Michael Turner
Direct recommendation: leave sizable suitcases at Napoli Centrale’s manned left-luggage office or reserve a vetted private drop-off within walking distance of the archaeological park entrance; carry only a small daypack inside the ruins.
Nearest public option: Napoli Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi) offers a staffed deposito and coin lockers – typical fees range from €4–10 per item per day, coin lockers cheaper for short stays. Confirm current rates and opening hours before arrival.
Closer alternatives: private luggage-drop networks and local shops operating near the Scavi/Circumvesuviana station commonly accept bags for €4–8/day when booked online; most are a 3–6 minute walk from the main gate. Look for providers with insured bookings and clear pickup windows.
Site facilities: the archaeological park has very limited on-site deposit options; plan to use external services or hotel storage rather than expecting lockers inside the ruins.
Practical steps for a smooth experience: measure largest bags against locker dimensions, photograph items and the receipt, keep passports/medication on the person, avoid leaving high-value electronics, check exact drop-off address and closing time, and allow extra time for peak-season queues.
Practical options for leaving bags near the archaeological site
Use manned left-luggage at Napoli Centrale or book a vetted local storage partner located within 200–300 m of the main archaeological entrances; typical daily rates range €5–€10, with hourly tariffs uncommon.
Napoli Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi) operates a staffed deposito bagagli service suitable for large suitcases and oversized items; expect prices roughly €6–12 per 24-hour period depending on dimensions and seasonality.
Commercial storage networks (example providers: Stasher, Bounce, LuggageHero) list vetted shops and cafés near the Scavi station and Porta Marina entrances; online booking supplies a digital receipt and basic declared-value coverage–standard fee about €4–€8/day.
The archaeological park enforces bag checks at entrances; large wheeled trunks may be refused due to narrow pathways and conservation rules, so carry-on size backpacks or small daypacks are preferable for on-site visits.
Practical checklist: reserve space during April–October and holiday weekends; present photo ID and booking receipt at drop-off; photograph items before handing them over; note provider liability limits printed on the receipt; retrieve items well before last admission.
Security tips: keep passports, cash and electronics on the person; for high-value items verify insured value with the storage operator or use hotel bell desk service for registered guests, which is often free or low-cost.
When station or shop options are full, nearby towns’ cloakrooms (Naples main station, Sorrento or Torre Annunziata) provide alternatives–factor transit time and opening hours into planning to avoid missed entry windows.
On-site storage at the Archaeological Park: locker availability, hours and size limits
Use the official Deposito Bagagli at the main entrance of the Archaeological Park – accepts backpacks and small suitcases; last intake 30 minutes before closing.
- Location: adjacent to the main ticket office (Porta Marina area). No cloakroom at minor entrances; plan entry via the main gate when requiring on-site deposit.
- Availability: limited number of compartments; peak-season mornings (08:30–11:30) often show queues and full capacity. Arrive early or consider external left-baggage in Naples or Torre Annunziata if traveling with large items.
- Opening hours (typical):
- Low season (Nov–Mar): generally 09:00–17:00.
- High season (Apr–Oct): generally 09:00–19:30.
- Final acceptance normally 30–60 minutes before closing; hours may vary on holidays.
- Size limits: compartments accept items up to approximately 55 × 40 × 20 cm (cabin-size). Wheeled large cases or trunks exceeding ~75 cm length are routinely refused.
- Fees & payment: typical single-day rate €5–€8 per item. Cash preferred; some offices accept cards but card acceptance is not guaranteed during busy periods.
- Restrictions: no hazardous materials, perishable goods, or oversized cargo. Valuables (passports, electronics, jewelry) recommended to be carried on person rather than deposited.
- Alternatives: Naples Centrale left-baggage and Circumvesuviana station services accept larger suitcases and offer extended hours; prices vary by size and duration.
- Practical tips:
- Pack a small daypack with essentials for the visit; if tags are needed, consider best luggage tags ever.
- Label deposited items with a printed name and contact number; photograph the receipt and compartment number on arrival.
Pompei Scavi train station lockers: how to use them, prices and opening times
Use the automated locker bank inside Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri station located adjacent to the ticket hall (right side of main exit) for short-term bag drops; staffed counter available for oversized items and assistance.
Operation: choose a compartment size, follow touchscreen prompts, pay by coins or contactless card, receive printed receipt with numeric/code and barcode; insert items, close door–locker locks automatically. Retrieve by scanning barcode or entering code shown on receipt. Lost-ticket procedure: report immediately at station office with ID; a standard administration fee applies.
Standard sizes and tariffs (per 24 hours): Small (30×40×20 cm) – €4; Medium (50×40×30 cm) – €6; Large (70×50×40 cm) – €8; Oversize items handled at staffed desk – from €12/day. Weight limit per compartment: 25 kg. Additional day charged in full increments of 24 hours.
Opening times: automated lockers accessible during station working hours, normally 05:30–23:30. Station ticket office (staffed helpdesk) generally open 06:00–20:00; staffed desk required for retrieval after hours or for oversized deposits. Holiday schedules and maintenance closures possible–check EAV/Circumvesuviana notices before travel.
Restrictions and security: hazardous materials, flammable liquids, perishable food, live animals, cash and irreplaceable documents discouraged. CCTV covers the locker area but the operator disclaims liability for high-value items–keep passports, large amounts of cash and jewellery on person or in a bank safe-deposit facility. Lockers cleaned and inspected daily; any damage or tampering must be reported at once.
Payment and refunds: machines accept € coins, major debit/credit cards and contactless wallets; card refunds and dispute handling processed through station office with receipt. For emergencies or queries outside office hours use regional operator customer service (EAV) or station helpline posted on-site.
Private drop-off services nearby: booking, drop-off/pickup windows and locations
Book a private bag-drop online at least 24 hours before arrival; reservations lock a slot, often lower the rate and guarantee a covered host instead of relying on on-site lockers.
Major platforms operating near the archaeological park: Stasher, Radical Storage, Bounce, BagBNB and Nannybag. Typical daily fees range €4–€10 per item depending on size and duration; many offer hourly rates for short stays (from €2–€5 for the first 4 hours). Standard declared-value protection runs €500–€1,000; higher coverage available for an extra fee–retain booking confirmation and itemized receipts for any claims.
| Provider | Booking method | Drop-off window | Pickup window | Typical price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stasher | Website / app; instant confirmation | 08:00–20:00 (many partners earlier or later) | Until closing time shown on voucher; extension possible | €6–€9 per day | Card payments; ID required at handover |
| Radical Storage | App booking; QR code check-in | 09:00–19:00 (some 24/7 locations) | Same as drop-off partner hours; late pickup fees apply | €5–€8 per day | €1,000 cover on many sites; instant chat support |
| Bounce | Website / app; host confirmation | 07:30–20:30 common | Until partner closing; evening retrieval often possible | €6–€10 per day | Payment by card; option to add insurance |
| BagBNB | Online reservation; printable voucher | 08:00–18:00 typical | Same-day pickup allowed within business hours | €4–€7 per day | Many host shops within 5–10 minutes walk from main site |
| Nannybag | App/website; partner details on confirmation | 08:30–19:30 | Pickup before partner closing; extensions via app | €5–€9 per day | Claims handled through platform; keep booking ID |
Size and weight limits vary by host: common maximums are single items up to 32–35 kg and dimensions around 90×70×40 cm; oversized or sports equipment may carry a surcharge or require prior approval. Presentation of a valid photo ID is standard at handover; hosts often log contact details and reservation code. Payment methods: major cards and mobile wallets accepted online; some partners accept cash but booking prepayment is recommended to secure a spot.
Cancellation and amendment policies differ by provider: free cancellation usually available up to 24 hours before drop-off; same-day no-shows often non-refundable. For arrivals outside partner hours, look for 24/7 locker options in nearby towns or choose hotels and B&Bs offering short-term holding services–confirm exact opening hours on the voucher and call the host if arrival times shift.
Most private hosts are clustered within a 5–10 minute walk from the main archaeological entrance and the local rail stop; verify the street address on the booking page and save the host phone number. For protecting golf equipment or larger bags during transit, consider best golf bag umbrella.
Security, prohibited items and liability rules for deposited baggage
Prefer the staffed left‑baggage office for valuables (cash, jewellery, cameras, laptops, professional photo/video equipment); unattended lockers are intended for daypacks, coats and non‑valuable personal items.
Prohibited items and safety restrictions
Strictly forbidden: firearms, replica weapons, ammunition, explosives, fireworks, smoke grenades and pyrotechnics; flammable liquids and solvents (petrol, lighter fluid), compressed gas cylinders (camping gas, CO2 cartridges), corrosive or toxic chemicals, radioactive materials and biological samples. Narcotics and suspected illegal goods will be confiscated and reported to police. Loose high‑capacity lithium battery packs, spare batteries for drones and e‑scooters are routinely refused because of fire risk. Live animals cannot be deposited, with the exception of certified assistance animals kept on lead. Large fragile items (glass, framed art) and perishable foodstuffs are declined due to safety and spoilage concerns.
Liability limits, inspections and claims procedure
Operators set declared liability caps; typical ranges are €50–€250 for unattended lockers and higher caps at staffed deposits when value is declared and an extra fee is paid. Declaration of valuables is required for cover above the standard cap; keep the deposit receipt/ticket and any declaration form for claims. Staff reserve the right to open and inspect deposited items for security checks; refusal of inspection may result in refusal of service and cancellation of any liability. CCTV is often active but does not guarantee compensation beyond stated caps.
File loss or damage claims within 24–72 hours as specified on the ticket; present ID, deposit ticket and proof of value. Suspected theft requires a police report before final settlement. Damage claims for fragile items may be denied if items were not suitably protected; travel insurance often covers higher‑value losses–check policy wording. Commercial third‑party drop‑off services operate under separate terms and typically offer declared‑value insurance at extra cost; retain booking confirmations and read their terms and conditions carefully.
Transporting stored bags to/from Naples or Sorrento: shuttle, courier and timing tips
Recommendation: arrange a door‑to‑door courier with a guaranteed 2–4 hour delivery window for same‑day transfers between Naples Centrale or Sorrento and the archaeological site near Mount Vesuvius when a fast handover is required.
Shuttle and public‑transport options (practical timings and fares)
Circumvesuviana regional train – service frequency: approx. every 20–30 minutes; first departures from Napoli Garibaldi ~06:00–06:40, last departures ~22:00–22:40; travel time Napoli ↔ Sorrento ≈ 60 minutes; Napoli ↔ Scavi station ≈ 30–40 minutes. Single‑ticket fares typically low (single digits €); validate current price at station vending machines.
Alibus / airport shuttles – Naples airport ↔ central station shuttles run every 20–30 minutes; transfer time 15–30 minutes depending on traffic. Ideal for connections from flights to onward bag transfers.
Private shuttle / taxi – shared shuttles between Naples and Sorrento: €10–€20 per person; private taxi or transfer: Naples ↔ Sorrento ≈ €70–€110 depending on fixed rates and luggage count. Allow an extra 30–60 minutes for peak traffic on SS145 coastal route.
Courier services, booking windows and operational tips
Typical local courier pricing: small bag/item €6–€18 within metro area; oversized items €25–€50. Same‑day pickups usually scheduled between 08:00–12:00 with deliveries 11:00–18:00; guaranteed expedited delivery options often available for an extra fee. Advance booking: reserve services at least 12–24 hours before desired pickup to lock a morning slot; same‑day requests accepted but may incur premium rates.
Operational checklist for transfers: label items with destination address and mobile number; supply exact meet point (station entrance, hotel lobby or specified café); confirm pickup time and drop‑off window in writing; request SMS/photo proof of delivery. For heavy items, confirm weight and dimensions in writing–most couriers cap standard coverage at 20–30 kg per piece unless special handling is arranged.
Timing strategies: schedule courier pickup before the busiest train arrival slot–aim for morning pickups (07:30–09:30) if planning a midday visit; for departures after 15:00, request delivery by 12:00 to avoid afternoon congestion. When coordinating shuttle connections, allow a 45–75 minute buffer between train/bus arrival and scheduled courier pickup to absorb delays.
Risk mitigation: select services that provide tracking, liability limits in writing and contactable local offices. For multi‑stop runs (hotel → station → site), insist on a single reference number covering the full route to prevent misrouting.
Additional resources and unrelated visual tips: best aquarium background color.
