Michael Turner
Recommendation: Use the staffed Deposito Bagagli inside Napoli Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi 91) for short‑term holds; typical opening hours run roughly 06:00–22:00 and fees are commonly in the €6–€10 range per item per 24‑hour period; present a valid ID and a rail ticket at drop‑off and keep the issued claim tag until collection.
Locate the office by following signs to the main concourse and platform access. At check‑in expect a written receipt and a numeric claim stub, size limits and surcharges for oversized items; fragile or high‑value contents are usually declined – consider handing those to hotel reception or a courier service instead. Payments are normally accepted in cash and by card; verify current methods before arrival.
Alternatives and timing: For arrivals outside staffed hours, prebookable private locker networks and app‑based left‑baggage partners operate within walking distance of Piazza Garibaldi and offer 24/7 collection at selected sites; compare daily rates and opening times on aggregator platforms. Before planning, confirm office hours and tariffs on the official terminal website or by calling the terminal information desk to avoid unexpected closures or holiday variations.
Baggage options at the main rail terminal
Automated lockers beside Platform 1 and a staffed left-baggage office inside the main terminal provide secure short- and medium-term baggage deposits; lockers recommended for stays under 24 hours, staffed office for multi-day holds.
Practical details
- Lockers: 24/7 access; sizes S/M/L. Typical internal dimensions – S: 35×28×55 cm, M: 50×35×65 cm, L: 100×50×70 cm. Fees roughly €6 / €8 / €12 per 24-hour period. Payments: cash, debit/credit, contactless.
- Staffed left-baggage office: ground-floor hall, near main entrance; usual hours 06:00–22:00. Maximum deposit commonly 7 days; ID required at drop-off.
- Liability: declared coverage often capped (example €250/item); declaration and extra fee required for high-value items.
- Prohibited items: perishables, flammable or hazardous materials, non-service animals.
- Retrieval procedure: retain ticket or QR receipt; present matching ID to reclaim items. Uncollected property typically transferred to municipal lost-&-found after ~30 days.
Quick practical tips
- Photograph contents and attach an external tag with contact details; keep small valuables in personal carry-on.
- Allow 10–15 extra minutes before scheduled departure for drop-off or pick-up procedures.
- For oversized baggage, call the left-baggage office ahead or book a dedicated freight locker with a local logistics provider.
- Compare third-party baggage services (e.g., local “left-bag” platforms) for price and opening-hour flexibility when lockers or the staffed office are full.
Where to find official left-baggage services at Napoli Centrale (entrances and map)
Use the official Deposito Bagagli located inside Napoli Centrale’s main concourse, immediately adjacent to the Piazza Garibaldi entrance; signage with a suitcase symbol directs to the counter from the main doors.
Primary access points: Piazza Garibaldi (main city-side entrance) – enter through the large glass façade, walk straight past the ticket hall and customer service desks; the Deposito Bagagli sits on the concourse level near the entrances to platforms 1–5. Metro/underground access (from the Circumvesuviana/Metro entrances) – ascend the escalators to the concourse and follow the baggage-signage toward the ticket office.
Map-reading tips: consult the Grandi Stazioni or RFI Napoli Centrale map (printed maps at information points or the downloadable station-plan PDF). Look for the suitcase icon or the label “Deposito Bagagli”/”Left‑baggage” in the central concourse between the main ticketing area and Platforms 1–5; on the schematic the service is positioned between the arrival hall and the platform access corridors.
Practical recommendations: present passport or national ID and keep the claim tag until retrieval; both cash and major cards are usually accepted at the official counter. Photograph the claim receipt and note opening hours from the official Grandi Stazioni/RFI page before arrival. Allow an extra 10–20 minutes during morning and evening peaks when queues form near the concourse entrances.
If the official office is closed, check the station-plan map at the main information kiosk for temporary alternatives or locker locations, and refer to the online map on grandi-stazioni.com or rfi.it for the latest service point placement before arrival.
Operating hours, seasonal schedules and public-holiday closures for storage points
Prefer staffed left-baggage counters for predictable opening times (typically 06:30–22:00); automated lockers offer round-the-clock access and are the safest option outside staffed hours.
Typical daily timetables
- Staffed counters (official deposito bagagli): standard hours ~06:30–22:00; ticket sales and receipts issued only while staff present.
- Automated lockers: normally 24/7; maximum continuous hire commonly 72–96 hours depending on operator; pay-by-app or contactless card increasingly supported.
- Private commercial operators (shops near main entrances): usual hours 08:00–20:00; some remain open later during summer evenings.
Seasonal adjustments and holiday closures
- High season (June–September): many staffed counters extend service by 1–2 hours (examples: closing ~23:00–23:30) to match late arrivals and evening trains.
- Low season (November–February): reduced staffing can shift opening to ~07:00 and closing to ~20:00; fewer locker replenishments and slower assistance times.
- Major public holidays:
- 25 December and 1 January: staffed counters frequently closed; automated lockers remain accessible but retrieval before these dates is advised.
- 15 August (Ferragosto) and Easter Sunday: shortened staffed hours (often ~09:00–17:00) and limited on-site support.
- Local festival or strike days: ad hoc alterations or temporary closures possible; check real-time notices before travel.
Recommendations:
- Check official operator pages (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana / Trenitalia) or the terminal’s information desk for live hours the day before arrival.
- Reserve or pre-book lockers when available; keep the receipt/code separate from stored items and note collection cutoff times.
- Plan collection at least one hour before advertised closing of staffed counters on holiday dates; uncollected items may incur extra fees or be transferred to a municipal lost-property office.
Prices, maximum bag dimensions and accepted payment methods
Recommendation: Use the staffed deposit point at Napoli Centrale for predictable tariffs, assistance with oversized pieces and full card/contactless support.
Typical tariffs: small items €6–€8 per 24 hours; medium items €8–€10 per 24 hours; large items €10–€12 per 24 hours. Short-term holds (under 6 hours) sometimes offered at €2–€4. Oversized handling fees commonly range from €5 to €15 extra per item. Administrative charges for misplaced claim tags or uncollected property often fall between €10 and €20.
Maximum accepted dimensions and weight: locker sizes usually break down as Small ≈ 40×30×20 cm (15×12×8 in); Medium ≈ 60×40×30 cm (24×16×12 in); Large ≈ 100×50×40 cm (39×20×16 in). Staffed drop-off counters generally accept single items up to 150 cm linear (length + width + height) and up to 25–30 kg. Items exceeding these limits require prior declaration and may incur an oversized surcharge or be refused.
Accepted payment methods: staffed offices accept cash (EUR banknotes and coins), major payment cards (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro), contactless chip payments and mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay). Mechanical coin-operated lockers still exist in some areas and require coins or a specific token; some modern lockers accept contactless cards. Third-party off-site providers offer online prepayment, PayPal or card checkout – compare rates and availability via best luggage storage near penn station.
Practical notes: keep the receipt/tag until collection; lost-tag handling incurs fees and identification checks. Retention periods vary (typically 7–30 days) after which items may be treated as abandoned. For advice on choosing a bag that fits common locker sizes, see best luggage for round the world trip.
Check-in procedure: ID, baggage tagging, receipts and pick-up timelines
Present a valid photo ID (passport or EU national identity card) at the deposit counter; staff will record the document type and number on the deposit form and on the receipt.
Each item receives a numbered adhesive tag and a matching claim slip; the primary tag is attached to the main handle or strap. For multiple pieces a single master receipt listing every tag number is issued. Request a visible seal for fragile or high-value pieces.
Receipts contain operator name and stamp, unique claim code or barcode, drop-off date/time, published pick-up deadline or storage expiry and the office’s opening hours. Keep the paper receipt until collection; a clear photograph of the receipt is useful backup but the original is normally required for release.
Collection rules: present the original receipt plus the same ID shown at drop-off. Third-party collection requires the original receipt, a signed written authorization naming the collector and both parties’ IDs; photocopies are seldom accepted.
Automated lockers issue a ticket or code; the ticket shows the code, expiry time and maximum hold duration–note the deadline and set a reminder. For manned counters confirm closing time before leaving; items left beyond the stated retention period may incur additional daily charges or be transferred to the operator’s lost-property procedure.
Declare valuables and fragile contents at check-in to obtain special handling and a signed condition report; retained proof of declaration and the signed receipt will be required by insurers in case of a claim.
If the receipt is lost, report to the office immediately; identity verification and, in some cases, a police report or notarised statement will be required before release of goods.
Security, liability caps and actions for lost or damaged baggage
Keep the receipt and baggage tag on hand; photograph tag, external condition and contents prior to handover and keep those images with boarding documents and payment proof.
Facilities typically operate in two modes: unattended lockers (self-service) and manned deposit counters. Lockers provide physical security (metal doors, timed locking), but operator responsibility is minimal; staffed counters accept checked items and normally assume responsibility up to a posted monetary cap. Ask the attendant for the printed liability clause before depositing and request a stamped copy if a declared value is added.
Published liability caps vary by operator; common ranges for staffed services are €50–€200 per item unless a higher declared value is paid and recorded. High-value contents (cash, jewellery, original documents, negotiable instruments) are frequently excluded from coverage and must be declared separately or carried on person. Automatic lockers often state no insurer liability for contents – verify signage and terms before use.
Immediate steps if an item is missing or arrives damaged: report at the service desk and obtain a written incident report with time, staff name, reference number and a copy of the original deposit receipt; request CCTV review in writing and a deadline for the operator’s response. For suspected theft, file a police report and obtain the formal report number (use this in any claim). Photograph damage and retain packaging and tags for inspection.
File a formal claim with the operator within the timeframe printed on the receipt or terms (operators commonly require an on-site report plus a written claim within days or weeks – confirm the exact deadlines before leaving the facility). Submit: copy of deposit receipt, photographic evidence, inventory of missing contents with estimated values, police report if applicable, and proof of ownership or purchase where available.
If the operator’s reply is unsatisfactory: escalate to the local consumer protection body or an alternative dispute resolution service; send a registered letter (or certified electronic delivery such as PEC in Italy) attaching all documentation; consider small-claims court if financial recovery is warranted. Parallel options: travel insurance claims (many policies cover checked-item loss/damage) and credit-card purchase protection when applicable.
Preventive measures that reduce recovery obstacles: declare high values at check-in and pay any surcharge, remove irreplaceable items from checked items, choose staffed counters for valuable content, retain all receipts and tag numbers, and record staff names and timestamps on any written documents.
Nearby alternatives: self-service lockers, private baggage companies and hotel storage
Recommendation: for same-day drops choose automated lockers for short stays (hours), book a private baggage network for daytime excursions or multi-day storage, and rely on hotel back-of-house rooms for free holding when checked in or for a small fee if not a guest.
Automated lockers – location and specs: most terminals within a 2–6 minute walk of Napoli Centrale exits have coin/card/contactless lockers located near metro entrances and commercial passages. Typical dimensions: small 35×40×60 cm, medium 60×40×80 cm, large 80×60×90 cm; max recommended weight 20–25 kg. Pricing model usually: €4–6 for up to 6 hours, then €6–10 per 24-hour block. Payment methods: coins, EMV/contactless, or vendor app QR codes. Locker operation: select size, pay at kiosk or app, receive numeric PIN or QR; retain the confirmation for retrieval. For operators responsible for pneumatic mechanisms and periodic maintenance, see methods for removing water from air compressor lines.
Private baggage networks – practical notes: major providers with partner shops around Napoli Centrale include Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero and Depositobagagli.it. Typical cover: walk-in drop-offs within 2–12 minutes on foot; online reservation strongly advised during high season. Standard price range: €5–8 per item for the first 24 hours, discounts for multiple items or multi-day bookings. Insurance varies by platform (commonly €500–€2,500 declared value); check policy before confirming. Required at drop-off: ID presentation, digital reservation or printed voucher, brief item description and tag. Cancellation/refund windows are provider-specific – many allow free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
Hotel hold options: three categories – luxury hotels, mid-range chains and small family properties. For registered guests most properties keep bags for free until late evening on check-out day; non-guests can usually leave baggage for a fee (typical €5–10 per item, sometimes free for loyalty members). Best practice: confirm written receipt, ask for staff contact number, specify pickup deadline and whether an in-house tag will be applied.
| Option | Typical price | How to book | Security / Insurance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Self-service lockers | €4–10 / day (short hourly blocks available) | Walk-up or app at kiosk | Mechanical lock; limited onsite CCTV; no third-party insurance | Short stops, quick city walks, low-value items |
| Private networks (Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero, Depositobagagli.it) | €5–8 first 24h; multi-day discounts | Online reservation + voucher; walk-in drop | Provider insurance varies (€500–€2,500); partner shops use sealed tags | Day trips, storage during multi-day itineraries, flexible hours |
| Hotel back-room holding | Free for guests; €5–10 for non-guests | Ask reception; no pre-book usually required | Hotel liability policy applies; request written receipt | Overnight stays, late departures, items requiring supervision |
Final operational tips: pre-book private drops during festivals; photograph contents and tag numbers at handover; store digital confirmation and provider contact; note retrieval deadlines and extra-day surcharge policies to avoid unexpected fees.
