Use the official left-baggage desks inside the terminal complex for the fastest, most secure option; if those counters are closed or full, reserve a spot with verified third-party networks (app-based drop-offs in terminal hotels and nearby shops). Carry a valid ID and flight details; expect a numbered receipt that must be presented at retrieval.
Where to find service and basic procedure: main baggage-deposit desks operate in the arrivals zones of the larger terminals, with information counters able to point to the nearest desk. Present passport or ID, hand over items, receive a tagged ticket and terms of liability. Most providers accept backpacks, suitcases and sports equipment; very large crates may be refused or charged extra.
Typical hours and price bands: major counters commonly run ~06:00–22:00 (hours vary by terminal). Price examples: small bag roughly €6–8 per 24 hours, medium case €8–12 per 24 hours, large item €12–20 per 24 hours; multi-day and weekly rates usually reduce the per‑day cost. Third-party drop-offs often list fixed daily rates online and allow advance booking to lock a rate.
Security, restrictions and claims: do not hand over cash, valuables, perishable goods, or hazardous materials. Photograph contents, keep the receipt safe, and check the carrier’s declared liability limit on the ticket. Lost-item procedures require presentation of the tag number and ID; additional insurance should be arranged separately if declared value exceeds the provider’s limit.
Alternatives and advice for longer holds: for multi-week deposits consider city-center luggage hubs near major train stations or courier-to-hotel services; hotel concierges sometimes accept short drops for guests. When possible, pre-book via a reputable platform to compare hours, exact terminal pickup points, maximum accepted dimensions and cancellation rules.
Left-baggage options at Paris Charles de Gaulle Terminal
Use the official left-baggage counters situated in Terminals 1, 2 and 3 for short-term deposits; check live opening hours on the official terminal pages before arrival (typical window: 05:30–22:30).
Typical tariffs (indicative): small bag €5–€7 per 24 hours; medium suitcase €8–€12 per 24 hours; large item or sports equipment €15–€25 per 24 hours. Many desks charge by item and by day; partial-day rates uncommon.
Required documents and procedure: present passport or national ID and the booking/receipt; payment by contactless card accepted at most counters; a claim ticket is issued – keep it until collection. Staff will scan items for prohibited contents; sealed tamper-evident packaging is recommended for fragile objects.
Restrictions and exclusions: items containing lithium batteries, compressed gas, flammable liquids, and other dangerous goods are frequently refused. For car-care kits with chemical containers, bring empty, well-drained bottles or use specialised transport options (see link below).
Liability and insurance: liability limits set by the left-baggage operator are usually low (check terms); photograph high-value items before deposit, keep the receipt, and consider third-party insurance or a courier service for high-value or fragile goods.
Alternatives and tactical advice
For transit gaps under 6 hours, drop at the nearest terminal desk to avoid long transfers. For multi-day or oversized consignments, pre-book a door-to-door forwarding service (examples: luggage shipping platforms and commercial couriers) – expect rates from ~€20 to €60 depending on size and service speed, and allow 24–48 hours for collection.
If transporting cleaning equipment or a foam cannon, verify hazardous-material restrictions before deposit; for product recommendations and compatible pressure-washer options see best pressure washer for chemical guys foam cannon.
Practical checklist before drop-off: 1) photo of items + contents list; 2) photocopy of ID; 3) remove loose batteries or hazardous liquids; 4) label external case with name and phone; 5) note opening hours and final collection time to avoid extra-day charges.
Where to find left-baggage desks and lockers in Terminals 1, 2 and 3
Prefer staffed left-baggage counters in each terminal’s arrivals area; self-service lockers are concentrated in Terminal 2 and at the inter-terminal rail complex. Carry a photo ID and the receipt/tag issued at drop-off.
Terminal 1: staffed counter sits on the arrivals (ground) level, close to the central circular hall and the main information point. There is no large bank of automated lockers in this terminal, so use the counter for overnight or oversized items or head to Terminal 2 for lockers.
Terminal 2: largest selection–find staffed desks in the arrival halls of the 2A–2F sectors and several automated locker banks near the public arrivals corridors and the adjacent rail/TGV station. Locker sizes range from small (handbags) to large (suitcases); pay attention to maximum storage durations posted at each machine.
Terminal 3: a small staffed left-baggage desk is located in the arrivals/shuttle-bus area near the main meeting point. Automated lockers are limited or absent; for longer deposits transfer to Terminal 2’s rail terminal or use a nearby third-party facility in Roissy.
Operational hours vary by terminal and season; check the terminal information desk, official Paris–Charles de Gaulle website or station signage on arrival for current opening times, size limits, prohibited items and payment methods. Keep the claim ticket safe and note collection deadlines to avoid extra fees.
Opening hours, location maps and walking time from check-in and arrivals
Plan a 20–30 minute margin to reach left-baggage points: staffed counters typically operate early morning to late evening (approx. 05:00–23:00), while automated lockers in select zones offer 24/7 access.
Terminal 1: central circular terminal with the baggage counter on the arrivals level near the central plaza. Allow 8–12 minutes on foot from international check-in zones and 4–7 minutes from the main arrivals carousel areas; follow signs for “Consignes” or “Left‑baggage” on the arrivals walkway.
Terminal 2 (2A–2G, 2E/2F): multiple halls mean variable transfer times. Counters and lockers are concentrated on arrivals levels of 2A/2C and in Hall E. Expect 5–25 minutes walking time between a given check-in desk and the nearest deposit point; transfers between distant halls (for example 2E ↔ 2F) often require CDGVAL shuttle or internal bus – add 15–30 minutes for transfers that include a people‑mover.
Terminal 3: compact departure/arrival building with facilities close to the check-in zone; typical walk times are 3–8 minutes from check-in or arrivals to the counter or locker bank.
Map guidance: open the official terminal PDF maps or use Google Maps satellite+floor plans, then mark three waypoints – check-in desk, arrivals carousel, and the deposit point – to calculate an accurate walking route and time. Look for fixed landmarks (carousel numbers, CDGVAL stations, parking P0/P1) when following on-site signs.
If arrivals occur outside staffed hours, prioritize 24/7 lockers in Terminal 2 or short‑term deposits at the Roissy TGV station; carry a compact rain shield such as the best umbrella devek for outdoor transfers between terminals and shuttle stops.
Size, weight limits and items prohibited for storage
Use the official left-baggage counter or lockers only for items that meet the operator’s dimension and mass rules; oversized, hazardous or undeclared articles will be refused.
Size and weight limits
- Lockers – typical three sizes: Small ~35 × 25 × 50 cm (backpack), Medium ~60 × 40 × 50 cm (carry-on), Large ~100 × 50 × 50 cm (checked-size case).
- Counter-accepted pieces – usually accepted if linear dimensions (length + width + height) ≤ 158 cm and weight ≤ 30 kg per piece; items 30–50 kg may require prior approval and incur extra charges.
- Oversize articles (skis, surfboards, large instruments) – require advance arrangement with the left-baggage operator; walk-in acceptance is not guaranteed.
- Piece count limits – lockers typically designed for single items; multiple-piece consignments handled at the staffed counter with different tariffs.
Prohibited and restricted items
- Explosives, fireworks, ammunition and weapons without proper permits – not accepted.
- Flammable liquids and gases (petrol, solvents, butane/propane canisters), corrosives, toxic and radioactive substances – prohibited.
- Spare lithium batteries and unpackaged battery packs – usually refused; batteries installed in devices are more likely to be accepted but check operator rules.
- Perishables, live animals and plants – no care provided; acceptance normally refused.
- Cash, passports, travel documents, negotiable instruments and high-value jewellery – strongly advised to keep with the traveller; many operators do not accept irreplaceable valuables.
- Fragile art, antiques and items requiring special climate control – may be refused or require special handling and insurance.
- Medical oxygen cylinders, pressurised medical devices and biohazardous materials – require prior authorisation and documentation.
- Illegal goods, stolen property or items linked to ongoing investigations – strictly forbidden and will be reported to authorities.
Measure and weigh items before arrival; declare any restricted contents at drop-off; remove spare batteries and transport them in cabin where permitted; photograph contents and keep proof of ownership; arrange insurance for valuables and contact the left-baggage operator in advance for oversize, heavy or special-item rules and fees.
Pricing, accepted payment methods and how to reserve storage in advance
Reserve left-baggage online before arrival to lock a lower rate and guarantee space at Paris Charles de Gaulle terminals.
Typical pricing (indicative): staffed left-baggage desks – €6–€18 per item for the first 24 hours depending on size; small automated lockers – €4–€8 per 24 hours; medium lockers – €7–€12 per 24 hours; large lockers or oversize-item deposits – €12–€25 per 24 hours. Multi-day discounts commonly apply: 3–7 days often priced at the daily rate × 0.7–0.9, weekly caps sometimes offered (check the operator’s tariff table). Overnight surcharges appear rarely; peak-season uplift may add €1–€5/day.
Accepted payment methods at staffed counters: cash in euros, major debit and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard), contactless payments and often Apple Pay / Google Pay; American Express acceptance varies by operator. Automated lockers typically accept contactless cards and mobile wallets only. Online advance bookings accept major cards and frequently PayPal; some third-party platforms also accept Apple Pay.
Advance reservation process – standard steps: 1) select terminal and drop-off/pick-up dates on the operator’s site or a vetted marketplace (examples include Stasher, Bounce, Nannybag, Radical Storage); 2) choose size category and review tariff for exact hours; 3) prepay with card/PayPal; 4) receive a confirmation voucher or QR code plus exact drop-off instructions and opening hours; 5) present ID and voucher at arrival to complete handover. Printouts are optional when a QR code is issued.
Cancellation and refunds: free cancellation windows usually range from 24 to 48 hours before the booking start; late cancellations often incur a partial fee (25–50%) or forfeit the full amount if inside the cancellation window. Refund processing times follow card issuer policies (3–14 business days). Confirm the provider’s policy at booking.
Insurance and liability: many operators include basic coverage (typical limits €300–€800 per item). Optional top-up insurance is offered at booking on third-party platforms – compare coverage limits and excesses carefully. High-value items such as cameras benefit from extra protection; consider padded inserts like best messenger bag camera inserts when leaving photographic gear.
On-the-ground tips: prepay whenever possible to avoid queues; keep the booking voucher and a photo ID ready; confirm hours for late-night arrivals; for long-term deposits request weekly or monthly rates and a written receipt stating liability limits.
Security measures, liability, insurance options and lost-item procedures
Always obtain the official receipt and baggage tag at the left-baggage desk, declare high-value contents on the deposit form, and photograph items and serial numbers before handing over bags.
Security: deposits are X‑ray screened and stored in supervised, CCTV-covered rooms with restricted access; high-value items frequently receive separate locked storage. Staff will note seal numbers and time stamps on the receipt–insist that both are written on the copy kept by the depositor.
Liability: standard operator liability is limited by the terms printed on the receipt–typical non-declared compensation ranges from €50 to €200 per item. Declared‑value cover (optional, fee-based) raises the operator’s maximum payout; request the declared‑value tariff table at the desk and get that declaration stamped on the receipt.
Insurance options: use one or more of the following layers of protection:
– declared‑value cover purchased at drop‑off (confirm exact ceiling and premium before paying);
– travel insurance policy covering theft, loss and accidental damage (recommended minimum electronics coverage: €1,500–€3,000);
– credit‑card insurance tied to ticket purchase (check exclusions for unattended baggage and storage facilities).
Keep copies of purchase receipts and policy numbers to speed claims.
Lost-item reporting and timelines: report missing items at the same left-baggage point immediately and file an online lost-property form within 24 hours if available. For faster retrieval, provide receipt number, drop-off timestamp, detailed item description, photos and proof of ownership. Typical operational timeframes:
– immediate search: within 24–48 hours after report;
– formal claim acceptance: within 7 days for theft/damage incidents;
– storage retention: most uncollected items held 30–90 days before transfer to the central lost-property service or disposal/auction–verify exact retention period on the receipt.
Claim documentation checklist: present the official receipt, a government ID, boarding pass or travel document if relevant, original purchase receipts or serial numbers for high-value goods, and photographs. For insurer claims include the operator’s incident report and any police report if theft occurred.
Action | Deadline | Required documents / Notes |
---|---|---|
Obtain deposit receipt and tag | At hand‑over | Keep physical receipt; photograph tag and seal number |
Declare valuables & buy declared‑value cover | Before hand‑over | Get written declared value on receipt; pay fee and retain proof |
Report missing item to desk | Within 24 hours | Provide receipt number, description, photos, ID |
File insurer/credit‑card claim | Typically 7–14 days | Attach operator incident report and proof of value |
Collect unclaimed property from central unit | Within 30–90 days (operator dependent) | Check retention period on receipt; courier collection may be possible |
If theft or serious damage occurs, obtain a police report immediately, request a stamped incident report from the left-baggage office, and submit both to insurers within their stated deadlines to preserve claim eligibility.