slowly and confirm unit number. Inspect the keypad; dirt or wear may block keypresses. Use the support number printed on the kiosk to request a remote reset; the operator may request payment receipt number and photo ID to verify ownership.
Retrieval procedure: go to the unit, enter the same code or scan your QR, open the door, remove items, then close the door. If the paid period expired, the terminal will prompt additional payment prior to code reactivation, or staff will unlock the unit after on-site verification.
Lost code or lost key: present receipt and photo ID at the operator desk; staff typically log retrieval and may apply an administrative fee. If access is urgent or hazardous goods are involved, use the emergency contact printed on the kiosk.
Practical tips: photograph unit number and code, save the digital receipt, set a phone alert to retrieve items within the paid period, avoid storing prohibited materials listed on the kiosk sticker, and extend time via the app when that option exists.
Alternatives when compartments are full: left-baggage counters, private storage services and rail staff assistance
Use the staffed left-baggage counter at the main rail hub as the primary fallback – it accepts bags that exceed coin-operated compartment size or when all automated units are occupied.
Left-baggage counters: typical operating windows run 06:00–22:00 at major hubs; standard fees range €4–€12 per 24-hour period depending on item size; common limits are ~30 kg and 160 cm total dimensions; expect identity check, a numbered receipt and a liability cap (often €50–€150) unless a higher declared value is paid.
Private storage networks (app-based local partners): book via an app or website, drop items at partnered shops or hotels, prices normally US$5–$15 per 24 hours for standard bags; many operators include basic insurance up to US$1,000 and allow hourly bookings; premium services add same-day pickup and delivery to an address for roughly US$10–$40 depending on distance.
On-site staff assistance: platform attendants and customer service desks can provide temporary custody (minutes to a few hours) or direct you to the nearest staffed counter or partner outlet; porters or rail security may tag oversized items and escort them to secure holding areas when requested – always obtain a written or digital receipt.
Practical precautions: keep valuables and essential documents with you; photograph contents and external identifiers before handing over items; use tamper-evident straps and an obvious name/phone label; declare high-value goods and buy extra coverage if offered; confirm exact closing time to avoid overnight surcharges or missed retrieval windows.
If planning to repack or sort items prior to drop-off consult best luggage sorting. For rules about transporting biological or food items, or simple background on proteins, see which of the following are the building blocks of proteins.