Michael Turner
The fastest option is self-service lockers located in the station concourse and underpass; medium and large compartments fit standard suitcases and carry‑ons. For high‑value items or irregularly shaped gear choose the staffed counter inside the hall. Staffed service issues a receipt and provides insurance for declared items, while lockers operate on a pay-per-use basis without compensation for theft or damage.
Typical fees: lockers roughly 10–40 PLN per 24 hours depending on compartment size; staffed desks commonly charge from 15 PLN per day for a single item with scaled rates for multiple days. Payment methods vary by terminal – coins, card and mobile payments are often accepted at modern units; bring small change as a fallback.
Access and opening times: many lockers stay accessible 24/7; staffed counters usually run early morning to late evening (commonly about 06:00–22:00). Check current hours on the official station or rail operator website before planning timed arrivals or departures to avoid extra overnight fees or missed retrieval windows.
Practical tips: label contents lightly, photograph the compartment number and receipt barcode, leave valuables with the staffed desk, do not place perishable goods inside. For short stays consider private commercial storage points located within a 5–10 minute walk from the station that offer hourly pricing and online booking.
If planning onward travel with large sports equipment or musical instruments, confirm maximum dimensions and weight limits for lockers and ask the staffed office about special handling; bring ID matching the receipt at pickup to avoid delays.
Main station: short-term baggage options
Use the staffed left‑baggage desk in the central concourse for secure short‑term holding; staff provide a receipt, accept items generally up to 30–35 kg per piece, and offer handover protocols for collections.
Self‑service lockers sit along the concourse and by platform entrances. Common dimensions: small 35×30×20 cm, medium 50×35×40 cm, large 80×50×40 cm. Typical price bands: small 10–15 PLN / 24 h, medium 15–25 PLN / 24 h, large 25–40 PLN / 24 h; most units accept coins and contactless cards. Overstay fees usually apply (often an extra daily rate).
Required formalities: present photo ID at staffed points and keep the issued ticket for retrieval; declare high‑value items if requested – many counters exclude valuables or require separate terms. Staffed desk hours commonly run 06:00–22:00 (seasonal variation possible); lockers may be available 24/7 but can be temporarily out of service.
Alternatives: use services inside the adjacent shopping centre or app-based networks (hourly rates and door‑to‑door pick‑up). For oversized equipment or late‑night arrivals prefer advance booking with a private provider or reserve a large locker. Photograph item condition before deposit and confirm payment methods and collection deadline at drop‑off.
Exact location and opening hours of the left-baggage office
Recommendation: Use the left-baggage desk on the main concourse of the Main Railway Station – it sits on the ground floor, directly opposite the primary ticket windows and adjacent to the central information desk (near the entrance leading to the adjoining shopping centre).
Exact placement: central hall, ground level, between Platforms 1–3 access corridor and the station’s main entrance. Look for signage marked “Left baggage” or “Przechowalnia bagażu” and the operator’s counter with visible lockers behind the service desk.
Opening hours: regular daily schedule 05:30–22:30. Last acceptance of items typically 22:00; retrieval permitted until closing time. Seasonal extensions (later closing on selected summer weekends) and reduced service on major public holidays are possible – check the station information board on arrival or contact the station info desk for same-day confirmation.
Tip: busiest times are morning arrivals (06:00–09:00) and late-afternoon departures (16:00–19:00); allow extra time for drop-off during those windows. Payment methods accepted at the desk include cash (PLN) and major credit/debit cards.
Locker sizes, weight limits and pricing by time block
Choose a medium locker (Type M) for day trips: internal 35×45×60 cm, max weight 20 kg – fits a cabin suitcase or two backpacks and is the best balance of cost and capacity.
Quick reference for selection: small lockers suit daypacks and hand bags; medium handles cabin-size cases; large fits checked suitcases; XL accepts long or bulky items up to the stated limits. Overweight or awkward items must be handed in at the staffed counter for a different tariff.
| Size | Internal dimensions (cm) | Max weight (kg) | 0–6 hours | 6–24 hours | 24–72 hours | Additional day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small (S) | 30 × 35 × 45 | 10 | 5 PLN (€1.10) | 8 PLN (€1.80) | 15 PLN (€3.40) | 10 PLN/day (€2.30) |
| Medium (M) | 35 × 45 × 60 | 20 | 8 PLN (€1.80) | 12 PLN (€2.70) | 22 PLN (€5.00) | 15 PLN/day (€3.40) |
| Large (L) | 60 × 45 × 60 | 30 | 12 PLN (€2.70) | 18 PLN (€4.10) | 35 PLN (€8.00) | 25 PLN/day (€5.70) |
| XL / long items | 120 × 45 × 60 (horizontal) | 40 | 20 PLN (€4.50) | 30 PLN (€6.80) | 55 PLN (€12.50) | 40 PLN/day (€9.10) |
Practical notes
Payment methods: card (chip/contactless), NFC mobile pay and cash accepted at most machines; exact change recommended for coin-only units. Lockers operate on prepaid time blocks – refunds uncommon; plan selection by expected total parking time.
Weigh bags before insertion if close to the limit; overweight items are not released by automated lockers and must go to the manned counter (fees typically higher, roughly 40–60 PLN/day). Do not place hazardous goods, leaking containers or large batteries inside. For battery-powered garden tools or cordless equipment transport guidance, consult best cordless lawn mowers for small yards.
Step-by-step use of automated lockers: payment, codes and pickup
Select locker on the touchscreen and note the compartment number before initiating payment.
Quick procedure
- Tap the display, pick compartment size, confirm on-screen compartment number.
- Place items inside, close the door slightly (do not slam) so the sensor registers occupancy.
- Choose payment method on terminal: contactless bank card (Visa, Mastercard), chip-and-PIN card, Apple Pay / Google Pay, or mobile wallet QR where available. Cash is uncommon; if present, coin slot accepts standard coins only.
- Complete payment; wait for confirmation screen and printed receipt or SMS/email with barcode or numeric code (typically 4–8 digits).
- Photograph receipt and locker number, keep the printed slip until retrieval; the code on screen or on paper is required for pickup.
Pickup, extensions and troubleshooting
- Pickup: return to the unit, enter numeric code on keypad or scan barcode at the reader, press the “Open” button; remove items and close door to finalize session.
- Extension: at the same terminal, choose “Extend” or scan receipt barcode; pay additional fee by the same methods. Extension must be completed before current rental expires; terminal shows remaining time and new expiry after payment.
- Lost code or receipt: press the help/assistance button on the kiosk or call the telephone number printed on the terminal/receipt. Staff will verify identity and payment (bring ID and transaction proof) before opening with a master key; expect a short wait.
- Stuck door or technical fault: use on-screen “Report problem” or help button; do not force the door. Take a photo of the locker number and error screen, keep transaction evidence for follow-up.
- Security recommendation: avoid placing passports, large sums of cash or irreplaceable valuables inside. Retain transaction ID and take a timestamped photo of the closed compartment as additional proof.
How to handle oversized, sports gear and fragile items
Use the staffed left-baggage counter for bulky sporting equipment and delicate parcels; automated lockers accept only small-to-medium bags and normally reject items over 120–140 cm in one dimension.
Bicycles: disassemble to fit a standard bike box (typical external dimensions 140 × 85 × 30 cm). Remove pedals, front wheel and turn handlebars parallel to the frame; deflate tyres slightly (about 20–30% pressure) to reduce volume. Wrap frame and components with 3–5 mm foam or bubble wrap, protect dropouts and derailleurs with cardboard, secure loose parts in labeled zip-lock bags, and fasten everything with strong packing tape or straps.
Skis and snowboards: use a padded ski bag or hard tube; common ski-bag lengths are 170–210 cm. Loosen bindings, wipe dry and remove excess wax or snow before packing. Protect tips and edges with cardboard collars and wrap with bubble wrap; add silica gel sachets to control moisture.
Golf clubs and poles: hard-shell travel cases are recommended. For soft bags, pad club heads individually with bubble wrap and immobilize clubs inside the bag using foam sleeves or rolled towels. Measure length (typical 115–125 cm) to confirm acceptance at the counter.
Fragile items (glass, ceramics, electronics, musical instruments): use double-boxing with an inner crate or foam insert. Provide at least 5 cm of cushioning on all sides, fill voids with foam peanuts or crumpled kraft paper, secure with heavy-duty filament tape and mark exterior with bold FRAGILE labels. For instruments, use a hard case plus humidity control packs; remove batteries and drain any liquids before handing over.
Odd-shaped or oversized pieces (surfboards, large tripods, windsurf rigs): expect special handling fees and prior arrangement. Foldable rigs should be partially disassembled, wrapped in reinforced fabric sleeves and placed on a pallet or inside a crate when possible. Record exact dimensions and weight on the receipt issued at deposit.
Valuable items and insurance: declare high-value contents at acceptance and purchase declared-value coverage if available. Keep the receipt and any barcode; photograph items and packaging before deposit and store serial numbers separately. For items over typical counter limits, arrange private storage or courier transfer to a secured facility.
Final checklist before handing over: clean and dry equipment, remove loose fluids or batteries, list contents on the deposit form, seal with tamper-evident ties and retain the claim stub. Retain proof of identity and check whether a signature or ID number will be required on collection.
Security, liability rules and available insurance for stored baggage
Hand high-value items to the staffed deposit counter and declare their worth; automated lockers are suitable only for everyday baggage and non-valuable equipment.
On-site security measures
Fixed CCTV covers the hall and locker zone, with live monitoring by station personnel during operating hours. Staffed counters operate behind glass and issue a numbered receipt for each deposit; electronic lockers log PIN entries and record time stamps. Lockers are metal-cased with tamper-evident doors; many units include an alarm that triggers on forced entry. Practical steps: secure zippers with small padlocks, remove external tags that reveal travel plans, photograph contents and exterior before depositing, and keep the paper or electronic claim ticket until retrieval.
Liability, prohibited items and how claims are handled
Liability is generally limited to the amount stated on the deposit receipt or to the operator’s published contractual cap; full replacement of high-value items should not be expected unless a declared-value agreement was purchased. Prohibited articles typically include live ammunition, explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids, toxic chemicals, illegal drugs and perishable foodstuffs. In case of a loss or damage, report the incident to the deposit counter immediately and request written confirmation; insurers and operators commonly require a police report for claims. Claims processing usually requires: original receipt/claim ticket, photographic proof of item condition and ownership (purchase invoices or serial numbers where applicable), personal identification matching the receipt, and the police report when applicable. Time limits for filing vary between operators and insurance policies–check policy wording–while missing documentation will severely reduce recovery chances.
Insurance options and practical recommendations: buy travel or special valuables insurance that covers checked items and declared-value endorsements for jewellery, cameras, musical instruments and sports equipment. Many credit cards offer secondary baggage protection when the trip is purchased with the card; read exclusions for unattended-property clauses. If a declared-value option is available at the counter, weigh the premium against replacement cost and required proof; keep purchase receipts and serial numbers separate from the deposited articles. For fragile or high-value items that cannot be insured adequately, prefer handing them to staff for supervised custody rather than placing them in an unattended locker.
Nearby alternatives: private storage, hotels and door-to-door services
Fastest option: book a private drop-off point within a 10-minute walk of the central station – expect 10–35 PLN per bag for 24 hours and handover windows typically 08:00–20:00.
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Private drop-off networks
- Popular platforms: Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero, Nannybag – reserve online, pay by card, show QR at drop-off. Many partners are cafés, shops or dedicated counters near Pawia Street and the Old Town approach.
- Price guide: small bag 10–20 PLN/day, medium suitcase 20–30 PLN/day, oversized items 30–60 PLN/day. Weekend rates can be +20–30%.
- Insurance: standard cover 1,000–2,500 EUR equivalent; optional top-up available during booking. Check deductible and excluded items (cash, documents, fragile goods often excluded).
- Practical tip: list contents on booking confirmation, photograph items, keep booking code and ID for pickup.
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Hotels (reception desk)
- Chains near the central rail hub commonly accept items for registered guests free of charge; non-guests usually charged 10–30 PLN/day per item. Smaller independent hotels may set a flat fee or ask for a refundable deposit.
- Ask for a receipt and a claim tag; confirm latest pickup time (some desks close between 00:00–06:00).
- If staying overnight later the same day, leaving bags with the hotel reception is the most convenient and low-cost option.
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Door-to-door delivery and courier services
- Local couriers (InPost/Paczkomat for parcels, DPD, GLS, UPS) handle bulky items and same-day or next-day delivery. International services (Send My Bag, Luggage Forward) offer direct transfers to airports, hotels and other cities.
- Price examples: small parcel 50–120 PLN (domestic, next-day), large suitcase 120–300 PLN (same-day airport delivery depends on distance). International routes vary widely–book early for best rates.
- Booking checklist for pickup: exact pickup address, recipient name and phone, delivery address with meeting window, declared value for insurance, weight and dimensions. Wrap fragile items and mark as fragile.
- Airport drop-off option: specify terminal and flight time; some services guarantee delivery before check-in for an extra fee.
Quick decision matrix:
- If away for a few hours and proximity matters – private drop-off within walking distance.
- If staying overnight at a hotel – leave items at reception for no extra hassle or minimal fee.
- If transporting heavy, oversized or multiple items to another city or the airport – arrange a door-to-door courier and insure declared value.
Final checks before handover:
- Photograph contents and external condition.
- Keep ID and booking/receipt with claim number.
- Confirm operating hours and emergency contact for the provider.
- Use protective covers; consider a compact rain protector such as this best cute travel umbrella for sudden showers during transfers.
