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Fast option: Self‑service lockers operate around the clock and suit short stays of a few hours to one day. Typical compartment dimensions and price bands: small (≈35×35×50 cm) – ~€6 per 24 hours; medium (≈50×35×60 cm) – €8–10; large (≈70×45×60 cm) – €12–15. Payment usually by contactless card; maximum weight per locker commonly ~20 kg. Oversized items must be taken to the staffed storage desk.
Longer storage: A staffed baggage deposit office accepts items for multi‑day hold. Standard opening times run roughly early morning until late evening (for many services ~06:30–22:30); daily fees commonly start at €6 per item with possible handling or insurance supplements. Presentation of photo ID and retention of the issued claim ticket are required for retrieval.
Alternatives within a short walk: Commercial storage providers and peer‑to‑peer networks offer online reservations, insured holding, and hourly or daily rates (typically €5–10/day). These options are useful when on‑site lockers are full or when collection/pickup flexibility is needed; check exact size limits and cancellation policy before booking.
Practical recommendations: measure every bag before committing to a compartment; photograph contents and label external tags with a contact number; do not store passports, large sums of cash, or high‑value electronics without declared insurance; keep the receipt code until the item is reclaimed and plan retrieval during the depot’s opening hours.
Storage options at the Dutch capital’s main rail hub
Priority recommendation: book an app-based drop-off (Stasher, LuggageHero, Radical Storage) before arrival – most partners sit within a 5–10 minute walk of the train terminal and charge roughly €5–8 per bag per day, with hourly options sometimes available.
Available solutions
- App-based partner shops and hotels – short-term holds, online booking, insured cover stated by provider; ideal for flexible pickup times and small hold periods.
- Official staffed cloakrooms at major airports or larger terminals – useful for longer storage spans when an airport transfer is acceptable; check opening hours and maximum hold duration in advance.
- Hotel concierge holds – free for guests in many cases or available for a small fee for non-guests; confirm at check-in or by phone.
Practical steps and tips
- Reserve a slot via the app to guarantee space on busy days (holiday weekends, trade fairs). Bring the booking confirmation QR code or email at drop-off and pickup.
- Verify size limits and whether wheeled suitcases are accepted; typical partner locations accept standard cabin and checked-size bags but very large items may be refused.
- Check advertised insurance/coverage per item (ranges typically shown on provider pages) and photograph contents and condition before handing over items.
- Carry ID and a method of payment; many small shops accept cards but some prefer contactless or app payments only.
- Note opening hours: many partner locations operate roughly 09:00–19:00; 24/7 options are rarer – confirm pickup window to avoid late-fee charges or denied retrieval.
- For very short waits (under a few hours), prefer hourly-priced options or a concierge drop rather than overnight-style bookings.
Where to find lockers and staffed bag-storage desks at the main city rail hub
Priority recommendation: use the automated lockers in the main concourse by the waterfront (IJ-side) entrance for quick short-term storage; for valuables choose the manned baggage counter in the northern hall near tram platforms where staff issue a numbered receipt and provide recorded intake.
How to locate them: follow signs marked “Kluisjes”, “Bagage” or locker symbols on directional boards; consult the large digital station map on site or the NS information screens; approach any information point (blue NS desk) and ask for the nearest bag-storage counter.
Practical details: lockers come in small/medium/large formats, accept contactless debit/credit cards and Dutch chip cards, and typically charge per 24-hour period (expect roughly €6–€12 for small/medium, higher for large units). Manned counters accept ID, offer longer-term options and a paper receipt; staff can record serial numbers for insured items.
Security and procedures: photograph the locker barcode or staff receipt, lockable compartments are monitored by CCTV; if a locker malfunctions report it immediately at the terminal service desk and keep the payment receipt as proof. For high-value electronics or jewelry prefer the manned counter rather than an automated unit.
If on-the-spot options are full, use third-party local services such as Bounce, Stasher or Nannybag (book online and show confirmation at drop-off). For gear recommendations and travel-ready bags consider best luggage for teenager; to protect equipment from frequent rainstorms consult best umbrella insurrance.
Locker sizes, pricing and accepted payment methods for baggage storage
Choose a medium locker for standard cabin suitcases; expect approximate 24-hour fees of €4–6 for small, €6–8 for medium and €8–12 for large units. Most lockers accept contactless bank cards and mobile wallets; some older cabinets still require coins. Staffed left-baggage counters normally process cash and chip-and-pin or contactless card payments.
| Size | Fits | Approx. dimensions (HxWxD, cm) | Typical price (per 24 h) | Payment methods (locker) | Payment methods (staffed desk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | Backpack, handbag, small carry bag | 40 × 30 × 20 | €4–6 | Contactless cards, mobile wallets; some require coins | Cash, chip-and-pin/debit, contactless card |
| Medium | Cabin suitcase (typical 55 × 40 × 20) | 60 × 40 × 30 | €6–8 | Contactless cards, mobile wallets; coins at older units | Cash, chip-and-pin/debit, contactless card |
| Large | Checked suitcase, sports bag | 80 × 50 × 35 | €8–12 | Contactless cards, mobile wallets; some accept coins | Cash, chip-and-pin/debit, contactless card |
Storage is billed per 24-hour period; partial days generally incur a full-day charge. Keep the receipt or digital code and note the locker number; many systems issue a PIN or barcode required for retrieval. OV-chipkaart is typically not accepted for payment at lockers.
Opening hours, maximum storage periods and retrieval procedures
Use automated lockers for short-term storage (up to 72 hours); use the staffed baggage desk for stays beyond 72 hours (standard maximum: 30 days).
Opening hours: automated lockers are accessible 24/7. The staffed baggage desk operates typical hours Mon–Fri 07:00–20:00, Sat 08:00–18:00 and Sun 09:00–17:00; holiday hours are reduced and vary by operator – check the desk’s current timetable before arrival.
Retrieval procedure – lockers: retrieve via code or QR printed on the receipt; re-scan the receipt barcode at the locker terminal or enter numeric code. If the receipt is lost, request assistance at the staffed baggage desk: staff will verify identity, confirm payment, then open the compartment with a master key. A lost-ticket handling fee may apply.
Retrieval procedure – staffed desk: present the claim slip or confirmation number plus a photo ID matching the name on the record. If collection falls outside desk hours, the item remains secured and can be collected the next opening period or released by appointment if an after-hours service is provided – call the contact number printed on the receipt. In case of disputes, complete the operator’s retrieval form on-site.
Storage limits and overstay handling: items kept beyond the allowed period are transferred to an off-site facility; daily storage and transfer fees are billed to the depositor. Unclaimed items move to the municipal lost-and-found after the operator’s retention window (commonly 30–90 days) and may be disposed of or auctioned per local rules. Keep the receipt and digital confirmation until final collection to avoid delays.
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Storing oversized, fragile or restricted items and required ID for collection
Hand over oversized, fragile or regulated items directly at the staffed baggage desk; lockers accept objects roughly up to 80×50×40 cm and around 25 kg–items exceeding those dimensions or weight, or items requiring special handling, will be refused by lockers and must go to the desk.
For fragile articles: pack inside a rigid case, pad all voids with bubble wrap or foam, secure closures with tape or straps and affix a visible “FRAGILE” label. Request a written condition note from staff at drop-off and photograph the item from all sides before handing it over. Typical fragile handling surcharges range €3–€10 per item and declared-value insurance is available on request; declare high-value contents at check-in.
Examples of restricted or prohibited goods: aerosols and gas canisters, fuels and flammable liquids, paints and solvents, fireworks and explosives, firearms and ammunition (including realistic replicas), large spare lithium-ion batteries (usually >100 Wh) or loose cells, compressed gases, corrosive chemicals, live animals, human remains, perishable goods that require refrigeration, illegal narcotics and stolen property. Items classified as dangerous goods under ADR regulations cannot be accepted.
Accepted identity for collection: passport, national identity card (EU IDs accepted), or government-issued photo driving licence; the name on ID must match the receipt. The original ID is normally required–photocopies rarely suffice. If a third party collects, present a signed written authorization from the owner naming the collector, a copy of the owner’s ID, plus the collector’s original ID; some desks also require the payment card used at drop-off.
Always obtain and keep the written receipt/barcoded claim tag and note any staff annotations about condition. Photograph receipts and stored items for personal records, consider declared-value cover for valuables, and ask staff before handing over borderline items such as electric bikes, musical instruments with batteries or large sports gear; staff retain the right to refuse acceptance for safety or legal reasons.
