Use the official harbour left-baggage office or a private drop-off point near the waterfront: present valid ID, accept a numbered claim ticket, and allow 15–45 minutes for deposit and retrieval depending on season and queues.
Operating windows for most providers run roughly 07:00–21:00 from April through October; outside peak months many kiosks reduce hours or close earlier. City-centre locker banks and some bus-station services offer extended availability–confirm opening times online or by phone ahead of arrival.
Price guidance: small bags typically €4–€8 per day; full-size suitcases €6–€15 per day; some locker systems charge from about €1 per hour. Expect surcharge on cruise-arrival days and at very busy times.
Bring passport or national ID, payment (card or cash), and retain the receipt. Most operators refuse cash/valuables, perishables and hazardous goods; insurance for stored items is usually not included–verify coverage with the provider.
Alternatives include hotel short-term hold (often complimentary for guests), third-party networks such as Stasher/BagBnB/Nannybag with drop-off points in the historic centre, and private courier or porter services for heavy items. Booking a slot in advance during July–August and cruise peaks reduces risk of no-availability.
Label every item clearly, photograph contents of sealed bags, keep the claim tag secure, and build an extra 30–60 minutes into transfer plans when connecting to maritime departures or intercity buses.
Short-term storage at the main Dalmatian passenger terminal
Use the official storage lockers or the staffed storage office inside the passenger terminal for short- and medium-term safekeeping of bags and suitcases; coin-operated lockers and manned counters operate within walking distance of boarding areas and accept cash and card payments.
Price guidance: locker fees generally range from approximately 30–200 HRK per 24-hour period depending on size (small ~35×40×60 cm, medium ~60×40×60 cm, large ~120×40×60 cm); staffed storage commonly charges per item and per calendar day (roughly 40–180 HRK), with surcharges for oversized items.
Hours and access: most terminals keep storage services open about 05:00–22:00; overnight retrieval outside staffed hours is often unavailable. Obtain an official receipt and a ticket for collection; retain photo ID used at drop-off. Surveillance is normally present, but declared liability caps apply–declare valuable electronics at drop-off or retain them personally.
Alternative options: hotel concierges typically hold belongings free or for a modest fee (20–100 HRK); central bus or coach stations may run separate left-baggage facilities; local private carriers offer prebooked pick-up/drop-off storage for day trips–compare total cost plus transfer time before booking. For oversized freight, contact the port cargo office in advance for reservation and rates.
Quick checklist before deposit: label items with contact details, photograph contents, remove passports and high-value items, verify maximum storage duration and insurance limits, arrive at least 30 minutes before closing to collect. Extra reading: are samsung freezers suitable for a garage
Where to store bags at the city’s sea terminals – exact locations and opening hours
Main passenger terminal (Trajektna luka) – official baggage office
Location: Riva promenade, main passenger terminal building (between passenger gates 1 and 3). Where to go: baggage office inside arrivals hall, immediately left of the ticket counters. Opening hours: Apr–Oct 06:00–23:00; Nov–Mar 07:00–19:00. Typical service accepts bags of all sizes and issues a claim ticket.
Ticket offices and nearby alternatives
Jadrolinija / local operator desk – located on the primary pier by the Riva (small desk adjacent to the main ticket windows). Opening hours: May–Sep 06:30–20:00; Oct–Apr 07:30–17:00. This desk runs a limited deposit service for short waits between sailings.
Bus station storage (Autobusni kolodvor) – address: the bus terminal area on the coastal side of town, inside the main arrivals concourse. Opening hours: daily 05:00–23:00 year‑round; accepts both day and multi‑day deposits.
Private lockers and city storage services – cluster of commercial options within a 5–10 minute walk from the Riva, concentrated on streets leading into the Old Town (look for signs “Bag Drop” or “Storage”). Typical hours: 08:00–20:00 (some extend to 22:00 in high season); many providers allow online reservation and 24/7 access via code‑lock boxes.
Tip: confirm the exact counter inside the terminal on arrival (signage points to “Passenger Terminal / Baggage Office”) and check seasonal hour variations; larger official offices run longer hours in the summer months and reduced hours in winter.
Onboard options: lockers, baggage holds or cloakrooms on Jadrolinija and other vessels
Recommendation: keep valuables and travel documents on person or in cabin lockers; store large suitcases in vehicle decks on ro-ro Jadrolinija ships only when cabin storage is unavailable.
Jadrolinija – what to expect on board
Most Jadrolinija ro-ro vessels offer vehicle-deck stowage for suitcases placed alongside cars; access to that area is restricted while underway and retrieval occurs after docking. Passenger ferries with cabins provide under-bed lockers, wardrobes or small lockable compartments inside cabins at no extra charge. Larger overnight vessels normally allow bulky items to remain in cabins; day ships and high-speed catamarans usually have no vehicle deck – small bags must remain in passenger saloons or in coin-operated lockers if present. Crew will generally not accept responsibility for valuables stored in vehicle decks; check ticket conditions for liability limits.
Lockers, cloakrooms and practical handling
Coin-operated lockers: found at main gangways or near the purser/ticket desk on several larger vessels; typical locker sizes: small (20x30x40 cm), medium (40x50x80 cm). Fees commonly range from about 1–3 EUR per use on regional routes; overnight long-term storage via the purser may cost more – confirm price at embarkation. Cloakrooms/purser desks: staffed on larger ships and overnight services; they accept coats and small suitcases for a recorded fee and issue receipts. Fragile items and valuables: keep with person or inside cabin wardrobe; use cable ties and an ID tag on external handles. Photographs of contents and a quick inventory reduce disputes at claims. Locks: use TSA-style or numbered padlocks for public lockers; avoid relying on zip-only closures for vehicle-deck storage.
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Booking, prices and permitted size/weight for storage near the main Dalmatian port
Immediate recommendation
Reserve storage via an aggregator or direct operator at least 24 hours before arrival; select locker vs. staffed drop-off based on item dimensions and weight, then save the confirmation code and ID details for collection.
Booking process and opening hours
Online platforms (Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero and local operators) allow hourly or 24‑hour reservations with card payment and a digital receipt. Walk‑in staffed counters accept same‑day deposits but peak summer queues make prebooking advisable. Typical staffed opening hours: 06:30–21:00 (April–October); many independent facilities extend to 08:00–22:00. Self‑service lockers at terminal access points often remain available 24/7; locker access requires the booking code or a credit card release.
Required booking information usually includes arrival date/time, number of items, approximate dimensions, passenger ID number and a contact phone or email. Cancellation policies commonly permit free cancellation up to 24 hours before the booked time; late cancellations may incur a one‑day charge.
Price examples and surcharges
Representative price bands (per 24 hours): small personal bag €3–7; standard suitcase €6–12; oversized item €12–20. Self‑service locker tiers: small €3–6, medium €6–12, large €10–18. Staffed desks often offer hourly rates for short deposits (e.g., €2–5 for first 3 hours) and per‑day rates aligned with the above bands. Special handling surcharges for sports equipment or musical instruments range €5–15 depending on volume and required packaging. Expect a higher fee for late collection beyond the paid period, usually one additional daily rate or a proportional hourly charge.
Permitted dimensions, weight and handling rules
Common locker internal dimensions: small ~35×25×40 cm (suitable for a daypack), medium ~45×60×35 cm (standard suitcase up to 60–75 L), large ~60×80×40 cm (bulky bags or two small cases). Weight limits for lockers typically 15–25 kg per compartment; staffed counters generally accept single items up to 30–35 kg, with heavier or irregularly shaped items accepted only by prior arrangement and possible extra fee. Very large items (volumetric size >100 L or single dimension >150 cm) require advance confirmation from the operator.
Identification and condition rules: presentation of passport or EU ID at drop‑off is standard; each item receives a claim ticket. Valuation limits on operator liability frequently range €150–€300 unless higher value is declared and insured for an extra charge. Fragile or high‑value items should be retained in a personal daypack; recommended compact tactical packs include the best vertx backpack, which fits most locker dimensions and secures valuables during short transfers.
Security, liability and how to report lost or damaged baggage at port terminals
Report any missing or damaged bag immediately at the terminal ticket office or to onboard staff and insist on a written incident report stamped and signed by staff with date and time.
Collect photographic evidence (three angles of exterior, contents, and any identifying labels or serial numbers), keep original tickets and any claim tags, and retain receipts for purchases and repairs; do not discard damaged packaging or contents before inspection.
If theft is suspected, obtain an official police report on site or at the nearest station and record the police report number; insurers and carriers require that document for theft claims.
Submit a written claim to the carrier’s customer service by email and by registered post when available. Include: incident report number, passenger name, contact details, travel documents (ticket/booking reference), itemised list with estimated values, original purchase receipts, serial numbers, photos, and your bank details for reimbursement.
Typical timeframes used by operators: report immediately; lodge a written claim for damage within 7 days of the incident and for non-delivery within 21 days from the scheduled arrival. Request written acknowledgement of the claim and a claim reference number on receipt.
Carrier liability may be limited by the operator’s terms and by international maritime conventions; travel insurance or credit-card purchase protection often covers amounts beyond carrier limits. Declare and insure high-value items prior to travel; carry jewellery, electronics and documents in hand-carried items rather than checked bags where possible.
If the carrier’s reply is unsatisfactory, escalate with these steps: 1) request escalation to the carrier’s claims manager; 2) lodge a complaint with the national transport or consumer protection authority covering the port; 3) open a dispute with travel insurer or card issuer; 4) prepare for small-claims court with the complete file (incident report, police report, correspondence, receipts, photos).
Action | Where | Typical deadline | Proof to obtain |
---|---|---|---|
Immediate report | Terminal ticket office or onboard staff | At discovery | Written incident report with stamp, staff name |
Evidence collection | On site, with mobile camera | At discovery | Photos, serial numbers, original tags |
Police report (theft) | Local police station | As soon as theft suspected | Police report number and copy |
Written claim to carrier | Carrier customer service (email + registered mail) | Damage: ~7 days; Non-delivery: ~21 days | Claim reference, carrier acknowledgement |
Insurance claim | Travel insurer / credit card provider | Check policy deadlines; notify immediately | Policy number, incident and police reports, receipts |
Escalation | Consumer authority / small claims court | After carrier reply or missed deadline | Complete claim file and correspondence |
Practical alternatives when terminal storage is unavailable: hotel holds, city lockers and porter services
Primary recommendation: reserve a city locker or a hotel day‑hold ahead of arrival; for bulky or multiple items hire a porter for harbour‑to‑accommodation transfer with a fixed price agreed before work begins.
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Hotel day‑hold (front desk)
- Typical fee: free to €5 per item for budget properties; €5–€15 at midrange; up to €20–€30 at upscale hotels. Many boutique places accept free short‑term holds for registered guests.
- Operating window: most desks accept drops from 07:00–23:00; ask for latest retrieval time if evening collection is planned.
- Required items: booking confirmation or photo ID, receipt issued on drop, note of condition – photograph items on arrival to document pre‑existing damage.
- Oversize policy: mattresses, bicycles and very large suitcases may be refused; request storage dimensions ahead of arrival and get written acceptance for nonstandard items.
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Commercial drop‑off networks (apps and shops)
- Service names to search: Stasher, Bounce, Nannybag – typical rates €5–€15 per item per 24 hours; boutique shops in central districts often match these prices.
- Booking: reserve via app, receive host address and opening hours; present booking reference at drop‑off and collect the printed receipt.
- Insurance: most platforms include limited cover (usually €1,000–€2,000 per item); confirm exact cover amount and exclusions before drop.
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Automated coin/card lockers (near main waterfront and transport hubs)
- Sizes commonly available: small ~40×40×60 cm, medium ~60×50×70 cm, large ~80×60×90 cm. Maximum weight typically 20–30 kg per compartment.
- Pricing: short term (up to 12 hours) HRK 10–30 (~€1.3–€4); 24‑hour slots HRK 30–60 (~€4–€8) depending on size. Payment: coins, contactless card, mobile pay in newer units.
- Availability: many units operate 24/7; private locker shops follow shop hours (usually 08:00–20:00). For late retrieval, confirm emergency access or alternative host address.
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Local porter and transfer services
- Typical charges: per‑bag hand carry within central zone HRK 30–100 (~€4–€13) each; trolley + short transfer HRK 50–180 (~€7–€24); van transfers with driver HRK 200–500 (~€27–€67) depending on distance and waiting time.
- Booking channels: hotel concierge, official harbour porter desk, local taxi companies offering trunk service, or online platforms for same‑day couriers.
- Pre‑engagement checklist: request full name and ID, fixed price quote, estimated duration, written receipt at completion; insist on company logo or official badge for independent porters.
- Tip guideline: HRK 10–30 (~€1.3–€4) per handled item for short jobs; larger transfers may include a discretionary 5–10% tip.
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Courier and postal forwarding
- When long‑term removal required, use national post or private courier for parcel shipment to next destination. Typical cost examples: small box 1–5 kg €8–€20; 10–20 kg €20–60, subject to dimensions and service speed.
- Packaging: place fragile items in rigid boxes, include contact phone on consignment note, photograph contents before dispatch.
- Transit times and customs: domestic moves are fast; cross‑border delivery requires customs paperwork and possible duties – request a quote before handing over.
Quick operational checklist before handing over items:
- Confirm opening hours and retrieval deadline in writing (email or app confirmation).
- Record item photos and serial numbers; lock soft bags and keep passports, electronics and cash on person.
- Obtain a printed receipt with provider contact and liability/insurance clause; note any visible damage on receipt at drop.
- Agree price and route with porters before work starts; ask for invoice if expense documentation required.
- For oversized or high‑value items, prefer insured commercial hosts (app networks or hotel safes) over unattended lockers or informal carriers.