Michael Turner
There are no official public lockers inside the 34th Street rail complex due to security policies. If you need to leave your bags briefly, the most reliable on‑site option is Amtrak checked baggage for ticketed passengers on qualifying trains; otherwise plan for a short walk to nearby commercial partners that accept same‑day drop‑offs.
Amtrak checked baggage: available only for ticketed passengers on select routes. Arrive at the baggage desk at least 45–60 minutes before departure. Typical limits are about 50 lb (23 kg) per piece and roughly 75 linear inches total dimensions–verify the carrier’s current rules for your train. Fees vary by route and fare class; confirm price at ticketing or on the carrier website before arrival.
Third‑party on‑demand options: use vetted apps (examples: Bounce, LuggageHero, Vertoe) to reserve hourly or daily drop‑offs at nearby shops, hotels or dedicated storage hubs within a 2–10 minute walk of 34th Street. Typical pricing ranges from roughly $1–3 per hour or $5–15 per day per item; many partners include limited liability coverage (~$2,500–$3,000) in the booking – check the exact coverage and cancellation policy before paying.
Practical precautions: book and pay online in advance, bring government ID and booking confirmation to the drop site, photograph contents and exterior of each bag, remove valuables or keep them with you, label items clearly, and verify hours of operation (some partners close early or are closed Sundays). For overnight holds, confirm explicit permission and any extra fees.
If neither Amtrak nor an app partner fits your schedule, alternatives include using a hotel concierge (ask about fees and guest requirements), shipping items ahead via courier services, or selecting a 24/7 commercial storage facility a short taxi ride away. Compare price, proximity, hours, and included insurance before committing.
Short-term bag options at New York’s Midtown rail hub
Book a vetted third-party hourly drop-off within walking distance of 34th Street; expect $1–3 per hour or $6–15 per day and reserve online with a provider that offers 24/7 access and insurance up to several thousand dollars.
There are no public lockers inside the main Midtown rail complex; Amtrak, NJ Transit and LIRR do not operate walk-up short-term lockers for commuter use. Amtrak will accept checked items only on select long-distance trains through ticketing/baggage service – confirm eligibility, size limits and fees at the counter before arrival (fees commonly fall in the low tens of dollars per bag for checked service).
Recommended private options and pricing
Use platforms such as Bounce, LuggageHero or Vertoe that list nearby retail hosts and drop-off shops within 1–8 blocks. Typical pricing: $1–3 per hour, capped daily around $6–15; some hosts add weekend or overnight surcharges. Most apps show exact address, distance from 34th Street, opening hours and host ratings; pick hosts with instant confirmation, photo check-in and declared liability coverage (usually $1,000–$3,000).
Choose a soft-sided bag or duffel to fit small storage spaces – examples: best tote bag for travelling for day items, and a compact option like the best value travel duffel bag for bulkier gear.
Drop-off practicalities and safety tips
Reserve in advance for evening arrivals; bring matching photo ID used at booking, photograph seals/tags at handoff, confirm exact pickup window and verify prohibited item lists (fragile, perishable, hazardous materials are typically banned). For overnight holds pick hosts advertising 24/7 access or use a hotel concierge if staying nearby. For oversized freight or instruments, contact specialized porter services or Amtrak checked-bag service if your train permits checked items.
Where to find official and third‑party bag‑hold points inside and around the 34th Street rail hub
Official counters – quick answer
Ask the Amtrak ticket desk in the main concourse or the Moynihan Train Hall ticket window about checked‑bag services for ticketed Amtrak travelers; Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit do not provide general short‑term holds. Verify availability and fees at the counter or on Amtrak’s website before relying on this option.
Third‑party networks and local shops – exact places and how to pick one
Use app-based providers (examples: Bounce, LuggageHero, Vertoe) whose partner businesses concentrate along W 34th St between 7th and 8th Avenues and around Herald Square–most pickup/dropoff points are a 2–10 minute walk from the rail complex. Search by address in the app, select a location with staffed hours that match your arrival/departure, and confirm on‑site hours on the partner’s page. Typical pricing ranges from about $5–$12 per bag per day or $1–$3 hourly; declared insurance limits commonly fall between $1,000–$3,000–check the provider’s policy before booking.
Prefer fixed storefronts over unattended lockers when bringing valuable electronics: look for café, hotel front‑desk, or retail partners that display the service’s booking sticker in the window. Note exact partner addresses and a phone number on your booking confirmation; walk time from the main concourse entrances (7th Ave/W 33rd St entrance or the 8th Ave Moynihan access) usually takes under 10 minutes.
Operational tips: reserve a slot in advance for peak travel days; bring an ID that matches the booking name; request a QR/receipt and keep it until pickup; confirm pickup window and whether same‑day or overnight holds are allowed. For added security, choose locations with staff presence and CCTV and avoid leaving high‑value items without explicit insurer acceptance.
Operating hours, rates, size limits and prohibited items
Recommendation: choose a 24/7 third‑party locker or staffed drop-off for overnight holds; pay hourly only for stays under 4 hours–beyond that a daily flat rate is almost always cheaper.
Hours and access
Typical staffed counters: weekdays roughly 06:00–22:00, weekends often 07:00–20:00; third‑party shops commonly operate 08:00–20:00 with several vendors offering 24/7 access by app or keycode. Automated locker banks are usually accessible round‑the‑clock, but individual vendor opening times vary–always confirm exact pickup/drop windows when booking.
Rates, billing and fees
Common pricing bands: hourly $3–$8/hour; daily $6–$20/day depending on size. Example tiers: small $6–$10/day, medium $8–$15/day, large $12–$20/day. Peak‑date surcharges (holidays, major events) commonly add $2–$5 per day. Additional fees to expect: ID verification or booking fee $0–$5, late pickup penalty $5–$20/day, and refundable security hold on a credit card $25–$200. Many providers include basic item value coverage ($100–$300); buy extra insurance for high‑value contents.
Payment tips: book online to lock the lowest rate, use a credit card to avoid cash‑only surcharges, and save the QR/receipt screenshot for quicker retrieval.
Size and weight limits: lockers–small ~20×14×12 in (suitable for a daypack), medium ~28×18×18 in, large ~30×20×30 in (wheeled suitcases accepted). Weight caps for automated lockers typically 15–25 kg (33–55 lb) per item; staffed counters may accept heavier pieces but often limit handling to 23–32 kg (50–70 lb) without advance notice. If an item exceeds vendor limits, split contents or arrange a porter/courier.
Prohibited and restricted items: explosives, flammable liquids, compressed gas cylinders, corrosive chemicals, illegal substances, biological hazards, bulk liquids and perishables, uncontained wet items, live animals (except authorized service animals in approved carriers), and loose lithium batteries or spare power packs. Sharp objects must be sheathed; firearms are banned unless explicitly accepted under regulated checked‑baggage procedures with prior declaration. Some vendors also refuse high‑value items (jewelry, cash, negotiable instruments) unless insured and declared.
Before handing over bags, photograph contents and luggage tags, note the locker number or receipt code, verify declared insurance limits, and confirm the last free retrieval time to avoid late fees. For a quick unrelated how‑to while waiting, see how to jumpstart an air conditioner compressor.
How to reserve online, drop off your bag, and the pickup process step by step
Reserve a slot online at least 1 hour before arrival; book 2–3 hours ahead during weekday mornings and weekend afternoons to avoid full time windows.
On the booking page select provider, drop-off window and pickup window, then enter full name, phone number, email, preferred payment method and the exact number and sizes of items (small/medium/large). Attach a clear photo of any oversized item if asked.
Pay with card, Apple Pay or Google Pay when offered; save the confirmation email, screenshot the QR code or note the booking ID. If free cancellation exists, the confirmation will state the cutoff time–common windows are 24 hours or 2 hours prior.
Bring the same photo ID used for the reservation. Arrive within the reserved window; staff will scan the QR or enter the booking ID, match ID to reservation, and tag each item with a tamper-evident sticker or receipt number. Photograph tag numbers and keep that photo until pickup.
Staff will inspect bags for prohibited items and may weigh or measure items. If an item exceeds the provider’s size/weight limits you will be asked to remove it or pay an oversize fee; ask for the oversize policy before handing over expensive gear.
If the provider issues a physical receipt, keep it. If pre-paid, confirm the receipt shows “paid” and the booking ID. If paying on site, request a printed or emailed receipt showing time in, items accepted and the tag/reference numbers.
Security and insurance: many providers use locked cages and cameras; standard liability caps range from $200–$2,500 per item depending on provider. Optional add-on insurance is often available for an extra fee–buy it at booking for faster claims handling.
Pickup process: arrive during the pickup window, present the same photo ID and the booking QR or receipt. Staff will verify ID against the booking and the tag numbers, then release items. Inspect content in front of staff and sign the release form if requested.
Late pickup fees vary: common policies add hourly or daily charges after the reserved pickup time and may treat uncollected items as abandoned after 7–30 days. Ask the provider at booking how late pickups are handled and what the grace period is.
If an item is missing or damaged, file a claim immediately–preferably same day. Provide booking ID, photos of the received condition (if available), the original receipt and card statement. Claim windows usually start at 24–72 hours after pickup; follow the provider’s claim form link in the confirmation email.
Cancel or modify: use the booking link or app to change times; most third-party services allow time changes up to the cutoff stated in the confirmation. If you must cancel within the no-refund window, contact customer support and ask for a credit or transfer to another location.
Practical quick tips: label items inside with your contact info, remove irreplaceable valuables, keep receipts and photos until the item is back with you, and confirm opening/closing times on the day of drop-off to avoid last-minute conflicts.
Security, liability limits, insurance options and what to do if your bag is lost or damaged
Choose a provider that publishes a written liability limit and offers optional declared‑value coverage; before handing over a bag, photograph contents and exterior, remove passports, cash and high‑value electronics.
- Common security features
- CCTV covering drop‑off/holding areas and access points.
- Locked storage rooms with badge or code access for staff only.
- Tamper‑evident seals or tags applied to each item on request.
- On‑site attendants during operating hours and periodic physical audits.
- Typical liability limits (what to expect)
- Official transit operator lockers often state minimal liability (examples range from $0 to $25 per item); verify posted terms before using.
- Commercial left‑bag services commonly include $100–$500 of liability per item as standard.
- Many private providers offer higher included coverage ($500–$2,000) or declared‑value protection available for an extra fee.
- Declared‑value and insurance options
- Declared‑value coverage: declare a replacement value and pay a premium (typical range 1–5% of declared amount or a flat fee). This raises the payout cap if an item is lost or destroyed.
- Credit card purchase protection: some cards cover items paid for with the card up to $500–$2,000 for a limited period after purchase; check your issuer’s policy and required documentation.
- Standalone travel or personal property insurance: policies vary widely – baggage coverage limits commonly start at $500 and can exceed $5,000 depending on plan and deductible.
- Before handing over a bag – quick checklist
- Photograph interior and exterior, showing brand, tags and serial numbers (camera timestamp helps).
- Create an itemized list with approximate values and keep copies of receipts for high‑value items.
- Remove passports, cash, jewelry, medications and devices you cannot replace easily.
- Lock the bag with a lock you control; request a tamper‑evident seal from the provider and record its ID.
- Obtain a printed receipt with item identifiers, pickup code and published liability terms.
- Immediate steps if an item is missing, stolen or damaged
- Report the issue at the provider’s desk immediately and obtain an incident/referral number and the staff member’s name.
- File a written claim with the provider within the timeframe they require (common windows: 24–72 hours for theft, 7–30 days for damage/missing contents); include photos, receipt, itemized list and serial numbers.
- If theft is suspected, file a police report and attach the report number to your claim; this strengthens recovery and insurance prospects.
- Request preservation of CCTV footage and a copy or confirmation that footage has been saved; note the camera ID/timeframe on your claim.
- If denied or unpaid, escalate: ask for written justification, then contact your credit card company (if payment made via card), your travel insurer, or consider small‑claims court where applicable.
- Documentation to include with a claim
- Provider receipt/pickup ticket and incident number.
- Photographs (pre‑drop and post‑incident if available).
- Itemized list with purchase receipts, serial numbers and market values.
- Police report for theft; repair estimate for damaged items.
- Proof of payment (credit card or cash receipt) and any declared‑value purchase confirmation.
- Expected timelines and follow‑up
- Initial acknowledgement: many services respond within 48–72 hours.
- Investigation and decision: typical window 7–30 days depending on complexity and need to review footage or third‑party reports.
- If you don’t receive a timely response, send a written escalation and keep records of all contacts, names and timestamps.
- When to use alternative protections
- For high‑value items (over provider limits), purchase declared‑value coverage or rely on travel/personal property insurance instead of leaving the items.
- If your card offers purchase protection, file a claim with the issuer in parallel with the provider’s claim to improve recovery odds.
Keep all paperwork, act quickly on reporting, and choose a provider whose published limits and operational controls match the replacement value of the items you intend to leave.
