Michael Turner
The staffed desk sits on the concourse near the primary exits and accepts backpacks, suitcases and cabin cases; staff issue a numbered claim ticket at drop-off. Typical operating window runs roughly 07:00–22:00, fees usually fall in the €5–10 range per item for a 24-hour period, and oversized or excess pieces incur additional charges. Bring a photo ID, keep the receipt, and verify the maximum retention period (often 7–14 days) before leaving items.
If the manned desk is closed, use automated lockers located on the lower platform level: three sizes cover small bags, cabin suitcases and large cases. Expect approximate first-24h tariffs of about €3 / €6 / €9 for small/medium/large; payment is contactless or by card. Lockers can be full during morning and evening peaks, so have a contingency – reserve an offsite provider through apps such as Stasher, Bounce or LuggageHero, where average daily rates range from €5 to €8 and online booking gives an exact drop-off point.
Practical recommendations: photograph the packed contents, remove valuables or carry them on your person, attach a contact tag to the case, allow extra time for reclaim during peak hours, and confirm prohibited-item rules (e.g., loose batteries, aerosols). For current hours, exact pricing and live availability, consult the station information desk or the official rail operator’s website before arrival.
Facilities at Belgium’s South Station
Use the staffed left‑baggage desk on the main concourse for oversized items or deposits longer than 24 hours; for short stops prefer coin‑operated lockers located close to platforms 4–6 (small/medium/large options).
On‑site practical details
Location: main concourse near the ticket hall and the Rue Fonsny exit. Locker sizes: typically S (~30×40×20 cm), M (~50×40×30 cm), L (~80×45×35 cm). Typical prices: S ~€4–5/24h, M ~€6–8/24h, L ~€8–10/24h; staffed desk rates usually start around €6/day with surcharges for very large items. Staffed service hours generally follow major train timetables, but confirm current opening times on the station operator’s website before arrival.
Alternatives and practical tips
Third‑party drop‑off services (Stasher, Nannybag, Bounce, LuggageHero) operate within a 3–10 minute walk from the South Station area; expect online booking fees and daily rates of roughly €5–€8. Check included insurance limits (commonly €1,000–€2,500) and vendor opening hours. Always photograph contents, keep valuables on you, secure zippers with TSA‑style locks, and retain the deposit receipt or booking confirmation for easy retrieval. If you need new travel cases, consider checking current deals: best luggage set black friday deals.
Where the left-baggage office and self-service lockers are located inside the main south station
Use the staffed left-baggage desk on the main concourse for oversized items and guaranteed receipts; smaller bags can go into self-service lockers located elsewhere in the building.
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Staffed left-baggage office
- Position: on the ground-level concourse, next to the ticket hall / travel information desk and close to the central entrance from the station square.
- How to reach: enter via the main doors, walk straight past ticket machines toward the information counter; the desk sits immediately adjacent or a few metres to the right.
- What it issues: official claim tags and paper or electronic receipts – suitable for large suitcases, boxes and items that must remain under supervision.
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Self-service lockers (coin/card/app)
- Cluster A: on the west side of the concourse near the bus/taxi interchange – convenient when arriving by street level transport.
- Cluster B: in the corridor leading to the international departures/long-distance platforms – handy if you arrive on an intercity train and need quick short-term stowage.
- Sizes and payment: small, medium and large units; most accept contactless bank cards and mobile payment; instructions and pricing are displayed on each unit.
- Availability: generally accessible 24/7, but unit counts are limited during peak periods; check the on-screen interface before committing.
Quick practical checks:
- Follow station signage reading “Consigne” or suitcase icons to either the office or locker clusters.
- Measure bag dimensions against locker sizes shown on the unit’s panel; use the staffed desk for items that exceed locker dimensions.
- Keep the receipt/QR code and note the locker number; photograph the unit if you need extra proof of placement.
- If you cannot locate either facility, ask staff at the travel information desk or the police kiosk on the concourse; they will point to the exact corridor and level.
Opening hours, locker sizes, maximum storage time and current fees at the southern international rail terminal
Use automated lockers for short deposits (same-day to 72 hours); use the staffed cloakroom for multi-day deposits (up to 30 days).
Opening hours
Automated lockers: accessible 24/7 at the arrivals/concourse area; payment by contactless card or chip-and-pin on the terminal screens. Staffed cloakroom: generally open daily 07:00–21:00 (closed on some major public holidays – check the station notices before arrival).
Sizes, maximum holding time and charges (rates valid June 2024)
Automated lockers – typical dimensions and tariffs per 24-hour period: small ~35×35×60 cm – €4; medium ~50×35×60 cm – €6; large ~80×35×60 cm – €8. Maximum unattended period on automated units: 72 hours; items left beyond that may be removed and incur additional fees.
Staffed cloakroom – accepts oversized bags, instruments and parcels; standard rate example: first day €10, subsequent days €6 per day (rates may vary by item size). Maximum acceptance period at the counter: 30 days; uncollected goods are processed according to railway property rules (possible disposal or auction after the retention period).
Payment methods: automated units take contactless and major bank cards; the counter accepts cash and card payments. For late-night arrivals or early departures outside counter hours, reserve an automated locker since the manned desk closes in the evening.
How to book, pay, drop off and collect baggage at the station – step‑by‑step
Booking and payment
Reserve a unit or a staffed‑desk slot via the station website or official mobile app 24–48 hours before arrival to secure space; if online shows no availability, plan to use the counter on arrival.
When booking choose date, arrival time window and unit size (small/medium/large). Provide full name, phone number and email; the confirmation contains a booking code and QR. Save a screenshot and forward the confirmation to a second email account.
Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay for online and terminal payments. Cash is usually accepted only at the staffed counter. Prepayment is required for self‑service units; staffed counter payments can often be made at drop‑off.
To cancel, use the cancellation link in the confirmation; most providers allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before the booked slot. Refunds for no‑shows are handled according to the provider’s terms listed on the booking page.
Drop‑off and collection – practical steps
Self‑service unit: approach the terminal, scan the QR or enter the booking code, wait for the door to unlock, place items fully inside (do not block the latch), close the door until it clicks. Take or screenshot the terminal receipt that shows the unit number and PIN. Photograph the closed unit and the printed receipt as backup.
Staffed counter: queue at the left‑items desk, present the booking confirmation or say “walk‑in” if no reservation, show photo ID and the payment card used if requested. Staff will affix a barcode tag to each piece and hand over a receipt–verify tag numbers match the receipt before leaving.
Collection from a unit: return within the paid period, enter the PIN or scan the QR at the terminal, wait for the door to open, retrieve items, close the door. For app‑linked bookings you can usually open the unit via the app. Keep the receipt until you exit the station.
Collection from the counter: present the receipt and the same photo ID used at drop‑off; sign any release form if required. Inspect contents in front of staff and report any discrepancy before leaving the desk.
Lost code or receipt: present photo ID, booking confirmation email and the payment card used. Staff will search records and may ask for additional proof of ownership; expect processing time. For app bookings, log in and use the booking history to retrieve the code.
Damage or missing items: report immediately at the desk and request a written incident report. Photograph damage, note staff names and time, and ask for the claims form or claims email. Personal insurance or declared‑value options apply per provider terms; keep all receipts and photos.
Practical tips: measure bags before booking to match unit size, label items inside and out, avoid storing perishable goods, and keep valuables on your person or insured separately. Retain the booking email and a photo of the tag until collection is complete.
Nearest alternative options: short‑term bag holding, hotel cloakrooms and pickup locations
Commercial short‑term bag‑holding services
Use a licensed bag‑holding platform (Stasher, Bounce, Radical Storage) for fastest access – most partner shops sit 3–10 minutes’ walk from the main south rail station. Typical rate: €5–9 per item per 24 hours for a carry‑on size, €8–15 for large suitcases; many operators charge by 24‑hour blocks. Standard covered liability runs between €1,000 and €2,500 per item; confirm limits on the booking page. Common pickup window: 08:00–20:00; select a 24/7 partner if you need late collection.
Booking checklist: reserve online, show QR or booking code at drop‑off, present photo ID, tag heavy items visibly, take photos on arrival. Expect a short merchant inspection and a stamped/QR receipt; keep that until collection. Cancellation and refund terms vary – free cancellations usually end 12–24 hours before drop‑off.
Hotel cloakrooms and parcel pickup points
Hotel cloakrooms accept bags for guests free or for a small fee; non‑guests typically pay €3–6 per item and may be asked to leave ID. Approach hotel reception in person or call the concierge to confirm acceptance and opening hours – boutique hotels near the south station often accept drops until late evening.
Parcel shop networks (bpost Pickup Points, DHL ServicePoints, independent tobacconists) will sometimes accept sealed baggage if pre‑arranged; treat them as secondary options and always confirm size/weight limits and insurance before leaving items. For guaranteed round‑the‑clock access, choose a partner that advertises locker or 24/7 counter service.
Quick decision guide: choose a commercial partner for lowest hassle and online insurance, choose a hotel cloakroom for short afternoon holds if you’re a guest or need minimal cost, use a parcel pickup point only after phone confirmation. Final practical tips: label your bag with contact details, pack valuables in a carry‑on you keep with you, note exact closing time to avoid an extra day fee.
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