Michael Turner
Prefer staffed left-baggage desks or electronic lockers at major transport hubs. Typical locker dimensions: small ~35×35×50 cm (fits a cabin bag), medium ~55×40×60 cm, large up to 80×60×90 cm; standard pricing usually falls within €3–€10 for small/medium units per 24 hours and €12–€25 for large or extended-access lockers. Many stations and airports accept contactless payment and provide online reservation for specific locker bays.
Use app-based drop-off networks (examples: Stasher, LuggageHero, Bounce, Radical Storage) for city-center flexibility; published rates commonly sit at €5–€9 per 24-hour period with discounts for multi-day bookings. Verify each partner’s declared-value insurance – common coverage ranges from €1,000–€2,500 per item; policy exclusions and claim procedures differ widely, so inspect terms before handover.
Expect higher tariffs at staffed airport counters (major hubs: CDG, AMS, FRA, FCO): typical charges run €6–€20 per day, with weekly or monthly options available for long-term deposits. Regional variation is significant: Germany, Switzerland and the Netherlands retain many locker banks at central stations; some UK and French terminals have reduced physical locker supply, increasing reliance on third-party services.
Security and rules: prohibited contents include explosives, flammable liquids and controlled substances; fragile or high-value items (cash, precious jewelry, passports, laptops) should remain on the person or be placed in explicitly insured compartments. Photograph items, retain the paper receipt or digital booking confirmation, and provide ID if requested. Typical weight limits run between 15–25 kg per item; oversize and overweight items incur surcharges or require special handling.
Practical recommendations: measure baggage dimensions in advance to match locker sizes; pay attention to advertised opening hours and final retrieval times to avoid penalty fees; reserve space during peak periods (summer, conventions, holidays). For long-term deposits request a written rate, check maximum storage duration and confirm declared-value coverage before accepting custody.
Short-term baggage options across major EU hubs
Prefer app-booked city lockers for same-day holding: typical city-center rates €5–€12/day; airport baggage counters charge roughly €8–€25/day. Train-station coin lockers generally come in three sizes – small ~30×40×50 cm (€4–€7/day), medium ~60×40×60 cm (€6–€10/day), large ~80×50×80 cm (€9–€15/day) – and most accept items up to ~25–30 kg per compartment.
Booking platforms and costs
Use marketplace services such as Radical Storage, Stasher, LuggageHero or Bounce for on-demand drop-off/pick-up; average fee €6–€12/day, instant online booking, and many listings include insurance in the €1,000–€3,000 range. Airport short-term counters often work by fixed-size pricing rather than per-kilo; monthly commercial depots charge from €50–€120 depending on unit size.
Security, restrictions and quick tips
Facilities typically refuse hazardous goods, perishables, valuables over policy limits, and items exceeding ~30 kg. At drop-off: present ID, keep the reservation code, photograph each item and its tags, request a written receipt or barcode, and verify opening hours (several left-baggage desks close around 20:00). For long-term placement in garages or patios, clean concrete before placing bulky trunks – see best pressure washer for concrete patio. Book 24–48 hours ahead during peak holiday periods and purchase separate insurance for items whose declared value exceeds platform coverage.
Train-station lockers: locating machines, payment methods and size limits
Quick recommendation: Use the station map, official rail app or information desk to find locker banks; common symbols are a box or small bag icon placed in the main concourse, near ticket gates or at platform ends.
Typical machine locations: main concourse adjacent to ticket machines, beneath departure boards, near taxi ranks and in pedestrian underpasses. Search station signage for local terms: “left-luggage”, “consigne”, “Schließfach”, “deposito bagagli”, “consigna” or “luggage lockers” in English-language station maps.
Accepted payment methods: coins (local currency), contactless debit/credit cards, NFC mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay), station-specific apps with QR codes, and prepaid web reservations that supply a numeric PIN or barcode. Some older units still require cash only; many newer banks accept card/contactless but may limit foreign cards–carry a backup option.
Price guidance (approximate): short-stay hourly systems €1–3 per hour; 24-hour rates typically small €4–8, medium €6–12, large €9–20. Staffed left-luggage offices at major terminals often charge per calendar day (€6–15/day) with discounts for multi-day deposits. UK major termini frequently use staffed services rather than unattended lockers.
Physical size norms: small ~30×30×40 cm (fits cabin bag), medium ~40×60×40 cm, large ~70×50×45 cm. Weight limits usually 15–30 kg per compartment; oversized items exceed the largest locker and require a staffed deposit office or private courier/portering service.
Time limits and rules: unattended lockers most often allow 24–72 hours before penalty fees apply; staffed offices accept longer deposits (days–weeks) with identity required at drop-off and pickup. Machines issue a receipt with PIN or QR–retain a digital/photo copy. Lost-code procedures involve contacting station staff and presenting ID plus payment receipt number.
Security and liability: locker areas commonly monitored by CCTV; staff hold master access keys. Liability for valuable items rarely provided by operators–declare high-value items only to staffed services that offer declared-value insurance for an extra fee.
Practical tips: photograph locker number and on-screen confirmation; test door closure and confirmation message before leaving; avoid placing passports, cash, electronics without using a staffed left-luggage counter; if card payment fails, try the operator app or seek the information desk for alternatives.
Airport left-baggage desks: hours, fees and reclaim steps
Prefer staffed left-baggage counters inside the main terminal for the longest opening spans, official receipts and higher declared-value options.
Operating hours
Typical staffed-desk windows: regional airports 05:00–22:00; major hubs often 06:00–00:00 with some terminals offering 24/7 service. Counters at intercontinental terminals tend to match first and last long-haul departures. Night-only arrivals may need to use airline-arrivals desks or on-call baggage services – check the airport arrivals board or official website before planning.
Fees, payment methods and sizing
Daily and short-term fees vary by size and airport; prices below reflect common market ranges. Expect surcharges for oversized items, electronics or high-value declared items and extra for late reclaim outside standard hours. Most desks accept major credit/debit cards, contactless and local-currency cash; few accept foreign-currency banknotes without additional commission. Obtain a printed or digital receipt with a unique ticket ID at drop-off.
| Service type | Typical hours | Common fee range (per item) | Key notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small bag / day locker | 06:00–22:00 | €4–€10 (4 hours); €6–€12 (24 hours) | Best for hand-carried bags; limited internal dimensions |
| Medium suitcase (staffed counter) | 05:00–00:00 or 24/7 at hubs | €8–€20 per 24h | Often offers sealed tags, insurance options available |
| Large/oversize items | Business hours; may require advance notice | €15–€40 per 24h or fixed handling fee + daily rate | Measure prior; extra handling charged separately |
| Weekly/long-term rates | Varies | €30–€120 per week (size-dependent) | Some desks apply weekly caps after day 3–7 |
Reclaim procedure: present the original receipt/ticket and a photo ID requested by the desk (passport or national ID). Staff will verify the ticket ID, check seals, request signature and release items. If the ticket is lost, expect the desk to require ID plus payment of a lost-ticket surcharge (typically 150–300% of the accrued storage fee) and completion of a written declaration. For after-hours recovery, call the number on the receipt – some operators offer on-call collection for an additional fee.
Lost, damaged or uncollected items: operators usually publish liability limits and retention periods (common retention windows 30–90 days). For high-value items declare value at drop-off and purchase declared-value coverage where available; otherwise commercial liability limits may be low and claims require police reports and original proof of value.
Private storage apps and drop-off hubs: booking process, verification and liability
Prefer platforms offering instant confirmation, staff-verified drop-off points and a declared-value liability floor of at least €1,000 per item.
- Booking flow (typical):
- Select date, time window and hub; choose item-size category and declare individual item values.
- Complete ID verification (passport or national ID) and upload a selfie when required; receive a QR code or numeric pickup code within minutes.
- Pay via card or mobile wallet; check VAT and service fee breakdown before finalising – typical fees: €3–€8/day for small bag, €6–€15/day for large item; weekly caps often available.
- Drop-off: scan QR at counter or present code; staff performs condition check and records timestamped photos in the app.
- Pick-up: present original booking code and matching ID; staff compares timestamps and releases items only after ID match.
- Booking rules to verify before payment:
- Cancellation window and penalties (common: free until 24 hours, 50% within 12 hours).
- Operating hours and last-drop/first-collection cutoffs – missed windows usually trigger a full-day charge or additional fees.
- Maximum consecutive storage period and monthly pricing for longer stays.
- Declared-value limits and excess/deductible amounts stated in the terms.
Verification methods commonly used
- Document checks: passport or national ID upload, automatic MRZ parsing for passports.
- Biometric selfie match against the ID photo or live liveness check for higher-value deposits.
- Timestamped, geotagged photos taken by staff and stored in the booking record.
- CCTV coverage at drop-off hubs and access logs for staff interactions.
- Third-party background checks for commercial hosts; community-rating thresholds for peer hosts (e.g., minimum 4.7/5 and 50+ reviews).
Liability and insurance: typical architecture
- Two-tier model: platform-provided insurance (third-party policy) plus host-level liability limits. Platform policy often covers €250–€2,500 per item; host caps may be lower unless a higher declared value is purchased.
- Declared value: reimbursement limited to the declared amount or the insurer cap, whichever is lower; undervaluing items reduces payout.
- Exclusions: cash, negotiable instruments, perishables, live animals, and high-value valuables (commonly >€1,000) unless specifically declared and accepted by the host/insurer.
- Deductibles: typical range €50–€200 per claim; check whether deductible applies per item or per booking.
- Claims procedure: file via app within 24–72 hours after discovery, attach timestamped photos from drop-off and pick-up, provide proof of ownership/purchase receipts; police report required for theft above insurer thresholds (often >€500).
- Resolution timeline: insurers aim for 14–60 days; escrow of disputed funds may delay refunds until investigation closes.
Practical safeguards
- Photograph items from all angles before handing over and upload images to the booking record within five minutes of drop-off.
- Declare high-value items individually and pay for additional coverage where offered.
- Prefer staffed hubs with CCTV for items declared above €500; choose peer hosts only if ratings exceed 4.8 and ID verification is mandatory.
- Use tamper-evident seals for hard-shell cases and keep serial numbers or unique identifiers recorded in the booking notes.
- Keep a copy of the booking confirmation, payment receipt and pickup code offline (screenshot) and in email for faster claims handling.
- At collection, perform a quick video showing item condition and the hub staff member present; timestamped video reduces dispute risk.
Hotels and hostels: asking about hold policies, charges and pickup deadlines
Obtain written confirmation (signed receipt or numbered claim ticket) whenever the front desk agrees to hold bags: the document must state pickup deadline, daily fee, liability limit and required ID for reclaim.
Exact questions to ask at booking or check-in: Will reception accept 1–3 bags after check-out? What is the pickup deadline (date and clock time)? Fee per bag per 24‑hour period; grace period length and late-collection penalty; where items are kept (locked room, secure cage, hotel safe); liability cap and whether valuables must be declared or placed in a safe; required proof for reclaim (ID, claim ticket); procedure for missed pick-ups and contact for recovery.
Typical price examples: budget hostels often waive a same‑day hold or charge €0–€3 total; midrange hotels commonly charge €2–€7 per item per day; high-end hotels may impose concierge handling fees of €5–€20 per item per day. Many properties offer a free short-term hold (until 18:00) when the guest checks out the same morning; anything beyond 24–72 hours usually incurs daily charges or a flat long-term fee.
Pickup deadlines and late fees: standard pickup windows are 09:00–18:00 or until reception closes; some city hotels extend to 23:59. Typical grace periods: 1–3 hours after the stated deadline. Late-collection consequences: extra day charge per item, conversion to lost-&-found after a set number of days (commonly 14–30), or transfer to a third‑party storage provider at guest expense.
Liability and valuables: many properties limit liability to a small amount (example: €50–€200 per incident) unless a declared value is recorded and an extra fee paid. Strong recommendation: place passports, cash and electronics in hotel safe; photograph bag contents and condition before handing over; keep the receipt number until the collection is complete. Travel insurance policies often cover held items – retain the storage receipt for claims.
Operational details to confirm for hostels: reception hours (staffed vs. self-service), whether claim tickets are issued, whether bags are accessible between hours, and whether overnight access exists. For hotels: ask whether handling includes transport between reception and a secure room, whether CCTV covers storage area, and who has key access; request the name of the staff member accepting the items where possible.
Special items and limits: oversized sports equipment, musical instruments or fragile parcels frequently require advance notice and can attract higher handling fees or refusal. Batteries, pressurised containers and certain liquids may be restricted by property policy – get an explicit acceptance statement in writing.
Pickup checklist: present the claim ticket and photo ID, inspect item condition in front of staff, sign a release or condition form, and obtain a final receipt if a fee was paid. For missed collections, contact the property immediately and request written confirmation of any transfer to lost-&-found or external storage.
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Customs, prohibited items and security checks for cross-border bag deposits
Declare controlled goods at the border and carry originals of invoices, permits and photo ID; obtain written confirmation from the deposit facility that customs inspections will be allowed on-site or that access procedures are established.
Documentation, declarations and temporary admission
Carry: passport/ID, purchase receipts with serial numbers, export permits for cultural property, firearms licences, medical prescriptions for controlled drugs and phytosanitary certificates for plants/food. For temporary movement of commercial samples or professional equipment, present an ATA Carnet where accepted. Present documentation proactively at external-border crossings to avoid automatic seizure or retrospective duty assessments.
Commonly prohibited or restricted categories and facility obligations
Items routinely refused by deposit points or targeted by customs: firearms and ammunition; explosives and pyrotechnics; pepper sprays or self‑defence devices that are illegal locally; narcotics and certain psychiatric medications without prescription; protected wildlife, plants, seeds and unprocessed food; high-value cultural artefacts lacking export licences; large consignments of alcohol/tobacco subject to duty thresholds. Lithium spare batteries and other hazardous materials often violate storage-site safety rules – most facilities prohibit unattended spare lithium cells. Deposit agreements should explicitly list banned items, consent to inspections, insurance cover and liability caps; if customs request an inspection, facilities normally must grant access or items risk seizure and fines under national law.
Photograph contents, keep a stamped inventory signed by facility staff, and declare high-value or controlled items at crossing points to reduce the chance of delays, fines or criminal proceedings. For any uncertainty, consult the customs authority website of the relevant country and obtain written confirmation from the chosen deposit provider before leaving goods across a frontier.
FAQ:
Can I leave my luggage at train stations or airports across Europe, and is it safe?
Yes. Many larger train stations and most international airports offer left-luggage services: either coin-operated lockers or staffed storage counters. Safety differs by location — staffed facilities tend to be more secure than unattended lockers, and private companies that partner with local businesses can offer insured options. Typical rules: size and weight limits apply, valuables are often excluded from insurance so keep passports and electronics with you, and you will receive a receipt or tag for retrieval. Prices range from a few euros for a few hours to about €5–€15 per bag per day in big cities. Before leaving your bag, check opening times, keep the receipt safe, and take a photo of the bag and its contents in case of a dispute.
